NOTE: This one sold while I was writing this post which isn't really surprising because among fans of the Triumph Daytona series, this is one of the most desired. Even though it has already moved to a new owner I think its still worthy of a post.
I am a big fan of the early edition Triumph Daytona, I love the 1st gen bodywork style, the big 3-cylinder/triple engine and the trick single sided rear swingarm. The Big Daytona was the first serious sport bike from the reborn Triumph motor company, but was oddly named the T595 in its first year. The designation was meant to identify the engine series (T5) and then the displacement (955) but a lot of people though the Daytona was a 600cc bike. In the 2nd year the bike was renamed as the 955i and offered with several limited edition boywork styles, including a luscious blue and the lovely solid silver seen on this bike.
Even though the 955i was their first serious sportbike, it wasn't ever intended to be directly competitive against hyperbikes like the Yamaha R1. The 955i is more of the British version of the excellent Honda VFR; able to handle daily street duty, excell at weekend canyon corner carving and comfortable enough for medium level touring. While not a hyperbike the 955 was no slacker in the grunt department; the Daytona moves along incredibly briskly due to a 955cc displacement three-cylinder engine designed in part by Lotus.
2001 Triumph 955i in rare silver on ebay
Seriously, I love the look of this edition of the bike, it looks much more organic, more shapely that the later versions. The next generation also ditched the single sided rear swingarm for a standard setup and were more sharply focused, with less weight and sharper rake.
The only issue I see with this one is the aftermarket exhaust which looks odd and shows some evidence of being down. The seller indicates the exhaust was an ebay aftermarket purchase so perhaps it came like this
Mileage is a lower 10,xxx miles and condition looks to excellent. The seller indicates that they are an older rider which probably accoutns for the excellent condition of the bike.
Here is what the seller has to say:
- Bought this bike in the most "stock" condition I could find at the time
- Bike has never been dropped, shifts smoothly
- Only slight mods like bar-risers for comfort and a smoked screen for looks.
- Carbon Pipe is Ebay Buy with a grind, not related to handling of the bike, just sounds too good to switch out.
- Took Mirrors off for storage, but they are in excellent shape, and available.
- Bike has been stored indoors for it's life and it shows that way.
- Comes with LSL rear sets which look trick.
- Going on 51 years old, I don't trash my bikes. I also never go near the red line, no need to for my enjoyment.
- Still breaks my heart to sell her, she has so much soul and character. I remember very vividly when these came out, and I was in Love at first Sight!
Normally at this point I would be asking whether this lovely 955i was worth the $4,000 USD asking price but since it sold in less than 24 hours I guess we know the answer to that question. I know KBB prices show a value below the asking price but this 1st edition/955i badged version seems to be the hot/collectible style.
To be honest, I was seriously considering making an offer myself but it sold before I could get my act together. I would suggest that any collector act fast if they see one of these become available near them, especially the 955i version in silver or the even rarer, all blue.
-Marty/Dallaslavowner
