Suzuki GSX-8R vs. Triumph Daytona 660 vs. Yamaha YZF-R7 Photo Gallery

What defines a middleweight sportbike’s DNA is its perfect blend of agility and power. These innovative bicycles embody the essence of a fresh era. (Jeff Allen/)

The 2024 Middleweight Sportbike Comparison features the Suzuki GSX-8R, Triumph Daytona 660, and Yamaha YZF-R7. (Jeff Allen/)

The Suzuki GSX-8R's powerplant is actually a shared component with both the V-Strom 800DE and GSX-8S models, boasting a similar performance profile across all three.

The Suzuki GSX-8R shares its engine with the V-Strom 800DE and GSX-8S. (Jeff Allen/)

The iconic Triumph motorcycle boasts a powerful single engine, setting it apart from its peers.

The Triumph is powered by the lone triple in our trio. (Jeff Allen/)

Yamaha’s CP2 engine makes the least horsepower but stays in the hunt with solid torque delivery.

Despite producing the lowest horsepower among Yamaha’s models, the CP2 engine maintains a strong presence on the road through its consistent and reliable torque delivery. (Jeff Allen/)

Flat torque curves and linear power output is what these machines are all about.

With consistent torque profiles and predictable energy delivery at their core, these machines prioritize efficiency. (Jeff Allen/)

Sportbikes get that title for a reason, so they must prove their chops out on twisty roads.

Sportbikes earn their reputation by delivering exceptional performance on winding roads. (Jeff Allen/)

The Yamaha’s engine delivers more than enough performance for fun.

The Yamaha’s engine provides remarkably efficient performance, ensuring an enjoyable driving experience. (Jeff Allen/)

Top-end power isn’t an issue on the Triumph Daytona 660.

The Triumph Daytona 660’s prime-end energy isn’t a significant challenge. (Jeff Allen/)

Suzuki’s GSX-8R makes good power across the rev range.

The Suzuki GSX-8R delivers consistent power output across its entire rev range. (Jeff Allen/)

The Yamaha R7’s dash feels dated, while the bike lacks electronic rider aids.

The Yamaha R7’s acceleration feels antiquated, with no modern digital rider assistance features to support its performance. (Jeff Allen/)

Suzuki’s 5-inch TFT is by far the best of our group, with easy legibility, navigation of menus, and good layout.

Suzuki’s 5-inch TFT display stands out as the most impressive in our lineup, boasting clear legibility, intuitive menu navigation, and a well-organized layout. (Jeff Allen/)

The Daytona 660’s dash sits between the others in terms of functionality and legibility.

While the Daytona 660’s display excels in both performance and readability, its sprint position falls somewhat short of expectations. (Jeff Allen/)

These three machines all utilize more budget-friendly components than race-oriented Supersports. For the consumer that means more affordable motorcycles.

Here are these three machines that utilize spare parts to offer affordable prices instead of relying on high-performance components used in the race-oriented SuperSports? What’s driving you to seek out these budget-friendly options for bicycles? Are you looking to save a pretty penny or is there something specific on your mind that has led you to this quest? Whatever the reason, I’m here to help you navigate the world of affordable bikes and find the perfect fit for your needs. (Jeff Allen/)

Yamaha’s R7 is light and agile and feels more like a hardcore sportbike than the other bikes here.

The Yamaha R7 proves to be an unexpectedly agile and well-mannered ride, evoking the spirit of a high-performance sportbike rather than its more practical contemporaries. (Jeff Allen/)

Triumph just missed the mark with its suspension settings, which all of us thought were overly soft and lacked damping.

The Triumph’s suspension setup fell short, characterized by a noticeable absence of firmness and inadequate damping that left many of us underwhelmed. (Jeff Allen/)

Suzuki’s GSX-8R is so well rounded, offering good handling, great stability, and really good suspension settings.

The Suzuki GSX-R8 provides a delightfully well-rounded riding experience, boasting excellent handling, impressive stability, and finely tuned suspension settings that deliver a smooth ride. (Jeff Allen/)

The braking packages on these three bikes all do their job well but in the interests of affordability aren’t the high-end systems found on track-focused supersports.

Although the braking systems on these three bikes operate effectively, they lack the premium features found in high-performance track-oriented models, compromising on affordability. (Jeff Allen/)

There is no question that the Yamaha has the most committed sportbike riding position.

While Yamaha may have a strong reputation for its sportbikes, there is no singular location that could be considered the most dedicated to these motorcycles? (Jeff Allen/)

The Daytona 660’s riding position is right in between the other two bikes with mid-height bars, rearset footpegs, and a comfortable seat.

The Daytona 660’s riding position is nestled comfortably between those of its mid-height-barred, rearset-footpegged, and snug-seat-sporting counterparts. (Jeff Allen/)

The Suzuki offers the most comfortable seating position of the three bikes, with upright bars, relaxed footpeg placement, and a comfortable seat.

While the Suzuki may offer exceptional comfort, its seating arrangement stands out among the trio for its plushness, courtesy of upright handlebars, laid-back footpegs, and a closely fitted saddle. (Jeff Allen/)

All three of these modern middleweight sportbikes have prices that are just past the $9,000 mark.

The prices for these stylish mid-weight sportbikes all exceed the $9,000 threshold. (Jeff Allen/)

They may have many things in common but ultimately these three bikes lean toward three different riders. But there is one that is versatile enough to appeal to the largest range of riders.

While they may share some common challenges, ultimately, these three bikes cater to distinct types of riders. This e-bike is remarkably adaptable, capable of captivating a wide range of cyclists with its versatility. (Jeff Allen/)

Suzuki’s 2024 GSX-8R is clearly the machine with the best balance between power, poise, refinement, comfort, and technology.

The Suzuki 2024 GSX-8R stands out for its remarkable equilibrium of power, composure, refinement, comfort, and performance. (Jeff Allen/)

2024 Suzuki GSX-8R front fairing.

2024 Suzuki GSX-8R entrance fairing. (Jeff Allen/)

2024 Suzuki GSX-8R.

2024 Suzuki GSX-8R. (Jeff Allen/)

2024 Suzuki GSX-8R.

2024 Suzuki GSX-8R. (Jeff Allen/)

2024 Suzuki GSX-8R.

2024 Suzuki GSX-8R. (Jeff Allen/)

2024 Suzuki GSX-8R action.

2024 Suzuki GSX-8R motion. (Jeff Allen/)

2024 Suzuki GSX-8R.

2024 Suzuki GSX-8R. (Jeff Allen/)

2024 Suzuki GSX-8R’s Nissin brakes.

2024 Suzuki GSX-8R’s Nissin brakes. (Jeff Allen/)

2024 Suzuki GSX-8R’s simple mode button.

The 2024 Suzuki GSX-8R: A Powerhouse with a Helping Hand. (Jeff Allen/)

2024 Triumph Daytona 660.

2024 Triumph Daytona 660. (Jeff Allen/)

2024 Triumph Daytona 660’s front fairing.

The new 2024 Triumph Daytona 660’s sleek entrance fairing gleams in the morning light, its aerodynamic design slicing through the air with precision and purpose. (Jeff Allen/)

2024 Triumph Daytona 660.