Triumphrat

06-09-2005

I've just taken delivery of my new bike and I'm afraid I have some really simple questions.

Firstly, there are two fuel switches one on the right which is labelled Fuel /on /off. Fuel on is down i.e. vertical . The other switch on the LH side is not labelled. Is that also an "on" switch or is it a reserve switch? Should that also be vertical i.e. "on" when starting. Sorry to be an idiot but I really can't work it out as when I "tickle" the carbs on the LH side fuel escapes whether the tap is horizontal or vertical?

Also living in S.E.London I can't find any petrol stations that sell LRP - any idea of any serving Greenwich?

I have just nearly run out of petrol and put in some Super unleaded but the bike really doesn't like it - it seems to be faltering, it's rideable but nothing like it was before - however I have no idea what the other chap used to campare. What should I do?

Many thanks in advance..

nb I'm not a complete novice - all the classics I've had in the past were simple two stroke affairs...!

swooshdave · 06-09-2005

two-stroke = novice

:kck:

crazypierre · 06-09-2005

Hi Cravatekid
If the tak taps are like mine ('79 Bonnie), then:
The one on the right is the main tank tap and you need to have the lever vertical for on and horizontal for off. The tap on the left is the Reserve tap and this should be horizontal for off and vertical for on. If you're not running on reserve, IE, if you have plenty of fuel, then leave the left tap in the off position.
With regards to fuel, you should NOT run your bike on unleaded because your valve seats are designed for leaded fuel. The lead in the fuel lubricates the valve seats and stops them from damage. If you use unleaded, the valve seats will suffer and wear prematurely. I get Lead Replacement Fuel from Tescos petrol stations. I imagine all of them have it?
Pete

hobbit · 06-09-2005

I use Shell Optimax - higher octane & runs better, and use Castrol Valvemaster as a lead substitute - on mine at least runs better than std LRP.

06-10-2005

Thanks Crazy Pierre,

I'm pretty sure that makes sense as why would fuel escape with the tap in both positions. So thanks for your help on that.

I didn't know that Tesco's sold LRP that's also very helpful. And handy as there a few near me. Not surprisingly.

If I can't get LRP and instead run on Unleaded with a substitute (like the Castrol stuff) will I need to sort out my timing as it will be running on a higher octane?

Oh, and cheers Oregon. I have owned four strokes but most of those weren't what you'd call Classic. I don't know though had a couple of very dodgy Honda XL's /SL's...