Triumphrat

trayden · 11-13-2009, 06:54 AM

Hi joined this week and just picked up my 71/72 Bonnie.

There is a noise coming from the primary case/chain at around 40mph.(Haven't taken it above yet as i live in town but expect it will be at any speed)

I didn't notice it on the test run as I only gave it a short ride but the guy who sold it to me did mentioned it.

The bike is registered with the Vintage MC in Perth and he was told by club members that its possibly a tight spot on the primary chain.

I just called him and he said its never caused a problem and it should be ok!

The noise is like a stone in the tire,the best i can describe it.

you can only hear it when you throttle on,when you back off it stops.

Doesn't make any noise in neutral or when revved.

Help!

Didn't expect the black fingernails so soon lol.

Den

Plewsy · 11-13-2009, 09:15 AM

Hi trayden and welcome to TR

I would also suspect the primary chain, there is an access plug on the top of case for checking the chain.
If it is a tight spot, that is where chain should be adjusted, but better! to replace the chain.

I think the sound will be more of a rpm thing than an mph,
Quote "sounding like a stone in a tyre" ???
could be a couple of shattered rollers on the chain,
or maybe a snapped chain tensioner.
With two allen keys a couple of spanners and 1/2 an hour,
you could be in the case and having a look.

Take a peek at this, the first couple of minutes shows you what to expect.
http://www.triumphrat.net/vintage-te...nt-videos.html

trayden · 11-13-2009, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Plewsy

Hi trayden and welcome to TR

I would also suspect the primary chain, there is an access plug on the top of case for checking the chain.
If it is a tight spot, that is where chain should be adjusted, but better! to replace the chain.

I think the sound will be more of a rpm thing than an mph,
Quote "sounding like a stone in a tyre" ???
could be a couple of shattered rollers on the chain,
or maybe a snapped chain tensioner.
With two allen keys a couple of spanners and 1/2 an hour,
you could be in the case and having a look.

Take a peek at this, the first couple of minutes shows you what to expect.
http://www.triumphrat.net/vintage-te...nt-videos.html

Thanks!

I haven't ridden for about 10 years so must excuse!

I think it started at about 4-4500 RPM.

Should I not ride it until fixed/investigated?

I only picked it up today and have only done about 10 miles so want to have a bit of a play in the morning.

I am still trying to change gears on the brake? so wont be going very fast cos the gear leaver ain't going to help stopping! I don't understand this as although i had a HD sportster last the two bikes before that were both right hand change Triumphs?

The guy i bought it off is a Brit bike enthusiast and his main ride is a Velocet,he seems to think its not such a problem because some Triumph guys in the vintage club said not to worry too much?

Sods law though, it was sweet when I looked at it and now it has a small leak from the primary case so needs a new gasket anyway!

Might just be me having a post buy panic?

Needs looking at though.

Den

trayden · 11-13-2009, 09:18 PM

you wouldnt have a video on how to adjust the chain by any chance

Ok so if the chain rollers are ok how do i find the chain tight spot and how to adjust it?

Cheers,Den

Webby · 11-13-2009, 09:27 PM

Hi Trayden, welcome to the forum,

To check the tension of the primary chain, remove the filler plug in the top of the primary and push down on the chain with your finger.
To adjust, remove the nut ot the rear/bottom of the primary cover and then insert a flat blade screwdriver and turn clockwise to tighten the chain, bear in mind some oil will pour out of the hole when you do this.
The easiest way to find the chain tight spot is to remove the primary cover (remove the L/H footrest first) and then wiggle the entire length the chain, rotating it several times, you will see if the rollers are sticking, there is no cure for this except a new chain (not expensive)
Plewsy has a vid somewhere I think, try doing a search

I hope this helps

Webby

trayden · 11-13-2009, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Webby

Hi Trayden, welcome to the forum,

To check the tension of the primary chain, remove the filler plug in the top of the primary and push down on the chain with your finger.
To adjust, remove the nut ot the rear/bottom of the primary cover and then insert a flat blade screwdriver and turn clockwise to tighten the chain, bear in mind some oil will pour out of the hole when you do this.
The easiest way to find the chain tight spot is to remove the primary cover (remove the L/H footrest first) and then wiggle the entire length the chain, rotating it several times, you will see if the rollers are sticking, there is no cure for this except a new chain (not expensive)
Plewsy has a vid somewhere I think, try doing a search

I hope this helps

Webby

Thanks! am i right in thinking that if the oil comes out of the adjuster plug that I will need to top it back up? or best to drain and refill to correct level!

Its OIF so do i need to bother?

also is it done hot or cold?

Cheers,Den.

Webby · 11-13-2009, 11:03 PM

You might need to top it up, but as very little will pour out you are better to run the bike and then top up the oil in the tank (frame) when it is cold. The primary will find it's own level.

Webby

Red1959 · 11-13-2009, 11:37 PM

The primary will find its own level IF, there is no conversion mods to separated the oils and if the motor is truly the correct year. Trayden, it sounds like you need a good primary chaincase inspection! A motor serial number will clear up half of this.
Also, noise origins can be very decptive. I went nuts trying to find a certain noise. It turned out to be a loose snap on my helmets' sun visor! Check to see if the speedo cable isn't binding up. Put the bike on the sevice stand and give them wheels a good spin.

trayden · 11-14-2009, 05:53 AM

After riding a bit today I am thinking it may just be the chain slapping?

There is about 1 1/4 "+ play so its pretty loose.Rear sprocket is like brand new though no wear on the teeth! I will tighten it up in the morning and see how it goes.

Have to say I love this bike!

First kick starting and idols perfect.

Still getting used to the right hand gear change.

Is there a specific length for the gear leaver?

With my boot size UK 8.5 on the peg my toe seems to miss the gear leaver a bit and i have to move my heel onto the peg.

Could be the boots though? H&H West engineers and the heel is a bit on the biggish side?

Didnt have this prob with my last Triumph,same boots only older.

Den