Triumphrat

tommytiger · 11-08-2012, 05:45 PM

Hello again,

I'm so chuffed with my 78 tiger I've covered more miles on it this summer than I ever thought I would, it really has turned out to be a great blend of practicality and a way of satisfying the classic bike itch!

Myself and a couple of mates are planning a little European camping trip next year, I'll be on the Tiger and my pals will be on a couple of 70's BMW's. I realise I'll be the limiting factor on making progress!! so I'd at least any progress to be as comfy as possible.

My main comfort criticisms of my bike are,
1. Uncomfortable saddle, it's too soft and I can feel the seat pan.
2. Harsh...ish suspension.
3. I'd like to drop the RPM a little at 70mph.

I'll try and source a rack for the back and use a tank bag and some throw over panniers.

Any advice would be great.

JohnA · 11-08-2012, 06:10 PM

Evening Tommy - if you want to raise the gearing, 21T gearbox and 45T rear wheel sprockets are a good combination (or 20T/43T gives almost identical gearing if you don't want the hassle of changing the gearbox sprocket). With this combination my TR7 sits at 70mph at 4000rpm, and is ready to shoot off like a rocket in top gear if necessary.

I had the seat on my T3 reupholstered with firmer foam due to chronic bum-ache on long journeys. The old foam had gone very soft; the new foam felt like sitting on a board to begin with and I wondered if I'd made a mistake, but once I got used to it, it was much more comortable on long journeys.

Harsh suspension - I'm with you there, not front, but rear definitely. If anyone has tips on this I'd be interested too.

Mr.Pete · 11-08-2012, 09:44 PM

21/47 is comfortable (117 mph @ 7000 rpm)
20/43 is a little high (121.5 mph @7000 rpm)
21/45 is slightly higher (122 mph @ 7000 rpm)

I've been happy enough with 20/43.

KADUTZ · 11-08-2012, 11:38 PM

On my 78 T140V I used progressive springs in the forks with ATF for fork oil. As this was a few years ago I installed Koni adjustable shocks. Made for an excellent ride at speed on the highway or secondary roads.
As for the seat I purchased a new seat for an 82 Estart Bonneville. It has always been very comfy on the bum. From what you say you seat foam is shot and needs replacement at the least.
As far as the gearing any of the above suggestions should be good. However I believe if you use the 21 tooth you will have to notch the opening.
If money allows you might want to consider rear sets as I find my feet always on the rear foot pegs when riding.

K

JohnA · 11-09-2012, 04:03 AM

Good point about the 21T Kadutz - I did need to notch the opening to get it through.

Also, I think ATF is probably the best fork oil. I swapped mine for 15 weight oil which various people seemed to recommend, but I find it has stiffened the fork action too much. It was fine with ATF on the move but felt wrong wheeling the bike and applying the front brake.

triumpt120rv · 11-09-2012, 06:31 AM

If you're reupholstering consider inserting a gel pad inside the seat. They work really well for comfort and vibration.
New, good set of matching tires always improve the ride and well worth the extra money. Plus it's a great opportunity to ensure your wheels are balanced and true.
Consider a windshield. I've yet to ride with one but hear some are pretty good for keeping the elements off the body.
Depending on the distance you're travelling, some of your fasteners may loosen. Consider loctiting some or changing some to locknuts.
Ensure any stock rubber parts on the bike are new(ish). If you have any rubber that is stock, it is most likely dried and no longer flexible which will contribute to vibration.

tommytiger · 11-09-2012, 07:27 AM

Cheers for the replys chaps some great suggestions.

Will defiantly look into gel seats as my foam is well and truly shot, anyone with any reccomendations in the UK (midlands) that would be great.

I'll put a 43T sprocket on the back and get the rear wheel balenced whilst it's off, the front was done a few months ago.

Maybe I need to load the bike up with my gear before I make a decision on the rear shocks as they might be fine when load with extra weight, I can't work out which type I have, the only markings is a sticker that says 'Devoid of ........' the last word has rubbed off? If no good may consider some Konis.

I find a bike loaded up with gear seems to shake less anyway.

DAVE M · 11-09-2012, 08:52 AM

you could ring andrew at leightons? Think it's Birminham.

He's done me a good job twice and I will probably get him to do me a custom seat based on my current one that is 25+ and knackered

At Autojumbles there is a guy flogging Enfield based books/travelogues who also sells "strap-on" gell seats. Ooh er Missus'!

JohnA · 11-09-2012, 02:09 PM

Re. suspension, Hagon are really very good. The people there understand motorcycles and have had decades of experience with all sorts of Triumphs. They are also honest and keen to uphold their excellent reputaion. All the above is based on my personal experience by the way. If you give them a ring (get number via google) whoever you speak to will give good advice.

I'm a miserable bugger and won't give credit where it isn't due - so rest assured that if I say Hagon are very good, they are very good!

tommytiger · 11-09-2012, 03:01 PM

Cheers John, when I wrote Koni I actually meant Hagon! my brain is frazzled after a mad week at work. Yes I have read lots of good things about Hagon, good quality/value/advice. I want to have the suspension softer without a too negative effect on the handling but be able to stiffen it up when loaded up, my present shocks are on the softest setting but still are too stiff for me on my own, I weigh about 13stone so I'm not exactly a light weight.

Dave, I've never been keen to have a 'strap on' anywhere near my rear end so I'll give Leightons a bell.

Just a note on the upping the gearing by changing the rear sprocket, does this stress out the clutch at all or have any other possible detrimental effects?