Triumphrat

gbc · 01-30-2007

I would appreciate some input from you master wrench wizards concerning how much compression should be present on a 1968 T120R. The bike has about 2 K on it since a top end rebuild about two years ago. (It was 30 over then and just re-ringed, which was all the mechanic said it needed.) The kicker just feels much softer than on my 69 chopper, which takes a mule and boy to kick over. The bike runs great, does not smoke, and uses no oil. Can anyone suggest a good compression tester or should I just keep riding it like I stole it, and worry about something else, like how much longer can a winter in Virginia get......

OzBloke · 01-31-2007

gbc,

By no stretch of the imagination am I a "wrenching wizard", but I'll help answer if I can.

IMHO, if it's runnin' OK, with plenty of power, not blowing smoke, using no oil, I'd leave well enough alone.

If you check the compression, you're more than likely going to find compression a little low, get concerned, get some work done, spend heaps of $$, and get virtually no difference in performance. I'd leave it till it starts playing up, then check the compression. Just be sure to keep checking/changing the oil.

TRI-AL · 01-31-2007

I concur with OzBloke....if it ain't broke, don't FIX IT! I don't know of any "values" per se for compression. All I've ever seen is "if the readings between both cylinders varies by "X" %", you may have a problem. Ride it till it screams at you to fix it! :hammer:

TBS · 01-31-2007

If you don't have any equipment the easiest way is to stand on the kickstart. If it can support a 140lb person for a few seconds on each pot, it's fine.

jtrip · 01-31-2007

If I remember correctly, my TR6R is around 135 lbs with about 1500 mi. on a rebuild. Not sure what it is supposed to be, but it runs great.

gbc · 02-04-2007

You know what guys, I went to the garage today, tickled the Amals, 3 kicks she fired and sat there idling like a old pocket watch. I'm going to leave well enough alone and ride the old girl until she tells me she needs some TLC. Thanks for the comments.

GrandPaulZ · 02-04-2007

Smart lad.

Speedmaster11 · 02-10-2007

I envy you. I bought a `62 weeks ago and so far we've been in the deep freeze since it got here so I haven't been able to kick it over yet. It's so cold I'm afraid my leg`d shatter.

pochie · 07-05-2008

My '68 T120R has been rebuilt 55 miles ago at .60 over. My readings are 145 lbs. on both cylinders. She runs very strong.

wingnut · 07-05-2008

my T120c just tested at 150psi on each side, i know nothing of the history of it though