Triumphrat

crowe938 · 07-22-2008

Oil - heard a few conflicting reports. 1.) when is first oil change; 2.) how many miles between changes after that?

Chain Cleaning - how often should i clean it? what's the best cleaner; what's the best lube; what's the technique?

Chain Tension - how is it measured? how often should i check it?

Tunker2 · 07-22-2008

Here is a decent little investment and will answer many common (basic) questions...

http://www.haynes.com/products/sfID1.../productID/422

It has been my experience that forums are a huge help BUT some members can get frustrated answering the same basic maintenance questions. Having a decent manual helps with these and when you combine it with the resources of the forum, you are covered.

By the way, welcome!

crowe938 · 07-22-2008

That looks like a great book! Exactly what I need. However, my thrux is an '08, and the latest manual they have is for '04-'07. Are there any significant differences between the '07 amd '08?

Tunker2 · 07-22-2008

No differences really at all between the 07-08 bikes. I have a 2008 Thrux and use this manual daily.

Again, between this manual and the forum, my comfort level in performing various modifications and general maintenance is much better.

Baltobonneville · 07-24-2008

1. See your owner's manual. First oil change at 500 miles, then every 6000 miles, officially, but opinions vary. I do mine once a year, which is less than 6000 miles for me.

2. I lube the chain every 500-1000 miles. To clean, I wet a rag with WD40 and wipe down while spinning the back wheel; I don't spray it on the chain. A center stand or lift is helpful for this process.

To lube, use newspaper or cardboard between wheel and chain to catch overspray, then spray each side of the chain at the top with your chosen lube. Turn the wheel to do each section of chain. Wipe down immediately with a rag, again while turning the wheel, and let stand overnight to minimize fling-off. Keep the lube off the tire and brake. Ask your dealer which lube he recommends.

3. Get an index card, a marker, and a ruler. Align the card vertically, and make a horizontal line, make another line 1 inch below that, and make another line 1¼ inches below the top line, to make a gauge for 1 to 1¼ inches.

Hold this card behind the bottom of the chain about halfway between the sprockets, where there is the most slack, pull the chain up, and align the top mark with the top edge of the chain. Hold the card still and pull the chain down, it should land between the other two marks. Slightly on the loose side is better. Check it weekly until you get a sense of how quickly it changes; most of us have found out that the chain does not need adjustment very often.