Triumphrat

herbkell

Hi I have been lurking on this forum as I went through the process of deciding which bike to buy after an absence from motorcycling of almost 25 years. I test rode the Suzuki Vstrom 650 (not comfortable for my 34 inseam legs) the Honda Shadow 750 (small bike and very "buzzy" and the Suzuki C50 (nice bike but too much of a Harley clone) before coming across a 2008 black America with 2300 miles on it.

The America was in a Harley store where it had been a trade in on a big touring HD and was a bit of an orphan. It appears that not a lot of people in the California high desert (Yucca valley) appreciate Triumphs and I was able to get a decent deal at almost $900 below Kelley Blue Book retail. The bike has almost 17 months left on the warranty and it in very good shape. It is stock except for the pipes (more on that later)

A quick test ride on the America sealed the deal. The key factors where comfort for my long legs, easy to ride, decent power and of course that certain panache of owning something different.

The dealer was not a lot of help on my questions - this is the first Triumph he has ever ridden. so I have lots of information that I am going to be bending the RAT members ears for. Hopefully I can reciprocate with information when I am a seasoned Triumph owner.

My first question relates to the aftermarket pipes. They seem to have plenty of growl - at first I thought too much for a 60 year old retired fart but now I like the sound al lot. I don't know what pipes they are and there are no logos or names on them. They are a long slash cut pipe and the only distinguishing or unusual feature is black heat guards or shields. Is this snippet of information enough for anyone to identify the pipes? Would it be better if I posted a photo?

My second issue is the "idiot" lights which I find almost impossible to see in the bright sun. I have stalled the bike twice thinking it was in neutral when it wasn't. I am considering installing the LED replacements and wonder if they are a decent improvement? Are they difficult to install? (I am a bit mechanically and electrically challenged!) I have ordered a tach (and other farkies ) would it make sense to install the LED's at the same time?

I definitely need to adjust the shifter lever as I struggle to get my boot under it. Fortunately there is a current thread on this and it seems a pretty easy fix (even for me!)

I have never owned a bike without a centre stand and kinda like the looks without one but am stumped as to how you do routine chain maintenance, oil level checks etc. Are there any alternative bike stands or lifts that work for these chores?

My final question (for the moment) is a about safety and visibility. I live and ride in Palm Desert in the winter and the area is known for it's "senior" drivers who appear not to see motorcycles at all. Do headlight/ brake light modulators make a difference? Any other suggestions?


Thanks in advance for any help or advice.

Peter Kelly

chmeee5

Welcome to the RAT world.

I can only really comment on the LED replacements. I live in Australia and like you had a great deal of trouble seeing whether the Neutral light was on. I replaced mine with LEDs and the work perfectly.

There are other threads detailing how to replace the standard globes - it's not difficult just a little tricky - patience being the key.

colinm

Welcome to the asylum Herbkell.
Nice choice of bike you got yourself there.
As for the aftermarket pipes you got on, from the description ,I've no idea, there are umteen pipes available for these bikes all probably better than stock.
If it has'ent allready been done I would reccommend removing the A.I. (if its a carb bike)
Centre stands are available from a number of places, try Brent at Newspeedmaster.com or any type of bike lift akin to the one pictured below should suffice. Hope this helps.
As for cagers not seeing bikes-Thats not unique to Yucca Valley unfortunately, just treat them all with equal contempt and ride carefull.

Bonnie06Tangerine

http://www.newspeedmaster.com/

They are selling a center stand on this site for your bike and also have a bulb replacement package for your idiot lights. Not sure if you had this site or not but thought it could help.

skinman

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00950190000P
I paid $85. The first one had a defective hydraulic unit, but second is perfect. It can lift the entire bike quite high. Also allows me to roll the bike into a corner of my two car garage, thus enabling two of those pesky four wheeled vehicles to share the space.

oldroadie

I put a couple of wooden blocks under my side stand to level the bike when I check the oil being careful to always stay in contact with the handlebars. And always on a solid surface. For maintenance I have a Jet (brand) lift but it's identical to the Sears lift which seems to be nearly identical to the Harbor Freight lift so it's dealer's choice. One thing, Sears does put its lifts on sale periodically so you could find a deal if you're patient. At full retail it'll still be half the cost of a center stand.

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1964 Highway Trophy TR6SR
2004 Bonneville America

herbkell

Thanks for the useful information so far

chang351

Everyone has nailed your questions, but I thought I'd add a little about the pulsing headlights.

I have a speedmaster, and I'd like to do the pulsing headlights as well.

I am a utility worker, and I wear safety green/yellow all the time at work (as it does help people see you, especially if you have the reflective stripes).

I've noticed the pulsing headlights are easier to spot (when I am not on my bike, and I am 30 and still have good vision). However, nothing is perfect; people still try to run you over no matter what kind of gear you have on.

So, in my opinion, the pulsing headlights/taillights make you more noticeable, but there is no cure-all for people not seeing you..

danf_florida

3M has a reflective tape that when not reflecting looks "shiny black". But when reflecting has an eerie "white" reflection. I'm thinking of adding pinstripes on fenders.

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2005 TBA, AI removed, debaffled pipes, added tach, leather saddle bags, backrest, and luggage rack, K&N Air Filter.

LilBigfoot

In my opinion, the Sears 1500 lb Professional Motorcycle Lift [Yellow] is a superior unit and the one I use all the time.

http://www.sears.com:80/shc/s/p_1015...ment+%26+Jacks