Triumphrat

bradtx · 02-09-2006, 06:28 PM

Hi All, Yeah, I'm really happy with this bike. It has become exactly what I expected (How often does that happen?).

It took awhile to break-in myself to the saddle, the bars seem a bit low still, but not uncomfortable. (The bar issue only shows while in the drone mode.) All in all tho', everything falls together quite nicely, ergonomics wise.

At first the bike was awfully darty on windy days. Getting the suspension balanced took care of it for the most part. I've learned that sitting more rearward than usual also helps alot.

Brakes could be crisper, but I think a pad change will take care of that...not an urgent item. In the past I haven't been a great fan of Bridgestone tires, but the BT010s have changed my mind. Initial turn-in is a bit slow with the bike falling more and more into the turn as lean angle increases...I understand that a 180-55 rear helps out here.

Engine performance is just spot on. Torque is flat as can be across the range (4k and up) and there's a slight 'bump' at ~8K RPM. Fuel mileage has been in the 40-48 MPG range and the oil level hasn't changed a bit. I do plan to install a Leo Vince can on it later...that OE muffler is huge and heavy.

The transmission is still a bit notchy (mostly 5th and 6th), but is improving with mileage.

Though off at the moment I bought the Triumph rack kit and the tank protector. Both fit very well with the guard having to be placed a wee bit lower than in the photos I've seen to fit the contour of the tank. An aero screen is on the way.

Any and all comments welcome.

Brad

TechmanBD · 02-09-2006, 06:42 PM

I agree, it has been a great bike. I am about 2300 I think. I did get new tires because the rear got punctured, so I switched to the Michelin Pilot Powers and did put the 180/55 rear. It definately helps in the turns. I actually had to get use to it. I still haven't got the suspension set yet like I would like. I am going to try something I found on setting up the suspension in the next few days I hope. I ordered the Trident Exhaust, a line up form Wolf. I got it in last night. Had a lttle bit of trouble so still don't have it on yet. But I did take the stock off, and man, definate weight loss with the aftermarket.

AFter this I want to get the Tune Boy setup and would like to change the back sprocket and up it 2 teeth. For the brakes, I want to get the stealbraided lines and eventually better pads as well. I have heard, not just on Triumphs that steal braided lines are the way to go. Gives better braking becaus ethe lines don't flex as much.

NVBOOZEFIGHTER · 02-11-2006, 12:26 PM

how does the larger rear tire help with the corners? I'm used to my big heavy Hog and am still getting used to the sport bike thing. Does it just turn easier or grip better? Just curious. I still only have about 800 miles on my big trumpet and am still gettin used to it. Any tips for when I need a tire would help. Thanks.

TechmanBD · 02-11-2006, 03:10 PM

Larger? It is actually narrower. It comes with a 190/50 and switched it to 180/55.

rino2301 · 02-11-2006, 05:22 PM

the 180 has a more round profile and the 190 is flatter. With the 180 it falls in really smoothly into a turn because there is no flat spot where the 190 has a bit of delayed fall in because it hits the flat spot on the tire. I hope that makes sense.

Stlakid · 02-13-2006, 03:17 AM

Triumph's already come with steel braided lines from the factory. They just cover them with rubber!

bradtx · 02-13-2006, 09:02 AM

NVBOOZEFIGHTER, The 180/55 rear tire's profile matches the front tire's profile more closely than the 190/50. The '02 D955i here has one and it is just more neutral. This seems something specific to the D955is as the '03 RC51 has the same tire sizes as the '04 D955i and is very linear in transition.

Stlakid, I can't say for sure if the brake lines on the '04 are steel braided, but there does seem some kind of pattern under the rubber. The '02 D955i definately has the steel braided lines...brakes feel similar.

Brad

rino2301 · 02-13-2006, 04:14 PM

techman, what are you going to do to try to set your suspension b/c mine is still not right for me either.

TechmanBD · 02-13-2006, 04:32 PM

Quote:

On 2006-02-13 15:14, rino2301 wrote:
techman, what are you going to do to try to set your suspension b/c mine is still not right for me either.

Rino, I set it up the way Sport Rider set theirs up for the 02 they tested. And it works nicely. I took to twisties yesterday, and handled much better.

Here is how I set it up:

top of forks measure 5mm from triple tree.
Forks:
PreLoad springs set at 4 lines. Mine was set at 5 lines.
When doing the dampers, set them to full stiffness.
Rebound - 1 turn out from full stiffness.
Compession - 1.5 turn from full stiffness.

Shock - from top of spring to top of threads measure 26mm.
Set dampers to full stiffness
Rebound - Turn 1.5 turns from full stiffness
Compression - 2 turns from full stiffness.

I liked the way this turned out, I weigh around 155 for reference.

bradtx · 02-13-2006, 07:59 PM

rino2301, If you're closer to 180 lbs. (my weight) here's what worked for me...

-Forks measuring 6mm from upper triple tree clamp. (factory)
-Fork preload is 10/16" (5/8") showing. The lines are spirally wound and it may depend where you're looking as to what is counted.
-Fork compression and rebound is one full turn from full stiff.
-Rear spring shows ~5 threads (factory). On the '02 D955i there's about twice as many threads showing for the same amount of sag. The previous owner was ~230 lbs. so the spring may've lost a bit of rate, if the '02 and '04 have the same rate spring.
-Rear shock compression and rebound set at 1.5 turns from full stiff.

All this gives about 1" of static sag f/r when I sit on the bike. The c/r settings are the 'standard' settings from the owner's manual.

Brad

Hint: I made cardboard gauges for the fork and fork preload hight measurements by placing the cardboard next to whatever to be measured and cutting across the top with an exacto knife.