Triumphrat

Qweevox · 03-27-2008, 10:08 PM

I live in the middle of nowhere. There are no dealers much less good Triumph mechanics within a days ride from here. I love the brand and have come across a few here and there. I’d really like to own one but am nothing more than a shade-tree mechanic. How are the different Triumph models on reliability? I know reliability isn’t everything, but I don’t own a truck so hauling my bike 300 miles to the nearest dealer isn’t an option for me.

RJScotti · 03-27-2008, 10:30 PM

In two years and several thousand miles none of my four Triumphs has ever broken anything. You will find examples of much higher trouble free miles on this list.

Brooksie · 03-27-2008, 10:33 PM

As reliable as any other brand and pretty good about warranty items. If you're looking at a big 'Tona, go for it. They do have some "niggles" but nothing that'll wipe the smile off your face.

bradtx · 03-27-2008, 10:37 PM

Qweevox, All-in-all they're pretty good. It's best to avoid '97/early '98 T595s as they had a reliably issue with 4th gear. Engine number 57946 and above have an improved gearset. Sprag clutchs have been a problem, just like on many other brands and as long as the battery is in good condition shouldn't be a problem.

The '02 and later D955is are a pretty major improvement, IMHO.

Brad

daytonacharlie · 03-27-2008, 10:41 PM

Qv,
I own a 96 Daytona 1200 that I've put 70K mikes on and have had no major issues. I have friends with over 100K on theirs with no serious problems. The bikes Triumph built in the mid to late 90's, when they first came back from bankruptcy (aka Hinckly Triumphs) were over built and heavy but dead reliable. A lot of the T3's, as they're called, developed bad coils but most of us know about it and have replaced them.
The newer Triumphs are just as reliable but are built lighter and have fuel injection except for the American Bonnevilles.

I'm a member of a local RAT (Riders Assoc of Triumph) pack. We've got just about every model bike Triumph makes within our members and I can't think of a single bike that that has had any major problem apart from normal maintenance or moron induced malfunction.

good luck,
dc

tri955i · 03-28-2008, 10:48 AM

I can't offer the experience of as many miles as a lot of the group in here, but, as a new owner since last March,i rode all last summer without any hiccups at all.The only thing I had to do was explain my perpetual grin of enjoyment to others who may be riding something else and cannot appreciate the Triumphs fun!

Cheers and in choosing your bike(s)