Triumphrat

Redd_Daetona · 10-03-2008, 09:48 PM

A beginning question for all of you that may have proceeded down a similar path before me.

I have a pristeen, and well-cared-for 1995 Daytona 1200.
The big ole Red Sled just turned 12K miles on the clock as of this w/e.
I like everything about this big scooter 'cept-in one thing -

It does just about everything I currently need in a bike, it's fast, rock steady, smooth, corners as well as can be expected of a bike in it's size, and year etc etc. It has just a few minor modifications such as Triumph "6" front brakes, SS brake lines, a center stand, and CB XX Heli-Bar-risers, and it can chew threw huge open road miles with great ease. It does all well with one exception.

It's huge and heavy!

It's always about two back-steps from being dropped in my gravel driveway as I try to back it out of the garage!!!!

How much weight can one cut from a Daytona 1200?

New exhaust, carbon fenders, after market seats, suspension, wheels etc etc??? How about a bit lower C/G ?

Scott

drakewn · 10-03-2008, 10:12 PM

Can ya make it naked? That would lighten it up. Does someone make lowering links for it? I've also heard of people sliding the triple tree up a bit which lowers the front end.

Have fun, it sounds like some custom work ahead during the winter months.

You could make it a little lighter by shaving the head, boring the cylinders out as far as possible and installing aluminum pistons. Straight pipe the exhaust to exit just under the engine. Or maybe all that would just make it faster, lol.

tritonwow · 10-03-2008, 11:34 PM

All this is going to cost $$$$$

-Air-tech streamlining makes fiberglass fairings and rear bodywork. They say they could do it in carbon fiber too.
-There are a few options for the heavy tank; aluminum, fiberglass, and polymer from various companies
-Dymag carbon fiber wheels

Not so costly
-Get rid of anything you don't need (passenger pegs and carriers, et)

I was told by someone selling a Trophy frame (basically the same as ours) the weight of the frame and subframe totals 80lbs. this was before packaging for shipping. By comparision I think the 955 frame I have (without subframe) is 20lbs
TW

JohnD · 10-03-2008, 11:53 PM

Ok, you want to go naked, check out this YouTube video. The guy is actually showing off his underseat Laser cans, but it gives you an idea of what a naked D12 would be like. He has even removed the rear tire hugger. I just wonder what it is like at speed with no fairing

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=sitiiDoICfQ&NR=1

Fortunately, at 6'4" I do not have backup issues. Can flatfoot with ease. My height is why I have a '99 D12 - so much room. She is so nice and tall

I gave her a Race Tech front end and a Hagon rear shock to cure the dive and squat with the stock set-up. Really helped in the curves too. Doesn't reduce weight however. I imagine some Super III fenders would help and aftermarket cans.

tritonwow · 10-04-2008, 03:01 AM

Slight threadjack with a related point. I was at work on first reply and couldn't finish. I'll be doing my Racetech front end and FCR work this weekend and will weigh a bunch of stuff I have. Super III front fender and rear hugger. Stock hugger, stock cans, aftermarket CF cans, fairings, etc. I'll edit my first post with the weights.
I also like the thread title; almost a compliment thread to the D12 SE registry as a place to talk about THE Triumph big bike!

cbwright · 10-04-2008, 04:47 AM

Fairly limited on CG shifts because of the spine frame. Lighter cans probably the biggest single change, the gas tank itself isn't that heavy but the 6 gallons of gas is right on top of the bike. If you're short of leg like me, lowering is easy, put a spacer under the hugger, chop the hub stop, roll the axle and pull forks through to match.

bradtx · 10-04-2008, 07:44 AM

Scott, All-in-all it seems cheaper to pave a small turn around area.

Brad

drakewn · 10-04-2008, 02:49 PM

brad, I couldn't agree with you more. I have put some of those 24x24" patio slabs down on my gravel driveway for a quick, cheap and effective sidewalk.

Redd_Daetona · 10-05-2008, 02:18 PM

Brad -

You are absolutely right! A small asphalt turning pad vs. major cycle upgrades & mods has proven to be el mucho-cheaper in comparison based upon my previous motorcycle re-do experiences, but is nowhere near as cool when completed...

So now I'm looking into this very seriously. I do not want to let this bike go, and have decided to keep it for the long haul. So here is what I need ( want/wish ) to do. If anyone has any preferences as to what and where to get this stuff that actually fits this bike, please chime in, and I'll add it to my old bike restoration spreadsheet...

- New front brake rotors & carriers?
- Rear rotor?
- New exhaust cans, possibly full up exhaust system?
- Carbon front fender ?
- Hugger ?
- Tail eliminator kit ?
- Seat ?
- Airbox removal and replace with either velocity stacks, single filters?
- Exhaust hangers/rear passenger peg eliminators?
- Rear bike stand / pitt bull etc? Not sure is I can fit one, but I could then remove the center stand etc?
- Rear mono shock / fully adjustable?
- Front suspension re-do, either Race Tech, Traxion dynamics, or possibly a complete replacement?
- Front fork brace?
- Wheel replacement options for weight redux?
- Adjustable foot pegs ?
- Controls / levers, master cyls etc?
- Others I have yet to consider

Oh yea, and how much does a '95/96' Super III weight in comparison to my D1200? Maybe thats another option to consider if I could find one a nice as my D1200.

Thanks
Scott

MQracing · 10-05-2008, 04:09 PM

hi Scott:

that's a very ambitious upgrade program you've listed--- and ooocko boo-koo bucks....in the end you could have a "one of a kind" bike with less resale value than if left in stock condition.

To me there's three early big triples that are or may become really collectible--- the earliest model year D-1200's, the Super III, and the 99 special edition D-1200. One of each of these left in pristine showroom (or nearly so) condition would be my aim.

MSL