Triumphrat

ffry63 · 10-30-2008, 01:16 AM

So I just purchased a 1993 Daytona 1200 with about 8,500 miles on the clock. This is the first Triumph I have ever owned and I honestly do not know much about them. So I was wondering what are some problems that may have been associated with this specifice model. I do know that she doesn't like to start when it's cold out and secondly I think I may love this motorcycle.
Thanks,
Ryan

BadTriumph · 10-30-2008, 10:11 AM

First of all, welcome to the forum and to Triumph. Great choice for a first one! It was mine too. And they are easy to fall in love with

You might want to stop in the T3 Sport / Touring Forum.... They can tell you more over there about the specifics with our older Daytonas. There are a couple things that you'll hear about like the sprag clutch and the coils. I had to replace my coils but I've not had to replace the sprag clutch. Mine can be temperamental when it's cold too, but it always fires up even if it takes a couple tries. Good luck with your new love!!

Nickwiz · 10-31-2008, 12:39 PM

Congrats on the 1200. A lovely well made bike. The finish is much better than on later T5 series bikes.

Usefull mods? A scott Oiler will realy prolong the life of chain and sprockets. Junk the standard silencers as they are very heavy. I took my fairing lowers off too this shed weight. The finish is good on these bikes and I think it looks great without the lowers.

Problems? As has been said the sprag clutch. Particularly on early ones. Which yours is. If it has a rectangular plate on the crank case behind the cylinder block it will be an early one. This is a good thing as a carefull mechanic who knows Triumphs can change the sprag clutch without stripping the engine. 95 onwards bikes had a redesigned sprag clutch. You can fit one of these to an earlier motor. Also get a good heavy duty battery as weak batteries can kill the sprag clutch. I've not had a problem with coils. Though I hear they can play up. If it was me I'd strip out the fuel lines and taps and replace the diaphragm on the tap and clean the filters. Down where the lines join the carbs there are some tiny inline fliters that can get blocked. The bolt that holds the alternator drive gear to the alternator drive shaft can shear. Its located behind the clutch. There is a Triumph replacement. You will nead a hollow shaft and the new through bolt. This will cure it. You can do the replacement by pushing the old shaft out with the new once you've removed the alternator and clutch. Torque on the through bolt is 12nm I think but check. This sounds like a long list but realy if all this goes youre unlucky. I've found my 1200 to be pretty reliable. The motors are massively over engineered.

To keep the black stuff looking nice I clean it with degreaser then wipe over with a light oil. Duck oil or something like. Silicone spray brings the matt black plastics up nice.

Finaly I use Avon Azarro tyres. Long life but seem to work well on a heavy bike like the 1200.

Overall I love mine. I tried a 955i which was great but ultimately its the 1200 I kept as a perfect long distance tool. For town work and general riding I bought a Thruxton, but the 1200 is a special bike not for everyone but well made and just that bit unusual.