Triumphrat

triple_ratrider · 01-15-2009, 05:28 PM

Just picked up a lovely yellow 99 T-Bird Sport with solo seat. It also came with a stock seat in good condition. Problem is I cannot figure out how the stock seat is supposed to fit up.

The big hooks hanging off the bottom of the seat seem to interfere with the subframe gussets before the latching pin can reach the latch. The tab at the nose of the seat will just barely get into it's pocket when the hooks come up solid on against the frame gussets.

What gives? The repair manual and owners manual say next to nothing - "Installation is reverse" of removal or some such useless statement.

I'd love to take the kiddo's and wife for a ride on this new-to-me bike, I just can't figure what twist of the wrist, magic incantation or ritual sacrifice is missing to get the seat installed.

I notice that the solo seat has no such hooks hanging down. Would it be any problem to simply remove the hooks from the stock seat?

I did search the forum for info and I also wonder if perhaps it is the wrong seat. Sounds like the Legend and regular T-Bird seats are very similar but slightly different in placement of the mounting bits.

pics of the bike at http://www.yamaha-triples.org/photos...asp?albumid=24

yeah, it's a Triple Thing

Thanks!

Ben

denny · 01-15-2009, 08:18 PM

they hook under the frame gussets.
Be patient you'll figure it out.

Nitti-Gubben · 01-16-2009, 06:05 AM

The hooks are a PITA. The fitment is difficult but the re-movement is even worse. I grinded down the "barbs" that are sticking up from the hooks to make re-movement easier.

Dumluk · 01-16-2009, 09:24 AM

Once you get everything lined up, you have to push down in the middle over the hooks, while lifting up at the end and pushing forward at the same time.

By lifting up the back and pushing down the middle, the latch area clears enough to move the seat forward where you can get everything engaged. Then push down at the back to get it latched.

Yes, it's not the best design. Back in the 80s I had a bike with a hinged seat. Those were the days.

jenglandtoyman · 01-16-2009, 09:33 AM

I know you from over at the Yamaha Triples site. And you were helpful to me with some sidecar questions once, GEOFFE is also on here sometimes, small world!
Your year is a bit different than mine so I can't be much help other than to say just stay after the fiddly part!
Post up that beautiful sidecar rig on here!

triple_ratrider · 01-16-2009, 08:28 PM

With encouragement/advice from new friends and surprise from old one - I persevered and found the way to make it fit. Glad there isn't much reason to take the seat off on any given day!

I'll try to get some kind of album going soon. For now I keep getting distracted by this new machine. Every time I go into the garage, something comes over me and suddenly I'm riding.

Nice to hear from you jenglandtoyman ! It is a small world indeed!

Regards,

Ben