Triumphrat

Paddy900 · 01-18-2009, 04:08 PM

Howya all from Ireland, great site by the way,first post on this site so you will have to bare with me. I purchased my first Hinckley T Bird 4 weeks ago, a 95 model with 10,200 miles on it. What a bike when you get it wound up. A very well minded bike, but a few bits need doing before I put it on the road. I suspect its the American model as the VIN number is on the upper frame, and the traditional text about "objects in the mirror" is on the RH mirror. I am open to correction on this point though.1) The bike has been sitting for the last number of years and has developed a slight oil leak from the lower left hand crank case cover. I need to know the part number for this seal / gasket and where in Ireland, Europe or the States where I can order this part. 2) I need your opinion on the back brakes. There is plenty of bite once you get the pedal well pressed down but this is just a bit too much for me. There is plenty left on the pads so my question is this, should I consider changing the hose for a Goodrich hose and should I upgrade the pads that are there at present, if so which ones should I go for. 3) Last question is in relation to the handlebars, again for me they are a bit too high and narrow, anybody that has changed or has any ideas on this would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Paddy 900
Other bikes 1949 Royal Enfield 350 G, 1953 Royal Enfield 500 Twin

lovecuba · 01-18-2009, 05:36 PM

Hi and welcome aboard. Not very common for oil to ecape from this cover. More than likely it is from above the cover and the oil is dripping down. Closely inspect the lower left edge of the air box for traces of oil where the two halves join. If oil is evident then check the air box drain hose. The end of this may be plugged (ex. factory) and allowing oil to build up in the air box. The hose exits adjacent to the lower rear suspension set up. Remove the plug and drain any oil. Also, the hose that exits the cover too the airbox, is it secure on it's fitting and not perished along it's length?

Another source of oil leaking is the gear shifter shaft seal. Go to Bikebandit.com and search out the correct schematic for lists of parts.

If indeed the gasket between the cover and the crankcase is leaking then it gets more complicated (and expensive). If the cover has to be removed to replace the gasket (which is easily made from a sheet of gasket paper) then you will also have to replace the cranckcase breather seal. This is a 'very special seal' and very costly. It sits inside the cover and you will need a workshop manual to explain the specialized fitting instructions.

In respect to the rear brake, if the bike has been sitting for some time it would pay to replace the brake fluid, take your time in bleeding the system (do the front at the same time) and then test ride to gain 'feel'. Heavy footedness will easily lock up the rear wheel on these models and after some experience you will be able to determine how much pressure to apply.

toller · 01-18-2009, 09:45 PM

You may want to scruff the brake pads on some sandpaper in case there is a glaze or contaminating material on the surface.

I agree that changing the brake fluid is in order.

I switched the handlebars to superbike bars which are flatter. they come wide and can be cut down a bit. If you use non-triumph bars, you'll have to drill a hole in the bars where the detent from the controls go to prevent them from being turned. Or you can cut the nubbin off the control.

If your an experienced rider, ignore all the following possibly preachy crud. Welcome to the group

Any idea how old the tires are? There is a code on the tire that can be interpreted. Old tires become harder. Just how old is okay is open to speculation as is taking into consideration the road surfaces you generally ride and your riding style. Consult people who you trust and who know your riding.

there are those of us who do lots of preventative maintenance, and then those like me who sometimes takes the attitude if it aint broke, don't fix it, at least not in nice riding weather.

I'm going to back peddle a bit: Do have someone knowledgeable go over the primary points with you ie lights work, proper air in the tires, enough oil.

Have a blast.

Proffa66 · 01-18-2009, 10:20 PM

Here is link to european vin http://www.triumphnet.com/st/faq/vin/ US Vin is different.

Parts you can order from here http://www.triumph-ant.co.uk/ or here http://www.triumphparts.gbr.cc/

Paddy900 · 01-19-2009, 05:38 AM

thanks guys, will keep you posted on the results. Cheers Paddy 900

patrol21 · 01-19-2009, 12:34 PM

Welcome to the neighborhood! I also have a 95 BIRD. Just a quick note...These bikes don't like to sit and the carbs become gunked up failry quickly. I run SeaFoam thru mine a couple of tanks a year and have cleaned my carbs/petcock filters/in line filters generally once a year. These bikes build up a lot of junk from the paint just inside the fill spout which breaks down and ends up at the bottom of the tanks.

jonathanrsr · 01-19-2009, 04:30 PM

Paddy,

Welcome to the board, and congrats on your TB, but it's a bit chilly this time of the year to ask us to "bare with you"! (at least in the northern hemisphere *G*) Having visited Eire a couple of times in the summer, I missed those places - please let me know the best spots for my next trip.

And regarding your rear brake - the fact that your bike has been sitting for years - check the caliper to be certain that it is functioning smooth, and there is no crud build-up.

IrlMike · 01-19-2009, 05:33 PM

Welcome to the forum Paddy & congrats on your new Tbird

Whereabouts are you in Ireland? (From the 'peoples republic' down here myself.)

I agree with others here that the rear brake is easy to lock up. I would definitely change the fluid & check for glazed pads. The hose is quite short so I doubt there's much to be gained by going braided but maybe no harm to change it at that age if you're overhauling the system anyway. The calipers do tend to crud up & sieze - this is most likely where most of the problem may be imo.

We're likely a tad biased here but we all reckon these triple 'classics' are real gems - I'll never sell mine

Tbirdnz · 01-19-2009, 08:04 PM

In addition to the advice given by LoveCuba also check that it is not a result of chain oil accumulating and dripping down from the primary sprocket, easy to take that cover off and clean out the gunge and will give you a better view of any oil coming from that area.

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Ride on !

Paddy900 · 01-20-2009, 05:18 PM

Howya lads, thanks again. I am in Co Clare, best rides for me definitetly in the Kerry, Cork area let me know when you are travelling over and I let you know the best areas, will check out the brakes in the next day or so and report back.

Good luck in the cup.

Paddy900