Triumphrat

retrograde · 05-14-2005

I'm planning on taking a look at a low-mile 2000 Thunderbird Sport next week.

I'll be bringing a friend who has a lot of motorcycle experience, but no specific knowledge of Triumphs. Is there anything in particular to look for, or listen to, on an '00 TBS? Is there any recall work that I need to check on? Any information that would help me form a checklist of sorts would be appreciated.

And while we're at it...

Are all Classics susceptible to starter sprag gear failure? From searching this board, my understanding is that this is a known problem and expensive repair in early model year Hinkley triples, and that Triumph ultimately beefed up the gear. Is this the case? What model year T-Bird Sports would come from the factory with the stronger sprag gear?

I've also seen numerous posts about rattly altenators. Is this problem limited to early Classics, or can it happen to any model year?

.....

BTW, I'd like to thank all the forum members who responded to my 'Returning Rider' post of last week. It's very encouraging to hear the enthusiasm Triumph riders have towards their bikes.

retrograde · 05-14-2005

I'm planning on taking a look at a low-mile 2000 Thunderbird Sport next week.

I'll be bringing a friend who has a lot of motorcycle experience, but no specific knowledge of Triumphs. Is there anything in particular to look for, or listen to, on an '00 TBS? Is there any recall work that I need to check on? Any information that would help me form a checklist of sorts would be appreciated.

And while we're at it...

Are all Classics susceptible to starter sprag gear failure? From searching this board, my understanding is that this is a known problem and expensive repair in early model year Hinkley triples, and that Triumph ultimately beefed up the gear. Is this the case? What model year T-Bird Sports would come from the factory with the stronger sprag gear?

I've also seen numerous posts about rattly altenators. Is this problem limited to early Classics, or can it happen to any model year?

.....

BTW, I'd like to thank all the forum members who responded to my 'Returning Rider' post of last week. It's very encouraging to hear the enthusiasm Triumph riders have towards their bikes.

johnyC · 05-15-2005

retro,
if your mate isn't familiar with Triumphs don't take him, even in good nick they've quite a whirry, clattery motor. I was told (by a Triumph dealer) that the motors with the bolt on access plate above the clutch have the weaker design, so all the TBS (no plate) should have the stronger clutch.
He also told me to keep the battery charged, because the easiest way to break the sprag clutch is to have the motor lazily turn over and backfire, even with the later design.

[ This message was edited by: johnyC on 2005-05-15 03:41 ]

johnyC · 05-15-2005

retro,
if your mate isn't familiar with Triumphs don't take him, even in good nick they've quite a whirry, clattery motor. I was told (by a Triumph dealer) that the motors with the bolt on access plate above the clutch have the weaker design, so all the TBS (no plate) should have the stronger clutch.
He also told me to keep the battery charged, because the easiest way to break the sprag clutch is to have the motor lazily turn over and backfire, even with the later design.

[ This message was edited by: johnyC on 2005-05-15 03:41 ]

jimmyj900 · 05-15-2005

Quote:

Are all Classics susceptible to starter sprag gear failure? From searching this board, my understanding is that this is a known problem and expensive repair in early model year Hinkley triples, and that Triumph ultimately beefed up the gear. Is this the case? What model year T-Bird Sports would come from the factory with the stronger sprag gear?

Triumph used three different sprag clutches on the tripples and five different engine case castings.

I believe it was in the 2000 models that the change was made for the biggest/strongest sprag clutch, so you should be OK.

The alternator bolt assembly was also changed in 2000, so breakage shouldn't be a problem.

Jim

jimmyj900 · 05-15-2005

Quote:

Are all Classics susceptible to starter sprag gear failure? From searching this board, my understanding is that this is a known problem and expensive repair in early model year Hinkley triples, and that Triumph ultimately beefed up the gear. Is this the case? What model year T-Bird Sports would come from the factory with the stronger sprag gear?

Triumph used three different sprag clutches on the tripples and five different engine case castings.

I believe it was in the 2000 models that the change was made for the biggest/strongest sprag clutch, so you should be OK.

The alternator bolt assembly was also changed in 2000, so breakage shouldn't be a problem.

Jim

legend21 · 05-15-2005

sprag gear problems have been partialy solved on T3 in 96..

For the first T3, modification have been have been made with replacement of the cdi unit, and a stronger sparg gear has been introduced in production ( in fact there is 3 type of parg gear)

Anyhow the All the TBS have the strongest model...

Precaution, always have a well loaded battery ....

Personnaly I woul not hesitate for Ã* loww mileage TBS...

One minor problem you could occur on T3 Classic, is a weak seal at the end of the oil centrifugator.. It is easy to fix , It takes 1/2 hours and often take in charge by Triumph ( it is the case in France I don't know their policy in the US)

Take it , you will enloy, but take care it is worth than coke :razz:

legend21 · 05-15-2005

sprag gear problems have been partialy solved on T3 in 96..

For the first T3, modification have been have been made with replacement of the cdi unit, and a stronger sparg gear has been introduced in production ( in fact there is 3 type of parg gear)

Anyhow the All the TBS have the strongest model...

Precaution, always have a well loaded battery ....

Personnaly I woul not hesitate for Ã* loww mileage TBS...

One minor problem you could occur on T3 Classic, is a weak seal at the end of the oil centrifugator.. It is easy to fix , It takes 1/2 hours and often take in charge by Triumph ( it is the case in France I don't know their policy in the US)

Take it , you will enloy, but take care it is worth than coke :razz:

retrograde · 05-16-2005

Thanks all. Another couple concerns set aside.