Triumphrat

MGN54

What a great site! I have found a 95 Tbird with about 15k miles on it for sale for a really good price that I am considering purchasing. I have read all 65 pages in the Classics section scowering for info on Tbirds and I have a few of questions.

1. Is the starter sprag clutch something that will effect all bikes at some point or a hit and miss item? Seems to be quiet expensive of a fix. I saw prices quoted from 900 tp 2000 US dollars. OUCH! Also, how would I know if the bike I am looking at has the access "port" to avoid splitting the cases? The couple of times I started the bike I heard no dragging or grinding. I live in Central Texas. If this were to become an issue is there a good wrench in Texas that you would trust for this repair? Any personal experiences here?

2. The side cases on this bike are dull and I was wondering if they can be polished up or are they clear coated? Have seen some beautiful bikes here with chrome covers. Are these an option or did they come on later models? Accessory that can be purchased?

3. The bike is pretty much stock accept for large Triumph windshield and sissy bar. I started the bike, idled it and reved it a bit. Pipes sound nice and I was wondering if they may be the "off road" pipes. Is there a way to tell if they are by looking at them? Of course I may be able to tell more by sound if I can get a test ride before the bikes sells. Since I am not real familiar with the triple exhaust note I'm just not sure I would know.

Hope to get a ride on the bike tomorrow afternoon. Bases on what I hear back here and the test ride I may make an offer on the bike. It will be my first ride on a triple in my 18 years of riding. Currently own a Ducati 748 so this bike would be my comfy ride! I come to realize over the years that I am just drawn to the European bikes I guess and I think this bike would be a great addition to the garage and offer some opportunity for doing a little customizing which appeals to me.

MickMaguire, I really like what you have done to your bike. Sweet! I think if I got this bike the first thing would be to do something with the stock bars!

Thanks!

Mark
Cental Texas

maxpower

1a) I'd be surprised if it affects all bikes. I would suggest keep a good battery in the bike and keep it well tunned. I noticed while googling that there are a lot of makes that suffer sprag clutch failures. It is possible to repair them (if engagement spring is the issue) but I would not recommend this as it is so hard to get to.

1b) parts wise ~$300

1c)I could be completely wrong with this one... if you look above clutch cover(one with triumph logo)just in back of the engine serial number if this area is a nice round dome shape then their is no cover. It is my understanding that the cover is a notchy type of affair.

1d) N/A
1F) N/A

2a) Just polished aluminum. I used Mothers Mag and Aluminum polish with good results. The claim it does not scratch.

2b) I think ~97 and up came thu with chrome and sans the Triumph logo.

3) "Pipes sound nice " I say not factory. The bike sounds like a sewing machine when they are stock and if it can be heard at all!

[ This message was edited by: maxpower on 2005-06-11 08:11 ]

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legend21

Hi MGN
1) There is no access port on any T3 classic..

2) Dont worry , I know a lot ot classic with more than 100 000 Km, with the stock starter sprag ... One of them is a 95 T bird owned by a close friend.. Just think to always have a battery in a good shape

[ This message was edited by: legend21 on 2005-06-11 10:05 ]

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JohnRimmer

keep the battery fresh and you should be ok
early Tbirds have alloy engine cases instead of chrome.they need polishing regularly,try Belgom alu or ant such alloy cleaner and they should come up lovely.you need to keep on top of this.also use a piece of paper kitchen towel for the final polish as it removes the last residues.
the Triumph offroad pipes sound good,they shou;d have a not for road use stamp on the back of thee can so it is not too easy to see.
I have a 95 Tbird which I have had a long time.not used for 3 years but put her on the road last month.700 miles so far and a lot of fun at saner speeds.she has 32000 miles on the clock and looks and goes like new.
I also have a sportsbike and the Tbird makes a nice change when the mood takes you.

You need to be prepared to spend a lot of time polishing if you want to keep her pristine,it's worth the effort.