Triumphrat

Johnhowell · 09-06-2006, 10:06 AM

All,

After having the gear selector shaft replaced on my 1997 Thunderbird, it seems to me that it is revving more than before - maybe it is just me ;-)

At a constant 70 mph the rev counter shows 4800-4900 rpm, does this seems correct with others?

It is a standard Thunderbird 900 with the 5 speed transmission, standard chain sprockets, wheel and tyre sizes.

The only upgrades I had done were the addition of Bonneville gaiters (looks good) and the unrestricted carburettor mountings.

Thanks,
John

[ This message was edited by: Johnhowell on 2006-09-06 08:06 ]

Tre900 · 09-06-2006, 10:21 AM

That sounds right to me I have a 97 Adventurer that is normally at 4900-5300. I'm running open mufflers and a K&N filter. I lost some at the top end but the less I'm able to go that fast the better.

I think your fine. Your just listening too much. Remember the red line on these bikes is higher then the later models. Our rev limiter is 8700k so your fine unless you have some loss of power you can't explain.

No worries! Check your oil, oil your chain and ride on.

Butchster · 09-06-2006, 10:43 AM

Mines the same. 70 mph is about 5K. 50 mph is about 3k. No worries.

Ride On !!

Johnhowell · 09-06-2006, 02:33 PM

Thank you both for your reassurances.

However, I now hear a rubbing/groaning noise at low speed. I am not sure if it is with the application of brakes or not as it does not always happen. I will have to ride to work tomorrow with out ear plugs and hope to locate the noise.

I rode 4100 miles across the USA in 26 days and did not hear this noise once. Only noticed it since the dealer repair and service!

Would low brake pad level cause such a noise intermittently?
Over tight chain?

Cheers
John

[ This message was edited by: Johnhowell on 2006-09-06 12:35 ]

SWare · 09-06-2006, 10:02 PM

RPM sounds right.
Could the engine just be noisier for some reason?
The only way you would be getting more revs would be if they replaced the sprocket(s) with a different size. Your noise could be from the chain rubbing or overtightened.

Stan

Johnhowell · 09-08-2006, 06:41 AM

In trying to determine where the rubbing/groaning noise is coming from I have noticed a red dust around the primary sprocket area and the lower suspension arm. Could they be related?

Is the red dust a bush or seal breaking down? The noise, when it occurs, seems more prominent when slowing manoeuvring to the right and does seem to come from the rear of the bike.

Many thanks,
John

[ This message was edited by: Johnhowell on 2006-09-08 04:42 ]

zimtok · 09-08-2006, 08:18 AM

How often do you oil your chain?

I used to get RED dust around the drive sprocket cover where the chain enters/exits, it turned out to be rust from the chain and/or metal shavings from the sprocket wearing that would rust. It will show up around the smaller sprocket because the smaller sprocket rotates faster.

A worn sprocket would also cause noise because the chain does not ride on the teeth as well.

New chain and sprockets, added an oiler and I haven't seen it since.

.

MickMaguire · 09-08-2006, 08:47 AM

As zimtok says red dust around the chain / sprocket area is usually rust from the chain. a poorly lubricated or worn out chain will do this. The rust is often coming out from inside the rollers (ingress of water)

[ This message was edited by: MickMaguire on 2006-09-08 06:47 ]

Johnhowell · 09-08-2006, 11:38 AM

Many thanks Mike and Zimtek,

There is faint red dust on the rest of the chain.

I am a bit concerned as it has only covered a couple of hundred miles since the engine was removed to change the gear selector shaft as well as doing the 12,000 miles service.

The service guy stated that the chain was fine and only needed adjusting after the trip across USA! I was expecting a new chain and sprocket.

Cheers,
John

MickMaguire · 09-08-2006, 01:36 PM

Sounds like it likely just needs a good lube