Triumphrat

ngordon · 02-27-2008

I have a 1999 Legend that is hard starting cold. You literally have to crank it for 120 or more seconds to get it to start. I have tried full choke, partial choke, no difference. When it does start it runs perfect and idles smooth. Once the machine is warmed up it only requires a touch of the starter to get it going. It will never start cold with the starter button depressed. It seems to light off the second I release the starter, almost like it doesn't get spark when the starter is engaged. The bike runs perfect once it is running, no stumbling, no flat spots, smooth idle.

Have there been any reports of ignition module failure? The problem goes away when the engine is at operating temperature.

Regards,

Gary

superfour · 02-27-2008

Welcome aboard Gary.

I had a similar problem when I had my TBS,slow to turn over and took an age to start.Like you say as often as not when I had released the starter button.
The cure in my case was a new battery,so would suggest a full charge and a voltmeter to check the battery condition.If not,there will be other suggestions from the every helpful folks on the forum.

MickMaguire · 02-27-2008

as already suggested, battery would be my first suspect here. Other than that how are the plugs? You can rest easy, these are not symptoms of a bad ignitor

Eyun_G · 02-28-2008

I had the same problem on my 2k. I ended up replacing the Battery, I prefer sealed, and some Iriduim plugs did the trick for me. I have nology coils + a little jetting and mine won't run on the OEM NGK's until it gets completely hot. Batteries and plugs are a good start, and taking a rest every 10-15 seconds is probably a good thing for your starter, if not you'll probably be replacing brushes pretty quickly. Don't ask how I learned that one......

Tre900 · 03-02-2008

...but are you making sure your holding in the clutch when you start? If not, you should. Every time. Hold clutch in, hit the button.

T-Bird2001 · 03-04-2008

The battery may test good but it's not. Get a new one - the highest output you can get for your machine - one of the maintenance free types comes to mind. Had the same problem w/my 2001, this cured it. Also, when starting don't use the throttle - choke only if necessary.

threepot · 03-04-2008

I have a similar problem on my Super111. Have valve clearances been checked recently?

Tre900 · 03-06-2008

A new battery will always give you the best cranking power...its not a real long term solution. Next year is the same thing.

Holding in the clutch reduces the cranking power put on your starter as well as reduces the wear on your starter.

It is THE answer. If you don't hold in the clutch when you start a Hinckly Triple your going to be sorry eventually.

ngordon · 03-20-2008

Thanks all for the great info. I replaced the battery with a sealed unit and am now holding the clutch lever in when starting. It lights right off. Just finished a 400 mile trip without a problem. It is a nice road bike, with a good wide torque band. It has all of the good attributes of my old T-120 with the benefits of modern technology. At 62, I am not even close to wanting one of those 2 wheel sofas.

Regards,

Gary

Eyun_G · 03-20-2008

Glad we could help. Enjoy riding it, they're great bikes.