Triumph Rat Motorcycle Forums banner

Bonneville America Pipes

3K views 12 replies 2 participants last post by  Guest 
G
#1 ·
The new , new aftermarket pipes are great. Raunchy and loud to mask the somewhat noisy engine whirs. Couldn't be more content
 
G
#2 ·
Which pipes did you pick up, the short or full length ones? Did they come with the re-jet kits for the carbs? Did you notice any HP improvement or do things feel about the same?

Alright, that’s enough questions from me! I’ve been holding off to date to see what Raask, Bub, and all the other aftermarket companies come out with. Your definitely right about needing something to mask the engine whir’s. It would also be nice to actually be able to hear the exhaust while rolling down the interstate, I keep wondering if the bike is still running it’s so quiet!
 
G
#3 ·
The pipes are a response to the first set of aftermarket pipes by Triumph. 1 inch shorter than the long stock pipes. I don't know why. I believe they came with a jet kit but it wasn't needed . the America already had 120's installed. these pipes are great. Once you hit the start button, your neighbors will shake theire heads and you'll ride off with a smile. jackmann@attbi.com PS There is a small improvement in performance but not much.

[ This message was edited by: jackmann on 2002-05-06 10:07 ]
 
G
#4 ·
I just installed the long pipes then the next morning took off on a 500 mile jaunt to Scottsdale AZ.
Power increase was slight but gas mileage went from 43mpg to 52mpg.
They are a worthwile investment.
 
#5 ·
I just had a set of the new style short pipes installed. The machine runs well enough with the factory settings but the shop recommends installing a full jet kit to eliminate the popping on deceleration (the carbs are too lean). The fuel economy is great and the performance will improve a considerably with larger jets. The pipes don't ship with a jet kit...maybe they should. By the way, the Bonnie looks great with the short pipes and roadster screen.

[ This message was edited by: Shakey on 2002-05-17 19:36 ]

[ This message was edited by: Shakey on 2002-05-17 19:38 ]
 
G
#6 ·
Hey, Shakey. I have a T-Bird and fitted after market (Triumph) pipes, and had the carbs worked on by the dealer to richen them up, and there is still a bunch of popping and banging on closed throttle deceleration. Do you know if this is actually doing any harm to anything mechanically? :???:
 
G
#7 ·
Colin,

Some "popping" on deceleration is normal, even with your carbs perfectly set. You'll especially notice it when you're shifting down to engine brake. If you want to double check your mixture have a look at your spark plugs. Look for a golden or chocolate brown color on the ceramic tips. If there's a chalky white color you're running lean.

This is no exact science, but it's a good "quick-check" to see if you've got a problem.
 
#8 ·
Colin,

The popping sound on your stock set up is caused by the secondary air injection system (emissions control). If the system is bypassed the popping goes away (unless your system is running too lean). Bypassing the system does not harm the engine that I know of. Leaving it connected allows secondary combustion to occur in the exhaust cycle. Seems to me that causes even higher exhaust valve temperatures. I'm sure Triumph would encourage us to leave it alone. Leave it on or take it off. I dislike the popping myself. :eek:
 
#9 ·
Just for the record...my Bonneville America came from the factory with a 42 pilot jet and a 120 main jet. With that it was running too lean on stock pipes. With the short silencers pilots of 45 and the mains at 127 really pump things up. No more flattening out in fifth gear and the low end is juiced as well. After I've run it a while I'll let you all know how bad the fuel economy suffers. Now she not only sounds great but she can scoot down the boulevard pretty respectably. Down the road a bit who knows? Maybe flat slide carbs...a little cam tweaking?
 
G
#10 ·
I put the short pipes on. They sounded great until the motor quit running 250 miles later. See comments under "Bonneville America Ignition" I'm positive my ignition problem has nothing to do with the exhaust. They do afterfire (pop) quite a bit.
 
G
#11 ·
I have to many bills as it is and paying cash for a new bike and all the new stuff to go along with it really strapped me. I wanted an exhaust system but could not find the budget for them so I did a little alteration to the stock exhaust. I cut the front and rear baffel out. I would like some imput on this I did not change the jets as I bought the bike in LA and brought it to Colorado where I ride at 6000 to as high as 11000 feet so I think the bike was already running a bit rich. If you have a comment other than saying what a cheap skate please post.

ABATE COLORADO Jake
Chapter 19
Ride Free Ride Safe
 
#12 ·
Just to add my two cents;

My pipes are Triumph non-EPA replacements (look the same, sound better). However, they do occasionaly pop at deceleration.

I don't mind the popping sound, and there is not mysterious residue on my pipes. During its 12k service, the mechanic attempted to fix it by plugging a potential pinhole at the top of one of the headers, and it did seem to help for a moment - but came back about 200 miles later.

Who knows, maybe something major will happen - but at this point the everything seems to be running fine.

Shawn - Webmaster
TriumphRat.Net

[ This message was edited by: Shawn on 2002-07-29 22:05 ]
 
G
#13 ·
This is to shawn,if you have a pin hole it may be a bad weld seem. Have you thought about getting the pipe replaced it should be covered being a new bike. If your dealer backs off call another shop. I think the pipes are a bit shabby and the chrome is crap. I still love the Bonneville America and I will rechrome the pipes when it gets to cold to ride.
ABATE COLORADO Jake
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top