Triumphrat

MAtrident · 07-25-2012, 10:15 PM

Brand new to Brits - I just inherited a 1974 trident from my father. I'll be moving it into my garage as of this weekend and I plan on immediately start working on it. The bike has not been ridden in about 20 years, it was lubed up and put away in running condition. My father has kicked it over now and then - from what I'm told there is nothing major wrong with the engine or drivetrain, it was kept indoors the entire time. My plan is to turn it into a cafe and get the engine beefed up a bit.

I'm hoping that there are some members here that have done work on a trident before and can give me some advice and answer any questions when I get stuck.

Does anyone know of obvious problem areas on these bikes? Things that I definitely will need to do straight away? I've been dreaming about restoring this bike since I was about 10 when it was put away - I'm 30 now and my father finally parted with it!

Also if anyone knows of similar projects that are threads on this site if you could link me that would be huge! And any sites for stock parts / custom triumph parts it would be awesome!

Thanks so much in advance!

coloradobob · 07-26-2012, 09:07 AM

The 19" rear tire is available in a few brands. The Avon Roadrider is very popular. I have them on mine. TriSpark ignition is also very popular. I'd recommend an electronic voltage regulator also. MAPcycle, Klempf's , and LP Williams are good parts suppliers, but there are many others. Check out TriplesOnLine for a site dedicated to the Triumph Trident. Bob

tealetm · 07-27-2012, 11:31 AM

Resurrecting a family bike must be a great feeling- I'm about to take on that project with my father's Triumph over this winter.

As Bob mentioned, aside from the knowledge base on here, triplesonline.com is a wonderful source. Some of the guys are not the most computer savy, but they certainly know the ins and outs of these triples.

I just rebuilt a 72 Trident last year and did a fairly extensive writeup of the process that you might want to read. http://www.triumphrat.net/members-re...e-project.html Hopefully you can eliminate some of the mistakes I made during the project...

Post some photos of the bike before you start, and update this thread as you go!

They have their quirks, but they are certainly a blast to ride!

MAtrident · 07-27-2012, 02:18 PM

Yah thanks for the heads up - I'm going to dig into triples site tonight. I have already read through your entire thread - great job man thanks for all the details. I would like to get as in depth as your rebuild but I don't ( as of right now) think it will need that much engine work, and I am not so confident that I would be able to do it myself either.

I plan on documenting the project here - I will pst some photos tomorrow after I get her home.

Nate

74Trident · 07-31-2012, 01:54 PM

That is nice to see another Trident on this Forum!!!

Good Luck as the triples are fickle beasts!

Cheers,

Joe

2XS · 08-29-2012, 08:03 PM

Sounds like my story except I inherted a 73 750 also stored inside and hasn't been touched in 20 plus years. Got any pictures an luck getting it going.

MAtrident · 10-06-2012, 06:37 PM

After much delay the bike is finally in my garage. Tomorrow disassembly begins.

MAtrident · 10-07-2012, 09:06 PM

Does anyone know if there are tail cone kits or will I have to fabricate it?

GrandPaulZ · 10-09-2012, 09:16 AM

Welcome to the forum! Do you have the pipes? By "tail cone" do you mean seat/tail or exhaust tailpipe reverse cone?

Mr.Pete · 10-09-2012, 10:08 PM

I couldn't help noticing some false statements and misleading advice that was followed in Travis' T150 Trident Project.

Conrod bolts are not one-time-use only.They do not stretch to yield when properly torqued.They stretch elastically,and return to their original length when you undo them.
It is safe to re-use them if you can torque them up without them yielding.You're not likely to reach full torque if they do yield.

Advising someone to "buy new rod bolts" can be dangerous.You're not likely to find original NOS bolts.You are likely to find inferior bolts,which are not even made from a forging.The original old rod bolts would be superior.

If you buy ARP rod bolts,there is no problem and you will get good bolts.In this case,follow their instuctions.You will need a micrometer to measure elastic stretch.