Triumphrat

05-08-2006

I've got a 1996 Speed Triple 900 which has developed a mysterious misfire.
The starter turns over, but the bike won't fire. I set the fuel tap to 'Prime' and then the engine misfires but still refuses to start ?
I initially thought I needed to drain the carb float chambers which I did, but the problem continued ?
Is the problem with the ignition system - Spark plugs ?
Please help. I need to ride and can't !!!!
Cheers

vinnyf · 05-08-2006

Cheers, BadDog,
You really need to check a couple of things - I'd start buy pulling a plug wire, stick a screwdriver into the plug cap, and put the screwdriver shaft a couple of mm from some metal part of the bike. Hit the starter and check to see if you're getting a nice arc from the screwdriver blade to the metal; if so, your ignition is probably ok. Next step, IMO, is to pull a plug and have a look - if you've cranked a bit, it should be wet with fuel. If not, something is stopping the fuel from flowing. Has the bike been sitting - unused - for some time, like the winter? If so, your thought about draining the carbs is well founded, but may be a bit late, as they may already be clogged. Let us know how your ignition check goes, and we'll take it from there.
vinny

13 · 05-11-2006

Scary huh? When you have time to take yur time, GENTLY:
remove tank, coolant fitting, airbox - down to plugs; clean/ inspect all electrical connectors and give dose of dielectric grease (vaseline is fine); carefully replace plugs with stock plugs (they're cheap and work). I used a hose to remove plugs once loosened with plug wrench (18mm?), then used hose to thread plugs back (to avoid stripping). The "plugwell" in '01 is about 7 inches deep tho, you'll see if you need hose for plugs when you get to it on yur '96...

Check coil resistance. Not sure about '96, but recall my '01's coil resistance's .07 ohms (3 coils: 1 per plug, "on plug type").

I also had fuel fitting/ o-ring replacements handy if needed, but if you vaseline old fuel o-rings before pressing in they probably won't leak (done it bunch of times myself).

Carefully put everything back. If it was just corroded connectors & bad plugs (as is typical) she should fire!

It wouldn't hurt to get a new battery if your's over 3 years old btw...

Hope this helps!