Triumphrat

mth5112 · 05-29-2005

Have had new Triple about 3 weeks. Just under 1K miles. The bike usually shifts like butter, but on occasion and inexplicably it has shifted with a clunk, as if a sudden tug on the chain. I had written it off as my own technique not being quite in sync with the bike.

But yesterday, I shifted from 4th to 5th at speed and rpm's that should have been smooth, but one h**l of a clunk and rattle!!! It sounded like something, maybe the chain, had broken except there wasn't any continued noise like that malfunction would cause. I didn't even let the clutch back out, but coasted to a stop by the side of the road and shut the bike off. Inspected for exterior damage but not a sign. Started the Triple up, and everything was lovely and no trouble again since and not a hint of any noise.

Anybody else getting any weird experience like this??

kdguy · 05-29-2005

With 3000KM's om my new 2005 S3, shifting has become increasingly worse. 1st to 2nd feels like breaking chicken bones.. numerous false neutrals (both upshiftng and downshifting). The gearbox seems extremely sensitive to temperature. When the bike is cold, shifting takes extreme force and is very clunky. Once up to speed, things seems to smooth out. After 1-2 hours of riding, shifting becomes clunky and vague again with numerous false neutrals.

I'm going to wait till I'm running full synthetic before I complain. Even so, based on previous experience, I'm not expecting any miracles from Triumph.

[ This message was edited by: kdguy on 2005-05-29 14:07 ]

Speed3 · 05-29-2005

I'm glad that you guys are leading the charge on the new models, because from what I have read recently, there are some teething pains with the new models. I hope everything works out ok, but I'm not trading mine in just yet. Best of luck!

mth5112 · 05-30-2005

Quote:

.....I'm going to wait till I'm running full synthetic before I complain. Even so, based on previous experience, I'm not expecting any miracles from Triumph.

I'm running full synthetic now. Installed during first regular service, performed at about 751 miles. I've had very good response from my local dealer and Triumph regarding warranty matters, but in truth I've never had a serious fault to bring forth. I think my dealer would help me with this, but it will be difficult until the matter makes itself more evident. I'll tell him about it anyway on Tuesday, since I'm concerned there might be some metallic bits now circulating in the oil.

I've read at least one commentary in the otherwise glowing motorcycle media writeups, complaining of dodgy shifting. That seemed curious to me until this happened. I'm wondering what this "backlash gear" does, how it operates, and whether it might be causing this anomaly?

kuhlka · 05-30-2005

I'm assuming you guys have your clutch cable properly adjusted?

Diego · 05-30-2005

I don't know what frailties the backlash gear may be susceptible to, but the description in the original post sounds very much like nearly finding a false neutral between gears. I've experienced that with other Triumph 6-speeds. It would be less scary if it remained as a false neutral, but in the new gearboxes it seems determined to try to fall into gear anyway; hence, the noise. I have no idea what this means for the long haul, but it emphasizes the need for shifting a Triumph authoritatively.

OMEGA · 05-30-2005

Mines perfect, feels a little more direct since the front sprocket on the 520 setup doesnt have the rubber buffer, also nice is going from the trashy stock chain to the best racing chain available, set it and forget it.

tripletango · 05-30-2005

It is a great gearbox. Much smoother and easier to shift than my ex tiger. Easier to find neutral.
Bike has 700 miles with no problems.
Changed oil at 50 and 500 miles using mobile 1 racing oil 4T 15-50.
All bike gear boxes seem to have a hiccup and clunk or grind occasionally. Just keep shifting normally. This seems to clear it and gets the box back in sync.

Zee · 05-30-2005

Quote:

it emphasizes the need for shifting a Triumph authoritatively.

I'd absolutely second that...
Yesterday I stopped for fuel, shifted (softly) from second to neutral (green light on) and slowly released the clutch. A second later as I was going for the side stand it shifted back into second, lurched forward an inch or two and thankfully stalled. If I hadn't had a couple of fingers teasing the front brake lord knows what would have happened.

A lessons learned is knowledge earned but that wasn't a 'fun' moment for me...

mth5112 · 05-31-2005

Quote:

On 2005-05-29 23:41, Diego wrote:
I don't know what frailties the backlash gear may be susceptible to, but the description in the original post sounds very much like nearly finding a false neutral between gears. I've experienced that with other Triumph 6-speeds. It would be less scary if it remained as a false neutral, but in the new gearboxes it seems determined to try to fall into gear anyway; hence, the noise. I have no idea what this means for the long haul, but it emphasizes the need for shifting a Triumph authoritatively.

I've been thinking and hoping exactly the same. If it weren't for the breaking sound, I wouldn't be that concerned. Never the less, I put in a 180 mile ride yesterday without any hint of trouble. You may be right.