Triumphrat

motocyco · 09-28-2005

Hi Everyone, on a more positive note, I'd like to put in a good word for the folks at Hampton Motorsports on CR 39 in Southampton. Their number is 631-283-1700 and the owner is Mike. These guys are old school, lots of hard work and love for the machines, no posing. They also do storage, transport, emergency pick ups, etc. Although they are not an official Triumph dealer, they work on a lot of Ducatis, Triumphs, and other exotics and are more than capable of routine maintenance. They also deal in lightly used bikes taken in trade, that's how I got my 01 S3 (on ebay, no less). Best of Luck to windwaves, crudmop and everyone taking there life in their hands riding on LI and NYC.

windwaves · 09-28-2005

mookieblaylock,
I believe you, I could probably say I know so. However, when you live in Manhattan a lot of obvious things suddenly become less obvious, particularly when you have two boys and an intense job. And the last thing I want to do is work on my bike on the w/e. I have just enough time for a ride or two. Of course in part this is also a choice, no doubt about it.

Now, back to the oil change, a very BASIC QUESTION:
can you actually see the level on your bikes ? On my S3 3k, it is almost impossible....

Captain_Rat · 09-28-2005

If your question is how to check the oil level, then:

Let the engine warm up for a few minutes and shut it off. Let it sit for a few minutes for the oil to settle. Unscrew the oil dipstick and wipe it clean. Set the bike upright (sit on it) and then screw the dipstick back into place. Pull it out again to check the level. Sometimes you may have to wipe the dipstick and screw it in a couple of times if there is residual oil in the tube that is getting on the dipstick.

Capt.

ken750f · 09-28-2005

windwaves,

Glad to hear you got your bike back and that you were able to negotiate a somewhat equitable resolution. Hopefully lesson learned and time to ride on!!!!!!!!!

I had a crappy experience with the dealer I bought my bike from when it came to service/repair issues - I chalked it up to lesson learned, be more cautious next time, do more "self" service (I understand that's a little more difficult for you) - and RIDE ON..........

Hope your bike is running well and you can get back to the joy of riding.................

windwaves · 09-28-2005

Thanks Capt.,
good to know. What confused me is the little window that supposedly exists (at least on the 2k model) just for checking the oil (as per manual), and that is very very difficult to see. You can't seat on the bike because the window is way low on the engine block; but then you need to hold to bike straight so it can't be on the kick stand.......

Anyhow, the old stick way is easy, glad that it can be done.

While I am at it, a couple of basic simple questions. If the level of oil is low, do you ever simply add some, or when it comes to oil should it always be replaced ? If both things are done (either add and/or replace) what is the "normal" relationship between the two. In other words, assuming adding oil is actually the right thing to do at times, is one likely to know when to replace normally based upon, mileage or what ?

thx !
ww

windwaves · 09-28-2005

Crudmop,
so DISAPPOINTING to hear your story and with the same dealer. Obviously I am not surprised. I can't believe they treat people like that, I just can't believe it.

Ken750,
thanks man. I do appreciate your comments and lesson learned is always an essential component. I should have been more cautious, nonetheless they went too far and this time I had to do something.
As to the bike itself I can't wait to take it to my old trusted mechanic, he'll check it out, and do the valves, then I will feel safe. Now I wish I did not have to ride all the way back to nyc before that though, from eastern LI !

ww

crudmop · 09-28-2005

WW, never complain when you get to ride a bit longer

As well - don't be afraid to take it over to the guys at Ramp. In the experiences I have had with them so far (service with my s3, purchase of my GF's s3 from there, as well as friend's purchase of a Daytona 955) have been absolutely awesome. They really take care of you, are interested in keeping you happy and will do whatever they can to make the experience quick and painless. Worth giving 'em a shot.

Best of luck - glad to hear you are back on the road. See you up at PJ sometime :chug:

Captain_Rat · 09-28-2005

Ah, forgot you had the 2k model. A little different that the 2002-2004, where there is no window. Is there still a dipstick on that model, or are you supposed to rely on the window?

Change (replace) your oil based on mileage, but add oil, if needed, between changes. If you are replacing a lot of oil then it's time to see your mechanic friend to see what's going on. I'm between changes at the moment and added just an ounce or two recently when I saw that it was down just a bit.

Just an FYI, the first time I changed my 2002's oil I just had the trusty manual by my side. If you have everything you need (oil, filter, filter wrench, something to catch the oil in, and the ratchets, funnel) it should take you less than 30 minutes. Believe me when I say that it's a really easy do-it-yourself job. Do it once and you'll never feel the need to have a shop do it again. Just make sure you have EVERYTHING when you do it. (Although it's easy for me to say since I live in the sticks and do it in my driveway, not in the middle of NYC).

Capt.

[ This message was edited by: Captain_Rat on 2005-09-28 14:09 ]

97TB · 09-28-2005

Here's a good thread for do-it-yourself oil changes --->BAM!

rat · 09-28-2005

There's no dipstick on the 2k model; you need to use the little window to check the level. The bike must be upright to get an accurate reading. The level should sit between the upper and lower marks, all of which are impossible to see whilst sitting on the bike unless you have a neck like a swan or can lick your own genitals.

What I do is unscrew one of the mirrors and prop it up beside the bike against a brick on the ground. Sit on the bike and push the mirror around with your foot until you can see the window. Crude, but effective...

Oil quantity is specified as 4 litres with a dry filter. Tip 3.5 litres in with a funnel and run the motor for a minute, then let the oil settle for 5 mins. Check the level again and top up as required. It's better to start with too little oil than too much, as it's difficult to drain the excess. If you tip 4 litres in you'll end up with too much as not all the oil will drain.

When draining run the motor 'til it's warm to make the oil thinner, and if possible let it drain overnight with the bike upright. Do NOT run the motor without oil as an attempt to pump out the remaining oil!!