Triumphrat

imaginager · 03-23-2012, 12:28 AM

I recently decided to turn in my Thruxton and trade up for a new S3. Talked with my local dealer and was told the 2013 model is expected sometime in July. Currently, they don't have any S3s in stock, just one S3 R (which I don't need). I've got a 2012 S3 on order, which is expected in later April. However, I read this article by Kevin Ash (http://www.ashonbikes.com/content/tr...eed-triple-r-0), and this paragraph caught my eye:

There’s one internal change to the Street Triple R: the gearbox is almost entirely new, featuring five engagement dogs per gear instead of four, with smaller tolerances, smoother splines for reduced friction and some material and shape changes. Sixth is 3.4 per cent lower too. This is not a Speed Triple R exclusive though, the new box will find its way into all future 1050 triples in order to improve shift action and reduce backlash.

Question: does anyone know whether this new gearbox will find its way into the 2013 S3?? If yes, that might make me wait an extra 3-4 months for a 2013 model.

HairyAdult · 03-23-2012, 01:48 AM

Don't know but it sounds good.

NTek · 03-23-2012, 02:21 AM

If you have the option to get the updated clutch do it. Ask the dealer if the new clutch is already in the 12? Number 1 most annoying thing about the S3 is the clutch. Especially in the rain or other 'distracting' conditions where the last thing you want to be paying attention to or f'ing around with or forcing is the clutch. 2nd annoyance is the lack of gear indicator (who leaves a gear indicator off of a street bike? ***!?). For the very same reasons - when you're distracted in traffic and have to shift a lot and don't want to be bothered keeping a running tally in your head of up and down shifts... I ride/commute everyday and with this recent bit of crap weather riding in the rain in traffic has highlighted these for me. Aren't these designers from England? And doesn't it piss there all the time? And foggy the rest? You'd think they'd have a clue...
I personally think Triumph should recall the old clutch and replace with the new. This is of course assuming the new one is any better, which we only have the R reviews to give us a clue about. The gear indicator I can take because at least when I bought the bike I knew it wasn't there and I made the concession then.
Everything else about the bike is fantastic so don't let my moment of pissyness put you off.

Crogers · 03-23-2012, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NTek

If you have the option to get the updated clutch do it. Ask the dealer if the new clutch is already in the 12? Number 1 most annoying thing about the S3 is the clutch. Especially in the rain or other 'distracting' conditions where the last thing you want to be paying attention to or f'ing around with or forcing is the clutch. 2nd annoyance is the lack of gear indicator (who leaves a gear indicator off of a street bike? ***!?). For the very same reasons - when you're distracted in traffic and have to shift a lot and don't want to be bothered keeping a running tally in your head of up and down shifts... I ride/commute everyday and with this recent bit of crap weather riding in the rain in traffic has highlighted these for me. Aren't these designers from England? And doesn't it piss there all the time? And foggy the rest? You'd think they'd have a clue...
I personally think Triumph should recall the old clutch and replace with the new. This is of course assuming the new one is any better, which we only have the R reviews to give us a clue about. The gear indicator I can take because at least when I bought the bike I knew it wasn't there and I made the concession then.
Everything else about the bike is fantastic so don't let my moment of pissyness put you off.

Mine is in the shop right now for the clutch problem.. I hope my dealer comes thru and replaces it

DeanRider · 03-23-2012, 02:13 PM

As the OP clearly states, the Triumph factory is fitting a new gearbox not a clutch to the Speed III!! Not too sure when it will appear on all the 1050 Triples though. I guess as they run out of the older ones...

It seems as if the gearbox will be an improvement to that fitted on the current 1050 models -- although I have never complained about the original gearbox on my 2002 955i Daytona which changes like a knife in soft butter!

Be that as it may, this will not be the same for everyone. As Kevin Ash has written (cited by imaginager): "There’s one internal change to the Street Triple R: the gearbox is almost entirely new, featuring five engagement dogs per gear instead of four, with smaller tolerances, smoother splines for reduced friction and some material and shape changes. Sixth is 3.4 per cent lower too. This is not a Speed Triple R exclusive though, the new box will find its way into all future 1050 triples in order to improve shift action and reduce backlash".

Full review can be read here

tim-s · 03-23-2012, 02:50 PM

I'm picking my new Speed up next Friday.

I believe it's got the new gearbox,though I've never found the 'box on my 09 to be a problem.

I'll check with the salesman next week.

imaginager · 03-23-2012, 10:49 PM

Stopped by my local dealer today and asked. They had no idea, but said they would contact Triumph USA to find out whether there's a planned (or, already occurred) cut-over at a specific VIN. I'll post back any results.

Joe Houle · 03-23-2012, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NTek

when you're distracted in traffic and have to shift a lot and don't want to be bothered keeping a running tally in your head of up and down shifts..

You'd think they'd have a clue...

So you are saying that a visual gear indicator, mounted down on the clocks, will help prevent you from being further distracted, and pay better attention to traffic?

I'm thinking maybe getting a better feel for the machine will help you do that. If you are having to think about the gears and the clutch, you just need to ride more, think less, it'll get more intuitive

I don't shift up or down to a light, I shift when the bike needs it. 1st has an obvious feel, and you will know you are in 6th because you will be going really fast, and there won't be any gears left.

I'm also thinking Triumph designers def have a clue.

yerwolnahtan · 03-24-2012, 12:43 AM

A gear indicator would be nice, but i agree with joe, its not really needed. I pretty much shift up or down based on where my rpms are, not by what number gear i feel like i should be in.

DeanRider · 03-24-2012, 01:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imaginager

...2nd annoyance is the lack of gear indicator (who leaves a gear indicator off of a street bike? ***!?). For the very same reasons - when you're distracted in traffic and have to shift a lot and don't want to be bothered keeping a running tally in your head of up and down shifts...

The bike does come with a programmable array of gear change lights, providing the rider with a visual indication of when to change gear. Not very helpful in traffic (!), but ideal when riding with the pack on Sunday or the occasional track day...