Triumphrat

xsquiggy · 04-11-2004

Hello gangsters, I recently purchased my first triple,,,,a black 2000 Speed Triple. The bike exceeds my expectations.

A couple questions:

After I ride the bike for a couple hours, a few drops of oil leaks from someplace under the right footpeg. I can't see where the leak is originating. Some people have told me it's just my Triumph marking it's territory. It doesn't bother me, but if there's an easy fix, I'd like to fix it.

My bike just turned over 12,000 miles. It's time for the 12K mi service but the dealer wants 700-800 U.S.D. How critical is the valve adjustment at 12K miles? The bike runs extremely well, and I'm wondering if I can wait a bit longer (like next winter, lol) before taking it in for service.

Has anyone done track days with their S3? This bike handles like a freakin dream, so I plan on doing my first track day ever very soon.

Lastly, what tires are you running? My bike came with Continental ST tires, and they actually hook up very well. I think I'm putting another set of ST tires on it next time,,,,maybe Pilot Roads. Any thoughts? Later, Dave.

04-11-2004

hey xsquiggy,

Congrats on the new bike and I hope you have many miles of safe fun on it.

To answer some of your questions: As far as the oil leak, check to make sure the oil dipstick is screwed in tight. Also, check to make sure the o-ring holding the dipstick seal isn't worn/damaged. As far as tires, my '02 came shod with Bridgestone BT010. For the price, they stick really well and even hold up for an occasional track day. The front tends to cup a bit under hard cornering, but I've never felt it affect the grip.

Don't know about the valve adjustment. I'm coming up on mine soon so I'd be interested to hear what comes of yours.

beers2u · 04-11-2004

Congrats on a great bike. FWIW, I was unemployed when the 12K service was due on my '00 RS and asked my dealer (one I consider very mechanically "aware" of Triumphs) this same question. I was told not to worry, that at 12K very few triples need adjustment. So, I waited until 19K and even then only three shims needed replacing and all were still within spec, but close enough to warrant replacement.

xsquiggy · 04-12-2004

Thanks for the replies gentlemen! That's great new about the valves. My buddy has a 2001 Yamaha R1, and the first scheduled valve adjustment was at 27,000 miles. At 27K, all of his valves were still within spec, so I figured I could get at least 20K out of mine on the S3.

This bike still amazes me! I rode with a pack of 30 other bikes last Saturday, and I had the only Triumph there. I was in the 2nd or 3rd position all day, riding with a fast guy on an R6 and another on a Gixxer 1K. When we stopped for a break, both said "Man, That Triple's Fast."
This bike has the most natural position when I'm hanging off the side, leaning forward in the twisties.

On the way home, I saw a Roulette Green Speed Four coming the opposite way (it was the only other Triumph I saw all day) and I was thinking to myself "well at least there's two of us who know what it's all about." LOL

I LOVE THIS BIKE!!!!! This thing has SOUL!

uptick · 04-12-2004

There are some "old" posts on tires on the site. Check 'em out in the search engine.
I run Avon 45/46 and have been quite happy. They are still new and cost a little more than some but took them on the notion of longevity. Good in the rain too.

beers2u · 04-12-2004

Quote:

I run Avon 45/46 and have been quite happy.

What he said. Superb tires. Can't wait to wear out the Bridgestones (currently at a wee bit past 1700 miles) and slap some Avons on.

kubloomfi · 04-13-2004

Just had the Avon 45/46's mounted on Saturday. So far, they seem great.
Here's some reviewer comments:
http://triumphrat.net/modules.php?op...wcontent&id=99

[ This message was edited by: kubloomfi on 2004-04-13 13:54 ]