Triumphrat

03-18-2007

I Just picked up a used speed 3 ('2004'), no owners manual. Previous owner said you had to run premium. is this true? I ran out the gas he had in it, put mid grade in it, bike ran fine for 60-70 miles. Now it smokes, hesitates just off throttle. I think I may have got some bad gas (no I didn't put diesel in it, I checked the pump the next day). I went to check the oil, but I am not sure if you check it on the side stand or straight up. These should be easy questions, I did some searches on the website but didn't find anything.

bfishman · 03-18-2007

scspeed3:

by no means an expert, but i'll hazard a response. as for the gas, i've heard here that the engine acutually runs better on regular unleaded...so the previous owner is full of it (not premium, thats for sure! :razz: ) now for checking the oil: dont know if your model has a center stand; my old girl (1995 triple) doesnt have one and the stand is bent to boot! try some shims under the stand to get yours close to level before checking the oil. unless it has a stand, this is the best you will be able to do!

hope i helped you out a bit...you might want to double check my answers to see if they are right first! :-D

KarmaPunk1 · 03-18-2007

I run plus, 89 or 91. I believe the manual states 89. No need to use premium.

Goffe · 03-18-2007

2004 has a different engine than 2005+. Hopefully someone with that engine can answer.

GPZ1170 · 03-19-2007

http://www.motorcycleperf.com/techtips/gasoline.htm

For what is it worth this is what I tend to agree with. It's worth your time to read.

limebone · 03-19-2007

I ride an '02 with the 955i engine. I believe the '04 has the same. The manual states 89 octane or higher. I run 89 with no probs. As for the oil it should be checked with the bike upright (not on the stand). The manual suggests you should use Mobil 4T in 15W 40. I use Repsol in the same grade with no unpleasant results. Hope this helps (also it's worth checking ebay for a shop manual-they are loaded with good info.)

TRISPEED · 03-19-2007

Use the Purolator Pure One oil filter #PL 14610 from your local auto parts store. Or the PL 14612 which is shorter. I like the longer one.

Skydakine · 03-19-2007

Quote:

On 2007-03-19 07:56, GPZ1170 wrote:
http://www.motorcycleperf.com/techtips/gasoline.htm

For what is it worth this is what I tend to agree with. It's worth your time to read.

Interesting read. The Triumph Owner's Manual recommends fuel without ethanol and a minimum of 89 Octane. The "techtips/gasoline" article says lower octane is fine for "normal driving." I didn't buy my S3 for normal driving. I run premium fuel all the time and I've never heard a "ping" from the engine and it performs as advertised. It must like it.

Goffe · 03-19-2007

Quote:

On 2007-03-19 15:51, Skydakine wrote:

Quote:

On 2007-03-19 07:56, GPZ1170 wrote:
http://www.motorcycleperf.com/techtips/gasoline.htm

For what is it worth this is what I tend to agree with. It's worth your time to read.

Interesting read. The Triumph Owner's Manual recommends fuel without ethanol and a minimum of 89 Octane. The "techtips/gasoline" article says lower octane is fine for "normal driving." I didn't buy my S3 for normal driving. I run premium fuel all the time and I've never heard a "ping" from the engine and it performs as advertised. It must like it.

Perhaps they meant "normal driving" for an S3? Perhaps I am a little weird. Regardless, I have used 89 and 92, and haven't noticed a difference. So, I stick with 92. :jest:

03-19-2007

Thanks for the help. At least this thing has a dipstick. I had a Vulcan 1500 with a sight glass, it was located between the pipes, and you had to be a gymnast to read it. My Harley runs on 93 octane, per the manual, I was hoping for some relief (for my wallet).