Common S3 issues

[mbeebe900]

Hi All,
At 97TB's suggestion I thought I would begin an official common problems/issues topic for S3 owners. While the S3 is a inarguably reliable and solid bike right out of the box relative to many others out there, there are some things which seem to come up repeatedly among its riders-

97TB pointed out mirrors, headstock bearings, and exhaust systems.

I would add that the seat usually needs an update for most folks. My personal recommended solution is to ship it out to sargent and have them redo it. They do a great job at making it comfortable and good-looking too.

Next, I might suggest clip-ons if you prefer that riding position. Here you can't go wrong with the Two-bros adjustable riser ones. They are simply the best ones on the market in terms of adjustability and craftsmanship. However if, like myslelf, you don't have 3 bills to drop on bars, you might want to look into Woodcrafts they work great and personally I think they look badass.

As for other common issues/mods/problems, feel free to post your thoughts/additions to this thread, let's make it a one-stop preemptive measure resource for those new to Speed Triple ownership!


Edit: Here's a link to the recent 05-06 model brake survey for those who are interested:

Brake Survey

[ This message was edited by: mbeebe900 on 2006-06-07 10:50 ]

[McDave]

It seems that clutch cables tend to break. Hadn't happened to me though. What do others think?

[Speed3]

My clutch cable broke at 1500 miles on the friday before july 4th '01, all packed for a trip. Had to wait 2 weeks for a cable. Fixed under warranty. Also the fuel fittings should be replaced before they crack and spew fuel. There's been a recall, but I replaced mine with the better ones from rideteamtriumph.

[Klugman]

ALWAYS with any cable clutch bike, keep an extra under the seat.

Thats just the nature of the beast.

Also I highly recomend a K&N air filter.

[Tim_Z]

I have just broken the speedometer drive on my 04. It is one year old and 8800 miles. I don't wheelie and suspect that the culprit was the sunken drain i found at about 25 mph. It wasn't long after that it went out. Also, my friend has an 04. When his bike was about two months old his broks also. I Believe he had come upon a piece of wood in the road and hit it.

So, I don't know if it is a common problem or we are both just unlucky. I am only worried about having to pay for the replacements after the warranty expires.

Tim

[McDave]

On 2005-02-10 15:44, Klugman wrote:
ALWAYS with any cable clutch bike, keep an extra under the seat.
Thats just the nature of the beast.

Forgive me for saying this, but I feel it's the nature of this particular beast (if at all). I previously owned UJM and never had clutch problems. Several of my friends who can't really afford to buy a new bike every few years, ride older UJM and they never had any trouble with their clutches. For instance 1999 Yamaha R6 with around 40.000 miles on the clock - still the first clutch cable. Never broke.

Like I said, I haven't had any trouble with my S3 so far, I just feel that if there is a problem with the clutch cable, it is primarily a problem with S3 clutch cable, not an overall problem.

[Speed3]

There was a recall on the '01 S3's, to replace the cable with one with a curved tube where the cable goes into the lever. I'm lucky mine broke in the driveway.

[quote]
On 2005-02-14 10:30, McDave wrote:

Like I said, I haven't had any trouble with my S3 so far, I just feel that if there is a problem with the clutch cable, it is primarily a problem with S3 clutch cable, not an overall problem.


Some geezers might remember when it was common for blokes to carry spares of all their cables, ready routed through the bike and taped to the handle bars, so that when they broke they could swap them straight over with no messin' about...... mind you them same blokes probably wouldn't think twice about strippin' their engine at the side of the road.

[CanyonChaser]

My clutch cable broke twice in the first season of riding. Then I had a local dirt bike shop rebuild the cable innards and reinforced the top where it mounts into lever with a brass collar. No problems since. Tis an extremely minor problem, unless it happens right before the forth of july when you're planning a trip...

A broken cable speaks nothing about the reliability of Triumph. I don't give a rip what sombody elses yamhondasaki did... sorry.

dp

Now sure if what I have is common, but these are the troubles I have had with mine.


- Overheating, radiator cap and thermostat went bad

- soft front rim dents easily

- speedo cable broke

- fan assymbly melted because triumph glues the plastic cheap fan to the housing