Triumphrat

jonbrain · 08-09-2008, 05:05 PM

Anyone heard of this problem? I have a new (900 Miles) 2007 Speed Triple. About 100 miles ago I started to hear a very apparent "ping," possibly comming from the top end, but not sure. It doesn't happen until I shift up from 1st gear, but is prevalent from there on, regardless of rpm. This is my first Triumph, but I've had lots of other bikes and this doesn't sound normal at all. I just dropped the bike off at the dealer. Thanks for any input.

88blkbird · 08-09-2008, 05:15 PM

Like an octane ping? What grade of gas are you using? Is it possible you got a tank of 89 octane?

Joemomma · 08-09-2008, 06:11 PM

89 octane is correct for US models...

88blkbird · 08-09-2008, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joemomma

89 octane is correct for US models...

Could still be a bad tank of gas.. either way the dealer should get to the bottom of it and it's under warranty so it should be no issue. Personally I will only go to name-brand gas stations just in case. Once I filled up my Seca only to have it begin running poorly and backfire the next time I started it. Had to dump the tank of gas, it had water and other junk in it, caused damage to my starter. Needless to say I never went back to that gas station.

Major Kong · 08-09-2008, 06:25 PM

On hard acceleration, initially, mine always sounds like it's detonating. I run 92octane in it. The compression ratio is 12:1, so it is a stratified charge engine. I was really concerned at first. I think it is just the air injection reeds catching up to the change in engine speed. I have not seen any indication of engine detonation in terms of engine performance.

I don't worry about it anymore.

Zip

Eldercanuck · 08-09-2008, 09:38 PM

I'll bet you money that the "pinging" you are hearing is in fact a slightly tight chain in need of cleaning and lube. The S3 really prefers the chain to be on the loose end of the recommended chain slack.

I've gone through this exact situation. I could've sworn it was pinging, changed gasoline brands, octanes, etc...but in the end, the chain was simply a little tight and required some TLC. When I did this, the "pinging" magically disappeared.

Even if you think I'm completely daft, please try my advice. The worst that can happen is that you're out a half hour and your chain looks and works great!

jonbrain · 08-10-2008, 02:12 AM

Fantastic input, which I appreciate very much. I have indeed been using 89 octane (recommended in my owners manual), but will of course try running a higher octane.
Very interesting comment about the chain; my riding buddy told me he thought he had a clinking coming from the chain as we were riding side by side. Depending on what the dealer says, I'll certainly try both of these remedies. Thanks, again, for the replies.

B5.5_Passat · 08-13-2008, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonbrain

Fantastic input, which I appreciate very much. I have indeed been using 89 octane (recommended in my owners manual), but will of course try running a higher octane.
Very interesting comment about the chain; my riding buddy told me he thought he had a clinking coming from the chain as we were riding side by side. Depending on what the dealer says, I'll certainly try both of these remedies. Thanks, again, for the replies.

It is probably pinging from the gas. Being a 12:1 compression engine 89 octane is far too low. I would run no lower than 92, we are lucky enough to have Sunoco 94 octane in the midwest.

jonbrain · 08-13-2008, 12:39 PM

Thanks for the response. The bike is still at the shop and I haven't heard from them, yet, but I am definitely going to be putting 92 octane upon its return. 92 is what I put in my Valkyrie and XR's, but the S3 is my first new bike in a while so I thought I follow the manual's recommendation. It will be interesting to see what the dealer's mechanics say. Thanks, again.

heisrisen · 08-13-2008, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonbrain

Thanks for the response. The bike is still at the shop and I haven't heard from them, yet, but I am definitely going to be putting 92 octane upon its return. 92 is what I put in my Valkyrie and XR's, but the S3 is my first new bike in a while so I thought I follow the manual's recommendation. It will be interesting to see what the dealer's mechanics say. Thanks, again.

i started with 89 and went to 91 or 92 after awhile and i consistently get 39 mpg,4 more than before