Triumphrat

AZSprintOwner · 11-24-2009, 01:50 PM

Hello all,

I purchased a 2000 Sprint RS about 6 weeks ago. I absolutely love the bike!

I purchased it from the original owner, who seemed pretty knowledeable and did his own maintenance. He kept all the records, including every valve clearance measurement he made, size of shims, etc.

The last valve adjustment he made was at 34000 miles (I now have 38K on it) and the smallest shim he used was a 2.3. It seems like quite a drop from the 2.5 size shim he put in at 24,000 miles.

My question is, how long do you think I have before I drop below the magic 2.0 number and have to replace the head? Also, anyone know how much that costs? The engine is in otherwise great shape - doesn't leak a drop of oil and doesn't seem to use any.

Thanks!

Matt

stinky93071 · 11-24-2009, 02:11 PM

guessing here, but keep it in spec doing the oil change keep it off the redline. 100k+

Calliway · 11-24-2009, 04:16 PM

FYI - 2.3 is the most common shim used on Triumph motors at my dealer.

DaveM · 11-24-2009, 05:20 PM

For comparison

I have 65,000 kms of very hard kms on my '04 955 Sprint ST, much of this fast two up stuff in the hills.

I am expecting mine to see way past 100,000kms, it runs better than ever and burns about 200ml of oil every 5000 kms.

Cheers
DaveM

DanAlcock · 11-24-2009, 11:08 PM

I have a 2000 sprint RS with 52,000 hard miles on in mostly in the 5500 - 8500 rpm range . I burn less than 1/2 quart of oil between 5000 mile oil changes. Engine runs strong. Valves have been adjusted twice, and last about 8000 miles ago, and only one shim has been replaced so far. Yeah, I know, sounds unbelievable but its true...

SignGuy2112 · 11-25-2009, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanAlcock

I have a 2000 sprint RS with 52,000 hard miles on in mostly in the 5500 - 8500 rpm range . I burn less than 1/2 quart of oil between 5000 mile oil changes. Engine runs strong. Valves have been adjusted twice, and last about 8000 miles ago, and only one shim has been replaced so far. Yeah, I know, sounds unbelievable but its true...

Not unbelievable at all. I too have a 2000 Sprint RS (Lucifer Orange) with 29,500 miles on it.

I bought it new as a leftover in 2001 and have loved it ever since. The 955i engines are pretty bullet proof as long as you keep up with the maintenance and use the proper fluids (oil, coolent, etc.).

I have found that as I've gotten older the crotch rocket posture for me is no longer comfortable for long trips as it used to be. But I just recently went to the dark side and bought a new Harley for long cruises.

I thought about selling the RS to make more room in the shed, but I was afraid I'd miss the thrill of the RS when I feel the need for speed again. Maybe I'll reconsider come spring and post it on this site's classifieds for sale.

It really is a sharp and classy ride still. I'm surprised that Triumph dis-continued the model. But I have a feeling it was because of the fire at the Hinkley Plant destroying most of the RS production equipment.

Maybe they'll re-issue the RS someday.

steventhechef · 11-25-2009, 07:16 PM

They were never a big seller either SignGuy2112. Must be the half fairing I guess. Plus the ST's do look pretty schmick IMO

I don't have as many K's (46,000km) on mine but regularly see ST's and RS's for sale with 100,000 K's on the clock.

I have done all of the regular maintenance (shims by a mechanic) and have never have any shims replaced or issues with it at all. Doesn't leak or use oil at all.

They really are the perfect bike for me.