Tips for a Newb

[lwbrown]

Hi,
Just bought my first Triumph yesterday. A 2000 Sprint RS with 57k on the clock, and despite some minor cosmetic issues, I'm already in love. I've wanted a bike like this for as long as I can remember.
Anyway, just looking for some pro-tips as a new to both Sport Bike riding and Triumph owning, especially Sprint RS info.
Anything I need to watch out for? Dummy stuff, that only a newbie like myself wouldn't know?
Already have some minor mechanical issues that need to get taken care of right away:
-Clutch is SUPER stiff, but I'm in the process of lubing and re-routing the cable, and have a new, OEM, lever coming (the one on now is a shortie) for more leverage, and a new cable, to see if that fixes the problem. I have this gut feeling that the issue is deeper, the resistance doesn't feel like cable drag, it feels heavily mechanical, and I bet will find me in the underpants of that clutch basket.
-One of the radiator hoses is leaking. Looks like the hose itself is way too big for the receiving end on the bottom left of the radiator. It's quite a bit flared, too. So that's a priority replacement.

I'm probably going to bring her to my local dealer just to get a run-through, because I bought it from a guy who knew next to nothing about it, and only owned it for a couple months. I just have this bad feeling...

Wish me luck.

Thank you.

[Mickea]

Congratulations, IMHO I dont think you will be disappointed.
I recon if you spend s little bit of time on here and search for some of the answers to your questions you will learn loads.
Loads of luck Mick
PS Clutch is heavy first off, but after you have checked the cable for free movement there are a couple of tricks to lower the leverage required.

[DaveM]

Welcome to the forum lwbrown

You bought yourself a great bike.

Cheers
Dave

[steventhechef]

They are an excellent bike. Look for the Regulator Rectifier mod. It will save some $ and heart ache in the end

[lwbrown]

What does a regulator rectifier mod do?

[XL1200R]

Replaces the crappy one that came on it. Also, don't drop it, that's my advice!

[kredge]

2000 RS has automotive type alternator- no need for Reg/Rec mod.
I just replaced my clutch cable and the pull effort is greatly reduced.
I'd just replace that hose, flush the coolant and change the oil. Also, have the shop load test the battery.
Tires? Chain & sprockets? Brake pads?

[lwbrown]

Originally Posted by Mickea

Congratulations, IMHO I dont think you will be disappointed.
I recon if you spend s little bit of time on here and search for some of the answers to your questions you will learn loads.
Loads of luck Mick
PS Clutch is heavy first off, but after you have checked the cable for free movement there are a couple of tricks to lower the leverage required.

You were right. The clutch has become much easier to pull after re-routing the cable and doing a little lube job. Still have a new one on the way and an OEM lever. Thank you.

[lwbrown]

Originally Posted by kredge

2000 RS has automotive type alternator- no need for Reg/Rec mod.
I just replaced my clutch cable and the pull effort is greatly reduced.
I'd just replace that hose, flush the coolant and change the oil. Also, have the shop load test the battery.
Tires? Chain & sprockets? Brake pads?

Tires, chain, and sprockets all appear fine. Have to fix a fuel leak, oil change, and the work on the radiator and I should be in tip-top...until next time. Ha.
Thank you.

[CharlieS]

It would be really good to lube the rear wheel bearing and the headstock bearing. A number of people have reported poor lubrication from the factory on the headstock. Lubing the rear wheel bearing is a good thing to do on every rear tire change, in my own opinion.
Metal fuel fittings from Colder will eliminate potential fuel leaks.

Then you have the fun things, like quick turn throttle mod, fuel pressure regulator mod, 18T front sprocket, upgrading starter cables, upgrading headlamp wiring. Get TuneECU and a VAG OBDII cable to access the ECU. It's great for troubleshooting and clearing faults.

Fresh oil, clean brake fluid are important. Keep it clean and check it often. The more you know about the condition of your machine, the better off you will be.

Have fun, but not too much fun