First Ride Since New

[nunzo]

Gang,

Just thought I would post my feedback on a 75 mile breakin ride today. Picked up my new 06 last Tuesday and rode 6 miles home in freezing temps. Today the weather was a balmy 51 degrees. Trying to bet through the breakin period so I can hit some higher revs. I kept the rev's below 5K rather than the suggested 3500 RPM's (too hard to do.)

Heated grips worked well, tires scrubbed in and brake pads seated. The stumbling of the idle seemed to improve after I used up the 1/2 tank from the dealer and refilled with 93 octane.

The bike still appears to stumble at low speeds...almost like loading up too rich??? Maybe I'm not used to the triple yet?

Front brakes need pumped to get some feel in them. Is this the mushy feeling that is referenced on these pages?? The front brakes feel like there is air in the lines. When I take the bike in for the luggage install, I will have the dealer look at them.

As a side note, has anyone installed the Triumph Silerncers to improve sound & performance?? If so, do the pipes help the idling and low rpm take off from a standstill? Obviously, the bike will get a new upload for the mapping for the pipes. Any advice would be appreciated.

I can't wait to get the revs into the 8500-9500 range.

[PaloAlto]

Nunzo,

Congratulations on the bike. Re the brakes, dealers don't seem to be able to do much about them. You might try the "push the pads in and pump them out" trick, as discussed in other threads, to re-seat the pistons/pads closer to the rotors. If it works for you, you'll get instant gratification.

Bern

[playinthestreet]

I had the can and map installed before I picked up the bike so I can't compare with the stock unit. It surely sounds better, without being offensive. You might find a change to an 18t countershaft sprocket (19t standard) improves low end drivability. JT Sprockets has 'em for about $25 and I think you'd find that the best $25 you'll ever spend on the ST.

[Yimm]

I also took my new '06 out on Sunday at right around 400 miles to wind it up a little for the first time and see how it would do. I went with two friends who ride SV650s and are fast accomplished riders. We did about 100 miles of canyon riding in Northern CA. I kept up with them no problem in the twisties. Chassis is well balanced but I found the suspension lacking compared to what I'm used to. It's mushy but v. harsh in the bumps at speed. But, overall the bike was impressive for such a heavyweight and actually handled better than I expected. Tires were good without pushing at the front, but I did get a couple of slight slides from the rear under power. It's weight takes a lot of effort for the fast left right swaps in the esses.

I'm very happy with her and she has no more issues than most. The brakes suck, suspension is inadequate for such a capable chassis, and she runs hot. These things are minor and can all be fixed, and I'll have a great time over the winter sorting them out. She's definitely a keeper.

[scott_spry]

There are seemingly endless posts about brakes on this forum if you do a search. It seems like the most common solution is removing the pads and cleaning the calipers. Put a thin block of wood between the calipers to keep them from squirting completely out of the boot and pump them out to expose the majority of the caliper for cleaning. Spray with brake cleaner and wipe.

I've never had a problem with my brakes, but I did this procedure early on as a preventative measure. I also applied a light brushing of lithium brake grease (not petroleum grease) to the calipers to keep them sliding in the boot. This can be picked up at an auto store.

I also had to bleed the front line after removing it to install risers, so that may have also had a positive effect. There are also posts describing this process if you do a search for 'bleeding'. Of course, if you don't want to risk this yourself, ask your dealer to do it. Spongy brakes should be covered under warranty, whether Triumph agrees or not!