Triumphrat

bsanorton · 01-13-2008

Hello all, new to this forum, not new to motorcycles. My current lineup is a Buell S3T, Norton Interstate, RZ350, GT550, Road King and CB550. I've owned many Meridan Tridents over the years, but now would like to purchase a modern triple, RS. My buddy has owned a Thunderbird and now Tiger. I'm looking at a used one with 26K on it, can you tell me if I should be concerned about this mileage? Is there major differences between that year and later ones? If so, should I still consider a 2000 instead of looking for say a 2003, 2004 model? Thanks, Rich

upNorth · 01-13-2008

Welcome to the forum!

I would not be worried about 26k on an eight year old triple unless it is "maintenance deferred." As long as the oil has been changed and the valves checked occasionally, it should be sound. I have close to 45k on a 2000 triple - a Thunderbird - and it is a very strong motor. I've done the maintenance by the book except for changing oil between 4 and 5 k. The book says 6 k.

I would look for maintenance records or receipts and ride the thing. If it feels good and if you are provided with records/receipts, I would start negotiating price.

I'm not much help with differences between 2000 and later year RSs but someone will be along with good advice any minute.

I do have about 18k on an '06 Sprint. If I continue on course, at the end of next season, I'll have 27k on a three year old Sprint whose motor is a direct decendant of the 2000 triples. Given a little maintenance, they are bulletproof.

Calliway · 01-13-2008

Welcome to the forum. I cant say much about one year vs another although I will say that 26K is nothing on a triple. Many reports of them having 50,000 miles and still being just like brand new. I think the RS is a reall classy and unique bike. My Sprint is a 2005 with 25K on it and it is great.

KitNYC · 01-13-2008

I just bought my '04 RS in October with 15k on the clock. It's got about 18k now. I wouldn't worry about the miles; at least you know it's been ridden....

As far as the motors go, there have been 4 generations of liter-ish triples out of Hinckley-

885cc triple. Carbureted, used across the range in the beginning with minor variations between models. Used in original (Non-ST/RS) Sprints through '98 model year.

955 G1- 108BHP injected motor. Re-/de-tuned version of the T595 Daytona mill . Used in Sprint ST & RS models from '99-'01.

955 G2- 120BHP injected motor. The 955cc lump was significantly redesigned for the '02 model year. Used in '02-'04 models.

1050- Current production motor, introduced in '05.

IMHO, there's nothing that sounds quite as good as one of the original 885s & nothing that pulls quite as nicely as a G2 955, but that could be my personal bias.

Cheers, HTH,
-Kit

DaveM · 01-13-2008

Kit,
gets the cigar again!

Well said man.

DaveM

KitNYC · 01-13-2008

Thanks, Dave, but I quit smoking in August!

Cheers,
-Kit

steventhechef · 01-13-2008

Good post Kit. I concur

bsanorton · 01-13-2008

thanks all! Good stuff!!!

seumas · 01-13-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by KitNYC

IMHO, there's nothing that sounds quite as good as one of the original 885s & nothing that pulls quite as nicely as a G2 955, but that could be my personal bias.

Cheers, HTH,
-Kit

Wouldn't be because those are the two triples you've owned, would it?

BTW, I agree that nothing sounds quite like the 885 with a pipe. The closest thing I can think of is a big-block V-8 winding out.

JohnB · 01-13-2008

Rich,
I just bought a 2000 RS three weeks ago. It only had 3600 miles, which is not necessarily a good thing. The only problems I've had was the battery ($60) and my displays were in metric, which the guys here helped me out with.
I see your bike has 26000 miles. Were the valves inspected at 24000? If not, time to buy a manual and break out the tools. I intend to do a major once over as soon as I find the time. I'll probably just bite the bullet and do everything at once, which will include checking / replacing ...
air filter, spark plugs, fuel filter, brake fluid, valve clearances, and of course, an oil & filter job. The PO also gave me the Triumph carbon-fiber can,

, so I want to install that also, and have the dealer remap the ECU.

I don't think you'll regret buying the RS. It seems to me to be a pretty well made bike, good fit and finish (lovely paint), and has pretty good manners. I was a little nervous about the clip-ons (getting old), but it's actually pretty comfortable. Mine came with the zero-gravity windshield, which is pretty effective up to 100. I've tested the seat for a 300 mile day, and it was fine. For long distance touring, I believe Sargent makes a nice replacement.

Good luck with it
JohnB