New to Triumph

[simlog]

Newbie here and just picked up 97 Trident 900 (885cc)Sprint in green and have a couple of questions.

1. How do I find out exactly what model/version it is.
2.Is there a web based parts catalogue available anywhere.
3.What should I expect in terms of top speed. I'm reaching 95mph and it's running out of steam. I've read 110-120mph is the norm.
4.If 95mph is below par, any ideas for what might be causing lack of top end.
5.How do I test a faulty temp gauge ?
6.What is the expected tank range from full to fuel light on ?

thanks

Simon

[MotT3]

Hi Simon...

I'll put in my bit..

Temp gauges read very low so don't think they are bust necassarily, in town they creep up, does the fan kick in at all ?

Top speed should be easy 120..speedos can be a little erratic though so have a mate verify just how fast you are actually going.

Tank range varies mostly to how it is ridden but they are quite thirsty beasts so anything between 120-150+ is ball park.

I believe Bike Bandit in the USA have an on line parts list but using their part numbers not Triumphs.

Oh and pictures are compulsory of your bike...nasty things happen to you in the toilets around here if you don't post up pictures ;-)

Cheers
Mot

[Roden]

Welcome Simon.

Mot's got your questions covered.
One thing though, explain "run out of steam". Is it breaking down, does it accelerate through the gears ok, is it stock re pipes and jetting, a bit more info will help.

Where abouts are you?

Cheers,

Roden

[seumas]

As for the expected tank range, my fuel light goes on at around 140 miles. It goes on reserve around 180. I usually split the difference and fill up at around 160. Around town I average 33-34 mpg (US gallon) and I've seen as high as 42 on the road. Newer models have different carbs and seem to get better mileage.

[Derswede]

Simon, I've had my Sprint (Exec...with the panniers) for about 6 months now and went thru some of the same questions. The temp gauge on mine stays in the low range except on hot days in traffic...as was stated, if the fan is coming on and the gauge stays below half-way up I'd say you're safe (more experienced OPs can correct me please!!). As for top speed, mine breaks "the ton" with no problems, loaded panniers and the duffel strapped across the back. I've got a Rifle screen on mine as well which give a bit more wind resistance. As for fuel mileage, my last fillup netted me 51.4 mpg. Longest run on a tank was 242 miles. Light comes on around 160-180 miles on mine. Bike's got 52K on it now, I've put 5K on it in 6 mo. time. Love it!

Oh, and do check the alternator bolt (easy check). Mine was broken but caused no damage as I caught it in time (and thanks again to the 'Listers for the good info on that!).

Derswede

[The Vicar]

Hi Simon, Tank tange is 200 -250 miles. The low light normally comes on anywhere between 150 - 180 miles and reserve is usually turned on at 200 miles. Top speed should be towrads the 140 mph mark. Have you checked things like sticking brakes etc?

[daytona 750]

i believe the tridents used a 5 speed box, rather than the 6 speed that the daytonas have, my daytona 750 tops out at around 140mph, and can get it to about 120 in 5th, so i would say you arent getting full power.infact, most 1252t sportsbiokes can manage 90-95 top end, so you should probably have a look.
if you need any engine work doing, consider finding a daytona 900 super 3 engine.it wil have 6 speed box, and is tuned by cosworth.it has exactly the same engine casings, so will definatley fit!

[KitNYC]

Welcome, Simon.

A picture might help us tell you which model you have, but the big difference between a Trident & a Sprint is that the Sprint came with a half fairing.

Top speed should be in the neighborhood 125-130 real MPH. (Might be as high as 150 indicated, the speedo tends to read fast.) Top speed of 95MPH indicated is indicative of some kind of problem. (Your rear sprocket isn't as big as your wheel, is it?)

How is your temp gauge faulty? Actually, I guess it doesn't really matter. 99% of temp gauge problems are the sender at the top left of the motor.

Also, AFAIK all Tridents & Sprints had 6 speeds. My '96 'dent definitely did.

Cheers,
-Kit

[simlog]

Hi there,

MOT3:
Yes the temp gauge creeps off the back stop when running but barely registers. Not sure if the fan comes on. Will do some more tests and see how the temp sensor is performaing with a meter. Please see signature and avatar.

Roden:
I'm in the UK, pretty much smack bang in the middle (Birmingham).Bike seems to pull ok up to about 80mph then struggles up to 95mph and that is it. Stock pipes..not sure about jetting.I've had the plugs out,cleaned and checked gaps.

Derswede:
What is the problem with the "alternator bolt" Help..sounds serious!!!

KitNYC:
See pics: Sprocket seems standard.Yes, it's a 6 speed.

Thanks to all responses..

Simon

[cheapsk8]

Simon,

When I first bought my '95 Trident with 17k on it, I couldn't get the bike past 95 mph. I pulled the carbs to find two of my diaphragms had tears in them. After fixing this, the bike does an easy 120mph. It also gets better gas mileage now.

The problem could possibly lie somewhere else, but you might want to examine the carb status. A good simple test given to me by KitNYC, was to spray the headers with water with a spray bottle to see if the water evaporates on all three. Mine only evaporated on two, and I knew I had a problem.

Good luck.