Triumphrat

BigDummy · 06-23-2008

I'm thinking about picking up a bike that's nearing the 12K mark. Is this an expensive trip to the shop if I decide it's not a task I want to do at home?

miker · 06-23-2008

BD,

Welcome to the forum!

It shouldn't be too expensive, (although I hear there are a lot of shysters in Florida

) Perhaps not in Dunedin, more around Orlando....

Best check with your local dealer on what they charge, or, have the guy your buying the bike from get it done as part of the deal. Mine cost me $450 AUD, but I really don't know how our prices compare with yours.

In reality, there isn't much to go wrong, but you should check the valve clearances at 12,000, plus they would usually change the plugs, oil, air filters and depending on the weather change the air in the tyres to summer air

Mick

Silverstripes · 06-24-2008

Hi

I was quoted £ 450 (GDP) for a 12k service in the UK.

Did it myself for £ 120 for the parts and a day in the workshop. It is a large service with plugs and valve shims which is a tank removal job, Throttle bodies balancing and the fork oil changed.

There is a post on this site for the service schedule. I would suggest you search and print it as it will give you a better idea of whats involved.

Regards

greenman · 06-24-2008

I paid just over 300GBP 2 years ago, but there was only one valve to shim. The cost will depend partly on how many valves need adjusting.

Personally I would save money on the intermediate services which are half the price and quarter the work and spend it on having a good mechanic do the big one.

It's not just the price you should look at, its how well the job will be done.

RT · 06-24-2008

If you decide to check with a dealer would go to St Pete Powersports or Haps in Sarasota.

The guys in Odessa tend to be high vs these two dealers. If you call Powersports talk with Drew he runs the shop. They got a couple of really good wrench turners down there right now.
Felt they have always treated me right.

If you get the Tiger you need to hook up with our RAT. We can always use more Tigers. Think we have 5 in the group right now at last count

BigDummy · 06-24-2008

The guys down at Powersports are really nice. I've picked up a few parts from them already and they've treated me well. Maybe I'll tackle all the stuff on the list that I'm comfortable with and have them handle the valves if I'm still intimidated about doing it myself. Never thought about splitting the work up...
I just wanted to make sure it wasn't some BMW/Ducati 2K horror story that I'd be walking into a couple hundred miles after buying a bike.
Thanks for all the info. My Thruxton's days are numbered.

playinthestreet · 06-24-2008

Figure about 3.5-4hrs labor for all of it. I'm not sure of "all" of the items but made sure the brake fluid and coolant were changed. I'm fortunate to have a good shop and mechanic who I trust. I had new tires installed at the same visit so, rounding it off, I'd guess the service side of the bill was between $450-$500 including oil and filter changes. You could save $1-200 doing some of the work yourself I'm sure.

jmurguia · 06-24-2008

I bought my '06 just prior to the 12k service...it was expensive! Almost $550.00 at the new San Antonio, Tx. Dealership. Service also inlcuded new rear brake pads.

But, I view it as an investment and I cannot/will not perfom any maintenance myself...too risky b/c I'm clueless & mechanically challenged. They did a good job, but...

I was getting less 30 mpg and they said "it's something you have to live with...". I have a Staintune exhaust and asked if map was correct. "No, the Arrow map is on there and that's the best that can be done." Improve to low 30's mpg, but my gas gauge was indicating @110% full all the time. A bad sending unit was suggested...not cheap.

I called Triumph Dealership in Austin (1 hour ride)..."sure, bring it up, we'll squeeze you in when you get here...@ $40 to download map".
They were true to their word and replaced map with "updated version b/c youhad an older one". Rode home on interstate, @ 85 mph and registered 44.4 mpg! And, gas gauge is functioning properly!

I highly recommend you buy the Tiger - it's an amazing
machine!!! Riding to Yellowstone NP & surrounding area in 2 weeks...

(I tried to scan & post the Scheduled Maintenance Check Sheet I recieved from Dealer, but couldn't/don't know how...sorry)

graeme · 06-25-2008

Why not try and get them to throw the 12,000 miles service in with the deal ??

My bike has been tappety since I bought it new, but will the Dealer do them under warranty ?? No, they wait until the 12,000 mile service and rip you off to the tune £400 - Priceless !!

BigDummy · 06-25-2008

It's a private sale. I guess I could make the guy do it for me in his garage...