Triumphrat

oldrider · 11-03-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenman

My experience is that the Tiger's brakes need regular and frequent maintenance. Lubricating the sliding pins, freeing off the pistons and cleaning the pads. I free off each individual piston and usually find that one or more is quite stiff; ideally you should be able to push the piston back into the caliper by hand.

I use EBC HH and find the brakes good enough, but only just, though I have to say the back brake is the best I've ever experienced.

If the maintenance is not done thew brakes can be grabby, pulse- giving the impression of warped discs, and soft feel at the lever.

No idea why Tiger should be like this, similar brakes on my previous Hondas never needed this attention.

Mine have done it from brand new, right from the very first ride and I don't ride my brakes excessively hard, maybe that's what they need, a bloody good workout! John.

Orange_Phil · 11-03-2007

Hi,

I am just about to fit EBC floating rotors. Can anyone confirm, please that the calipers are floating, and therefore do not need centralizing and shimming?

Also does anyone know for sure the torque settings of the rotor bolts and the front wheel spindle bolts?

Thanks in advance.

iansoady · 11-03-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldrider

The front brakes are dangerous in slow maneuvers on loose sloping material, like maneuvering to park up etc.

But with a modern bike you should never do this - that's how I dropped mine twice in the first couple of weeks after several decades of riding Norton Commandos and the like with no drops at all. The combination of powerful (not grabby IMO) front brake and soft suspension will always cause problems at low speed.

If you learn to leave the front brake alone in <5mph manoeuvres and control speed with the rear brake and throttle / clutch you'll be amazed what is possible.

nortoncharlie · 11-03-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orange_Phil

Hi,

I am just about to fit EBC floating rotors. Can anyone confirm, please that the calipers are floating, and therefore do not need centralizing and shimming?

Also does anyone know for sure the torque settings of the rotor bolts and the front wheel spindle bolts?

Thanks in advance.

Yes the calipers float. I have EBC floating disks on my 01 Tiger and use EBC HH pads.
Seems to me to be a good combination. Almost to much power for the Tourance tire but not quite.

Pickaxe · 11-03-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by iansoady

If you learn to leave the front brake alone in <5mph manoeuvres and control speed with the rear brake and throttle / clutch you'll be amazed what is possible.

I don't use the front brake below 30 mph and mostly use acceleration sense above that, however, when you're 'trapping on' you do need to use the front.

Orange_Phil · 11-05-2007

Thanks for the responses guys, I now have my EBC floating rotors fitted to my '05 Tiger.
A relatively simple job - all I have to do now is bed them in for a few hundred miles. Rotors supplied by Frank at: www.triumph-online.co.uk who I thoroughly reccommend.

Anyone not sure why floating rotors are such a good idea should click on:
www.carbibles.com/brake_bible.html
for a detailed explanation. Brilliant website.
Hopefully a pic below:

Sorry no pic - why is that so difficult?

Pickaxe · 11-14-2007

Took the bike into the dealership with my moan about the front brakes being grabby.
They measured the discs and confirmed that both discs had some 'run out'. However, the service manager stated that it was, 'within Triumph's acceptable service parameters'.

The manager was very diplomatic (read BS) and said that if they changed the discs, Triumph wouldn't stand the cost when they received the old ones back. I wouldn't be surprised if the dealerships get credit for keeping warranty claims down.

Seems I'll either have to live with the characteristic, or fault as I call it, or pay for my own replacement discs.

Guess it's down to the old adage 'you get what you pay for'. Cheap and chearful bike, cheap and chearful quality and service.

iansoady · 11-14-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orange_Phil

Anyone not sure why floating rotors are such a good idea should click on:
www.carbibles.com/brake_bible.html
for a detailed explanation. Brilliant website.

Good link that.

Pickaxe · 11-14-2007

Well I 'jumped the gun' and now have to 'eat humble pie'.

The service manager phoned to say, he'd cleared it with Triumph to replace the discs.

My faith is restored in the Triumph marque and the dealership has gone up in my estimation.

Pickaxe · 11-18-2007

Job done quickly and efficiently. New discs and pads.
Brakes are smooth, progressive and without any grabbing.
I just hope they stay like it.