Triumphrat

VA-Brit · 07-03-2007, 12:54 PM

Hi. I’m a new member here, tired of riding Japanese motorcycles and seriously considering purchasing a 2000 TT 600 this weekend. I wanted to get some insider info from people with TT experience. My prior riding experience is on 600/750cc late 1990s sportbikes, but I’m currently in the market for a new machine and toying with the Triumph or "staying safe" with a large bore Japanese cruiser.

My main concern is that I don’t end up buying a “bad” motorcycle. Are 2000 TTs generally reliable machines? What are the major issues I should be looking out for when I go and view the bike? What are the quirks that separate a Triumph from a modern Japanese sportbike, and what makes you all ride Triumphs instead of Japanese sportbikes?

The cost will be around $3,400, and it has 6,000 miles on the clock and a small amount of cosmetic damage (from a minor drop). It sounds like it doesn’t need any immediate maintenance. Is this price reasonable? And are Triumphs easy and relatively cheap to service, either at a dealer, a generic motorcycle mechanic, or myself?

I’m looking forward to potentially getting into the saddle of a somewhat unique, interesting motorcycle and sticking around to be a permanent member of this site – from what I’ve read so far, you all seem like a friendly, intelligent bunch of people.

The bottom line – would you tell me to buy the Triumph, or just to buy a Japanese cruiser instead? Think in terms of cost of ownership, headaches from ownership, and enjoyment from the riding experience.

Thanks.

[ This message was edited by: VA-Brit on 2007-07-03 10:55 ]

kubbie · 07-03-2007, 01:40 PM

6000 miles is barely broke-in.

you will notice the motor is a little
'fluttery", but its mostly noise echoing off of the bottom of the tank.
If the stock pipe and air filter are still on the bike, leave them, until you can get a power commander or tuneboy to alter the fuel injection.
The bike can keep up w/ the newer bikes, maybe even beat someone not as good as you.
No big issues w/ reliablity.
Do find a good dealer for any service work..

Hope this helps

kubbie

redl1nerpm · 07-03-2007, 01:45 PM

they arent going to be quite as reliable as the jap bikes (japanese sport bikes are bullet proof), but you shouldn't run into any real big problems. At 8k you'll want to have a valve adjustment, though this isn't uncommon with any sport bike. The stator on the TT is a bit weak, but a lot of people never have a problem with them. Mine went out and Im upgrading to a better version (from an 03 S4) which bolts right in. I bought it in excellent used condition with a rotor for about 200 bucks.
Basically just do typical maint. like oil changes etc and you'll be great.

VA-Brit · 07-03-2007, 02:56 PM

Nice! Thanks for the info.

As far as pricing goes, is NADA or KBB a decent guide? NADA puts the price at 2420 low retail, 3185 average retail. KBB puts the price at 2575 trade in, 3765 retail. The seller is asking 3400.

What does a lower-mileage but slightly scraped up 2000 TT go for? Would 3000 be fair or too low?

Thanks again. Something tells me this bike has my name on it. I checked on the insurance too - under $300 for the year, including comp/coll.

redl1nerpm · 07-03-2007, 04:52 PM

id say because its an 00, 3k is fair.

jeedizzle · 07-03-2007, 07:41 PM

Hi I bought a 00 tt 600 a few months ago and I really enjoy the bike. I bought mine for 2800 dollars it had 10,250 miles and minor cosmetic. I really like how it rides its very smooth as long as you keep good oil in it. I have a scorpion exhaust and k&n air filter and it sounds great. Everyone that sees the bike really likes it. I ride a lot and i ride at least 50 miles or so at a time. I DO NOT get sore like on the 99 ninja 600 i had. Triumph really knows how to make a good bike.

VA-Brit · 07-03-2007, 11:17 PM

Thanks people. I appreciate the into and I'm feeling a little more confident about dumping a chunk of cash into a Triumph.

With any luck, tomorrow I'll have a new bike sitting in the garage and some nice piccies to show you all.

Cheers.

rustbucket · 07-04-2007, 12:37 AM

Nice! I don't regret my decision to buy a Triumph at all. The biggest downside I see is that there isn't nearly the aftermarket support that more mainstream sportbikes have. That said, unless you're taking it out to do serious racing, it's a great bike stock, isn't lacking in any performance area, and you don't need to spend money to make your bike stand out from the crowd (of course, you stil can spend money!!!).

One thing that I never thought of before purchasing but really enjoy is what a conversation peice a Triumph is. When folks see the logo, lots of people talk about the bikes they had back in the day, or want to know about the bike. It's great fun to shoot the sh!t at gas stations and rest stops about bikes, and I think that happens more than if I were on a Yamahonduzaki.

rob-cyn · 07-04-2007, 07:23 PM

Love mine. No issues, ran the sh** out of it at the track and all was good.