Triumphrat

islandrider · 10-11-2009, 02:19 AM

I recently purchased a 2001 Trophy 1200 with 50,000 km on the clock. Wonderful bike except it seems hard to start when cold. I've tried the choke at several positions to no avail. What seems to work is to turn in the idle adjustment 2-3 turns and move the choke about 1/2 way then crank it and then it fires up. In the first minute or so (while I don my helmet, gloves, etc) as it warms up and the idle speed increases, I will turn the idle back almost all the way and push off the choke. Once fully warmed up (after a few minutes riding) I will adjust the idle screw back the last 1/2 turn (approx) to obtain about a 700-800 rpm idle. This seems to work but I can't imagine this to be normal. Also, if I stop and shut down for a couple of minutes, say to get fuel, it will start hard as well - might have to use a bit of throttle. If I stop for 20-30 minutes for a coffee it starts right up.
Any thoughts ???

Sweenz · 10-11-2009, 03:13 AM

Hi,
Try seting the idle just above 1000rpm when the engine is properly warmed up.
My Trophy 1200 is set as above. I give it full choke when cold with no throttle, but once it starts I back the choke off to where it is happy. It doesn't like the choke being on long and then I increase the idle speed with the idle adjuster screw as you do and back it off as it warms up.. Try it and see how you go..

By the way, 700/800rpm idle is too low..

Cheers
Sweenz

narrowminded · 10-11-2009, 08:33 AM

Are you giving it throttle when cranking?
On my 900 that's a mistake.
I agree, idle should be around 1k when hot. I don't believe we should have to mess with the idle screw every ride.
These girls have start up routines that work everytime. Just need to find out yours.
Here's mine for a cold start.
Full choke.
DON"T TOUCH THE THROTTLE! If she's been sitting for more than a few days, PRIME the carbs (Fuel flow knob pointing down.) for 5-10 seconds. Prime is just like the older models carb ticklers. MAKE SURE YOU TURN IT BACK TO "ON" (pointing rearward, reserve is up). Use the knob gingerly as they tend to break due to heat stress and the fuel tap stiffening over time.
Key on. In neutral. Kill switch disengaged.
DON'T TOUCH THE THROTTLE!
Crank her over. Once she starts LET HER BE! Mine idles @1k for a minute than the revs start to climb until after a couple of minutes she's @ 3.5-4k. Let her alone, THESE GIRLS LIKE TO REV!, AND DON'T TOUCH THE THROTTLE.
After a minute or two you'll hear a little stumble, feather the choke so she's @2.5-3k. You can ride her as soon as she starts, just leave the choke on full until she warms up, this makes for tricky handling because of the high revving.
Depending on how cold the climate I'll leave the choke 1/2 on for a good while as she stumbles off the line until really good and warm, usually 10-15 minutes.
Hot starts are the same but no choke. Key on, hit starter. NO THROTTLE, these girls ain't Hondas or Harleys or lawnmowers!
Seriously, these bikes were designed to start easily but just like the old ones, flood quickly. My first Trophy was a 1973, a Bonnie with one carb. Never had to worry about someone stealing her, the start up routine was so tricky. Follow the routine and she fired up on the first kick, second if needed. Mess it up and just walk away for 30 minutes.
Get to know what she likes first thing in the morning.

All of this depends, of course, on everything being right with the bike.
Sorry for the long windedness.

Carry on!

p.s. Is the battery new? The electrics are awfully sensitive to the proper voltage.

islandrider · 10-12-2009, 02:11 AM

Thanks guys, great advice.
I had the idle set a bit higher today and found I didn't have to muck with it so will probably be okay set at 1k rpm.
I'm also going to get the battery tested. I noticed that one of the horns was disconnected and when I hooked it back up they wouldn't sound unless the engine was running (just clicked). This seems like a weak battery to me. Any thoughts on this one?
So far love this bike. The last bike I had was a 1972 BSA 650 lightning. I always wanted a Triumph and this one sure does not disappoint. Silky smooth with power to burn. Hard to turn around and head back home. Went out for a quart of milk today and didn't make it home for 3 hours!

phavas · 10-17-2009, 06:46 AM

Electronic components operate with much lower voltage tolerance than your BSA did. If you're using all the amp and most of the volts cranking the engine, there's little left for the coils to store up.

Cheers,
Zaphod