Triumphrat

10-24-2005

Hi all
got my bike on thursday Triumph Trophy 900 went for short ride due to weather found the
bike not very stable at around 20 - 30 mph and had difficulty making a
tight left turn into a lane thats like a u turn.at around 15 mph
as I this is my first heavy bike is this normal or is it me...
The road was wet how does anyone find the bike on wet roads, seems to
slide more than my Virago, so a bit unerving.
any comments on above welcome even sarcastic if they help
thanks
Alan

Riq · 10-24-2005

I love my trophy however I have never had a bike which was as top heavy or more of a low speed pig in my life. Having said that it can always make me grin when I'm on the throttle or in the twistys.

I find mine very good in the wet.

If you haven't tried riding in the wind yet you are in for a real treat. If your bike is like mine things get really interesting when you get a front cornering breeze.

Rick

tango · 10-24-2005

Hi Alan,,,,,,, Another Jock

.

How many miles are on the bike?. Could be a combination of things.

The susspension could be shot, and/or your tire pressures are a bit on the low side.

When was the bike last serviced, and what was done?.
Make sure the head bearings are smooth and the brakes are working freely, no sticking pistons.

The Trophy is a heavy bike for it's relatively small size and it does take concentration at slow speeds.

porsche996 · 10-25-2005

Definately check the tire's air pressures. They should be up around 45 psi. If it drops even to 35 psi, the handling goes right out the window, and seems exactly as you're describing.

witecap4u · 10-25-2005

Could also be the tires in general. The stock bridgestone were ***** IMHO.

rat2tymes · 10-25-2005

I find mine to be abit of a handful at low speeds, but you will get used to it. LIke its been said, it is a blast in the twisties.

I love making my buddy on his RC51 WORK to keep up. No chicken strips for me.

Oh, yeah you'll love a windy day. Nothing like feeling like your wheels aren't on the ground.

jimballard · 10-26-2005

You know, folks,

I'm beginning to fell a bit better about myself after reading the above threads. I thought it was only me and my age making the bike feel that way. All of the above combined with some arthritis and legs that are just a bit on the short side, have pushed me into selling mine or, possibly, trading it in. Love the bike, but it doesn't love me!

Thanks again for the uplift: Jim

Netmaker · 10-26-2005

Jim, Have you considered the lowering option ? I realize there have been posts about this subject before and there are special lowering equipment available in the UK but I was able to lower mine with the concentrics, dropping the triple tree, sprocket change and gained a drop of about 1.5" without any real major expenses or dramas. Could sit at the lights with both feet on the ground and still lean over in the curves further than my ability can cope with.

jimballard · 10-26-2005

Hi Net,

I've got a Corbin saddle on it and that does allow me to just get both feet down o.k. It's the riding position that has finally gotten to my knees (arthritis/getting older, you know) and my legs get a bit shaky when I have to stop. If I ride my '70 Tiger, I can go all day without any discomfort, so that's where it stands. Thanks for the thought, I do appreciate it.

Ride Safe: Jim

Netmaker · 10-26-2005

I know the feeling as now 60 years young. I tried the Corbin and found it too hard for the long days rides that I take around the mountains here so then found a used Day long and that was good. Then showed the seat to local upolstery shop, in for a small repair, and they went one step better so now the 10 hour rides are a breeze. The constant bent leg position became an issue with the odd cramp so mounted forward pegs and a double set of genmar rises and now lounge back in comfort on my touring-sport bike.

Hang in there as they are a good workhorse bike for what we paid once it is customized to suit.