Triumphrat

corbett

I have just purchased an '02 Trophy 12 with 4200 miles on it and have a few newbie questions. Overall, I love the bike and have put about 600 miles on it in the first couple of weeks of ownership, but there are a couple of questions that have popped up: How much valve and cam chain noise is normal? This bike has a bit of mechanical noise from the top end that doesn't seem to be out of the ordinary yet it does trouble me a bit. Next, is there a particular after market windshield that offers wind protection for a passenger (my wife's only complaint)? Is the 6000 mile valve adjustment critical (yes, I know, refer to question one, but if the noise is normal is the adjustment necessary) and are the follow up adjustment intervals necessary? Overall, I am extremely happy with this bike but am just a bit curious about these odds and ends.

MilwFreddy

Congrats on the Trophy. The engine is on the noisier side as far as what you hear when compared to the Japanese bikes I have ridden but mine is running strong and I wouldn't worry about it unless it is sounds like there is a real problem mechanically. The service head at my dealership once compared the Trophy engine to a Caterpillar engine because of the durability and steady performance. Interesting analogy. As far as a windshield, Clearview shields out of Colorado makes an excellent variety of shields, both larger and even a smaller sport shield. Good product and a good price. I have the X-large and it works excellent(I am 6'3). Check out their website. I am a satisfied customer.
Good Riding,
Freddy

corbett

Freddie:
Thanks for the reply, and I'll check out the web site for the windshields. You didn't say anything about valve adjustment intervals; are the recommended ones-6K between settings-sacrosanct, or can they be extended a little?
I rode the Trophy a couple of hundred miles yesterday, and the more I ride it the more I love it. I've been riding old airhead BMW's for years, and getting something that's semi-modern is extremely enjoyable. The power, handling and braking are at a different level entirely than that which I've been riding.
Cheers,
James

tmccullion

James,

I have a 96 1200 and love it too. I ordered a Clearview screen and it will be in this week and then I leave on a two-week, 3000 trip out west. I'll let you know how it works!

I have a very reliable mechanic who recommends against missing a valve check. The one he has done for me showed little to no wear. I'll ask him next time I'm in if it looks fine why not delay or skip one. I think the answer is if there is a problem it could so substantial damage.

I'd be interested in hearing what the folks that do their own maintenance have to say?

Tom

I am also new to the Trophy and asked simalar question and most people say the same things yes they do have quite a bit of mechanical noise Clearview seem to be the choice not cheap but well made and stick to the current service schedule

jimballard

I've been thinking about a Clearview for my 02 Trophy and I'm wondering about the "cat's eyes" vents. Has anyone ridden in the rain with them, and if so, does any appreciable amount of water pass through them? Thanks in advance.

Summer's Here!!! Jim

__________________
Jim Ballard

The older I get, the faster I was....until lately!! (Speed IS the fountain of youth)!

tmccullion

Clearvier update:

Back from 4,000 miles across the country (had it shpped back, will post thyat review as well).

Clrearview was great and I liked the vents. Helped with back pressure more so than anything else. Allowed some "air conditioning" too. Didn;t hit any heavy rains but I would doubt that it would contribute any more "wetness" than rain coming around the fairing, road spray, etc.

I'll post a better review on the Clearview in the next couple of days.

Tom

stevent

I'm interested in the clearview myself, I'll probably pick one up soon.

As for mechanical noise Trophy's do tend to have a more industrial sound than the Japanese fours, maybe the valve cover is thinner and the engine isn't so enclosed, who knows?. Mine sounds the same @ 20k miles as it did new so I figure it's OK, besides I'd rather hear the motor running than have it quiet as a sewing machine.

I had the valves checked @ 6k miles and they didn't need adjusting, I had them checked Tuesday for the 18k check and they were fine, in fact comparing the readings between the two the differance was so small that it's most likely the differance in perception of the two mechanics reading the feeler gauges. The intakes were at .010~.011 and the exhausts which are the critical ones were all at least .018 and up to .020.

My opinion is that the initial check @ 6k is very important to be sure everything is settled in properly, after that while the bike is under warranty I'd check it every 12k as specified. Once the bike is out of warranty based on what I've seen on mine I'll run it out to 25k or so. :-D

__________________
stevent....."May the Goddess turn the hearts of those who hate us, if not their hearts then turn their ankles so we'll know them by their limping..."

MilwFreddy

As far as any questions regarding the Clearview and the vents I have never noticed any significant amount of water getting in through the vents and I have ridden in some wicked downpours from Florida to Milwaukee. I assume the air current and aerodynamics limit the amount. It has never been a problem. The Clearview is great. Now, the water that leaks in at the bottom of the windshield that sneaks into the inside is annoying, but this was with the stock shield also. Hopefully some gasket material or some silicone will waterproof it.
Good riding,
MilwFreddy