Triumphrat

08-24-2006

Hi new to the forum and don't even own a Triumph (yet).

I have been offered a 1992 Trophy 900 with 90k on the clock which has been laid up for a couple of years. Is the milage a problem and are the early ones any good or should I find a newer one or maybe a 1200. The guy is asking £1000 but will take an offer, is this about right.

[ This message was edited by: stormfuzz on 2006-08-24 08:52 ]

j98sprint · 08-24-2006

I have a late 90s Sprint with the same 900 motor. I have 91,000 miles on her and she runs as good as the day that I bought her.

However, it's ridden daily and the one you're looking at has been laid up for a couple of years. I would count on doing a LOT of clean up/tune up/maintenance work on it.

Sorry, can't help you with the price. Maybe one of the English fellows can help you.

Good luck,
j98sprint

trophyrider00 · 08-24-2006

Stormfuzz, using a currency converter online, it works out to about $1900 in U.S. currency, which to me would be a bit high. We're talking about a high mileage, 15 year old bike that has been laid up for 2 years. The mileage is not a concern to me so much because the engines have proven themselves to be bulletproof with proper care.

What does concern me is the 2 year layup. I would bet money that the carbs, heck the entire fuel system, is gummed up. The carbs would need to be pulled apart, cleaned, and rebuilt. The tires, I would suspect, would be shot from dry rot. Nothing good comes from a bike sitting. I think you would find you would be putting a lot more money and time into cleaning and getting the bike back into road-worthy condition.

Okay, now that I was a big downer, the part of me that hates to see things end up in that shape is thinking about this. If you are handy with a wrench (spanner I think you call them) and know your way around a motorcycle, I might try offering 550 to 600 GBP.
I am not sure how much spare parts in England are as compared to here, but it might make it worthwile to do.

08-31-2006

stormfuzz,this price seems a bit high,even if the engine is running ok,at 90k theirs a good chance suspension parts etc will show some wear,also check brake discs etc for wear,as with any motorbike,spare parts are not cheap,i would personally spend another 500 to 1000 pounds for a mint low mileage model,i have seen early trophies in mcn with 10-12k go for around £2000.don't worry about buying the early trophy/tridents as these are built like tanks.some trophy/tridents sprag clutches failed,but if you buy an early silver engined model they have an access plate below the carbs,so the job is a lot easier , from approx 94,and then the engine has to be split,so all in all go for an early trophy with lower mileage and you can also get classic insurance for these.good luck trent.

Bonithol · 09-04-2006

Hi, I bought a 91 Trophy on ebay for £1500. Came with a re-built engine (bills for £1000) a few miles previous and set of nice pannier boxes plus MOT. Drove it home from Prestwick Scotland to London Area and have just taken it to Triday in Austria. So it's reliable. The cost has been cycle parts Tyres,suspension, chain, sprocket. All mounts up and I wonder whether I should have bought a newer one. The mechanic who services it said that at £3,000 one may have needed the same spares and the same cost. I think the most important thing is "do you like the bike?".
I find it a pleasure to drive and the new tyres and suspension make all the difference. Beware this has very high footrests which can be quiet uncomfortable. There is a mod using Daytona bits. Finally I would want to hear the engine running when hot.

Jeff-G · 09-07-2006

Stormfuzz, I would have to agree with the others. I don't think the mileage is as much an issue as how well it was maintained and the fact that it's been laid up for a couple of years. Seems to me the price is a little high for that age/mileage/condition. Let the Buyer beware. Good luck, Jeff :-D