Triumphrat

flybiker251 · 11-29-2006

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I had bought an almost brand new Trophy. 2003 with 270 miles. Since that time I have put 1500 additional miles on it with a wide grin. Here are some preliminary observations. These bikes are not top heavy. I have been told that this is a problem but not with mine. Once he starts rolling, his name is Bill, he becomes very lively. There is a tipping point but compared to my Legend this bike is in another league.
I noticed some front end wiggle at high speeds. Is this possibly due to the windshield? Has anyone cut equalization holes in their stock shield to try to get the same effect as a Clearshield? Finally, how rough do these engines idle? My tach doesn't jump but the engine isn't smooth at idle. I have put a can of Sea Foam through it but it didn't help. Is it possible that the pilots may have some debris. Once above idle the bike is smooth as silk. Thanks for listening,
Flybiker :razz:

jimballard · 11-29-2006

Congrats on the bike,

The top-heaviness issue occurs when one is at a stop, or moving it around by hand. When you're at a stop, you must keep the bike almost vertical unless you are one very STRONG individual. Also, like most bikes today, it wasn't built for a person with a 29" inseam or thereabouts. As you say, once you're on the move, it's a dream to ride and corner with. Watch out for the low-speed u-turns as well.

I plan to join a gym so that I can handle mine better: Jim

12004 · 11-29-2006

What RPM is your bike Idling at? It should be 1000 or slightly above. Mine has always sounded a little rough. It's normal.

Your wobble could just be tyre pressure. I run 38f - 41r and get around 10,000 of the rear Avon. Check the front wheel to make sure a wheel weight isn't missing.
If that is not the problem, you may need to check the steering head bearings.
There are several ways to do this without tearing into the front end.

Your best bet is to find an Ol' geezer like me in your neck of the woods that knows what to look for.

Cheers,

Tom.

narrowminded · 11-30-2006

On a bike with so few miles the wiggle is probably from an unbalanced front tire. I have to disagree, these girls are extremely top-heavy, especially loaded for travel and with a passenger. Wind management is open to trial and error and totally personal. My 900 idles alittle rough also, check her plugs, burn 92/93 octane. Also, she doesn't smooth out until she's warmed-up.

WildBill · 11-30-2006

Glad you're enjoying your Trophy.Also envious that you're able to put miles on at this time of year.I've got about 7 inches of snow in my yard,the roads have compact snow,and it got all the way up to 15 degrees yesterday.Watch out for sidewinds and passing semi-trucks on the freeway.That is the only downside to the Trophy that I've EVER had.Just an incredible,enjoyable bike,for trips or riding two up.My Speed Triple is for my soul.Sometimes a guy just has to rock'n'roll.

Tooth · 11-30-2006

Fly,
Everyone knows that Trophies are female, with curves an a shape like hers there is no way these babies are men.....
A name change is in order here....... :knkknk:

I am always amazed when I read people gettin 10k out of a set of tires............

jimballard · 11-30-2006

Hey Tooth,

My Emerald Green Trophy was named by my buddy's wife....she took one look at it and christened it "The Irish Rocket". Seeing as how my mother was born in County Cavan, Ireland, it only seemed fitting. I ride with the Cavan Crest on the rear fender. I guess it's just my age showing, but I got over 13,000 miles on my original set of Bridgestones.....

Erin Go Braugh!! Jim

Tooth · 11-30-2006

I even hate to bring this one up Jim but I cant let it go......
You named a British bike the "Irish Rocket"? Correct me if I am wrong but County Cavan is not one of the six counties of Northern Ireland.......My soon to be ex wife is of Irish decent (Mayo and Cork) and she was always trying to pick off the Union Jack from my bike. I caught hell buying gas at BP.

djlnz · 12-02-2006

Hey there I had a CBR1000 I find the trophy just as good in the handing & in the wind People told me they were top heavy & soft in the suspension, The weight is the same the handing as good ,I ride hard & some times cruise, The triumph would be better on longer trips,Although down on HP but up on torque, All round very happy with the trophy (first British bike)

jimballard · 12-03-2006

Hi Tooth,

Of course, you're right, but it would seem better to name the Trophy "The Irish Rocket" than a Japanese bike, don't you think? I once had an English Springer Spaniel that had a litter by a real scoundrel of an Irish Setter, but the pups didn't have any emotional problems that I ever noticed. SWMBO is of French descent so that solves the flag picking problems. Of course, I could have taken my youngest daughter's suggestion and named it "The Green Goblin", after the Spiderman character, but it just didn't have the "class" of "The Irish Rocket".

Hope this clears the matter up: Jim