Triumphrat

01-17-2007

gday everyone.
this is my first post so i hope someone will read this. i am looking at my first triumph.
it is a trophy 1200 and am very excited about it. just wanting to no what i should be looking at when i see and ride the bike. it is a 98 model and has 38000 klms on it. also wanting to no what the comfort levels are like. i will be rite but i need the wife to be happy as well.
cheers
Darrin
australia

WildBill · 01-18-2007

When you ride the Trophy,you'll know if it's for you or not.I love mine,and have found it to be both reliable and comfortable.I've fitted it with a custom seat, Gen-Mar handle bar risers and Laminar Lip and have done lots of 600 mile days.Mine has a top box and backrest pad.My wife claims she's totally comfortable back there.The only downside(as with ANY fully full faired bike)is, with hard bags,topbox and fairing,sidewinds can be a drag.That's a lot of sail.As far as what to look for,that's just common sense.Hope you're impressed enough to buy it.

jimballard · 01-18-2007

Also, be aware that they are top-heavy. A 31" inseam would be ideal for the Trophy, or get a lower saddle, as I did.

That's me...a 29" inseam in a 31" saddle height world: Jim

Seeker · 01-18-2007

I've never heard anyone complain about the pillion's comfort level so they must be good in that respect.

Depending on your height and build, some people have complaints about the pilot's comfort however.

As mentioned above, people with short legs find it a very tall saddle height. When it's got a full tank (and add in a loaded top box) you really notice the top-heaviness. The stock saddle also tends to make you side forward causing problems for the male gender (delicately put).

Most owners love the bike enough that they change saddles and often add bar risers to make up for those small shortcomings.

Mark62 · 01-18-2007

I have done the same to my bike as everyone else.
But search for coil problems. They are easy to change,but not cheap to buy.

01-19-2007

Thanks for the replies every one. i have talked to heaps of people here and over abroad. very impressed with what i have heard. also the complaints about the coils.
i go and test ride tomorrow and hopefully buy it. it should in my shed in 24 hrs.
thanks again for your time.
Darrin
Australia

Seeker · 01-19-2007

I forgot about the coil problems....probably the only real weak point as far as mechanicals or electricals go.

Yet, this problem seems to be sporadic. Some people have had their coils go at a rather low mileage while others get many years and miles of service from theirs.

I've been one of the lucky ones and still have my original coils on my '96 model with 58,000 miles.

Some people say that removal of the foam heat barrier above the engine and below the coils causes it while others swear that removing it actually allows more air to flow in that area.

Don't know who's right...but i do know that when that foam is removed, you get more heat in your crotch on a hot day.

Trophy4 · 01-20-2007

Someone mentioned they hadn't heard any pillion complaints -- well, they haven't been near my wife/favorite passenger (one & the same). When I bought my Trophy 1200, back in '97 (New old stock), the first thing I modified was the seat. The driver's pocket forced me into the tank with it's angle, the little flip in the back bothered my beloved so much that she was threatening never to ride with me again. A little redesign, and the problems were solved! I redesigned the saddle so the driver's pocket was flat/parallel to the ground, and removed that little flip in the back. I had new, denser foam installed so that my thinner saddle would keep me off the bike's frame. Sargent Cycleworks in Jacksonville, FL, did the work, to my specifications, and they got it right the first time. My wife and I have been on many long (>800 miles) trips, and no complaints about saddle comfort. (No connection to Sargents. They reworked my saddle, and I have one of their tankbag systems.)

YMMV

01-21-2007

thanks again guys.
i brought the bike on saturday. travelled from home to sydney and home in the same day. great trip.
only one question. i have heard about the bike sometimes dropping out in the heat. the bike actually just died 3 time in about 3 hours. i just stopped and let it cool down and it started straight away. does anyone know more about this problem.
cheers
darrin

MilwFreddy · 01-21-2007

Welcome Darrin,
I am not sure if you mean heat issues with the electrical system or the coolant system. I have not heard of any widespread problems with the Trophy and cooling issues. I have had my bike down to New Orleans and Daytona Beach, in August when it was hot and humid. I had no problems. The bike has been serviced at all regular intervals so I know the coolant and system are good. No problems with the electrical system either. Hope it is not a problem because it is truly a great bike.

Ride on.
Paul