Triumphrat

Whitby900

This is my first post. I've just bought a '97 900 Trophy with 9k miles on the clock. It's my first triple and they seem to be a bit rare in my neck of the woods so I'm not sure how it should sound. What's worrying me slightly is that in low gears and at low revs there is a distinct whine from the engine. Is this normal? Otherwise it doesn't miss a beat and pulls like a train!

Major Kong

I would just check chain lube and tension. Otherwise, you're likely just hearing normal noise. If you have the stock silencers, you will notice more noise from the mill/tranny than on most bikes.

On my old Sprint, I could hear the valve clatter over the exhaust note until about 5k-6k rpm. The silencers really live up to their title.

Kong

__________________
"You don't know what you don't know."

Stevumph

Sounds about right mate,mine whines ,or I would say almost a whistle,it sounds like a diesel engine on tickover,but sounds good when I open it up. If its your first I'm sure it will take some getting used to ,as mine did.When I go out on my Yam XJR 1200 I can't believe the difference in the two,its a sort of aquired taste.I would hate to choose between the two because they are so completely different,then theres my 76 Bonnie,when I get on that we are talking a whole new dimension.
I have the choice between a twin,a triple and a four, all so different in their characteristics.
Just enjoy it.

Stevumph

Ps what a really good place you live....I envy you,I was up there a couple of weeks ago but with the kids in the car,I would love to get the bike up there on the moor road. Take care mate!

Whitby900

Thanks Major Kong/Stevumph

I guess I'm just worrying unneccessarily. The chain tension is ok and plenty of lube. I've just read elsewhere that the gear cogs are rather square cut, if that's right it's bound to whine/whistle so I am just going to get used to it and as you say Stevumph we have some fantastic roads round here to practice on!! (Pity the tin cans manage to wipe out at least one biker every week on average in summer)
You have the right idea. I have a 4 (XJ600S) and would like another Norton Commando twin (scared the life out of me when I was a kid!) to complete my collection.

Stevumph

Had Two Commandos back in the 70's and 80's thought they were wonderful,(though had a fair bit of trouble with them)eventually moved to jap fours,and finished up with my XJR1200, which I thought was the ultimate bike as far as I was concerned,however I had always had the odd Triumph in the past,with a 3Ta and a Thunderbird lash up (bits etc).
So could'nt resist trying a Hinckley Triumph and chose the Trophy.
Every time out it just gets better and amazes me with its torque, etc.
In fact I need to ride along side someone on a motorway to just see if the speedo is accurate ,as i honestly cant believe just how quick it indicates the "Ton".
Had so many holidays up whitby and Scarborough,and was up there on the Yam last year,but to be truthful,I yearn to get this big green baby up there,ha ha.
HOWEVER! my girlfriend likes the bigger seat of the XJR so we will be out on that this weekend,and once again I will have to get used to the triples characteristics ,when I get on it again after the Yam.

Whitby900

Think I've found out why the previous owner was selling the Trophy. One fork seal is weeping. Noticed it a couple of days ago and it is now getting worse. There is what appears to be a small chip or flake of chrome missing just above the dust seal when its on the centre stand (didn't spot it when I went to look it over). I was looking through all the history/paperwork/bills that came with it and about a year ago it had one fork tube replaced as it was rusty and leaking. Why do only one I ask myself?
Oh well I guess I better replace the other one. Hopefully it will be trouble free for a while then.

Stevumph

Try "Triumphant " matey, they are VERY helpful. I once replaced just one fork leg on a Suzuki,as there was a crack in the locating lug that went in the brake .
Dont be depondent Whitby ,its a pretty old bike and these things are sent to try us. Soon be sorted mate.

Stevumph

Meant "despondent" Lol ,another tip....foam handlebar grips and 97 octane petrol ,Supreme or whatever, I find it really makes a difference,and the grips soak up alot of the vibes.