Triumphrat

4plus4morgan · 07-29-2005

Hi, just back into biking (43 years old mid life crisis), and have bought a T100 865cc, would like to fit new silencers but has you know over in the UK if they have 'not for road use' stamped all over them the insurance is invalid!

Though I might order some Norman Hyde silencers with the removable baffles, has anyone tried these, are they easy to fit and do the carbs need re-jetting?

Thanks for your help

cal6n · 07-29-2005

Welcome to the forums and welcome to the tuning merry go round. You've made a wise choice of machine to return to the world of 2 wheels and you'll love it!

Maybe some legal-eagle type could chime in but I believe that it's illegal to void an insurance contract on such spurious grounds.

As for the Norman Hyde silencers, just search the "Twin Talk" forum for "Toga" as that's their nickname round here. They're unmarked and have a sound that recalls the halcyon days of brit-biking but not so loud as to upset anyone apart from a politician or a rozzer who already has decided to nick you anyway!

As you'll discover, discussing re-jetting to suit exhaust and inlet modifications is a major passtime on these boards.

tylerd · 07-29-2005

Hey there and welcome. As I undertsand it, 'not for road use' exhausts will only make a difference if they contribute in some way to the claim...which is highly unlikely. The issue with exhausts isn't with the insurers (so buy them!) but with the police and the MOT. The police seem to focus on the knee down brigade so we should be okay...as for the MOT, you just need to find a sensible shop!
Interstingly, in MCN this week it has announced plans to restrict bikes to less than 74db (currenlty 80)...and that is apparently less than a hairdryer...really!

Take care and buy the pipes...it makes the bike.

4plus4morgan · 07-29-2005

Thanks Lads, I contacted my insurance company and they stated that if the pipes were not for road use (including Triumph ones!) any claims would be void whether they caused the accident or not! But I will order them, they have to be better than the stock ones?

tylerd · 07-29-2005

I think most insurance companies have the same line on exhausts...but in reality it is not enforceable. Different exhausts make a huge difference to the experience...and to my mind make riding safer as they can hear you coming!

Rook · 07-29-2005

If you want to see some additional info on the use of off road silencers go to page 3 of the classics and cruisers section under the heading Off Road Silencers/Insurance - it relates to them being used on a Thunderbird but the issues are the same regardng insurance.

BillT100 · 07-29-2005

4Plus,

The Norman Hyde Togas sold in the U.S. do NOT have "for off road use only" stamped on them. You could possibly order the U.S. version from Newbonneville.com. Don't know how the cost would come out though. If you have an 05 T100 then 115 or 118 main jets should be about right.

Bill

bosoxrider · 07-29-2005

Actually my pair do have the stamped designation. I absolutely love the throaty purr and the increase performance from the jetting and pipes combo.

Enjoy,
BSR

Archimedes · 07-29-2005

I wrote on this subject over a year ago.

Facts.

1. Non standard, non stamped silencers in the U.K. are illegal. Your insurance policy would be declared null and void as it can be construed as a performance enhancer and does not comply with the law.

2. They are illegal for road use under the 'Constructions Of Use And Vehicles Act - this 'catch all' clause suits the police and can range from the colour and size of your indicators to the size of the number plate and its mounting bracket including screws!

3. If you are involved in a collison which resulted in the death of a person your bike would be closely examined.
The insurance company would be delighted to find a reason not to pay out a few million pounds because you did not comply with the rules.

Finally, if you should be so lucky to find an insurance company that will permit you to use off road pipes on the road then get it in writing for they too will be contravening the act if not condoning you.

Sorry to be so negative but that is what comes with living in anal Britain in the 21st century.

Robert :razz:

4plus4morgan · 07-29-2005

Thanks Archimedes that's certainly put that argument to bed!