Triumphrat

guzzi · 02-16-2006

Ok guys, I pick up my 01 Bonnie saturday. Never rode one, 'cept the demo ride. What is the recommended fuel? Any funky starting procedures? This bike has done some sitting, and owner says it takes a while to start, but runs great after warmed up. I am figuring on some fuel varnishing, but I need some idea of what's normal before I plunk the money down.

All my other bikes are older, so I automatically put 93 octane in them. Also looking for the cheapest centerstand available, any good leads?

shorty

RedBird · 02-16-2006

guzzi,

The compression ratio is only 9.2:1. Triumph recommends 89 octane, and that works fine. I do put in the 91 octane when the temp is above 95 degrees.

Cold starting is normally done with the choke on and the throttle off. Temp has a definite bearing on how much choke is used and for how long. If you let it sit for a week or two, plan on it dying after it fires for a few times before it stays running--especially in the cold Wx. I use full choke on mine when the temp is below 65 degrees. I usually have all my gear on before I start the bike and then ride soon after it starts--I don't believe in "idle warm-ups". I go to half choke after two miles and choke off after 5 miles. I keep the rpm under 4K for 20 miles and after that I ride her normally.

Only know of centerstands from dealers. They cost a lot; however, I believe they are worth the cost. Sears sells a good motorcycle/ATV jack for $59--89 depending on whether it's on sale.

Larry

iandel · 02-16-2006

G'day,

Congrats on the new bike. You will love it.

Make sure you don't touch the throttle when starting the bike. Also, when it is real cold it helps to leave the key on for 20-30 seconds to warm the carbs. (See earlier posts.)

The CHEAPEST jack you will find is $20 Bike Lift. It takes less than 1/2 hour to make and works like a charm.

guzzi · 02-16-2006

Thanks! Can't wait!

shorty

mecscc · 02-16-2006

Good advice above. About the hard starting and possible "crud" (scientific term) in the carbs, before you spend any large amount of money:

1. Clean and gap the plugs
2. Drain the fuel and use it in your cage or lawn mower and buy some new 89 octane, add Stabil to it so that if you can't ride at least 20 miles every two weeks that won't cause more varnish.
3. THEN, runs about three tanks of MMO through the bike (Use the mixture ratio on the bottle). MMO is an excellent old reliable solvent that should clean up any varnish and sludge in the fuel system and keep you from having to pull the carbs and all that aggravation.
4. about every 5 or 6 tanks run through another tank of MMO to keep her cleaned out (Its Metamucil for internal combustion engines!)

Have fun with your new steed!

Monte

MMO?????????? = Marvel Mystery Oil. Available at Auto Zone, Advance Auto and Wally World. Its twice as effective as Techron and costs 1/4 as much. More than that, it works!

Shorty · 02-17-2006

Alright...amother "shorty". Have fun on the "01".
Gotta agree with Monte about the Marvel Mystery Oil. I've been using that stuff forever seems like and swear by its many uses whether as an oil additive or gas additive. I even use it on the bearings in my home A/C fan motors for lubrication. I also run it through both of my bikes fuel and carburation system without any problems, and add it to every oil change on my older cars. Don't let the weird name turn you off...it's good stuff.

Shorty (in Dallas)

WaltZ · 02-17-2006

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RedBird · 02-17-2006

Monte & Shorty,

It's good to hear of MMO fans out there. I grew up in the oil patch and the oil company Dad worked for bought MMO in 55 gal. drums for use on their oil field engines. I still use a quart mixed with the regular oil in my car and PU in the winter--keeps their innerds clean. My PU has 130K miles on it and my car has 180K mile on it--so for those of you that might think I'm shortening the life of my vehicles by using MMO in this way, maybe I'll find out in another 10 years if I live that long. :-D

Larry

Shakey · 02-18-2006

Hey Shorty,

Mid grade fuel is all she needs. I've been running 89 octane in my TBA forever and it does just fine. It wouldn't hurt to have the carbs balanced/adjusted and while he's at have a mechanic give a once over before you start tweaking on it. Might save you some grief in the long run. At least you'll know where it's at mechanically. Enjoy your Bonnie.

guzzi · 02-18-2006

Quote:

On 2006-02-17 23:22, Shakey wrote:
Hey Shorty,

Mid grade fuel is all she needs. I've been running 89 octane in my TBA forever and it does just fine. It wouldn't hurt to have the carbs balanced/adjusted and while he's at have a mechanic give a once over before you start tweaking on it. Might save you some grief in the long run. At least you'll know where it's at mechanically. Enjoy your Bonnie.

Looks like I gotta wait another week, with this ice storm. Thanks for the link to the belt drive, over on the brand "G" forum :wink:

shorty