Triumphrat

creedog · 06-30-2008, 09:58 PM

I've got about 370 miles on my 2008 Bonnevile black and I have found the motor to be rather loud, but not exactly good loud. Lots of ticking, expecially when I let of the throttle, and roll on the throttle. Sometimes it sounds like there is a bit of sand or something in there

I've heard some describe the motor as sounding like a sewing machine, but in my mind a sewing machine sounds much quiter.

Is what I am hearing normal, and if it is, does it get quieter after the first oil change. Would a different oil help.

I've seen a few posts stating that the motor really changes a bit after the break-in, can someone elaborate on this. How much does the engine change? Thanks

meatwagon · 06-30-2008, 10:26 PM

I use a little thicker oil...20/50 mobil1
But what you hear is normal ,that motor isnt even broken in yet..
And let me be the first to say....get louder pipes and you wont hear the motor.Seriously.

Gtorockz · 06-30-2008, 10:38 PM

I am not an expert on these bikes, but the sound of my 08 America is more toc than a tic if that makes any sense. Sounds like a normal engine sound and really only noticable at idle. Just did my 500 mile service and noticed no change in the sound.. tic's bug me so I do listen for such things although I do have the off road pipes that are a little louder. Do you use super unleaded?
If not I would try a tank and see if that helps, if it does not and is really bothering you you might have the dealer take a listen and maybe have the valve clearence checked.

bonza · 06-30-2008, 11:33 PM

with a stock exhaust the motor sounds like a quartette of grannies making woollen scarves with their knitting needles clicking together in unison.

I wouldnt worry about it for now and run it until the first service is due.

the noise is the usual cam chain, cam and rockers, etc. etc.

see what it's like after the first oil change considering that you havent got long to go before it is due.

From memory mine did quieten down slightly, then I did a bafflectomy and now dont hear the engine tic at all.

creedog · 06-30-2008, 11:35 PM

regarding pipes, I've got the TORs. I do think that they could be a bit louder. Can they be modified?

I've been using regular unleaded, but just tried a tank of mid-grade, so will see how this goes.

I will be due for the 500mile oil change soon, will try mobile1 20w50 if its recommended.

What oil do they have in there now?

Gtorockz · 06-30-2008, 11:46 PM

Its a special break in oil, not sure of the specs. I used the 10W/40 Mobil! 4T thats recommended in the owners manual. The book I have says 89 octane minimum so I have used super since new.
I would like to know more about the pipes too, dealer said they would sound better with time.. I wonder if that means they have glass in them?

666Bonneville · 07-01-2008, 01:09 AM

that's weird my engine doesn't tick, it tells the future in haiku form. is that normal?

Kirkus51 · 07-01-2008, 01:52 AM

I know that my engine ticks, especially when I first fire it up. But it does get a bit quieter the hotter it gets. The engines are a bit noisier then your water cooled ones.

I know when I was breaking mine in I couldn't hear the pipes at all. I fixed that by punching the baffles out not a baffleectomy a bafflelobotomy. A long Drift/Nail a good sledge and 5 minutes work and WALLAH! I could hear the pipes. Not really loud but louder than the engine.

Now I've got TORs (Triumph Off Road pipes) and the engine is really out of ear shot when I get on it.

:

P.S. there was an 06 Bonnie on Ebay with 500 miles and seized engine. The guy rode for the Summer and then parked it for 6 months with the break in oil still sitting in the crank.

road dog · 07-01-2008, 11:56 AM

It's normal for the top-end of an air-cooled parallel twin engine to clatter when the valve clearance is within spec. When it stops being noisy is when you might have a problem (IE: need a valve adjustment).

marmite · 07-01-2008, 12:07 PM

Best cure = loud pipes + motorhead in earphones