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Triumph reliability issues

78K views 74 replies 42 participants last post by  Gabriel Syme 
#1 ·
I love Triumphs, let's get that out of the way right now. I've owned two of them. The inside of my garage looks like a shrine to Triumph. I am currently riding a modern Japanese bike that I have a hard time feeling passionate about but the thing just flat works, every time every day without fail, never one problem.
I sold my last Triumph because it was just so unreliable. It spent an inordinate amount of time in the repair shop, left me stranded numerous times and nickled and dimed me to death. The charging system was weak ( 5 batteries in 4 years) and a complete ECU failure after the warranty expired.
So now I'm all watered up to get a Street Twin, I rode one and fell in love with Triumph all over again. But reading this forum I seem to be seeing a pattern of problems cropping up again. Electronic issues, guys can't ride while they wait for the shop to squeeze them in, hard starting, side stand magnets falling off and stranding riders,and oil leaks.
We spend more money to own our beloved Triumphs and yet we have to put up with quality control issues. It's like suffering is just part of the Triumph experience. Why can't they get their act together?


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#2 ·
Although I understand your concerns, I had them as well, I have not experienced any of the serious issues a few other's have. Each time I read about a possible recall, I go directly to the Triumph recall page on their website, input my Street Twin's serial number and so far nothing to be concerned about. I have yet to take my bike in for the first warranty service but I'm getting close to doing so. Regardless of brand, it's always a gamble. Hope you figure out whether you want to gamble or not. Needless to say, I'm really happy with my Street Twin.
 
#4 ·
Mailman, I was very hesitant to trade my 2013 T100 in on a new Street Twin, but finally decided to chance it. The T100 was a totally reliable bike with 18,000 miles. I loved it, but I wanted a water cooled bike due to ever increasing traffic (traffic jams almost daily) and I fell in love with the look and sound of the Street Twin. I know what you mean about Japanese bikes, spot on reliability but no real personality. Anyway, I figured that with the years of research and testing Triumph put into the water cooled engines I'd go for it. So, far it's been awesome except for a small oil leak from the weep hole in the center of the oil pan. Hopefully it's an easy permanent fix. I've always stayed away from 1st year new designs. Should I have waited to get the "real" world bugs out? We'll see.
 
#5 · (Edited)
Mailman,

I've seen all the same posts you have, but I've drawn different conclusions and have had a different experience with my Triumph.

I've been watching these boards since before the first new owners started taking delivery of their new water cooled twins. I figured I could always cancel my order if something worrying cropped up concerning reliability or quality. Nothing ever did, except for a few widely spaced and apparently unrelated incidents, so I happily took delivery of my T120 when my dealer called to say the bike was in. This is a real departure from my normal "don't buy anything until the second model year and all the bugs are worked out" philosophy.

I was the original purchaser of my 2003 Triumph T100. It's never had a single single problem except the time it wouldn't start during a ride because the positive battery connection had come loose. There's no reason to think that my new T120 won't do just as well.

C'mon in! The water's FINE!
 
#6 ·
I am more than impressed with my T120. If you log onto any brand forum and I mean any brand, you will find issues that leave you wondering if it will make it home every ride. Manufacturers don't set out to build a dud, as the recalls and warranty will send them broke.The issues raised seem to be minor and covered under warranty. With production being sold as quick as its made, it does make some problems with parts suppliers keeping up production needs, let alone spares. I think triumph have underestimated the markets reception to this new bike and been caught flat footed a bit with accessories and spare parts. As a business it's not a bad situation to be in, rather than them sitting there and not selling.
 
#7 ·
Forums like these amplify the negative comments and make it seem like the problems are bigger than they are. I don't think many people have been stranded, etc. My ST has been trouble free for more than 1000 miles.

My Gold Wing has had multiple recalls over the years. So it's not like other manufacturers don't have issues.

And I disagree that "Japanese bikes don't have any character". I've had Hondas and Kawis and each has had its own personality.

-Alan
 
#9 ·
True. It's not that my Japanese bike doesn't have any character, it's a truly fine motorcycle, but for whatever reason , I've never really been that excited about owning it. My closet is full of Triumph t shirts and baseball caps. My garage has Triumph memorabilia all over but I have never bought anything that reflects my Suzuki ownership. And the funny thing is my Suzuki would absolutely run rings around the Triumph but I would still rather have the Triumph.
Maybe it's my age but when I was young here's how it was, young guys all rode inexpensive small Japanese bikes. Old guys rode big slow Harleys, but the cool guys rode Triumphs! I still look at them with the admiration I had back then.


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#11 ·
There are some other thoughts that gave some comfort in deciding to buy my T120 now:

Triumph didn't dare produce a line of water cooled duds. They've probably bet the company's future on the success of this line. Introduction, roll out, initial deliveries, and accessory production and distribution all had to go very well, on a world-wide scale. It all has.

There was an intensive five year development period, after which I'm sure that plenty of pre-production water cooled bikes were built and tested.

There's really nothing new in the water cooled bikes. Everything incorporated is already well proven, and Triumph has previous experience with all of it. What's exciting is Triumph's renewed commitment to quality, styling, value, and ride-ability in its modern classic line. This line has always led Triumph's other offerings in sales, and I'm certain that'll continue.

I never bought a newer version of my '03 T100 because there wasn't enough difference between mine and the newer bikes, even considering EFI. The T120 got me off of my T100, for good.

Comfort level with this purchase: high.
 
#15 ·
I agree, except for the accessories production, they seemed to have badly under estimated the volumes on that, and communication on expected availability to the dealer has been poor in my experience.

Still no major problems on the bike after 1500 miles. Then again this is my third new triumph and other than a dead battery after storing over winter, which is my fault, I have never had a single problem.
 
#13 ·
Coming up to 1,000 miles and 2 months on my t120 and no issues other than weather and work issue not letting me ride enough. Love the bike and it's getting better every week. I am even toying with the idea of getting the Thruxton R as my little play thing (but I'm guessing the wife may have issues with that idea).
 
#14 ·
I've been around a bunch of motorcycle forums over the years. The amount of trouble reported here is minor compared to bikes in general. Keep in mind that almost everybody who has a problem finds a forum, either to complain or to seek a solution.
I think Triumph has done just fine with these bikes-so far at least.
 
#16 ·
My current T120 is my third Triumph. On my first, a 2010 Street Triple, I had one mechanical problems. A retaining pin crapped out internally on the shifter. It was like a 99 cent part, and fixed under warranty in 48 hours. No probs after that.

Second Triumph, 2013 Daytona. Zero problems. Amazing bike.

Two months in on my T120, my biggest complaint is brake squeal. Life is hard! The bike definitely has character. Very pleased at the moment.
 
#21 ·
I love my new Street Twin but I am having starting issues. It's got 1300k on it. It's been in the shop once for a new ECU update, which didn't solve the issues. Last night the check engine light came on.

https://goo.gl/photos/YJy7ywhbPKhL7nzv5
Cold Start. Engine turns over but will not start.

https://goo.gl/photos/PYh7to7cjraPgn6h7
Cold start. It cranks up and immediately stalls.

https://goo.gl/photos/ZaS7Zc1wisVC6VM1A
Cold start. Turn on, the gauges light up and the speedometer needle swings to the right but doesn't prime. Primes with the second start attempt but the engine nearly stalls once it cranks.

And last night finally primed and started on the fourth attempt. But... the check engine light came on. I'm sure it's something simply and I'm glad it's under warranty ... and I know I'm guinea pigging an all new machine but still .... I'm starting to miss the reliability of my old Savage thumper. 28k and just kept on ticking.
 
#23 · (Edited)
I have had 4 Triumphs, a T110 [unreliable] a 1971 Tiger[rubbish] a 1976 Bonneville[very good] and My 2007 America[excellent.] except for a regulator/rectifier electrical failure at about 30,000kms which happened right outside my garage door after returning from a ride so my bike got me back home!
Plus I had 1 Harley,a 1974 XLH sportster[the most unreliable bike I ever had!],
I have owned two Jap bikes a 600 honda and a 650 Yamaha and I must say I put more miles and traveled further afield on the jap bikes than the rest.BUT, I LOVE my Triumphs.figure that out!I don't know why but that's the way it is.
 
#25 ·
@plsullivan I had the same issue several times and although the dealer upload an update it didn't fix it. But finally they think the issue is with the software that checks the throttle. I don't know exactly what they did but is the dealer in Manhattan NYC so you can try to reach them.
 
#29 ·
Not had my 2016 T100 long but seems ok, I really like the control it has going down steeper roads, live in a hilly city...

btw could anyone post a link to Triumph recall site? will see if can find it also.

The feelings we have about the other bikes is a bit odd because are not some models of Triumph made in Taiwan, actually it did surprise me but not too much...my Sportster sold last year was very very reliable also, just wanted to try the Triumph. Each one is good and different.

The T100 seems to shift better but do miss the HD sound, but the way the T100 handles hills like a Cadillac is hard to resist
 
#30 ·
The feelings we have about the other bikes is a bit odd because are not some models of Triumph made in Taiwan, actually it did surprise me but not too much...my Sportster sold last year was very very reliable also, just wanted to try the Triumph. Each one is good and different.
In North America your T100 was assembled in Thailand unless it's quite an older carb bike. Major mechanicals came from Hinckley but running gear, electronics, wheels, etc. are oriental anyway, so cheaper to assemble near the source. The Thai factory has logged pretty good QC.

You HD also probably had a ton of oriental parts, just assembled in WI or some other HD domestic plant.
 
#31 · (Edited)
Here in Thailand Triumph have a huge industrial complex on the outskirts of Bangkok. A lot of the quality control/management is still (thankfully) under western control. Many other motorbike/car manufacturers also have factories here.
I'd love to do a factory visit one day!


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#32 ·
I guess you are replying to my post #27 of 31 above. My Street Twin is still new..... bought it 4/30/16 at Martin-Moto in Boyertown, PA, when I traded in my 1998 Honda Super Hawk 996 which has had a happy new owner for about a month now. Anyway, I have no aggravation with my new Triumph. Just needed a few miles & rides to get better acquainted........... am really loving it!!!
 
#33 ·
Ongoing Street Twin issues ... update

Well.... there was a Eurobike event here in Raleigh. When getting ready to go on the group ride it took four attempts to get it started. Turn on, speedo dials whirl, doesn't prime, engine doesn't turn over. Halfway through the ride it took two times to start. The next day it lost power for a moment (right when I was pulling into traffic) then again in a matter of minutes. Within a mile full throttle barely kept it moving at 30 mph in third gear. Managed to basically coast into the dealership's vendor tent at the bike event and handed them the keys. The check engine light had come on, the traction control "is off" light came on and yet the LCD panel info indicated the traction control "is on." The dealership is very friendly. The issue seems to be the engine control unit. They said another bike they'd sold was having similar issues. Triumph seems to have dropped the ball in a major way with what is otherwise a great bike.
 
#35 ·
My son has 3800 miles on his Street Twin without a single problem. And it starts fine, too!

My 2007 has been an extremely reliable bike. It did have weak charging of the battery which left me stranded once (on a 7-year old battery). But I fixed the charging problem by installing a MOSFET VRR in place of the stock one, and now it's solid. Other than than it has never let me down. And I still grin like in idiot every time I see it parked outside my office window...

Most people don't post on a forum to say how great their bike is working, so yes mostly you'll see complaints. So no that's not a good indicator of overall model reliability.

-Dan
 
#36 ·
Welp... after having a new engine control unit "software update" installed a few weeks prior (for the stalling on start issues), my Street Twin (1600 miles) wouldn't prime or crank until, on average, about three attempts. The last time (a month ago now - it's been in the shop since) this happened at a Eurobike show group ride. Twice on the same ride. Then when I was heading back to the show, and ironically about three blocks from it, turning the throttle all the way open barely got the engine going and I had to nearly coast into the dealer tent. I handed them the keys. I saw a new yellow light on the speedo aside from the "engine maintenance" light and one of the staff at the show said that's the traction control off light. He had me look at the traction control status via the LCD panel and it said it was on. While I'm repeating my "engine control unit" mantra (rightly or wrongly) the throttle assembly is replaced. That doesn't fix the problem, so now they want to put a new wiring harness on it, which, in my mind, has the potential to introduce all kinds of issues down the road. It's on back order apparently until the 19th of next month so I will have owned the bike for four months and it will have been in the shop two of those months. As much as I love the bike, I'm leary of taking that particular bike back at this point. There is a lemon law in NC so there is that option, I could ask for a new bike, which would likely take months anyway as they're effectively back-ordered too, or get my money back (less about a grand in Triumph accessories unless I can convince them that's refundable too) and maybe get a Moto Guzzi. I'm just a little frustrated at this point. Thank goodness it's been 95+ degrees for a few weeks or I'd be even more frustrated. This has been a stream of consciousness vent in case you couldn't tell. I'd be interested to know if this has happened to others or if this bike was made late Friday afternoon.
 
#37 ·
Most modern bikes are dead reliable, light years from the Meridens but Triumph, BMW and other marks fail miserably when it comes to on going faults experienced by more than a few owners. An extended warranty would not be out of order if you have any concerns. The wet bikes are in their infancy, they are more complicated thus may present more problems. If one loves a bike they must be willing to accept there may be issues.
 
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