[themaster]

I'm having to sell my Speed Four due to a lack of money, but I don't want to be bikeless and ideally I'd like to replace it with another Triumph.

I've seen a number of Tridents for sale, which seem to be about the only Triumph in my budget range (which is £1,300 or less). I appreciate it'll be a completely different animal.

Does anyone have any tips on what to check for when buying one? What goes wrong on these bikes, any weak areas, etc. etc.?

Thanks in advance - and apologies to those who did reply earlier. I think the site died and my post and your replies went bye byes.

 

[daveforty]

I bought my Trident 'new' in July 2000 (it is a '96 model) and now done just under 60k on it. The single sided calipers annoy me, they tend to get dirty quickly and the pistons bind on the accumulated dirt. Regular cleaning required there. Fork oilseals dont last long, but they are easy to replace on the Showa non-adjustable forks. I now have some Tiger gaiters on the fork legs, they look 'wrong' but it helps protect them. Also found wheel bearings go from time to time, but again, they are easy to replace. Front wheel bearings failing will result in a 'grinding' vibration in the handlebars. Keeping the battery well charged is important, to make sure the starter motor works at its best and doesnt allow the sprag clutch to get damaged. The bike doesnt burn or leak oil (semi-synthetic) but its well thirsty, I get about 34mpg from London commuting type riding.

One regular weakness is ignition pick-up coils failing when warm, the bike will just stop dead and may re-start once its cold. Some bikes also suffer from HT coil problems, I've been OK with that (so far). I believe there are two manufacturers HT coils used and one is better than the other.

When I was looking for a Trident I was advised to get a 900, the 750s have a more 'peaky' engine although the 750s are noticeably cheaper when you see them for sale.

There are a couple of tidy looking Tridents on eBay right now.

 

[Guest]

I am reluctantly selling my mint '92 Trident, FSH, 20k miles, spare key, original handbook, etc due to a house move. £1500 firm. Pm if interested.
Steve

 

[Nic900]

Check the battery electrolight level regularly, the T3XX range had a habbit of drying the batteries out.
Front brake light switch can fall apart although I was able to get into mine and fix it.
Around 1995 there was a wiring loom issue which may or may not have been caught during the warranty period, to test this turn the bars lock to lock on the centre stand and try the indicators both ways (it's the only test I know of), if one starts blinking really quick but stops as you turn the steering then there is a problem. It was due to the earth connections at the head of the loom being badly soldered and breaking (whole loom was replaced under warranty). If it does do it it's a relatively easy fix though.
the vaccum petrol taps' diaphrams could fail but that usually doesn't result in you breaking down, if you're able to, put the tap at the on or reserve and pull the pipes off if fuel comes out then it's failed, again no rea biggy though.
All in all there are a great bike and I'd have another in a heartbeat.
Hope this helps

Nic :-D

[ This message was edited by: Nic900 on 2006-12-04 22:45 ]

 

[daveforty]

I have had a fair bit of grief with wiring around the steering head. It is not particularly well made, there are wires crimped together within the wiring loom, and these can corrode & break. The size of the crimp is not really up to the size & quantity of wires. Left & right indicator wiring are two of the crimped joints, there is another where a whole bunch of wiring from the fusebox and alternator connect to the feeds to the ignition switch and handlebar switches. Bit late for a warranty claim

 

[YrfuneralMytrial]

The fuel lines/vaccum hose are poorly routed...resulting in kinks/cracks. An easy fix but it seems pretty common.

 

[specialrider]

Hey gang, I've got a nice '94 Trident 900 in my neighbourhood for sale. I am going to look at it closely, it's a pretty sweet looking bike.

Is there anything else a member of the Trident community would like to add? I'd appreciate it.

Cheers
s

 

[gfiandy]

Its been mentioned but not really made clear. These bikes can suffer from the starter clutch failing (sprag clutch) this is expensive to repair as the engine has to be split. So check that it starts properly when hot and cold.

Andy.

 

[Guest]

And just so it's not all about the problems... I love my Trident!!! :-D

(I'm actually standing next to it with the computer on top at the moment. Gotta love Manhattan: 14 wireless networks in range just standing out on the street.)

Cheers,
-Kit

 

[specialrider]

Andy and Kit, thanks. I'll go and see it on Saturday.

Kit, check your PM please.

Ciao
s

 

[specialrider]

Kit...

Laugh... I am a "newbie" and therefore can't post a pm to anyone who is not a moderator... until I have made 10 posts... even though you are identified as a mod, in this instance the protocol wouldn't accept my message to you.

Rather than make up a bunch of useless posts, here's my request:

I don't live anywhere near a Triumph dealer, but am frequently in NYC on business. Would you please recommend a shop for help with parts and advice on Trident matters?

Thank you.
s

 

[specialrider]

Kit

Thanks for the PM with the info... still can't PM ya' back! Someday...
Ciao
s

 

[specialrider]

Hi Folks

Well it turns out this Trident is a '94, but its a 750, not a 900. It's parked beside a 900 at the shop, but the shop guy didn't know there was a difference... no wonder they lost the franchise...

Cosmetically the bike is lovely, only very minor scuff or two on the original paint, the bike is correct but needs mechanical work as it hasn't been ridden for 3 years... it has 14,900 original kilometres on it.

Since this version of the Trident was not retailed in the USA, I am looking to hear from our British and European friends who may have/had a Trident 750... I would appreciate opinions on their ownership and riding experiences.

Thanks fellow 'rats, I'm lookin' forward to hearin' from you.
Cheers