Triumph Motorcycle?

[5030]

Jeff:

Actually, the cases are painted silver just like my '68. The cylinders themselves are black and the heads are silver paint, again, like the '68.

The side covers (primary side and timing side) are chrome plated though you can still order polished (just like the '68).

The rocker box covers (which are now cam covers as the engine is DOHC instead of OHV) are painted, but you can get chrome ones. I'll probably remove them and polish them and clear lacquer them too. I like the chrome side covers. I used to spend a lot of time polishing the case covers with Simichrome polish.

Remember, now the cases are split horizontally instead of vertically and the engine is wet sump instead of scavenged dry sump with a remote oil tank.

One thing that does kind of bother me and that is the final drive is chain. I remember the '68 and the miserable chain oiler. The new final drive is "O" ring chain. The dealer told me that minimal lubrication is required as the lubricant is contained by the sealing rings. I guess they make a specific lubricant for the chain and a light coat is all that is necessary.

I like the large disc brakes front and rear. My '68 had a small 1/4 width drum on the rear and a double leading shoe on the front. The disc brakes are light years ahead of the '68's.

With 61 horses on tap, I don't think the new Bonneville is a stoplight stormer. I'd have to get out the shop manual for the '68, but I think the '68 had somewhere around 53 horses. The '68 was a 650, the '03 is 790.

No kick started bothered me too. The Triumphs, in general, were extremely easy to start and had a long arm kicker. The dealer told me I could "glue" one on, if that would make me happy!!

I'll see how this new adventure goes. If it is an enjoyable venture as I suspect it to be, maybe next year I'll order a new Royal Enfield 500 side valve with a matching sidecar. In black, of course.

I just might divorce myself from snowmachines and fill the garage with motorcycles. No rice rockets or Harley's allowed.

 

[TresCrows]

"One thing that does kind of bother me and that is the final drive is chain. I remember the '68 and the miserable chain oiler. The new final drive is "O" ring chain. The dealer told me that minimal lubrication is required as the lubricant is contained by the sealing rings. I guess they make a specific lubricant for the chain and a light coat is all that is necessary"

Chains are always a bit messy but the new o-ring chains are a vast improvement over chains of old. They require a wipe down with kerosene every 1,500 miles or so and then relubing with the "special" sparay on chain lubes. This is best done after a ride, again every 1,500 miles or so, when the chain is warm. Spray the lube on sparingly and allow it to soak in overnight. There will be minimal sling off this way. I use WD40 to clean the grease from my bike that does sling off. You will find a quality o-ring chain very easy to live with and will require few adjustments after initial breakin stretch. Do not use gasoline or strong solvents on an o-ring chain because it will ruin the o-rings. Do not lube them with 30W oil either like we used to do. J

 

[5030]

J:

I'll keep that in mind. I just perused the Bell helmet website. Going to get a new lid and some face shields.

My wife dug out my Brooks leathers from about 20 years ago. They are in surprisingly good shape, especially after some neats foot oil. They actually fit, what a surprise.

I see that Brooks isn't in business anymore and to boot, they are collectable.

 

[Jeff396]

Daryl,

Wow, I didn't realize that any of the older bikes had painted engines. My '66 certainly doesn't so I guess it changed soon thereafter or someone changed mine before I got it.

Maybe with luck an aftermarket company will produce a kick start conversion if they get enough people asking for the option muck like American Iron makes for some of the Harley's.

Our local dealership is having an open house this weekend and I'm thinking I might go. They are in the process of opening a new showroom so the BMW people can have a building all for themselves.....must not like slumming The dealership carries BMW, Triumph, Ducati and Indian (for the moment at least).

Jeff

 

[Jeff396]

I just went down and took a good close look at my cases. That might be paint after all. I never realized that! I think why I so quickly noticed it on the new bike is because they are using a paint with a good amount of metal flake in it. The paint on mine looks just like raw clean aluminium

Jeff

 

[8561]

5030 - J is right about the new chains. They are very low maintenance. I would recommend a good high quality chain lube that won't fly off. I use Motorex 622 Strong (made in Switzerland). I have also used Maxima and Bel-Ray chain wax with good results. I spray a little on about every second or third ride and always apply when the chain is hot, and I'm about to put the bike away for the day. As far as maintenance, I haven't tightened the chain on my Ducati in over 2000 miles (including a race track day), and I check it regularly for tension.

You'll love the new Triumph. I have a friend with one and he likes it a lot. Remember - keep the shiny side up and the dirty side down.

 

[Henro]

<font color="blue"> You'll love the new Triumph. I have a friend with one and he likes it a lot. Remember - keep the shiny side up and the dirty side down.
</font>

Oh, oh...I see 5030 starting a new thread soon...

"Do you wash your Motorcycle?" /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[EastTexFrank]

You have got to stop this thread right NOW!!!!!!

It's bad enough that you are getting a new Triumph but being able to fit into 20 year old leathers!!!!!! ..... I know you're only doing it to make me feel bad ... real bad. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

I think I'll go dig out that old rowing machine in the basement ... just as soon as I finish my midmorning coffee and doughnuts. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[ducati996]

Did Someone say Ducati????

8561 this picture is propably in your backyard!! Its a highway
and the first letter is a "K"

Ducati996 /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[TresCrows]

"It's bad enough that you are getting a new Triumph but being able to fit into 20 year old leathers!!!!!! "

Just imagine to yourself that he looks like a whale in black with the seams about to burst open. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif. J

 

[TresCrows]

I noticed you mentioned Bell Helemts--unfortunately the Bell Helmets of today are not the Bell of old. Yeppers, that company outsourced, downsized and high fived and lean operated it's way into extinction and the name was purchased by HJC (?), a maker of functional but cheap helmets. The top helmets today are Shoei pronounced "shoey" and AGV. I recommend a full face but it may not look right on a Bonneville rider but they make cruiser styles as well that have an open face more like what you probably remember from 20 years ago when your leathers actually did slip right on /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. I got several old Bell Helmets sitting in my garage. I recommend a Shoei if it were my head. The Shoei full face types have scratch resistent shields, are very quiet at speed. Some have removable liners for cleaning etc.
Another warning, any cell phone carrying blonde chick under 30 is a danger to you as well as every Soccer mom with a car load of disgusting progeny. Best to ride with groups of people and steer clear of those sorts /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif. J

 

[8561]

996 - Judging from the photo, I believe you are referring to the Kancamaugus Highway, aka Rte 112 between Lincoln and Conway, NH. That is about an hour north of me and I have ridden it many times. That's a nice looking biposta you have there. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif I hope you didn't ride it up from NY!! My wrists are falling asleep just thinking about it. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[8561]

I would add another brand to consider to J's list - Arai. I personally use a Shoei XSP-II and I bought an AGV for my wife, even though I couldn't get her on my bike at gunpoint. The only other brand I would consider is a Suomy, but they are not very common. In the end, buy the one that fits your head best. Do NOT buy a brain bucket that is not Snell Foundation approved (safety rating). Make sure the fit is snug to very snug as it will loosen a little and if it is too loose, the helmet will likely feel like it is lifting off your head at speed.

 

[5030]

J:

I'll take your and everyone else's advice on the lid. Being away from bikes for about 22 years left me in a void concerning helmets and leathers.

I have a full bucket with heated shield for the snowmachines, but I want an open face with a flat shield or goggles for the Triumph. We do have to look the retro type don't we??

As far as the leathers, I was really surprised that they fit me. I must have bought them in one of my fatter periods. When I put on the jacket and I just happen to have 2 of them, I felt just like Fonda and I don't mean Jane!!

I think I will buy a pair of Triumph leather pants. My old Brooks are a little tight in the rear!!

This weekend, I'll put on the leathers and model them for the camera and have my wife take a picture. I'll post it for all to see!!

Actually, maybe I should sell the Brooks on e-bay and buy new leathers. I didn't realize Brooks were so collectable and chic.

I looked at Shoei helmets as well as Bell. I was wondering why Bell was so much cheaper than 20 years ago. You guys answered my question.

One question I do have is...All the Shoei and Arai Helmets I see on the internet are full face with flip shields. Does anyone know of a site that lists open face??

The one thing that Triumph dosen't sell is helmets. Must be a liability issue.

 

[ducati996]

8561,
I knew you would guess it, I made it too easy!! That is a real nice ride for sure...I use Arai Helmets only,
full leathers with the 996 (Dainese) and at Loudon track...
I trailer my bikes every year (see link) and use the Vmax for two up riding with the wife...I have relatives in NH so I'm lucky....I love bikes in general...tractors are a close second

http://jplan.com/cgi-bin/tractor/viewPhoto.pl?userid=ducati996

 

[8561]

5030 - try doing a google search for shoei rj-air. That is their open face model. As far as Arai, I think you'll have a lot of trouble finding an online retailer who carries them. Arai really cracked down about a year or 18 months ago in an effort to protect their regular shop retailers. Even the regular shops around here were having some issues with them as they were instituting minimums to remain an authorized dealer, etc. Nonetheless, a great helmet. Good luck with the helmet and the Triumph.

 

[8561]

996 - I wear full Dainese leathers as well, Alpinestars boots, etc. Do you do track days at Loudon?
By the way, I have ridden mad-Max, its quite a rush. I am used to the big power, having ridden an FZR1000 for many years, but the Max makes power so much differently. I love how the whole thing kind of rises up when you lay on the power. What kind of times are you turning at the strip? We used to fool around at street night at the local dragway - a short wheelbase 1000cc sport bike can be a handful when it gets hooked up. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[ducati996]

I was running pretty good times since the bike was basically riden to and from the track...best that day was 10.92
The GSXR was alot faster that day 10.6 in that area...I wasnt really attempting to race him, just dial the bike in...I use it more these days as my best 2 up rider. Long all day rides is what it is great for. The Dale Walker exhuast 4-2 sounds like a big block Chevy...it's a sweet sound.
Loudon I've been on twice-both for the schools -Penquin...
My 996 was on it once....rented their bike the other time..

 

[EastTexFrank]

Thanks, I really needed that. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[TresCrows]

"I would add another brand to consider to J's list - Arai."

Yes, sorry, I was trying to think on them and could not remember, it was probably the "whale in black" that was causing my brain to misfunction /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif, uh, huh. J