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Dooly
1st November 2009, 17:15
Getting a 75 T160V Trident. Took it as a trade and cash on my Speed Triple.

First timer with a classic Brit, having had 5 Hinckleys.

Has been in storage for 2 years but should'nt take much to get running.
Has a Norman Hyde 850cc kit on the engine plus Boyer electronic ignition.

Any things I should know about these bikes, any tips or advice, known probs etc.

Whats the best type of oil and plugs for it.
Need some low flat bars, dont like the stock 'ape hanger' types.
Where would one get a set of flat bars.

Looking forward to an oldie.
Had a couple of old Jappas prior, but this looks cool.:wari:

AllanB
1st November 2009, 17:29
First timer with a classic Brit, having had 5 Hinckleys.

First thing you need to know is - start buying a good tool kit :innocent:

Nice bikes and they sound excellent. Search the web - there is heaps on there about their week points and whats involved to cure them.

British Spares in Wellington will hold bits & pieces.

Flat bars - they run a standard 7/8 I believe - there are lots of bends available still and any half way decent bike shop will have a Ventura catalogue with the styles in.

Have fun.

KiwiGs
1st November 2009, 18:14
I don't know much about the T160v, but from what I have heard you have got your self the a good bike with some very good bits inside.
I work with a guy who has an X75 Hurricane, which he has not long ago put a Boyer ignition on. Once it was set up it worked well.
The sound of the triple leaving work is very :drool: worthy indeed...

Motu
1st November 2009, 19:54
The T160 has the BSA cases - whether that was because they lost the dies in the Meriden lock out or because they needed the cylinders inclined to make room for the starter I don't know (rumours,part of the mysteek).But they sound great,and handle great...it's just a matter of keeping them together.The MkI Concentrics are horrible,do something about them if it hasn't been done already.

Pussy
1st November 2009, 20:36
Ahhh.... T160! Almost the top of my wish list!
Best of the Meridan triples, IMHO

Dooly
2nd November 2009, 06:12
The MkI Concentrics are horrible,do something about them if it hasn't been done already.

Umm........what Motu?

Voltaire
2nd November 2009, 06:54
Classic Bike did a comparison between the Trident and the CB 750 a couple of issues back, The Honda had more bells and whistles, and the US market likes bling.
I find these mags quite useful for contacts and inspiration.
How about some pics.

Dooly
2nd November 2009, 07:42
Classic Bike did a comparison between the Trident and the CB 750 a couple of issues back, The Honda had more bells and whistles, and the US market likes bling.
I find these mags quite useful for contacts and inspiration.
How about some pics.

Heres a pic mate.
Am quite looking forward to getting it and tinkering. I'm a member of the local Classic bike club and finally can say I have a classic as such.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v410/ctfag/trident.jpg

MIXONE
2nd November 2009, 07:51
You lucky man.Traet it nicely and get a boyer ignition if there isn't one already fitted.
BTW you don't own old triumphs they own you as you will find out.

MSTRS
2nd November 2009, 08:03
That is gorgeous. And those aren't 'apes'...

Dooly
2nd November 2009, 09:28
That is gorgeous. And those aren't 'apes'...

They'll feel it after riding my sprotsbikes!!:sweatdrop

Owl
2nd November 2009, 09:56
I agree with MSTRS! Those bars are mint Dooly and yes, a bloody nice bike!:msn-wink:

Motu
2nd November 2009, 17:49
Umm........what Motu?

I had a plan to fit a twin choke Dellorto to the T150,just because I had a new one lying around.It would still supply enough fuel and air,and solve the erratic idle and uneven firing on cruise.Worn Concentrics get air leaks around the slide,which are worse under the high vacuum of cruise,and every time the slides drop for idle they settle in a different place....blip the throttle,reset...blip the throttle,reset,gets frustrating.

But of course your bike is perfect - so no worries.

Laava
2nd November 2009, 18:00
My bro had a T150v and it was a show bike with chrome doobries everywhere.
But he said that you have to be meticulous about keeping them in tune or they do the mid cyl which the subsequent, non enthusiast, owner found out. Sound awesome with respectable power for the era and great handling! Looks good too! Lucky you!

ntst8
2nd November 2009, 18:25
Check out the forum at www.triplesonline.com for lots of useful, and probably some not so useful :rolleyes: , info.
And a Trispark electronic ignition (www.trispark.com.au) is well worth a look if you are upgrading from points.
Edit - Doh, just read your post proper like and it already has a boyer.

Pussy
2nd November 2009, 19:20
A few years ago, Greg Boyd had an example that same colour in his shop. It had only done about 1200 miles. I would have loved to had the spare dosh to have bought it

Voltaire
2nd November 2009, 19:49
Heres a pic mate.
Am quite looking forward to getting it and tinkering. I'm a member of the local Classic bike club and finally can say I have a classic as such.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v410/ctfag/trident.jpg


Very nice, you should have lots of fun with that.:yes:

Dooly
3rd November 2009, 04:18
But of course your bike is perfect - so no worries.

I'm guessing there will be worries, its old & Brit.

But nothing I cant handle with time, patience & cussing.:rockon:

What the best tyres to put on bikes like these?

Voltaire
3rd November 2009, 06:14
I'm guessing there will be worries, its old & Brit.

But nothing I cant handle with time, patience & cussing.:rockon:

What the best tyres to put on bikes like these?

I put my Ducati 900 Darmah on Bridgestone B45's and a few guys on older bikes have reccommended them.....but they are Japanese...:innocent:

Would pay to check the dates on the old ones as they could be really old.
I found the chain on my Jap import 900ss was ok.....but wore out in no time, reason was the oil had dried up in the links.
Bikes don't like sitting around.:scooter:

Dooly
3rd November 2009, 06:36
I put my Ducati 900 Darmah on Bridgestone B45's and a few guys on older bikes have reccommended them.....but they are Japanese...:innocent:

Would pay to check the dates on the old ones as they could be really old.
I found the chain on my Jap import 900ss was ok.....but wore out in no time, reason was the oil had dried up in the links.
Bikes don't like sitting around.:scooter:

Cheers.

My neighbour has a mint 80 Darmah and despite it being mint and low kms, is always breaking down or having issues.:sweatdrop

SPman
3rd November 2009, 14:25
Those bars have to go!
Nice colour scheme.

jim.cox
3rd November 2009, 14:35
My neighbour has a mint 80 Darmah and despite it being mint and low kms, is always breaking down or having issues.

Thats why he's having the issues - he's not riding it enough

Don't let this happen to you Dooly

Dooly
3rd November 2009, 14:48
Thats why he's having the issues - he's not riding it enough

Don't let this happen to you Dooly

Well, thats prob true, he's not out much.

Mind you my Duc aint out much either, but its a newbie sorta.
But never stopped yet!:bash:wood

Motu
3rd November 2009, 17:49
The Dunlop TT100 (K81) was developed specifically for the Trident,there just wasn't a tyre capable of handling a bike of that power and size.The TT100 is still available,and in race compounds too - still up to the task I reckon.

RDjase
3rd November 2009, 18:56
The bars on the UK model T150's (with breadbox tank) were nice and low. Thats what I had in the spares that came with mine . The guy had taken them off on put some high ones on it, didnt suit me . I put Z bars on it after them.

Pirelli Sport Demons are a good tyre(I run them on my LC race bike, stick really well and great in the wet), Brigstone BT45s are good too

Has it still got a 19" rear?


The Dunlop TT100 (K81) was developed specifically for the Trident,there just wasn't a tyre capable of handling a bike of that power and size.The TT100 is still available,and in race compounds too - still up to the task I reckon.

A mate runs TT900s on his RZ race bike , are they similer to TT100's Motu?

Voltaire
3rd November 2009, 19:44
Cheers.

My neighbour has a mint 80 Darmah and despite it being mint and low kms, is always breaking down or having issues.:sweatdrop

Mine refuses to break down....not giving the Suzuki's on the BFTP the pleasure...

Voltaire
3rd November 2009, 19:49
Well, thats prob true, he's not out much.

Mind you my Duc aint out much either, but its a newbie sorta.
But never stopped yet!:bash:wood

My Darmah has been in regular use since joining BFTP social group.
Its been primped and preened and has never run so well.
Problems I had were due to clutch and carbs....all sorted after a few runs.
....so well in fact I think the 900ssie might have to go....:shit:
As for the bars, my R50/5 has them and they are quite relaxed to ride with...but if your wanna go hard lower bars.
...nice ride....bet it sounds good.

Paul in NZ
3rd November 2009, 19:49
The was a UK an an 'export' T160 so I suspect there were taller and lower bars. Call British Spares and they can advise...

RDjase
4th November 2009, 11:11
The was a UK an an 'export' T160 so I suspect there were taller and lower bars. Call British Spares and they can advise...


Same as the T150 with breadbox tank, low bars and the Export with teardrop tank had high bars. I put a teardrop tank on my T150 and had the low bars. I had the higher bars on my bonneville and it was ok but did prefer the low oneson my Trident

BIG DOUG
5th November 2009, 18:15
get the tri-spark ign,and got to agree with motu tt100's are a good tyre.

Dooly
7th November 2009, 19:10
1 hr to get the bike going after a 3 yr sit up.

New fuel, oil, plugs, battery, a bit of tinkering.

Off to the bike clubrooms for a beer.
Get home, bike's covered in oil, me too, looks like the pushrod tube seals blown.
Carbs need serious attention, but pulls well from mid range to 100mph easy with plenty left. Brakes, what brakes, twin disc but hell........
Who cares, big grin on my face.

Love it.:yes:

Motu
8th November 2009, 09:07
Pushrod tubes,carbs - standard stuff for a Trident.But the front brake was better than the Japanese stuff of the time....cast iron is good,but looks nasty.Just basics....but pity about having to remove the head.

Dodgyiti
8th November 2009, 11:00
May as well replace all the seals while your at it. Bikes that have been sitting always have that type of issue. They dry out and harden, can sometimes only show after a long ride or a few tanks of gas on shorter runs. Pain in the arse:angry:

Voltaire
8th November 2009, 11:56
May as well replace all the seals while your at it. Bikes that have been sitting always have that type of issue. They dry out and harden, can sometimes only show after a long ride or a few tanks of gas on shorter runs. Pain in the arse:angry:

What Slick Valdez said.:rolleyes::rolleyes:

AllanB
8th November 2009, 12:02
There appear to be lots of older Brit bikes running Avons in the Classic Bike magazines.

Dooly
8th November 2009, 14:15
There appear to be lots of older Brit bikes running Avons in the Classic Bike magazines.

This has Dunlop TT100s, look almost new, but the front has cracks, so will have to go.

Dooly
8th November 2009, 14:19
Pushrod tubes,carbs - standard stuff for a Trident.But the front brake was better than the Japanese stuff of the time....cast iron is good,but looks nasty.Just basics....but pity about having to remove the head.

Bike's all in bits now, carbs off etc etc, I like to get things done.
Order all the bits tommorrow

Head off?
I've got the seals off the pushrod tubes ok, they are removable tubes, and look like the new one's will go on ok.
Unless I've done something wrong, but all looked straight forward enough?

Mind you, theres only a few bolts left and the head could come off anyway!

YellowDog
8th November 2009, 14:30
Hats off to you Dooly.

You just get stuck into it all.

It would tke me weeks of preparation before I even got started.

ntst8
8th November 2009, 18:46
There appear to be lots of older Brit bikes running Avons in the Classic Bike magazines.

Probably AM26 Roadriders , wear well and grip is good enough.

Motu
8th November 2009, 19:48
Head off?
I've got the seals off the pushrod tubes ok, they are removable tubes,

Oh yeah,the Trident reverted to the original cast iron head design,where the rocker boxes held down the push rod tubes.Certainly not much more to do to pull the head if the carbs are off too.

Dooly
9th November 2009, 06:52
Oh yeah,the Trident reverted to the original cast iron head design,where the rocker boxes held down the push rod tubes.Certainly not much more to do to pull the head if the carbs are off too.

Cool, thought it seemed easier than I thought.

Just placed an order with British Spares, so hopefully will be all together this week.
Found some KN pod filters with the box of bits so will fit them after kitting the carbs.
Spose I'll have to alter the jetting etc?

I think its going to take longer to get the oil off my boots and jeans.:eek5:

Dooly
9th November 2009, 07:27
Hats off to you Dooly.

You just get stuck into it all.

It would tke me weeks of preparation before I even got started.

Cheers, but I'm just the type that if something has to be done I'm not happy till its done yesterday!
Mind you I am a mechanic and have all the gear.:yes:

AllanB
9th November 2009, 10:59
Probably AM26 Roadriders , wear well and grip is good enough.

Yep that will be them -http://www.avon-tyres.co.uk/motorcycle/roadrider

a performance upgrade for classic and vintage bikes :sunny:

tribsanor
9th November 2009, 17:02
Avon venom or supervenom.Stick like shit to blanket!

RDjase
9th November 2009, 20:44
What tyres are available in 19" rear? When I had my T150 I had front tyre on the rear, Cant remember what I run on it , Sold it in 91, Many many bikes ago

Doolys bike sounds great. I followed him to the classic club on saturday and was coasting along so i could here that great triple sound and not my Duke

Dooly
18th November 2009, 12:58
Well it's certainly been character building owning an old Brit!<_<
I even got up at 3.30 the other morning and did some work on it.
Ok, I'm an insomniac.

Keeping the oil in the engine is an art form I'm trying to master.
But it's getting better.
As for the wiring and electrics, well kinda sorted via a new starter too. And the starter button earthing on the handle bars, blowing the fuse all the time. As I have'nt been able to start it except by running it down my 200 metre steep driveway. The problem being if it stopped pushing it back up, which is impossible.
And yes, use the kick start they say..........a fucked up hip replacement and me being a weakling softy means I can barely get a swing at it!

And getting the carbs running properly, well, thats this week's endeavour
But it looks and feels cool with low bars now.

I'm glad the electrics stuffed out in the weekend as I would of ridden it and put off a major inspection. Fortunately they did and I spent the time going thru the old girl with a fine tooth comb and found some seriously dangerous issues that have manifested over time.
So the weekend sorted that.

Hopefully a run this weekend if the carbs are rightish, then tear down for a full rewire, brake pads, b/fluid, and a tank respray.

Not as if I've got anything to do like 12 hr days, maintaining 20 acres of lifestyle slavery, 8 horses, and keeping my other 2 modern bikes in the life they are accustomed too. Plus of course maintaining the wife.

Sounds like I'm complaining..........naa.........the old shitter gives me a grin when I work, or look at it.
(The bike, not the wife:msn-wink:)

jim.cox
18th November 2009, 13:19
Keeping the oil in the engine is an art form I'm trying to master.


It's British, Man.

They never got over total loss lubrication

Just keep putting it in at the top :)

How do you find changing and braking with the "other" foot?

Dooly
18th November 2009, 13:31
It's British, Man.

They never got over total loss lubrication

Just keep putting it in at the top :)

How do you find changing and braking with the "other" foot?

Have no probs with leaks, expect it, and will be disappointed if it does'nt.
Will mean I've run out of oil!

I've gone from a 10 mm stream from the engine direct to my left leg when riding to a dribble running down the front last night to a slight dribble when running today after a bit of playing.
I'm aiming for minor seepage in this millenium hopefully.

Mine's the flash model, the brake and shift are in the 'normal' spots, so there's no confusion.

I brought the bike to work today on the trailer so I can muck about when I like, plus our auto sparky can make me a new loom.:msn-wink:

ntst8
18th November 2009, 17:27
How do you find changing and braking with the "other" foot?

Old Brits use the Right foot, its all this modern stuff that uses the "other" foot. :laugh:

Pussy
19th November 2009, 21:18
How do you find changing and braking with the "other" foot?

Last of the Meridan Tridents.... left foot gearchange

Dooly
22nd November 2009, 09:54
Brought the old girl back home on Friday in anticipation of riding yesterday and testing a few things.

Adjusted the clutch, pulled on it, 'ping' cable goes slack, damn!!
Pull the side cover off, cable not broken but pulled out of holder it sits in. An age, wear thing, sorted it, peened the holder a bit, all good.
Fucked about with the carbs yet again, stripped down again, adjusted needles etc etc, still not right, leanness at cruise, pulls hard thru the rev range, but way too much fuel at idle despite leaning the mixture.
Clutch slipping a bit but adjusted it to suit as I was riding.

Not spending days on them, order a Mikuni carb setup off Ebay off a Brit specialist in the States. 3 new Mikunis, pod filters, new throttle cable, selection of jets, everything ready to go, in fact they say it should run good bolt on. All for $500 USD.
A little bit of tinkering but no probs.

Take it for a half hour run yesterday morn, felt ok, but did'nt quite feel on song.
Was wondering what the smoke was mid part of the bike, always thought it was oil on the exhaust.
Turns out the rear tyre was hard against the chain guard due to the rear end being out of alignment.
Fixed now.
Oil leaks as usual, but much much better and only dribbling down the front a bit. Can live with that.
Pull the plugs, middle one no sign of firing.
Check everything, find the HT lead for that plug not even sitting in the coil, just on top under the boot. Looks like someone has put a new terminal on the end which is too big and it wont go into the coil tower.
All fixed.

Off to the Classic bike club 10kms away for a brew.
Neighbour picks me up on his mint 80 Ducati Darmah.
We dont even get to the end of the road and he stops.
The old Darmah has shit its gearbox.

Carry on, speedo stops working, trying to judge my speed.
Start passing cars, figure must be about 130kph when I see the bacon man.
Thankfully he has a customer but gave me a glare as the howl of the triple roars past.
Get to the club, park up, check for oil leaks (its a paranoia now)
Hardly none on the ground, quite pleased. A dribble here and there but fuckall really.
Go round check the other half dozen or so old Trumpies.
Oil everywhere and leaking so that makes me happy.
Enjoy a few beers.
Ride home.

Open shed this morn, big pool of oil in another spot!!!
Looks like clutch side plate.
Take it off, signs of a repair previous.
Bolt hole split open, no gasket could seal that.
No big deal.
Add it to the small list to do this week.

Yes the list is getting smaller.
Only has to be ok for another week than its off the road for a few more things to tie it over the Summer till resto/customise next Winter.

But I love it, its cool, and I'm just glad I chose to be a mechanic when it comes to owning an old Brit.
Would'nt have it any other way.:banana:

Dooly
29th November 2009, 17:00
Well the old girl made its goal, to get me there and back on the Classic ride on Sat, before its torn down tommorrow for stuff.

Really weird as I rode with my usual sports bike group instead of the oldies, and stuck to my usual habits, and did'nt spare the horse.

And truly amazingly....I passed a 998S Ducati in the twisties, and got away.
Dunno who was surprised more, me or him.
But I have proof and I'm stoked.:woohoo:

MSTRS
29th November 2009, 17:29
Excellent to hear it's progressed to that stage. I always got the horn when I heard a Trident...will be good to get a top-up on a regular basis.

xknuts
23rd December 2009, 20:21
Heres a pic mate.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v410/ctfag/trident.jpg

Nice, I had an identical one in UK, rode all over Europe but that electric start never worked unless motor hot!


Check out the forum at www.triplesonline.com for lots of useful, and probably some not so useful :rolleyes: , info.
And a Trispark electronic ignition (www.trispark.com.au) is well worth a look if you are upgrading from points.

Its all been said, keep at it & u will succeed. Oil leaks are beatable.
Trispark is the new Boyer.
Kilroys line up in CHCH, nice T160 sandwich!

Dooly
24th December 2009, 06:33
Nice, I had an identical one in UK, rode all over Europe but that electric start never worked unless motor hot!

Yeah they say that.
The previous owner had the same thing.

But British Spares in Welly sell a 21A battery especially designed for the cold start on them, and it works well. Cost 170 but well worth it IMO.

Just gotta put it all together now, tank's been resprayed, rewired, new Mikunis from the states are here, had another go at leaks etc etc.:2thumbsup

vifferman
24th December 2009, 16:46
British Spares in Welly sell a 21A battery especially designed for the cold start on them, and it works well. Cost 170 but well worth it IMO.
When that carks it, you may be able to do better. I just upgraded the battery on the VFR to a higher amp-hour/higher CCA battery, and it cost less than either the 'proper' one or the one it replaced. The 'MotoBatt' cost me $86 from Cycletreads. :niceone:

Indiana_Jones
29th December 2009, 01:10
Those bars have to go!
Nice colour scheme.

What he said lol

-Indy