Triumph Trophy stuff

[CRM]

Now I've received my Trophy I thought I might start a thread so that others can add their experience and wisdom.

I picked it up the day before yesterday, sorted out the insurance and rego yesterday morning and then rode to Auckland and back to visit clients (350 odd km return).

First lesson - DO NOT USE DISK LOCK (and forget it's on the bike) . I put the lock on Wed evening because I hadn't sorted out the insurance yet and it would be annoying if it got stolen while not insured . So Wed morning after sorting out the insurance (only $287pa with $250 excess from Protecta ) I very excitedly uncover my new baby to ride down and do the change of ownership and put some rego on it. Backing out...CRUNCH - cracked bits of front guard lying on driveway .

After calming down proceded to get sorted and ride to Auckland - all in all a great experience.

Passing power is exceptional . Likes to cruise at somewhat in excess of speed limit . Likes to go around corners (within reason) . I had a couple of minor scares - one coming into a roadworks area where the car ahead suddenly braked - had a couple of moments of two wheel drift before it broke through - then coming over the Bryderwyns on the way back I was pushing it a bit and the back broke loose - I assume on some oil or something - a bit of a moment but she shook her head and continued on track.

Lane splitting through Auckland wasn't too much of a drama - if the front can fit the panniers should follow. I noticed after I stopped the fan went for a couple of minutes - so I assume they heat up a bit at low speed at lights etc.

I notice it gets heaps of attention being a little bit rare and a very attractive looking bike .

Fuel consumption is about what I expected - around 45mpg for mixed riding - higher than the Transalp I had at about 50 (mind you if I asked the TA to do what the Trophy was doing it would probably have used as much gas) and about the same or maybe a bit lower than my VFR800 which seemed to only give about 40mpg.

Interesting to compare to the VFR. VFR has almost as much HP and a higher top speed than the Trophy, but the torque on the Trophy is phenomenal - amazing roll-on in any gear from almost any speed where with the VFR you had to get it up over 7000rpm to get the real action going on. It's not that much heavier than the VFR - only 20 or so kilos, and because its a bit lower it feels light and easy to maneuver at low speed. Also much better seating position and bar height and wind protection for me than the VFR - and factory integrated panniers. So in real-world practicality the Trophy is winner.

Comfort is good except for my hands - especially right hand - got a bit numb - I wonder if because the grips being quite small and the throttle being quite strongly sprung. Also it takes a bit more effort to turn than the TA which was very light - possibly as my technique improves that will get better. Also fitting some hotgrips will increase the size of the grips.

So apart from messing with the front guard - a very pleasant start to the relationship.

Things I'd like to add:
12v socket for radar detector and
iPhone mount for using GPS etc
Adjustable screen - it's great in the warm weather but in the rain I think a little more height would be nice
Hot grips - maybe even the velcro on type so I wouldn't have to destroy those beautiful Triumph grips.
A new front guard - I'll try to glue it up - hopefully that will help
Maybe get some work done on the seat - my wife doesn't like sitting up high so maybe could get that dropped a bit - but she hasn't been on it yet so I'll see what the verdict is first.

Anybody got any good tips or suggestions?

[CRM]

I met a guy in the street today (as you do) who used to have one the same. He said the Metzeler tyres aren't great on them if you are cornering them hard - they tend to "step out" like what I experienced - okay if you are aware of it and stay relaxed but can get you in trouble if you panic . good job I didn't have time to panic .

[CRM]

Rode to Orewa and back today - stopped at Wenderholm and took some pics - see below.

I'm finding her smooth as butter. The only issue I'm having is numb hands - right hand in particular. Not sure if it's the small grips and the slight leaning forward position . Any ideas?

[DR650gary]

[QUOTE=CRM;1130201585The only issue I'm having is numb hands - right hand in particular. Not sure if it's the small grips and the slight leaning forward position . Any ideas?[/QUOTE]

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Throttle-...#ht_2074wt_952

Told you you'd like it

[CRM]

Just did a trip to Christchurch and back last week on the Trophy - about 2600km. The Trophy performed very well and proved to be very comfortable. The longest day was coming back last Friday from Wellington to Whangarei - over 11 hours by the time I ran out of gas in National Park 4km short of the petrol station then hit a downpour on the Southern motorway in Auckland that got me stuck in traffic way too long .

I got some "Grip Puppies" for the bars and they helped a lot to minimise vibration and numb hands but after nearly 12 hours I was pretty much ready to stop .

I've got some fuel leaking issues around the filler cap (which is why when I filled in Wellington I left the level lower - still thinking I would get 300km before needing to fill - wrong ). Thank God for the AA .

I normally fill it around 250-280km and it takes up to 20 litres. The tank only holds 22 litres.

The only other issue I have with it is that the Scott Oiler doesn't seem to work no matter how I adjust it. Must be blocked or something - so just using regular chain lube for now

I'm still struggling a little with the handling - getting confident over cornering. I suspect new tyres will change that considerably as there seems to be a discernable wiggle as you go over the edge of the flat spot in the rear tyre - a bit of a worry on a heavy bike as you are piling on the torque out of a corner.

She's a cool machine though - loving the instant-everywhere go - no need to wind up the revs to keep going her at a nice clip

[CRM]

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Throttle-...#ht_2074wt_952

Told you you'd like it

Yeah they are an awesome machine - pity they stopped making them in 2003. I really like the Triumph design and finish and the fact that it's got real attitude yet is a great touring bike.

[blackdog]

1200 Trophy.

Thank me later.

You're welcome.

[Flip]

I had one for 80,000km,

Things to watchout,
Mine did not like water, it used to miss if the HT area was wet.
They have small inline fuel filters inside the fuel lines, where the hoses push into the carbs, they cause problems if they have any dirt in them at all. If you find the reserve slow, vapour locks when it is hot etc clean them out.
Get the scott oiler working, I did 66,000km on the last chain after fitting one.
The rear shocks are weak, have bugger all compression dampening and a very soft spring, its easy to overload the bike 2 up. There are lots of after market ones available.
It takes GSXR front pads, lots of cheap good quality choices available.
I used to run Bridgestone BT23 tyres, never had an issue with them.
I fitted an expensive air cleaner and had the carbs re jetted it was worth 6 HP, I just cant remember the brand at the moment.

Dont but any parts off Triumph NZ, I paid for some and they took my money and ran!

[CRM]

I had one for 80,000km,

Things to watchout,
Mine did not like water, it used to miss if the HT area was wet.
They have small inline fuel filters inside the fuel lines, where the hoses push into the carbs, they cause problems if they have any dirt in them at all. If you find the reserve slow, vapour locks when it is hot etc clean them out.
Get the scott oiler working, I did 66,000km on the last chain after fitting one.
The rear shocks are weak, have bugger all compression dampening and a very soft spring, its easy to overload the bike 2 up. There are lots of after market ones available.
It takes GSXR front pads, lots of cheap good quality choices available.
I used to run Bridgestone BT23 tyres, never had an issue with them.
I fitted an expensive air cleaner and had the carbs re jetted it was worth 6 HP, I just cant remember the brand at the moment.

Dont but any parts off Triumph NZ, I paid for some and they took my money and ran!

Thanks for that - I've not had any problems with water yet even though I've been through a couple of serious downpours. I did find it hard to start after switching to reserve once so the fuel filters may be an issue.

The shock seems fine on mine - might be something that shows up at higher mileage I guess. Not sure that I want any more horsepower at this stage - it would be nice to get better fuel economy though which a free-flowing air filter might achieve. Some nice-sounding pipes would be awesome too .

Cheers

[CRM]

You're welcome.

much appreciated

[Flip]

Mine used to run on 3 when it was left out in the rain over night. I never did find out why.

[Big Dave]

Get a spare coil or two and put 'in stock'. They will fail.

K&N air filter. It will need re-jetting though.

Neptune mufflers make a nice set of cans.

The standard rear shock is a older Kyaba and is not very good (if still original that is). Put a good one on and you'll be amazed at the difference in handling.
With Race tech cartridge emulators and Ohlins springs in the front make it a very tidy handler.

'Dame Edna Triumph' (search it) is a Yahoo Group of enthusiasts and Mik has Ride Height Adjusters available. Very good addition too.

Happy trails.

[CRM]

Get a spare coil or two and put 'in stock'. They will fail.

K&N air filter. It will need re-jetting though.

Neptune mufflers make a nice set of cans.

The standard rear shock is a older Kyaba and is not very good (if still original that is). Put a good one on and you'll be amazed at the difference in handling.
With Race tech cartridge emulators and Ohlins springs in the front make it a very tidy handler.

'Dame Edna Triumph' (search it) is a Yahoo Group of enthusiasts and Mik has Ride Height Adjusters available. Very good addition too.

Happy trails.

Thanks mate - will keep an eye out for the above.

Just got it in the workshop today getting them to try to fix a leak around the filler cap and get the Scott oiler going.

[DR650gary]

Thanks mate - will keep an eye out for the above.

Just got it in the workshop today getting them to try to fix a leak around the filler cap and get the Scott oiler going.

Get the right oil for the scottoiler. It is temperature sensitive. Blue or red. Run it on "Prime" for a while to ensure you have a clog free flow, If not, clean the feed line then look at the vacuum line from the carb nipple. Make sure you seal/close all input holes.

Cheers

[Winston001]

Always liked the Trophy and its a mystery to me why Triumph stopped making them. The Honda ST carried on and was a winner. BMW have recognised the touring/sports market for decades with strong sales.