had a couple of local rides on the TBS today and this evening.. i really do like this bike ! however have to admit my head was turned tonight as bloke at triumph club turned up on a brand new Thunderbird Storm... really like th elook of that, all black, no chrome doo-dahs... hmm might have to see if i can get a demo ride when the tiger gets serviced..
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had a couple of local rides on the TBS today and this evening.. i really do like this bike ! however have to admit my head was turned tonight as bloke at triumph club turned up on a brand new Thunderbird Storm... really like th elook of that, all black, no chrome doo-dahs... hmm might have to see if i can get a demo ride when the tiger gets serviced..
Had the week off to do some more work around the house but too hot for that so retired to the garage where it was cooler!
The Tiger and TBS need MOT's so gave then the once over and put the new tax disc on the TBS. Checked the bolts on the Tiger and found those on the sump and clutch casing needed tightening so whilst at it removed the belly pan and gave everything a good clean. Replaced the plastic caps, which had split, to the bolts holding the pannier rails on with some better ones off Ebay.
TBS not so good. The fork seals had been slightly leaking for awhile but one had got much worse evidenced by the stain on the concrete floor.
I don't have the time or the room really - OK, I can't be arsed! So I'll bite the bullet, as it's due a valve check anyway, and book it into the dealer.
Tried the CCM for the first time since replacing the battery and it burst into life, so that's good, and put the tax on that as well.
Tiger passed the MOT, would have been surprised if it hadn't.
So did the the TBS with advisories on the fork seals. Weren't as bad as when left standing, which is good news, as at least I can still keep riding the bike.
So celebrated with a ride over to Wellesbourne Airfield for a late lunch and then onto the dealer for a nosey around. What a spiffing way to spend a day.
Booked bike in for a 12000 mile service and the fork seals. Gulp!
Well that's all the bikes legal which is good, just gotta ride them now.
Tigeralorange: Tiger passed the MOT, would have been surprised if it hadn't.
So did the the TBS with advisories on the fork seals. Weren't as bad as when left standing, which is good news, as at least I can still keep riding the bike.
So celebrated with a ride over to Wellesbourne Airfield for a late lunch and then onto the dealer for a nosey around. What a spiffing way to spend a day.
Booked bike in for a 12000 mile service and the fork seals. Gulp!
Well that's all the bikes legal which is good, just gotta ride them now.
I was at Wellesbourne a few days back - (hmmm!) - how was it for you?
Yesterday I removed the airbox baffle on the T100 and today my very expensive bar-end mirrors arrived so they were installed straight away.
They took awhile to come but having done 2 rides today the wait was worth every minute. Bar-end mirrors are a complete revelation to me - I can see behind me
Blizzard: I bet he enjoyed the cod and chips as well
No, I went for the gammon, chips, egg and beans! Lovely.
Andreas - yeah I remember you posting the other day about going there. Nice cafe with the advantage of watching the planes. Been meaning to go for awhile as it's only a few miles from me at Warwick. Guy on a nice Meriden Triumph was just leaving as I got there.
Repaired the damage I did to the Bonnie when I dropped it on it's side in the Isle of Man - bent engine bar, broken end on the gear lever.
Still need to T Cut or similar the flyscreen as I scuffed that a little, and will have to paint the gearbox casing where it's scratched due to the gear lever being moved around on the shaft.
Anyone have any recommendations on paint to match that on the engine / gearbox casing ?
Yesterday a group of us rode through the Adelaide hills at break neck speeds in glorious sunshine but a chilly 9°C 130kms to the Sea & Vines event McLaren Vale. Had a massive party at a friends house, then had a more leisurely ride home today through the hills with a sore head.
Sherwood Bambi: Repaired the damage I did to the Bonnie when I dropped it on it's side in the Isle of Man - bent engine bar, broken end on the gear lever.
Still need to T Cut or similar the flyscreen as I scuffed that a little, and will have to paint the gearbox casing where it's scratched due to the gear lever being moved around on the shaft.
Anyone have any recommendations on paint to match that on the engine / gearbox casing ?
There's a thread in Hinkley Gossip - Speed Triple engine colour which may help?
Well Sunday actually. Did a 900 kilometre round trip to go to a custom show in the south of France. Left at eight in the morning and got back home, 50 km SE of Barcelona, at 1am the next morning.
Next thing I know I'll be doing the Iron Butt (I say! )!
Bit belated for me as well - Sunday had a bimble over to Wellesborne Airfield cafe again to meet up with some friends and a full brekkie, mmmm! Was going to go on the Speedy but battery not fully charged and I'm not risking the spragg so went on the Tiger instead. A few Triumphs there including the full range of current Tigers and a nice older model Thunderbird.
Gave the TBS the once over and a polish tonight in readiness for the 12k. service and fork seals tomorrow. Then it's bread and water for a month!
Weather god smiled on me today as I had a nice ride over to the dealers in warm sunshine. Remained dry, but turned chilly for when I picked it up and then started to rain once I'd put it in the garage.
Must put those fork protectors on now that I bought awhile ago.
MOT'd it today..... 2 advisories..... slack chain (regulation Triumph 40mm) and the front tyre is getting near the limit (but I knew that anyway) it goes in for it's 12k service next monday....(2 arms and 2 legs I s'pose)
Sherwood Bambi: Repaired the damage I did to the Bonnie when I dropped it on it's side in the Isle of Man - bent engine bar, broken end on the gear lever.
Still need to T Cut or similar the flyscreen as I scuffed that a little, and will have to paint the gearbox casing where it's scratched due to the gear lever being moved around on the shaft.
Anyone have any recommendations on paint to match that on the engine / gearbox casing ?
There's a thread in Hinkley Gossip - Speed Triple engine colour which may help?
Hammerite smooth satin in a spray can is a very close match. Just rub down aorund the scratch to ensure it is smooth before spraying.
Thanks for the suggestions all - I'll give the Hammerite a go I think. Just need to get to a shop stocking it sometime this week ! Could have done it this evening but went for a hour or so's ride instead !
Dropped my TBS solo-seat off to have it recovered to get rid of the horrible faded yellow piping and the faded gold wrong Triumph logo.
Having it done all black with the right Triumph logo embossed on the rear so should look the nuts.
Padding was increased a bit when had done by a previous owner and whilst the riding position is fine for a tall lad like me as I'm having it redone I thought I may as well have it increased a bit more.
Will be ready middle of next week so I'll post a piccie then.
Been thinking of having it done for awhile and was going to use one of the guys recommended on here.
But a chance conversation with someone last weekend who said "I've got a phone number for a guy near Coleshill (Midlands)" spurred me into action as it's only a couple of miles from where I work.
Saw some examples of his work, which was very good so I'm very hopeful and he's a nice guy. Not that relevant I know, but it's always a more pleasant experience if they are, particularly when it's your hobby/leisure activity.
Chris - can you send me his details as I'm looking at getting the S3 seat re-done later in the year as it has a slight split and I think the foam is a little past its best
Blizzard: Chris - can you send me his details as I'm looking at getting the S3 seat re-done later in the year as it has a slight split and I think the foam is a little past its best
Nice to get out and about a fair bit on the bikes this weekend.
Saturday me and the missus took the Tiger and met up with some friends from the Douglas club for a pub lunch just outside Stow-on-the-Wold and then went onto the Royal Enfield open day before leaving for home.
Then today, on my own, I took the TBS, to return to Stow for the Douglas Rally. Stopped off at Wellesborne Airfield cafe for a late breakfast (lovely as usual) on the way.
There and back was about 60 miles and the TBS was an absolute joy (as said before ) on the sweeping undulating roads between Warwick and Stow. Got caught in a couple of downpours on the way but on the way back it was blue sky and fluffy clouds and the sound of the TBS at 70/75 was an aural delight.
Couple of piccies. My mate's 1936 Douglas and the TBS on the way home with blue sky!
Mine had done about the same, though I had done the oil and filter not long ago, and I got a Bonnie SE as a loaner!
As you say after the TBS it was gutless and I had to keep changing down where the TBS would just pull like a good un.
Bit of an unfair comparison I suppose given that the Bonnie had standard silencers on which robs it of any character or decent sound and the emissions crap reduces the power output. No wonder owners modify them/replace the silencers asap.
Nimble after the TBS but still surprisingly heavy to push around.
I would've thought that a twin of similar capacity to the TBS would have been torquier..... but in reality I found it was a bit like riding a punchy 250.... despite a bit of fiddling all I could see in the mirrors were elbows... felt a bit perched on the bike but I s'pose it's horses for courses and what you are used too...
Bluelabel aka ~Aitch~: I would've thought that a twin of similar capacity to the TBS would have been torquier..... but in reality I found it was a bit like riding a punchy 250.... despite a bit of fiddling all I could see in the mirrors were elbows... felt a bit perched on the bike but I s'pose it's horses for courses and what you are used too...
They are great for beginers and born again organ doners, but once they have built up confidence they start looking for something with a bit more poke, just look at how many low mileage Bonnie's come up for sale. The Thunderbird used to be the ideal next bike and there isn't anything else realy to replace it. Probably the nearest thing is the new basic Commando but the chances of getting your hands on one are practically non existant. Triumph do need a modern retro to replace the old Meridan T160, a simple step up from the Bonnie. The new Thunderbird is a cruiser and most people who want that sort of bike will buy a Harley and the Rocket 3 is just to big for most riders and doesn't really fit quite into the retro market.
Blizzard: Chris - can you send me his details as I'm looking at getting the S3 seat re-done later in the year as it has a slight split and I think the foam is a little past its best
mmm nice 80 mile ride round on the TBS tonight - i only went out to warm it up so i could check for leaks/level after the oil change chips, half a pear cider, sandwiches and a natter with other triumph owners was also involved, so a very nice evening... i do like my TBS
NeilD: mmm nice 80 mile ride round on the TBS tonight - i only went out to warm it up so i could check for leaks/level after the oil change chips, half a pear cider, sandwiches and a natter with other triumph owners was also involved, so a very nice evening... i do like my TBS
Half a pear cider! I think you might have to sell the TBS and buy a twin. Bloody wolley woofter
Bluelabel aka ~Aitch~: I would've thought that a twin of similar capacity to the TBS would have been torquier..... but in reality I found it was a bit like riding a punchy 250.... despite a bit of fiddling all I could see in the mirrors were elbows... felt a bit perched on the bike but I s'pose it's horses for courses and what you are used too...
They are great for beginers and born again organ doners, but once they have built up confidence they start looking for something with a bit more poke,
Bollocks (but then I would say that)
The Bonnie is 865, the TBS is 885. Thats pretty similar to me!
I've ridden 1200cc missiles, 600 and 955cc sports bikes, a Triumph legend and many things in between and I'd have to say the 865 twin is one of the most fun, easygoing, glorious sounding, get on and ride, bikes ever. Its just fun. No more frustration because the bike can do 170, but the roads and your own abilities can't make use of (and I'm pretty handy on a bike but with brains enough to realise I'm not John McGuiness!)
Just grab a leather jacket and gloves, stick on your lid and ride. You can chuck it about the lanes, fix it with a basic toolkit, ride across Europe, race it if your nuts! and even ride the odd gravel byway. Its light comparatively, and the Thruxton certainly, will do an indicated 120. Enough to get you in serious trouble.
It might get there slower than a kawayamazuki daytona 1111cc rocket but you'll experience more laughs and fun getting it there. Its what a motorcycles used to be before marketing men convinced us we needed a different bike for every niche.
Want to go sporty? clip ons and go. Want to ride it like a tourer? Chuck a box n bags on and do it. Want to go off road? beef up the suspension and fit scrambler bits. Its no master at any of these but it can be done. Buy one, then start modifying to your hearts content. Which can be done without needing a CEOs salary, and easily because there is a world full of suppliers of very cool stuff. I'd go so far as to say its a nearly a cult bike in many parts of the world in the way the LC became here. All over America and Europe there are people doing great things to these basic British (Thai assembled) lumps, building some stunning machines.
It seems only in this country do people daftly view it as something undesirable. To dismiss it as a dull learner bike for novices is a bit wide of the mark really. (Maybe you should have borrowed one fitted with proper pipes, the soundtrack alone makes a world of difference)
I put off buying one for years because I listened to the "its too small slow old fashioned" brigade and then one day I just took one out for a blast round the midlands B roads and A roads and f!$% me it was a hoot. Not for everyone maybe but dismissing it as a learner bike is plain daft.
And finaly remember, It takes a better rider to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow!
Here endeth the lesson taken from chapter 1 verses 1-7 of the Book of Triumph
however have to admit my head was turned tonight as bloke at triumph club turned up on a brand new Thunderbird Storm... really like th elook of that, all black, no chrome doo-dahs... hmm might have to see if i can get a demo ride when the tiger gets serviced.. 
The fork seals had been slightly leaking for awhile but one had got much worse evidenced by the stain on the concrete floor. 
Well apart from the TBS. 
)!
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