Vintage Tiger Steamer

Hi all
I’ve just brought a steamer it’s a 98
Starter spray is silent when starting
What do these engines sound like?
Mine seems mechanically noisy
Can’t pinpoint a specific noise just
Mechanical noise?
Cheers all

 

Welcome to the Steamer party!

I think we'll need a bit more information before giving advice, views and ideas about your "mechanically noisy" bike! What mileage does it have on it? Does it have a service history? When was the oil last changed? Have you had the valve clearances checked? Does it clatter when you spin the motor on the starter button? Can you ride a bicycle, and who scored the goal?? Sorry, ignore the last two as a failed attempt at humour.

Seriously, give us a bit more info and I'm sure you'll get a LOT more useful returns. As a general comment I think it's fair to say that the early (T3) carbed 900s are a little bit mechanical and 'rattley' - the cam chain tensioner and guide can be noisy on high mileage bikes - but you shouldn't have any seriously loud noises coming from the engine. If you have it needs to be investigated. Soon. Consider having it serviced by Clive WOOD - he's in Swineshead, Lincolnshire and very busy so if you are going to do it - book soon. CW is THE man for service and repair of T3s - far cheaper than a stealer; super nice person with a great set up. He also does T3 course days - care, maintenance and repair of the range. He has one coming up in October but they are limited on numbers and book up pretty fast. Try a text to 07752 477738 if you're interested.

 

Hi cheers for quick reply
What a great club
Anyway as you say it just sounds rattley for want of a better word
This is my third triumph but my main bikes have always been Japanese fire blades etc
I still have my 2007 gsxr 1000 and my 1999 hayabusa
Compared to them it’s noisy
It’s done 13000 miles and hasn’t done any miles in the last 8 years
I’d love a fellow owner to listen to it and let me know if it’s normal
When I hit the starter it’s fine no sprag clutch
Problems
Cheers again

 

It’s obvious you don’t know me as I’m a computer idiot
I’ll have a go and thanks all again your responses have been great

 

It’s obvious you don’t know me as I’m a computer idiot
I’ll have a go and thanks all again your responses have been great

 

This forum is also known as 'Luddites 'r' Us', so you will feel very comfortable here. These engines are indeed a bit noisy, but keep the battery fully charged and change the oil/filter regularly and all should be well. My '95 Trident 900 has over 54,000 miles on it and is still very healthy. Enjoy.

 

I don't know if you ever worked out why your Tiger has a reversed shift pattern, but my guess would be that it's not a Tiger engine.

If you look at pictures, and the parts illustrations, you'll see that all the other 885s have the foot lever arm pointing down, but the Tiger arm points up.

To maintain the "one down" pattern the Tiger has a unique reverse pattern selector drum (well, not unique, the part number is shared with the Thunderbird, which doesn't have a linkage).

Therefore, if you fit a non-Tiger engine and keep the Tiger foot lever and linkage you have a reversed, "one up" gearchange.

 

So the trident is the same motor?
I’ve heard that many horror stories about the early triples
But I thought sod it ive always fancied one
So what will be will be

 

Me too..brought up on The Vital Spark( but then I am an exiled Scot)
Have fought shy of Steamers on account of the dreaded sprag clutch.
Currently on my second Tiger 955i...best bike I've had in 45 years of riding.
Today I took mine best part of 300 miles to the Gower.. currently in a pub there..will do the same trip in reverse tomorrow.
Did 20 k on my last one last year.
Superb machines.

 

In a nutshell, Trident, Daytona and Tiger 885 carb'd engines are virtually the same with slightly different states of tune. Thunderbird engines have a lower state of tune and are different externally but mechanically very similar. All have similar quirks and foibles but are essentially bullet proof.

 

I (for one) sincerely hope she doesn't kill you .... but, I agree, it WILL be a fun ride.

 

Not if I get you first!

 

Nice one Ron. Enjoy.

Proper Triumph. Proper logo. Proper t-shirt!

Us says "proper" a lot down yer in Deb'n!

 

What about the one in it?

 

Nice to hear
Are the sprag clutches the same in all carbd motors or was there a upgrade
And mines silent at min how can I future proof it?
Is there any dos and donts
Cheers for excellent replies
I’m glad I moved in

 

Later sprags were beefed up, I think. The best bit of advice regarding the sprag has already been given - KEEP THE BATTERY IN GOOD CONDITION. ALWAYS. Do NOT try to start it up if the battery is low/weak and the engine is cold. A damaged sprag on a bike without the removable 'hatch' plate on the top of the engine cases will, eventually, require a very extensive (and expensive) engine stripdown.

Have the valve clearances checked and adjusted on schedule. Use decent oil and change it frequently - it's 10W/40 semi-synth. - and decent filters. The air filter is a bitch to change but there are hacks to make life a bit easier. Sprint Manufacturing in Wiltshire are good for most of the service items you'll need and are also very good for spares,new and used.

Other than that - ride and enjoy. The carb'd Tiger has more of what might be the over used and ill defined term "character" than, arguably, any other period Triumph - probably because of it's really oddly 'butch' appearance and grunty nature, but it is a very pleasant place to be when it's running well!

 

Good info there
A bit about my steamer
It’s a 98 and I brought it without hearing it run
It had been parked up many years
12 I think all verified by mot history etc
I brought on condition as apart from the tank blistering it was in beautiful nick
Anyway rebuilt carbs flushed tank and pet lock brakes overhauled and oil and coolant change and a brand new battery
Fired straight up and loads of crap from exhausts
Clear now runs spot on starts first time
And it’s done 14000 miles