Hey guys. Just picked up a 2011 Speed Triple, 8k miles. New convert to triumph and a triple cylinder Just a couple of maintenance questions; The bike has been serviced regularly but the "big" service at 6k miles wasn't done. It needs a new chain as I'm sure it's on the original one since new, is it really worth getting the "big" service done or can I wait till about 12k? Never owned a single swing arm bike before, about to pick up a paddock stand, will a regular paddock stand be OK, with it 'hooked' on the r&g rear wheel sliders? Thanks
Hello Charlie and welcome. Valve clearance isn’t until 12000 and when I did mine they were all in tolerance, quite a few members have found the same. The standard paddock stand will be fine, I used one successfully with a stainless steel rod through the axle.
I wouldn't leave that service not for a minute. Thought I could get away with it on my sprint wrong the bike blew the engine in pieces all because a valve started slapping the piston. Regards Joe.
Welcome in Charlie. No point in doing the valve clearance check until the 12,000ml schedule - and in all probability they'll be within tolerance at that mileage. I'm also surprised that you think it needs a new chain with only 8,000mls on it, either it's been given some serious stick or not been looked after properly. If you do need to change the chain make sure you get new sprockets too. With regards the padock stand it really depends how much home maintenance you intend doing, using a conventional stand is fine for oiling the chain and cleaning duties but not much else as you can't remove the wheel for tyre changes etc. The eccentric hub (used for chain adjustment) and the suspension linkage need greasing every couple of years, or sooner if riding through winter, if you're doing that yourself then something like the Abba stand is ideal as it supports from the swingarm pivot point and leaves the rear entirely clear to work on.
On my Speed Triple I have a single sided paddock stand, I can remove the well and take it loose to any tyre changer to get a new tyre fitted Regarding chain, are you sure it needs replacing and. It just tightening? If you have the £, an Abba Skylift is a worthy investment, it can be used on almost any bike with the correct adapters and enables both wheels to be removed and servicing can be done at height so you aren't breaking your back. You can pretty muchbstrip the bike down to its frame Welcome in though, any more questions do just ask. All we ask in return is a not of gratitude and pictures of your bike We like pictures
Thank you all for the replies! I made an error in creating my original account with my full name, then realised I couldn't change the name hence this new account. Hopefully I've done the images correctly, should be directly below this paragraph: The chain probably looks worse than what it is, it's got hard what looks like corrosion on the outside, internal each link 'rotates' freely, I'd prefer a gold chain but funds are tight since the purchase. I'll definitely have a look into the stand. The service schedule online doesn't mention the valve clearances until 12k,the service book i got with the bike says 6k
Welcome in mate. I bought a 14 Speedy August 2018 with 13,500 miles on with the selling dealer stamp on the 12,000 mile service but not sure it was done, anyway, I had a proper service done October last year by Muddysump (highly recommended) at 16,000 miles and all valves were in tolerance so don't worry too much yet I would say. Enjoy the Speedy!
I agree with the previous comments. i would not be worried about the valve clearances for a long time yet. on my 955i I checked them at 12K and they were as per the factory setting I did another check at 20K and they still hadn't moved. I think your time would be spent better doing the suspension linkages if they haven't been done already
A wee observation. Modern chains may be sealed with o rings to keep the grease in and the grit out BUT the external portion and rollers need some protection to minimise corrosion and sprocket wear. The rust specs on the chain sideplates suggest a little more lubricant is needed...... even just to protect from salt spray. Nice machine you have picked up there.
Would you recommend changing the sprocket/chain after looking at the photo? Thanks everyone for the advice on the valve clearances, is it simple to grease the suspension linkages?
It wouldn't hurt to put new chain and sprockets on, you don't know how the previous keeper(s) looked after it. Regarding the linkage bearings just raise the bike with a trolley jack or similar on the sidestand and remove the rear wheel. Take note (photos) of which way the linkage plates fit then remove the bolts, if you're lucky they will come out ok and the centre bush will just push out allowing you to slip a bit of grease in the roller bearings. Inspect the rubber seals and replace any duff ones while you are in there.
Welcome CRC25. It’s hard to tell the extent of damage the rust has done to the chain by the photos. The sprocket looks fine, as it doesn’t show any significant wear. Take off the front sprocket cover and have a look at the sprocket, as the front usually wears quicker than the rear. If you need to replace the chain and both sprockets don’t show any wear, then just replace the chain, if not, it would be wise to replace all of it.
for the extra few pounds I would replace chain and sprockets together. as just putting a new chain on is a false economy to me
@calumity I was referring to the fact of just replacing a chain. I didn't say that the chain needed replacing
