Now I’m a little bummed out. 82.74 ps (metric hp) is just a hair over 80 hp (mechanical). Granted I stopped at 9000 rather than 9500 but I doubt there was much more in there.
Its been a long time coming but today my build passed the German inspection, aka the TUV. I completely flubbed my attempt at Vinyl wrapping, so I had to paint. Im leaving tomorrow for Normandy with some Lads I know fro Jersey and then on to Wales. Since my first stop was Normandy for the 75th Anniversary of The D-Day landings, I went with RAF Eagle Squadron Camp and Invasion stripes. I know...no Roundels or Tricolor tail but I painted it with spray cans in an afternoon. Oh, I fitted an LED headlight from Amazon (it was $50) and now the only incandescent bulb on the whole bike is in the speedo and tach.
Really like what you've done with that CRK. I wasn't too sure about the gold finishes but (IMHO) they don't look too out of place in the images posted. The camo paint and invasion stripes is inspired and taking a German registered Triumph to the 75th. anniversary 'D Day' memorial celebrations is just great - especially with the R.W.&B. sweatband! It won't be to everyone's taste - what is? - but I think you've made a truly get job of a unique and characterful build! BTW., what make is the air filter?
Any comments from the neighbours? Just don’t call it ‘Tempest’ or ‘Typhoon’ or ‘Mustang’ or ‘Lightning’.......
Thank you all very much, there were times I wasn't sure if I would have been better off just buying a good used bike fir my last 2 years over here and sell/give it away at the end, but this is better. This one is old enough I can bring it home with me. It is a blast tp ride, the throttle off idle is a little snatchy but it smoothes right out and howls all the way to the top. The Gold...I asked the powder coat guy for best price on whatever he had in stock, that gold was left over from a Maserati thing he did and it was almost free. The air filter is the CRK branded Ram-Air. If I kept this theme I would put RAF Eagle Squadron markings on it (I like the idea of the Americans that came over in 39 and flew hurricanes and spitfires for the RAF until we entered the war). My German neighbors are clueless, they have been under the American presence here since 45, they are numb to us. They love us, we overpay for everything.
If you are into Spitfires then I would recommend that you seek out this documentary movie :- https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5913184/ https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/spitfire_2018 It's not a cheap, simple rehash of early footage. It's beautifully made and stunningly shot. The soundtrack is excellent and the interviews are poignant for their insights and for their timings - Geoffrey Wellum died a short while after completion of the film. (I'd also recommend Wellum's book 'First Light' if you are in any way interested in the Battle of Britain.) The film is well worth seeking out and I know it's available in the US as I bought a copy from Amazon for my American (ex USN A4 Skyhawk pilot) friend. Do hope that you'll keep us up to date with progress and/or changes to the bike.
Well,....after two tanks of fuel and an absolute blast riding around Normandy with mates, I can give the first after action report. The ride and handling are brilliant, the riding position is good for me but I’m only 5’8” on a good day, 6’ will not be happy. I’m very pleased with result and the power and sound is intoxicating. I’m getting only about 22mpgand the exhaust is coated in black soot. My mate says he can smell gas when behind me ( no Mexican food jokes please) and I have a slight stumble off idle at 2000-2300 rpm I suspect I am way too rich. I will have a word with my Dyno center about that . I think I’ll fit set of 138 mains in place of the 140s and see if there is improvements
Update: I have been tweaking the carbs and really putting in the effort. 42 pilot jets, 2 turns out stock needles ( I tried the dynojet, didn't like the transition) 2nd slot 140 main jets, thinking of going up to 145, as it feels a little starved at 9000rpm. I'm getting about 105 miles from a tank so about 33mpg I expect to get a little better now that I can adjust the mixture on the bike (motion pro 90 degree screwdriver)
Fantastic post, I'm about to do something similar, so your account and record are invaluable for me. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for all the support and interest. Yes I finally achieved performance that feels exactly right with no hesitation, no flat spots, plus strong all the way to the red, and no popping on decel. 42 pilot (Idle) jet circuit with 2 1/4 turns 137.5 main jets (I did a lot of experimentation with 130/135/140/145 mains and I was very surprised to see just how much better it was with the 2.5 difference between 135-140. OEM needles in the 3rd slot (middle) My engine is stock internals, Motad 3 into 1 header and Venom Can. Also the CRK RamAir foam filter utilizing the stock intake boots (good design Ian) I have yet to take it back to the Dyno center for a final number, but I know its better than the setup they put on me, they said they understood carbs but they are a H-D specialist so I think the idea of multi carbs was too much. I had to go back to the old way, the labor intensive way with all the trial and error.
Hi Lupo, Thanks for these settings. I am sure if I put the same filter and exhaust on mine, I will have to play with jets and needle position etc. but not a lot. At the moment I have an acceleration/taking on revs issue from 1200-3000 rpm. might be the ECU. I am building my triumph in Germany as well and I am a bit hesitant with the changes with regards to the TÜV. You say your conversion passed. did you have any issues? Regards V
Ouch! As far as the TUV....I'm American and my bike is registered with the US Forces system so the TUV is not an issue for me. I did speak to my local Triumph dealer who said it would get through so long as a private shop like them did it rather than you going to the TUV center. The guys at the centers will say NO if they have never seen something before.
Nice bulild. Just to note i make stick coil kits that are used by many crk builders in uk. Pm me if interested. Full plug and play kits
Thought I might end this with the final edition of this project. The exhaust is a Motad 3 into 1, fed into an OEM BMW S1000RR silencer. fitted super bars for relaxed position and Im very happy with the result
Miles better after losing that massive venom pipe. I did like the invasion stripes but I gotta say it is more classy now. Great job.
thanks, I forgot to mention, the bar end mirrors are a very nice piece of kit, they are for MZ East German bikes and are available new, in left and right curve out angles. Best is they cost like $20 each. just search for MZ parts, there are several suppliers in Europe and like I said, good quality and cheap.