Speed 400 Top End Disaster

Do keep us informed. Interested to know what went wrong.

 

Yep, I read a few reports of engine troubles (have a look on the Triumph400 forum, I was/still am a member) - cam chain tensioner can "fail" and chain can wear the casings. Check oil filters for swarf. Also some which needed valve clearances adjusted.

Frustratingly, some bikes are fine, it's a slight lottery..... My engine was a bit metallic sounding at times (3000 miles) - I had a slight bump and sold it through the insurance claims agent as I decided I didn't want it back.

I was a bit disappointed with the Triumph for a few niggly faults and noises, and went back to Honda. I lost quite a few £££.

 

the problem was pistons hitting the valves?

 

And you were saying about new bike's reliability. These modern Triumphs seem to be a bit suspect.

 

Well, I didn't want to say 'new bikes except Triumphs' on a Triumph forum!

JOKING!

 

I’ve had a few build/component quality related problems on new bikes in the past, all rectified under warranty fortunately.
New cams and followers on a 1986 GPZ1000, new tappets on a ‘88 ZX10, new front discs on a ‘91 FZR1000 and even a complete new cylinder head on a ‘98 R1 due to a flaw in the casting. New headlight relay on a 2004 R1 after the bloody thing failed in total darkness on the Chapel bypass coming home from the NW200! NOT FUNNY!
The most recent was a replacement fuel pump on my 2010 FE570 at 6 months old. Modern machines are not immune from quality issues.
Technology moves on of course but new manufacturing techniques have probably done more to increase output by speeding up production lines rather than guaranteeing 100% reliability. No manufacturer is immune.
Individual component quality is the biggest culprit IMO rather than any actual build issues.

 

When my R1 required a new cylinder head it came already assembled with the valve gear from the factory rather than the dealer having to replace/reseat the valves and fit the springs and retainers etc. If the head and/or valve gear are damaged on your bike I suspect that’s what may happen in your case.

 

@Tosgha What a big let down. One would have thought Triumph would be replacing this bike.