It seemed that others might be interested in my experience in installing the TecBikeParts Derestrict camshaft on my 2018 T100 Bonneville.
The cam itself is a very nicely machined steel billet part, and the cam lobes are much "fatter" than the stock camshaft. I measured the base circle diameter as .002-.004" smaller than the stock camshaft (resulting in a slightly increased valve clearance, but still within specification).
The TecBike video by George Milburn was most useful in helping to do things in an orderly way. The only thing glossed over was the disconnection of the wiring harness under the upper frame tube. It turns out that there are only four connectors to disconnect after the gas tank is removed; however, all of them have latches that must be lifted to allow separation of the connectors. The hardest one was the #2 fuel injector, as the latch is quite inaccessible. I broke part of that latch trying to disconnect the injector plug. (If anyone has a suggestion to make this easier, I'd like to know.) The injector fuel line is also a struggle to remove from the injector rail. At the suggestion of Triumph Albuquerque's technicians, I disconnected the fuel line at the tank end, as it has a banjo bolt fitting easily removed with an 18 mm socket.
Tools similar to the ones shown in the video were made: the timing pin from an 8 mm bolt, turned down to 6.5 mm at the end, and the cam timing tool was made from 1/4" by 2" aluminum bar stock.
By following the video, backed up by the Haynes manual, everything went well. Mr. Milburn painted a white spot on the chain and the cam sprocket to help with reassembly. Although it was not mentioned in the video, I copied this, and it helped! Especially useful was Mr. Milburn's suggestion that a bit of Super Glue be used to hold the alternator wires grommet to the alternator cover (I used a Super Glue gel). I did, however use a bit of black Permatex sealant to replicate the factory installation. No leaks!
As noted in the video, there was a brief clatter in the engine upon start, till the oil pressure came up and the timing chain tensioner tightened up the timing chain. Otherwise, it ran (up to 4000 rpm) with a nice bark.
If anyone is contemplating changing the cam in the T100 engine, it is a straightforward process. An experienced Triumph mechanic could do it much faster than I did. The quality, design, and workmanship of the motorcycle is most impressive.
If anyone is contemplating installing the TecBike camshaft, I would be happy to loan my tools. Just let me know and I'll ship them to you.
Now if it will just stop snowing here in Pagosa Springs CO for the roads to dry, I can take it for a ride.
Craig Taylor
The cam itself is a very nicely machined steel billet part, and the cam lobes are much "fatter" than the stock camshaft. I measured the base circle diameter as .002-.004" smaller than the stock camshaft (resulting in a slightly increased valve clearance, but still within specification).
The TecBike video by George Milburn was most useful in helping to do things in an orderly way. The only thing glossed over was the disconnection of the wiring harness under the upper frame tube. It turns out that there are only four connectors to disconnect after the gas tank is removed; however, all of them have latches that must be lifted to allow separation of the connectors. The hardest one was the #2 fuel injector, as the latch is quite inaccessible. I broke part of that latch trying to disconnect the injector plug. (If anyone has a suggestion to make this easier, I'd like to know.) The injector fuel line is also a struggle to remove from the injector rail. At the suggestion of Triumph Albuquerque's technicians, I disconnected the fuel line at the tank end, as it has a banjo bolt fitting easily removed with an 18 mm socket.
Tools similar to the ones shown in the video were made: the timing pin from an 8 mm bolt, turned down to 6.5 mm at the end, and the cam timing tool was made from 1/4" by 2" aluminum bar stock.
By following the video, backed up by the Haynes manual, everything went well. Mr. Milburn painted a white spot on the chain and the cam sprocket to help with reassembly. Although it was not mentioned in the video, I copied this, and it helped! Especially useful was Mr. Milburn's suggestion that a bit of Super Glue be used to hold the alternator wires grommet to the alternator cover (I used a Super Glue gel). I did, however use a bit of black Permatex sealant to replicate the factory installation. No leaks!
As noted in the video, there was a brief clatter in the engine upon start, till the oil pressure came up and the timing chain tensioner tightened up the timing chain. Otherwise, it ran (up to 4000 rpm) with a nice bark.
If anyone is contemplating changing the cam in the T100 engine, it is a straightforward process. An experienced Triumph mechanic could do it much faster than I did. The quality, design, and workmanship of the motorcycle is most impressive.
If anyone is contemplating installing the TecBike camshaft, I would be happy to loan my tools. Just let me know and I'll ship them to you.
Now if it will just stop snowing here in Pagosa Springs CO for the roads to dry, I can take it for a ride.
Craig Taylor
