What I Did With My Bike Today

[CarlS]

Yesterday I had the dealer on Pompano Beach install cruise control. I purchased the unit and the dealer install it because it requires programming the ECU. The dealership is about 17 miles away and that gave me the chance to try it out on TN the way home. It works well. A vergood modification.

 

[solomon]

I downloaded the FREE Excel phone app.

Now won't have to scroll back through photos to find pics, my previous method of record keeping.

Have found last relevant photos and started it.

Works just like desktop Excel, except use finger. Desktop won't get switched on when I'm bike fiddling.

 

[solomon]

Amal MK1 carbs:

I swapped the rubber-tipped float needles for genuine 1970s all-nylon needles.
The difference is night and day!

Tickling, floods immediately, not three, four seconds. Since started first kick several times today, hot and cold.

Previously, one carb had an rubber -tipped aluminium needle, the other a rubber tipped brass needle. Was no difference between them.

Just shows, don't blindly believe the hype.

*

Also sealed float bowl gaskets with Hylomar Blue. No more weeping at gasket. Don't believe anyone doesn't get leaks here when riding at least, despite contrary strong assertions.

 

[RockyDS]

I spent yesterday diagnosing the reason my r/h grip heat isn't working on my 1200XE.

It would be nice if you could remove the grip to get access to the connector to check for power but noooo!!

You have to move the fuel tank back to get access to the connector on the other end of the cables, remove the cluth lever, remove the l/h mirror mount and remove the two plastic shields under the tank that protect the cables. Then you're ready to remove the l/h switch cluster for which you need a special Triumph tool. At least I was able to make my own tool after a bit of trial and error I got the cluster moved.

Then you have to disconnect the cables under the tank so you can feed enough back up to the bars and through the hole under the r/h bar to push the connectors out of the bars and disconnect the heated grips.

Now it's not possible to plug the cable back in under the tank, so you have to re-route the connector on the harness over the frame to get power to check for power at the grip connectors.

I had power at both ends so I know I need to replace the r/h grip. There isn't one in Canada so at least 4 weeks before I see that.

Meanwhile everything has to go back and in 4 weeks time I'll have to go through the entire process again.

At least I won't have to make another tool.

Rant over.

Note to Triumph - this design could be so much better / simpler!

 

[solomon]

It would be nice if you could remove the grip to get access to the connector to check for power but noooo!!

You have to move the fuel tank back to get access to the connector on the other end of the cables, remove the cluth lever, remove the l/h mirror mount and remove the two plastic shields under the tank that protect the cables. Then you're ready to remove the l/h switch cluster for which you need a special Triumph tool. At least I was able to make my own tool after a bit of trial and error I got the cluster moved.

Then you have to disconnect the cables under the tank so you can feed enough back up to the bars and through the hole under the r/h bar to push the connectors out of the bars and disconnect the heated grips.

Now it's not possible to plug the cable back in under the tank, so you have to re-route the connector on the harness over the frame to get power to check for power at the grip connectors.

I had power at both ends so I know I need to replace the r/h grip. There isn't one in Canada so at least 4 weeks before I see that.

Meanwhile everything has to go back and in 4 weeks time I'll have to go through the entire process again

Shows you've got a bike with heritage! Triumph heritage.

My first ever maintenance job was on a Triumph T14OE. The rear brake-disc slave cylinder needed replacing.

GrandPaul, member of staff here I think, I remember him posting: Triumph placed the slave cylinder in the middle of a room, and designed the bike around it.

I seriously learnt a lot on that first maintenance job. Could easily have been my last maintenance job too.

After I reassembled the whole rear end of the bike, I found I hadn't bled it properly (it's complicated). Booger that, I thought, I'm not taking the bike apart again. I rode around with just a front brake.

I won't now ride a classic bike older than 1974, think that's when the rear disc- brake was introduced. My project bike has the engine from that T14OE; I've converted the engine to RH shift so it can have a drum brake. Seemed easier than trying to bleed the brake when the time comes.

 

[DoorPosition]

Took the Mrs out on a leisurely 40 miler after 3 weeks away, Speed Twin.

 

[Vector]

Note to Triumph - this design could be so much better

My belief is they make it difficult intentionally, they want our bikes in the shop at $160 an hour or more.

 

[CarlS]

Rode over to the beach last night to watch the full moon rise. Unfortunately a cloud bank rolled in compliments of the remains of tropical storm Arlene. We only got a peek at the moon as it cleared the horizon and entered the cloud bank.

 

[solomon]

Unfortunately a cloud bank rolled in

I'd say that made it special, seeing the photo.

 

[CarlS]

I'd say that made it special, seeing the photo.

Thank you. It is always special to see the moon rise over the ocean.

 

[RockyDS]

My belief is they make it difficult intentionally, they want our bikes in the shop at $160 an hour or more.

I agree. Exactly what I said to my wife.

 

[solomon]

I downloaded the FREE Excel phone app.

Now won't have to scroll back through photos to find pics, my previous method of record keeping.

View attachment 54813

Have found last relevant photos and started it.

Works just like desktop Excel, except use finger. Desktop won't get switched on when I'm bike fiddling.

I've now made a second book to automatically calculate mpg. In the UK it's sold in litres.

The equation I made can be seen at the bottom. If anyone is interested, and struggling, I'll post a tutorial.

Remember, the app is free. Same file could be opened on a computer.

Keeping track of mpg can help notice any problems.

I will tidy it up a bit, only just done it.

The great thing is, fiddling with the app means I'm not actually using any fuel.

Edit.
Those are just figures I've entered to set it up. I actually get 60+mpg.

 

[Ithel]

Wife and I took a ride around the block. Yes, I know we're dressed all wrong. We won't make a habit of it.

 

[CarlS]

Nice looking bike and couple.

 

[DoorPosition]

Been sick as Hell for nearly 2 weeks. Caught a bit of a flu my last couple days in RSA. Seemed fine after I got back but then things went pear-shaped again. Sh-t's gettin old.

So f--- it, I'm furling the cover and taking the Speed Twin out for dash.

 

[Vector]

I've been dealing with severe abdominal pain for 3 months, been to the ER 3 times. Tuesday get an endoscopy. I hope they get me fixed, I'm about out of energy.

 

[Rocky]

Wishing you well

 

[CarlS]

I've been dealing with severe abdominal pain for 3 months, been to the ER 3 times. Tuesday get an endoscopy. I hope they get me fixed, I'm about out of energy.

 

[CarlS]

Prayers my friend.

 

[sikatri]

@Vector hope it turns out well and you get successful treatment.