jonw
Retro Fitter
Posts: 145
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Post by jonw on Jun 13, 2012 10:25:14 GMT
Mini update and a couple of (bad) pics. Triumph Trash Fitted a new battery (a) to eliminate it from the bad running issue (b) beacuse there is a naffing great groove worn in the bottom of it threatning to leak acid!!! Base of the evenings relutlt that was a success!!! The bike ran much better. Slightly weak on the main jet, need to go up a size (bl**dy ethanol) but otherwise fine. Much nicer on the new carb. Here are a few pics of the new carb in situ Now just need it to stop raining for another few evenings.....
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jonw
Retro Fitter
Posts: 145
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Post by jonw on Jun 21, 2012 9:35:49 GMT
More updates! GS -Trash Massive fuelling problems with the GS has kept it off of the road for the past week. Opened the drain cocks on the float bowls and whatcan be best described as gravel comes out..... that'll be the problem! Stripped and cleaned the carb bowls and all is good. Sorry no pics... was in a hurry!!! Triumph trash! The application of science to the runniong problems. How to check battery charge when riding.... and you set to data log for.... The spikes are the engine speed rising.... the dips idle. It shows that the volts are 7 and above which is great because it means that the alternator is good, but not so great because the mystery remains!!!
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Post by dungbug on Jun 21, 2012 11:22:42 GMT
I've been looking at the GS & SV as options for a first 'big bike', any pitfalls with them, things to look out for? I've heard the early SV's aren't so great but the reviews I've read suggest they're s descent bike.........Just asking as I prefer to hear a 'review' from an owner rather than idle tinterweb chatter. ;D
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jonw
Retro Fitter
Posts: 145
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Post by jonw on Jun 22, 2012 7:15:53 GMT
Both good bikes.
Sv, The Sv's are split into Curvy (like mine) and pointy (the current ones). The Curvy ones are pretty much bomb proof and suffered no real issues over the production runs. Mine is a K2, the last of the curvy sv's. The pointy ones have fuel injection and had some early teething problems with vibration through the bars, but these were quickly sorted. A lot of the press didn't like them initially as they could take on the superbikes for a lot less cash!!
Me, I love the Sv. Can't fault it. Is comfortable, quick (with a few mods mine will wrap round to 145 one the clock) and totally reliable. I've had a battery fail in 10 years and almost 40k of ownership. The only niggle is that the paint quality isn't great but this is a suzuki thing. The suspension is a bit basic and it can be a bit lively if pushed very hard but this adds to the fun in my book.
These are a popular first big bike and can be thrashed so keep your eye out. The other favorite is to strip the faring off of a crashed SVs and palm it off as a SVn.
GS,
Another good little bike from Suz. These are a re-hashed 1960's engine in a 1980's era frame with tweaks. They were made to be cheap and cheerful from day one and can represent great value motorcycling. The GS500E in the original japanese made GS and the K1 onwards is the re-styled spanish made version. Up to K5 they suffered from cam shaft end float, which caused a top end rattle.
Mine is an ex training school K4. It has 40k on the clock and shows it. The paint is peeling off of the steel components, the horn switch, clutch starter switch and pass light switch have packed up, I get intermittent fuelling problems due to debris in the carb. It carb ices in cold weather (a common GS moan), seems to eat brake pads (that might be me though!!) and the rear suspension has had to be re-built. On the plus side it's comfortable, economical, handles suprisingly well and is on the whole reliable. I've ridded a CB500 and have to say that is a better bike than the GS.
If it was me, I'd go for the Sv.....
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Post by dungbug on Jun 22, 2012 9:14:51 GMT
Cheers Jon, always good to hear some first hand experience. The thing that got me looking at the SV was the price for a late 90's one being under a k. I had been looking at the Fazer as the guy who lives next door has one which has clocked over 60k and still going strong, the Fazers do seem to command a higher price compared to the SV. I do like the look of the SV though, parts prices don't seem to bad either.
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Post by dungbug on Jul 4, 2012 19:59:34 GMT
Cheers Jon, always good to hear some first hand experience. The thing that got me looking at the SV was the price for a late 90's one being under a k. I had been looking at the Fazer as the guy who lives next door has one which has clocked over 60k and still going strong, the Fazers do seem to command a higher price compared to the SV. I do like the look of the SV though, parts prices don't seem to bad either. Having said this there's a '97 GS just come on eBay about 5 minutes away from me, MOT'd till Jan next year & seems in reasonable nick so going to arrange a viewing.
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Post by TerraRoot on Jul 4, 2012 20:34:42 GMT
a multimeter with data logging? i am am so flipping jealous.
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jonw
Retro Fitter
Posts: 145
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Post by jonw on Jul 5, 2012 14:53:54 GMT
One advantage of being an engineer..... the toys are grrrrreat!
Triumph Trash
Found the root cause..... at long last. The genuine lucas points.... seems the contacts aren't up to the same standard as the cheap chinese copies. Put the chinese points in and hey presto.... problem vanishes.
GS Trash
MOT passed..... with advisories.... needs a new front disc.... great! Time to get stuffed by the big S... and to add to the fun the main stand has snapped. Apparently a common problem with these..... means I have to take the exhaust off to change the stand.... fun!!!!
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jonw
Retro Fitter
Posts: 145
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Post by jonw on Jul 16, 2012 12:33:09 GMT
Quick update. GS Trash With the bad weather the GS has been in demand..... and is now in need of some TLC. It decided to mae it's feelings known by busting it's mainstand on a sunday evening..... Luckily I had some cable ties to tie the unsprung half up..... The nive Mot man also pointed out that the front disc is nearly shot..... so it's a expensive trip to the parts shop and £160 lighter I now have a genuine disc and some pads. Triumph Trash The cub has been running a treat since it's points debarcle. I need to sort the concentric out as it isnt perfect, so the monobloc has been replaced. Just need it to stop raining. Mystery project Looking at the mystery project on wednesday........ more to come!!!!
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Post by dungbug on Jul 16, 2012 14:15:30 GMT
Ouch, pricey month for the GS then. Passed my Mod 1 on a GS500 on Sunday, wish I could find one local(ish) as it's lovely ride. Mystery project sounds interesting...........
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jonw
Retro Fitter
Posts: 145
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Post by jonw on Jul 17, 2012 11:21:42 GMT
It is a great bike. Am not too niffed about the cost. The brake is 40k old and it is an old training school bike.... lots on emergency stops done!!! I'm sure you can find a GS... there's plenty about! Triumph Trash Mot time...... and...... it passed!!! No problems. Best bit was the front brake..... 109% efficient..... can't be bad back was a mere 65%.... still a pass by any standard!! so here is is in all it's glory
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Post by dungbug on Jul 17, 2012 17:02:37 GMT
A few weeks back there was several GS500's for sale within a 20 mile radius of where I live.........Now there's none, I'll keep looking Good news about the Triumph!
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Post by TerraRoot on Jul 17, 2012 17:45:25 GMT
109%? how did you manage that? found some modern shoes or something?
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jonw
Retro Fitter
Posts: 145
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Post by jonw on Jul 27, 2012 8:39:04 GMT
Haha... is called only putting 40kg on the front wheel. The tester sneezes and the weight transfer affects the result!!!!! General update. And I will post some piccies. Just as soon as I stop doing the work!!!! GS Trash. £160 poorer I now have gold shineyness on the front wheel and brilliant stoppers. Never realised how a worn disc can affect the braking!!!! Gave it a clean as well...... Triumph Trash. Lots of sunshine = lots of riding!!!! Just the way it should be!!! bit of carb tinkering just to sort out the idle. But this reliability couldn't last.... the speedo has mysteriously packed up..... works on the bench and the drive works in the bike, just the conbination seems to be funny.... wierd! Mystery project. Shall henceforth be known as Matchless Trash!!!! ;D I bought one of these Matchless G12CSR. The AMC 650 sports twin. But in a lot of bits. It's been off the road since the 70's and was stripped by the prevous owner who also has the engine, gearbox, magneto and dynamo re-built. He also started painting and chroming. Most of it is in good nick. so far it only needs a new set of mudguards, rear sprocket / drum, silencer and fixings.... but I'm sure the list will grow!!!!
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Post by dungbug on Jul 27, 2012 12:29:12 GMT
The Matchless sounds interesting........
*Awaits photos of said bits bike*
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