Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Installing Brake/Clutch Levers? Also side lights?

Hi All,

I'm new to the site, Triumphs, and motorcycling.

I purchased a leftover 2004 TBA from my local dealer (nice people, the local Harley dealer can go pound sand.)

Anyway, I've already had a minor mishap..I was picking up my bike after her first service at the dealer and was pulling out into traffic and it died on me. Unfortunately it also fell over, scratching the turn signal lens on the handlebar, the brake lever, and the right side mirror. No damage other than that, so I got off easy. Seems the dealer adjusted the clutch and the carbs, and I wasn't prepared for it. Lesson learned. I got off easy, but it still sucks.

I am goiong to be replacing all of the parts. I know the damage is minor, but I take care of my stuff. I saw some nice chromed levers, and wonder if its a fairly easy job for me to do by myself. I used to own an MGB, so I am fairly handy, but if it's a pain in the butt, I can let the delaer do it.

Also, I work 3rd shift (Midnight to 8AM) and live out in the country..lots of twisty two lane roads back and forth to work. My bike is black, and am thinking of installing the lights that fit on either side of the headlight, for an extra measure of safety. How difficult of aq job id the electrical wiring?

Any insight is greatly appreciated. I love my bike and this site rocks!

Thanks,
Nels
Montverde, FL USA

Heya Hifiguy...

Welcome to the site, and the wonderful world of Triumphing.

Know what you mean about wanting your bike to be perfect - sounds like you'll fit right in around here. The lens is easy enough - two screws. I've never done a lever on this bike from from a quick look there's no reason to assume it's any more difficult than normal - undo the locknut on the bottom of the bolt, unscrew the bolt, remove the lever, then reverse with the new one. The mirrors're easy too, undo the screw, be careful to catch the spring that's under it, slip the old mirror out, then reverse the procedure. That's actually a really good excuse to buy yourself some funky aftermarket mirrors too. Likewise with the turn signals, there's lots of prettier aftermarket ones out there than the giant pumpkins Triumph gave us.

The driving lights can seem a little daunting at first but they're actually pretty simple, being mostly plug & play. The hardest part is threading the wires through the bar itself - several members have reported it's easier to cut the connectors off, then crimp new ones on than try to feed the connectors through the bar.

Quite a few members (myself included) have either felt that the driving light kit is too expensive for what it is, or that they preferred a slightly different look and have found aftermarket options to the OEM kit. A lot of us (myself included again) have also removed the front turn signals from the handlebars and mounted them below the driving lights. You can find information on fitting the driving lights, aftermarket options, turn signal relocation and lots of other mods on my website.

Again, welcome - I'm sure you'll find people to answer just about any question you may have about your new ride here.

Matt

Easy job to switch out your levers, especially the brake lever. Flathead screwdriver and a 10mm socket / wrench, and about 5 minutes will take care of that one. On the clutch side, you have to play with the slack a little, and then unhook the cable crimp to get the lever off. Watched someone do it on their bike, it also seemed to be a 5 or so minute job!

Nels,
Welcome to the fold.

As was already mentioned, the levers are no big deal to change and the lightbar isn't either but you will need a second set of hands when you tackle that job. The lightbar really makes a difference in seeing and being seen at night. You can either go with the Triumph bar, or you can cobble one together with parts from JC Whitney and other sources. I have the factory bar on my '03 TA...



Ride safe...

Thanks All,

I've purchased all the bits to "erase" my mishap. Everything (including some new chrome bits and light bar) should be here within a week or so.

Nels
Montverde, FL

My best advice is to look at how each piece fits together and take it slow the first time you take it apart.

I also use those quart size CoolWhip plastic containers to hold parts as they come off. If there are any left over, I know I screwed something up!

hifi,
Maybe one of the nice Southern Riding Crew will come and assist you with the repairs. Florida's not that big is it? If you stand on your roof, I bet you can see all their houses too. Probably every other house in Florida too.

Not every house but if I look north, I can definitely see your big, fat arse!