 Buying TBA
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 13
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 13 |
I have found a 2003 TBA with only 2600 miles on craigslist and really want to get it. However, the bike has been sitting in a garage unused for over a year now and does't want to start. The owner tried to charge the battery but it hardly could crank the engine. Most of the time there was only a clicking noise coming out of the device on the right side, right below the seat - probably it is the starter relay ( if I am wrong, please, let me know). Then we tried jumping from my car battery but the effect was the same even with the car engine started. The guy who is trying to sell me the bike will keep trying to charge the battery or we can try with a new one, but I am concerned why using the car battery almost couldn’t crank the engine and the clicking noise. If anybody could advise me on this issue, and give a hint on what to do, I would really appreciate that, as I have fallen in love with the bike. Thank you in advance for any response to my post.  Darek
Last edited by user_ds; 07/20/2008 10:26 PM.
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Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
Ok.. so I am not much of a mechanic, but here's my guess... starter solenoid?
In the mean time, maybe try push starting it just to see if it runs.
Soren
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Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172 |
The item "clicking" was the starter relay. How was it running when he parked it a year ago?
There's a lot to check on a bike that's been sitting that long.
If it cranked at all it may be a fuel problem - need to check that it's getting fuel.
Also need to make sure that it's getting air in and air out.
Need to check the fuses and electrical connections as well.
If the price is right, and the previous owner didn't fry something, it may still be a good deal, even if you have to invest a bit to get it running.
More flags
More fun!
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Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 13
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 13 |
He is the 1st and only owner and wants only $2500 for the bike. He told me that the last time he started the bike, it was running rough and that the bike probably needs carbs cleaning. I know that the fuel needs to be changed but he is kind of affraid of doing anything on the bike. We tried to push-start the bike but it was too hard to keep turning the engine. Should I get a new starter relay and a new battery before we try again? Thank you for replying to my post.
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Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,643
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,643 |
I would go with a new battery and clean the carb bowls out and replace the fuel in the tank. Try putting in some, I think you call it seafoam..
Ray(UK)
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Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172 |
The starter relay is clicking - it's probably ok.
New battery is probably a good idea - if it's the original in a 2003 it is probably toast.
Beyond that, honestly, it's kind of hard to help from "afar" as it were.
If he was afraid of doing anything to the bike, the possibilities of problems are great. Not insurmountable, but more than anyone can answer here with the info provided so far.
Does he have any service records? It should have had a service at 500 miles.
Start with the new battery, some new fuel, (drain the bowls on the carbs too), and make sure nothing is living in the intake or the exhaust.
After you drain the bowls - a spray paint can cap makes a good receptacle - open the petcock with the new fuel in the tank and check each bowl again to make sure the fuel is flowing that far.
The price is right for investing a bit to have an 03 Bonneville America.
Good luck.
More flags
More fun!
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Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440 |
Quote:
He is the 1st and only owner and wants only $2500
And you haven't bought it yet????? 
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
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Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,074 Likes: 83
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,074 Likes: 83 |
And once again to all who read here because this is twice I've seen this statement....
Never, ever, never, never ever, try to jump a motorcycle off with a car.. waaaaay too many amps.
You might get lucky this time or maybe next but but you run a very real risk of burning up something very expensive.
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Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 13
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 13 |
That's what I wanted to do. I brought 2 gallons of fuel and wanted to drain the old fuel before trying to start the motorcycle. However, the owner wasn't willing to do so cause the tank was almost full.
I have been searching this forum since yesterday to learn about TBAs as much as possible and I have come accross the issue with CDI on early TBAs. This made me hasitate on whether or not I should buy the 2003 TBA if we manage to fire it up. I live in an apartament and don't have any garage to keep the bike and to work on it if something goes wrong (defective igniter). I love the way the bike looks and it fits me well, but maybe it would be safer to look for one of the honda shadows 750 or 1100 with low mileage and better reliability? Or maybe it is better to spend more and buy a TBA made after 2005 as from what I've read they have new, not failing so often CDI modules? Thanks in advance for any advice.
PS. I will never try to jump a motorcycle off with a car - thanks for this warning.
Last edited by user_ds; 07/21/2008 1:52 PM.
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Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668 |
IMO you shouldn't let unreasonable fear influence your decision. The CDI failures are not THAT common. I for one bought my '02 America used,er sort of (800 miles on it) and have since put 36000 hard miles on it, including at least a couple of thousand in the rain, and have (knocking on wood) never been stuck on the side of the road. These are excellent bikes. Obviously those who have had problems are gonna chime in louder than those who haven't. Just buy it and enjoy!
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come; He will guide you in all truth:
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Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,839 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,839 Likes: 3 |
ENJOY!!!!! NEWT!!!!!
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Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,271 Likes: 17
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,271 Likes: 17 |
Quote:
for $2500, my advice is to buy the bike, take it to a dealer and have them set it up. it wont cost you 2 grand to repair it and the bike is worth at least 4 so why hesitate?? where is this bike and how can i get it??? also very good advice as spoken by Chy!!!!! only in an extreme emergency would i say ok to jumping with a car, and i say extreme!!!!! 
I agree, PM me with the address. If it's anywhere close I'll help you out. I'll buy this thing site unseen and you can stop fretting the outcome.
Mike
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 Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
Quote:
We tried to push-start the bike but it was too hard to keep turning the engine.
Try push-starting it in second gear, full choke.
Don't touch the throttle until you hear the engine catch, then crack the throttle. 
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440 |
Quote:
...maybe it would be safer to look for one of the honda shadows 750 or 1100 with low mileage and better reliability? Or maybe it is better to spend more and buy a TBA made after 2005...
I don't think anyone can answer these questions for you. However, if this bike is in the continental US and you decide not to buy it, would you please send a PM and let me know where it is and/or how to contact the owner? I'd be willing to have it shipped or to miss a few days of work to trailer it home.
Jack
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
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Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172 |
Drain the old fuel and put it in his current vehicle if he is that concerned about it....
I have an 03 America and except for a few "enhancements" I have fumbled through, it has been bulletproof.
Where are you located? There's a good chance there is one of us near enough to give you some help...
After all, we've been world-wide since 2002...
More flags
More fun!
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Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 13
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 13 |
Both me and the bike are located in Chicago. I have to wait till this Wednesday evening when he buys a new battery and will try again. Unfortunately, I cannot be there until this weekend because I work evening hours, but I will keep my fingers crossed. But is it possible that a new motorcycle battery will able to efficiently turn the engine if the battery form my honda civic almost couldn't? Maybe the piston rings are seized to the cylinder or got rusty? Then probably it would be a good idea to pull out the plugs and then try to turn the engine a few times. Is it possible to pull out the plugs without removing the tank? Thanks for all your help, I cannot wait till tomorrow 
Last edited by user_ds; 07/22/2008 9:21 AM.
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Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726 |
It sounds like a great deal BUT you don't know for certain what problem(s) the bike has. Why not get the seller to agree on having a Triumph service dealer look at it. It could be something simple, but you need to be certain. My bike broke the starter idler gear support in the engine casing (rare) but if it hadn't been covered by warranty, it would have cost thousands to fix.
Overall the bike is as reliable as most the of jap bikes. I guaranty you'd enjoy owning it a lot more. Not only does it look good, it's a pleasure to ride, gets more attention that almost any bike I've seen, and has more heritage than a Harley.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
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Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 850
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 850 |
seriously, maybe offer him $1200.00 and haul it home or to the dealer. i bet it just needs a battery. might be the original battery. if the engine turned over, it's not frozen. new battery fresh gas and you'll have a new bike. look at it this way: if the bike's 5 years old and only has 2500 miles, the gas is probably bad and the battery is gone...  when it's starts put a can of Seafoam in it after it runs. don't try to jump it w/ a car battery, even though i've done this in a pinch. mine did this last week and it clicked from under the tank-- turned out to be the headlight fuse-- 30 amp. cat
Last edited by cat; 07/22/2008 3:30 PM.
George in Easy Rider: "Oh, oh I've got a helmet! I got a beauty!"
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Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8 |
Good luck with the purchase. I too just bought one (an 02) that had been setting for two years with only 3000 miles. Here's what I did: bought a new battery, pulled the carbs and fuel tank. The carbs were gummed up bad, the needles were stuck in place and the jets were clogged. I had to clean and clean and clean...and shot em good with an air hose to blow out all the gunk. Put it all back together with new fuel and a little sea foam and it fired off first try without even using the choke.
Best of luck, let us know how it turns out.
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Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8 |
Electrical problems like this are easy to find. All you need is a voltmeter.
1. What is the voltage at the battery? (Over 12.6 volts is good)
2. What is the voltage when you hit the starter button and it clicks? (If voltage doesn't drop to say 9 or 10 volts, you have a connection problem). Check all your battery connections especially the ground wire from the battery to the frame. Then check the positive leads from the battery to the solenoid and solenoid to the starter.
3. Next test is to jump or short the solenoid across the main terminals with heavy wire. Make sure the bike is in neutral. If bike turns over, good. You have narrowed down the problem to the relay or solenoid itself. Since your relay is clicking, I'm assuming it is ok.
There are other tests that can be performed but do these first.
12 Rocket Roadster
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
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Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4 |
Cripes, for $2500 I'd buy it and run away fast. That is a sweet deal, you can start it later, don't worry probably a simple issue for sure.
If you don't buy it let me know, I'll drive over to ChiTown to get it for that price.
Almost sounds like the deal moe got.
A word to the wise is not necessary. It is the stupid ones who need the advice.
Pat
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Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,611 Likes: 1
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,611 Likes: 1 |
Dang if you don't buy it, you need to let the rest of us know. I look on craigslist all the time and must have missed it! 
Stewart
.......
"It's outside your field of expertise."
"Poppycock normally is."
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Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 13
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 13 |
That guy called me yesterday that he had managed to fire up the bike with the old battery, which is oryginal. He said that the engine started a few times without problem, so the clicking was only because of the weak battery. However, it runs only on choke - probably the old fuel is causing the problem. This Saturday we will meet again. I will change the fuel and hopefully I will ride it home. But maybe I should get a new battery just in case the old one fails again? Do you have any suggestions about batteries?
Last edited by user_ds; 07/23/2008 3:21 PM.
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Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668 |
Quote:
But maybe I should get a new battery just in case the old one fails again? Do you have any suggestions about batteries?
Replace it immediately, without hesitation!
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come; He will guide you in all truth:
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Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4 |
Bring a new battery with you. Replace it before riding home. drain the tank, refuel, grin. Ride down the road singing in your helmet "Ohhh what a lucky main he was......" 
A word to the wise is not necessary. It is the stupid ones who need the advice.
Pat
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Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 850
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 850 |
Quote:
Bring a new battery with you. Replace it before riding home. drain the tank, refuel, grin.
Ride down the road singing in your helmet "Ohhh what a lucky main he was......"
haaa. that was funny.
if six was nine [/url]
cat 
George in Easy Rider: "Oh, oh I've got a helmet! I got a beauty!"
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Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,611 Likes: 1
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,611 Likes: 1 |
It's been sitting with old gas, only runs on choke, what's the chances that the carbs are gummed up?
Ditto bring a new battery with you - easy to change on the spot with a couple of simple hand tools.
How long is the ride home?
Stewart
.......
"It's outside your field of expertise."
"Poppycock normally is."
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Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,271 Likes: 17
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,271 Likes: 17 |
Got a Batteries Plus near you? you can pick up a maintenance free replacement battery. just give them the make and modelof the bike Also as stated take fresh gas and pick up a can of Seafoam from Autozone, etc. Drain the tank by removing the fuel line. All you will need is a pair of needle nose and a short piece of hose. Drain the float bowls on the carbs, small metric allen head. Button everything back up, fill the tank. Add 3-4 oz of Seafoam. Make sure you can see oil in the site window on the right side on the engine. Install the battery and fire her up. The bike may smoke a bit from the Seafoam, that's normal. Give him the cash and high tail it before he changes his mind. Get her home, change the oil and filter. Rock and Roll! 
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Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
All these fella's tellin you to buy the darn thing are right. Can't beat the price, these bikes are very tough, the miles are very low, take a chance. The odds are darn good that the running problems are old gas related, with a carb clean needed. TAKE THE JUMP! YOU'RE NEVER GONNA GET THIS KIND OF CHANCE AGAIN! HURRY UP BEFORE ONE OF US FINDS THIS GUY!
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172 |
Here, fill in the blanks till you get to your future bike, print it out, and take it with you to wherever you want to buy your new battery.... web page Since you are not yet the proud owner of a Triumph, all this info is not free. Everyone that replied, you owe them a beer.... 
More flags
More fun!
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Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 13
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 13 |
Hello there, Thanks to all of You for helping me with making the decision. Now, She is sitting by ma apartment, securely coverd. We didn't even replace the fuel, and managed to get home - approx 7 miles. I've replaced the gas and put some seafoam but the engine still works only with choke applied. I called a dealer and the nearest appointment is in the end of August. I'am not gonna wait so long and hope that with the help of the manual repair I will be able to clean the carbs by myslef. Maybe somebody any knows helpful links and hints for carbs cleaning? Thanks once again and
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Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440 |
I strongly suggest that you not continue to ride the bike in this condition. Running the motor with the choke on is only a very crude means to achieving an ignitable mixture, and likely will produce gobs of unburned combustion products. You'll contaminate the plugs, chamber and engine oil, and might also damage the pipes (if AI is present) and catalytic converters (if that year has them). The carbs on these bikes aren't unique. Surely there's a non-Triumph dealer or independent service center who can take care of this for you more quickly? Anyway, congrats on the bike! Don't let the low price fool you; it's worth much more. Take care of it (i.e. w/regular, professional maintenance) and it should last you for many years. Jack
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
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Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
I strongly suggest that you not continue to ride the bike in this condition. Running the motor with the choke on is only a very crude means to achieving an ignitable mixture, and likely will produce gobs of unburned combustion products. You'll contaminate the plugs, chamber and engine oil, and might also damage the pipes (if AI is present) and catalytic converters (if that year has them).
The carbs on these bikes aren't unique. Surely there's a non-Triumph dealer or independent service center who can take care of this for you more quickly?
Anyway, congrats on the bike! Don't let the low price fool you; it's worth much more. Take care of it (i.e. w/regular, professional maintenance) and it should last you for many years.
Jack
+1 Any competant cycle mechanic can redo these carbs. Just find a dealer who has some free time. I'm glad we talked ya into it, you're gonna like it! Keep us posted.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Buying TBA
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1 |
Buy the bike,you can get all the help and half the parts you may need right here.
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