 Lacquer Worming
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Well, not too happy to report about this, but I guess the Lacquer Worming Bug has hit my garage. In preparing my wife's 2007 Speedmaster for the season, I noticed the worming on both handlebar risers, and on the triple tree. This machine, while an '07 is only 17 months old (purchased new Oct/09 as a left over), and has 4800 km (3000 miles) on it. It's never been rained on, leave alone put away wet. It's also been well waxed, and cared for.  Triumph's warranty says it doesn't cover this, however some people have been successful in getting a warranty claim through. For those that haven't seen this before, it's kind of weird. While the worming looks like its on the surface, its actually BELOW the lacquer. The lacquer is not flaking off in any way. I'm not really sure what causes this, but there's something not compatible with something (very scientific explanation  I suppose I'll be visiting my dealer soon to see what they can do. Warranty expires Oct/11. Disappointed. H.
2010 Speedmaster Black/New England White
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: Mar 2009
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Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
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Quote:
Disappointed.
I'd be disappointed too. I wonder what causes that. And is it just my imagination or does this 'worming' condition happen more on newer bikes vs. the first few years of production?
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: Aug 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I remember someone comenting on this not to long ago and it was said to be corrosion
Erwin
05 America
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: Aug 2010
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Mine has it unfortunately and mine is 06.  not cool.
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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Lacquer worms are highly contagious, but only through certain activities.
They appear to exist all across the globe so be sure to supervise your bikes at all times.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Yes, this 'worming' is corrosion and is actually pitting the metal underneath the lacquer. They say it's moisture that causes this, but I highly dispute this as that just hasn't been the case here. I've also read about bikes with less than 600 miles that have had this happen. It's almost as if the lacquer is porous, letting moisture underneath it, but then I have been diligent is keeping the surfaces dry, and well waxed.
I think the lacquer is at fault, but then I'm only guessing as I have no experience with metallurgy and paint chemistry.
It is somewhat ironic that the lacquer is there to protect the metal from corrosion, and yet the metal still corrodes underneath it. Maybe Triumph should contact Yamaha. Yamaha don't seem to have lacquer worming issues on their bikes.
The worming will actually pit the metal as it progresses, so stripping the lacquer off and refinishing it will not really enhance the look.
Not sure what model years are problematic. From my reading, 2006-2008 America/Speedmaster are prone to have this problem, but nobody knows if it's a specific batch. I'm hoping that the lacquer worm bug doesn't infect my 2010 Speedmaster.
H.
2010 Speedmaster Black/New England White
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: May 2010
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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Just a wild guess, but it could be a additive to the aluminum alloy reacting negatively, metals are almost always a primary component with smaller, sometime minuscule amounts of other metals added to reach the desired attributes for their intended uses. Triumph should get to the bottom of this and do a compensatory recall. Actions like that would be cost offset by positive publicity and also shore up brand loyalty.
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
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Well, I guess you haven't heard, Hyates ol' boy(oh, and this goes for you too down there in OZ, Steven) You see, because the only Lacquer Worms known to exist are, or maybe now WERE known to exist, resided in the terra firma of the Good Ol' U.S. of A!, Mr. Bloor ONLY had his Triumph Cruisers which were slated for transit to said Good Ol' U.S. of A treated with a special "Anti-Lacquer Worm Insecticide". Yep! Until recently it appeared that those English speaking countries throughout the world who still use the "superfluous U" in their language were thought immune from the dreaded "Lacquer Worm Plague". And so, I guess it's too bad for you guys that they've only sprayed for this infestation on bikes riding along the highways of The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave! OR in OTHER words...GEEEESH, and here I thought I WAS anal-retentive about MY bike's appearance!!!  (...sorry Hyates, I couldn't resist that...BUT, I really really doubt that this "worming" is ever going to effect the structural integrity of your risers, and it will just become a matter of some minor aesthetic concern on your part...and I gotta say, right now at least that looks pretty darn minor in that picture there, and kinda sorta looks as if the lacquer has just been scraped with some kinda tool along the way...but I could be wrong, of course)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: Sep 2006
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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My '04 has a mild case. It's hard to find unless you look for it and I'm pleased to report it has no negative impact on performance. I think of those little lines as just a sign of her maturity. I hope to live long enough to see her covered with them. She's a good ol' girl and I love her dearly.
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55 |
Some do it and some don't, that makes me suspect the prep rather than the paint. Could be something was left on the raw metal during prep that is corrosive, then painted over.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: Apr 2008
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
My '04 has a mild case. It's hard to find unless you look for it and I'm pleased to report it has no negative impact on performance. I think of those little lines as just a sign of her maturity. I hope to live long enough to see her covered with them. She's a good ol' girl and I love her dearly.
Yes! 
MATURITY/CHARACTER!!! 
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 Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,240
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
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Quote:
Quote:
My '04 has a mild case. It's hard to find unless you look for it and I'm pleased to report it has no negative impact on performance. I think of those little lines as just a sign of her maturity. I hope to live long enough to see her covered with them. She's a good ol' girl and I love her dearly.
Yes!
MATURITY/CHARACTER!!!
1+
Keith
Houston
Ridin'Texas
'04 Speedmaster
AI removed, Pingle, UNI Filter, 1 shim, straight-through slash-cut TORs, Stage 1 DynaJet, 140 mains, 3 turns, 16/42 final drive, 115K
2020 T120 Black
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 98
Member
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Member
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I got my Speedmaster last year in November and she is a 2010 model I only put about 1800kms on it and I now have this problem on the top triple tree.
The bike goes into the shop on Monday to get some photos taken of it and then sent off to Triumph to see about a warranty claim, what I know about it is that Triumph apply a clear plastic flim to the top triple tree and risers the same to what Harley do to there bikes and somehow moisture gets trapped under this flim and starts this worming affect that we see and the shop told me remove the clear flim and you will have no more trouble with the worming cheers.
Good Roads On A Good Bike What Else Do You Need Out Of Life.
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: Sep 2007
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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the shop told me remove the clear flim and you will have no more trouble with the worming cheers.
And you can catch a bird if you put salt on its tail...
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come; He will guide you in all truth:
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: Mar 2009
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Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
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the shop told me remove the clear flim and you will have no more trouble with the worming cheers.
What are worming cheers?
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: Apr 2007
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
(...sorry Hyates, I couldn't resist that...BUT, I really really doubt that this "worming" is ever going to effect the structural integrity of your risers, and it will just become a matter of some minor aesthetic concern on your part...and I gotta say, right now at least that looks pretty darn minor in that picture there, and kinda sorta looks as if the lacquer has just been scraped with some kinda tool along the way...but I could be wrong, of course)
Kind of reminds me of the lines you see in fine leather....adds character. And it does look like a scrape. One that no one will ever see. I wouldn't fret about it.
12 Rocket Roadster
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
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Quote:
Quote:
the shop told me remove the clear flim and you will have no more trouble with the worming cheers.
What are worming cheers?
There's always a comedian...  
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
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I think it's similar Bronze disease?
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
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I think you'll find it is Triumph and not putting enough lacquer on it, my 08 had it and the triple tree (top yoke) was replaced under warranty. I also believe they had a big problem with wheels, so Triumph decided not to lacquer any wheels across the range... It's a shame the finish on the bikes does not replicate the brilliant engines on their bikes.... 
Ray(UK)
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: Aug 2010
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
the shop told me remove the clear flim and you will have no more trouble with the worming cheers.
Has anyone actually tried this?
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: Mar 2009
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Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
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Quote:
Quote:
the shop told me remove the clear flim and you will have no more trouble with the worming cheers.
Has anyone actually tried this?
Yup! http://www.bonnevilleamerica.com/forums/...true#Post445085
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
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Quote:
Quote:
the shop told me remove the clear flim and you will have no more trouble with the worming cheers.
Has anyone actually tried this?
So if the paint starts to fish eye on the tank should we grab some sand paper and take the clear coat off as well.
Seems like a crappy response to a manufacturing flaw IMHO 
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Had the same thing with my 07. Triumph replaced the top yoke and the caps on the risers under warrenty. same thing happend to the replacements. I stripped mine and polished, messy job you need a realy strong stripper, several applications of Nitromorse and a polishing kit sorter mine, you need to keep them free from salt and moisture, like the wheels. 
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: Aug 2010
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Sounds like a big job. Might have to wait for winter and ride the kawasaki around till its finished.
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
Lacquer worms are highly contagious, but only through certain activities.
They appear to exist all across the globe so be sure to supervise your bikes at all times.
Yes, being in the pest control business , I put some diazinon insecticide on my '02 when I bought it way back... I've never had any bugs with my bike...I re-treated when the modifications were done (increase rake, 21" and BB kit) and it is still bug free.
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Just took off the cover on my 2010 to prepare the bike for the season, and it has the lacquer worming on the triple tree and handlebar top clamps.  So, I'm 2 for 2 bikes with this problem. The fork legs seem OK on both bikes at the moment. On both bikes, the problems seem to originate at edges, so the edge of a drilled hole, for instance. From there, it travels along underneath the lacquer. This is nothing short of a manufacturing defect, regardless of what others may like or perceive as a 'right of passage'.  The best solution is to strip, and polish. I like the results of that. Maybe I'll buy a set of used parts and play with that and then do a swap later. However, I feel that removing the front of a m/c to be way beyond my mechanical ability. I'll try with Triumph and take it from there. The wheels on our '07 are fine. I haven't checked the 2010's yet. H.
2010 Speedmaster Black/New England White
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: May 2010
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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I just inadvertently found something that vaporizes the clear coat over aluminum on our bikes. I was having a PITA time trying to remove some old wheel weight glue on my rear wheel, out of frustration, I tried some "OOPS!", super remover, it sure does. The old glue wiped off with little effort along with the clear coat underneath. Found lots of wormy s too. FEH!
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: Apr 2008
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Being a jimadore from Tequila, I thought I had something of interest to add here, but my spelling being what it is, I realize we're NOT talking Mezcal here. 
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 98
Member
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Member
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Well I took my bike into the shop this morning to have some photos taken of this lacquer worming on my top triple tree and when I was there I had a look at a 2011 America and suprise, suprise, the new models don't have this clear coat applied on them so Triumph know's it is a big problem on many of there bikes cheers.
Good Roads On A Good Bike What Else Do You Need Out Of Life.
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Interesting, Choco. I'll have to investigate soon. Thx.
H.
2010 Speedmaster Black/New England White
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: Oct 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I was told it's a small amount of silicon that somehow gets in the lacquer. Don't ask how, just what I've been told.
Anyhow, I was told it before I have my fork legs, triple tree and risers replaced under warrantee. It wasn't a problem to get it done.
I know Jane had her fork legs polished up and she's had no problems since. They look nice and shiny!
Gina
03 America - Pretty stock - except the TBS wheel... 
06 America - missing, presumed in bits. With it's TBS wheel...
09 America - It's very blue....
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Thanks for the input, Gina. Silicone would certainly prevent the lacquer from binding to the metal properly. Interesting.
The forks on both bikes and wheels look good so far. I'll work with my dealer to get resolved, and report back.
Thanks,
H.
2010 Speedmaster Black/New England White
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: Nov 2010
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Member
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Member
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My bike goes into the shop on Tuesday to get a new top triple tree fitted under Triumph's warranty so fingers crossed no more lacquer worming on my bike cheers.
Good Roads On A Good Bike What Else Do You Need Out Of Life.
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Good news. It'll be interesting to see if you get the lacquered or polished metal replacement.
H.
2010 Speedmaster Black/New England White
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: Nov 2010
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Member
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Well I had a win Triumph replaced the top triple tree on my bike under warranty because of lacquer worming so fingers crossed this is the last I see of this problem.
Good Roads On A Good Bike What Else Do You Need Out Of Life.
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: Jun 2010
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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I think you'll find, Dwight,that it is in fact the frequent use of the letter 'u' as in 'superfluous' which prevents said worming.
That'll teach you to throw all that tea in the harbour(with a proper 'u')
Al
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: Nov 2009
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Quote:
Well I had a win Triumph replaced the top triple tree on my bike under warranty because of lacquer worming so fingers crossed this is the last I see of this problem.
Good to hear, Choco. Was the replacement part also lacquered or polished metal?
H.
2010 Speedmaster Black/New England White
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 98
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Member
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Quote:
Quote:
Well I had a win Triumph replaced the top triple tree on my bike under warranty because of lacquer worming so fingers crossed this is the last I see of this problem.
Good to hear, Choco. Was the replacement part also lacquered or polished metal?
H.
I asked for the replacement part to be polished, but the dealership said that Triumph would only use the part that came out on my bike which of course is the lacquered item. I don't know the reason behind this, I would of thought with all the trouble Triumph have had the polished item would of been the way to go cheers.
Good Roads On A Good Bike What Else Do You Need Out Of Life.
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Re: Lacquer Worming
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Joined: Oct 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
Had the same thing with my 07.
Triumph replaced the top yoke and the caps on the risers under warrenty. same thing happend to the replacements.
Guess what.....
Oh well I'll wait till it's a little worse and when the second year service is due....
Gina
03 America - Pretty stock - except the TBS wheel...
06 America - missing, presumed in bits. With it's TBS wheel...
09 America - It's very blue....
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