 Where can I get squirrel condoms?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,354
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,354 |
My bike was running really rough last week. She ran fine going out, but after I made a stop at my friendly bank, she started running very poorly. Initially, I attributed it to bad fuel. I had about 100 miles on the trip odometer. I stopped off and topped up the fuel and headed for home. She seemed to run better on the way home but was still a little rough as she idled.
Well, I went down to take a look today and quickly discovered I'm missing a squirrel condom on the left side (the angled one just before the engine). Did some quick research, on some other threads here, and it seemed the consensus was that these things can be had at any auto parts store. Well i called my friendly Napa Auto Parts store and the guy I talked with was adamant that they don't carry anything for motorcycles, except maybe oil filters. I kept trying to tell him it was for the carb, but he didn't want to be of service.
So, where can I get these little buggers? The squirrel family health center? If one popped off, I want to have a couple of spares with the bike.
Thanks!
Blue/White 2007 TBA, Thruxton needles, Unifilter, AI removed, Polaris Bellmouth, Bubs, Nology Coils/wires, Lightbar, Ricor Intiminators, Hagon Nitros, Tall Sissy Bar w/luggage rack, Dart flyscreen & Lowers. 130 Mains, TrueGel Battery MG12-BS.
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Re: Where can I get squirrel condoms?
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
Any local veterinarian.  Couldn't resist. 
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: Where can I get squirrel condoms?
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
I've have some extra s, PM me your address and how many, I'll mail them to you the whole 60 miles. 
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Re: Where can I get squirrel condoms?
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,494 Likes: 6
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,494 Likes: 6 |
I believe a 7/32" vacuum cap works.
'04' Black America
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Re: Where can I get squirrel condoms?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Regular automotive store ones seem to rot at breakneck speed. Anybody find any that will last more than a year?
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Re: Where can I get squirrel condoms?
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 209
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 209 |
I bought a whole bag of vacuum caps from Jegs. Only about 10 or so fit but, they have lasted for over a year now.
'06 SM with T100/America Wheels (D&D's, 10.5 to 1 Wiseco pistons, TTP Igniter +3, K&N PODS, 150 x 40, FZ1 springs & TBS needles w/3 shims)
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Re: Where can I get squirrel condoms?
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
I got some that are more of a stretchy plastic than they are rubber. They seem to be hanging in there pretty good.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Where can I get squirrel condoms?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,354
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,354 |
Quote:
These work good as well, tight positive fit and the guy ships fast: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Vacuum-Ca...#ht_1411wt_1156
Thanks Ryk. I'll try these out, sounds like they might last more than a year. How obnoxious looking are the spring clamps? And how durable are the clamps? (the guy does state that they will rust eventually) 
By the way, I called my local motorcycle dealer (Renton Motorcycle - not Triumph), and they don't even carry vacuum caps! I told him that sucks... 
Blue/White 2007 TBA, Thruxton needles, Unifilter, AI removed, Polaris Bellmouth, Bubs, Nology Coils/wires, Lightbar, Ricor Intiminators, Hagon Nitros, Tall Sissy Bar w/luggage rack, Dart flyscreen & Lowers. 130 Mains, TrueGel Battery MG12-BS.
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Re: Where can I get squirrel condoms?
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
get a piece of vac tube and run it form one nipple to the other.
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: Where can I get squirrel condoms?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,354
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,354 |
Quote:
get a piece of vac tube and run it form one nipple to the other.
Z, this sounds interesting. What size tubing (7/32" or 4 mm)? What type of material?
How does it affect the engine with the interconnection?
Thanks!
Blue/White 2007 TBA, Thruxton needles, Unifilter, AI removed, Polaris Bellmouth, Bubs, Nology Coils/wires, Lightbar, Ricor Intiminators, Hagon Nitros, Tall Sissy Bar w/luggage rack, Dart flyscreen & Lowers. 130 Mains, TrueGel Battery MG12-BS.
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Re: Where can I get squirrel condoms?
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
The clamps appear to be Chrome plated, and you have to silicone them up (rubbers) as they fit too tight to go on dry, I have had them on my '06 for a year and a half now, so far, so good
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Re: Where can I get squirrel condoms?
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
I dont remember, I used some of the hoses left over from the removal of the evap system on Karens bike.
I connected the rear two nipples together and left one vac cap on the front and used the other one for her Scotoiler.
No issues.
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: Where can I get squirrel condoms?
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15 |
Any Triumph dealer should be able to order them for you.
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Re: Where can I get squirrel condoms?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,354
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,354 |
Quote:
Any Triumph dealer should be able to order them for you.
I'm not going to go fight the traffic to visit the dealer for a part that I might have to wait 2 weeks for, plus pay a marked up price. I don't mind supporting my dealer for certain things (like my upcoming 12K valve check) but little bits & pieces like this is not worth the time and drive (unless I could do it on my bike - but she's running rough right now without the condom).
I like the ebay thing, but am going to try Z's suggestion first. It's simple and I don't have to worry about those wire clamps swinging around loose or rusting (sometime in the future). I think I've still got my AI tubing around the garage somewhere.
Blue/White 2007 TBA, Thruxton needles, Unifilter, AI removed, Polaris Bellmouth, Bubs, Nology Coils/wires, Lightbar, Ricor Intiminators, Hagon Nitros, Tall Sissy Bar w/luggage rack, Dart flyscreen & Lowers. 130 Mains, TrueGel Battery MG12-BS.
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Re: Where can I get squirrel condoms?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,354
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,354 |
Problem solved. Bike runs great, wish I could take her out. Thanks for the suggestion Z!!! 
Blue/White 2007 TBA, Thruxton needles, Unifilter, AI removed, Polaris Bellmouth, Bubs, Nology Coils/wires, Lightbar, Ricor Intiminators, Hagon Nitros, Tall Sissy Bar w/luggage rack, Dart flyscreen & Lowers. 130 Mains, TrueGel Battery MG12-BS.
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Re: Where can I get squirrel condoms?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
Quote:
Regular automotive store ones seem to rot at breakneck speed. Anybody find any that will last more than a year?
Nope, they get cracked real fast. Anyone?
Al
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Re: Where can I get squirrel condoms?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Quote:
Quote:
Regular automotive store ones seem to rot at breakneck speed. Anybody find any that will last more than a year?
Nope, they get cracked real fast. Anyone?
oem ones are the ones to use. The automotive ones either blew off too easily or they dry rotted in months. I'll always carry a spare in my change pocket now.
Let me check...
...Yes I've got one in my grubby paw right now!
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Where can I get squirrel condoms?
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971 |
The thin wall shiny vinyl caps seem to last real well for me. When purchased at an auto supply source, they should be rated for under the hood temps. They look like this  and are available in various sizes & colors including black
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Re: Where can I get squirrel condoms?
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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 |
Quote:
The thin wall shiny vinyl caps seem to last real well for me. When purchased at an auto supply source, they should be rated for under the hood temps.
They look like this
and are available in various sizes & colors including black
ditto on those bucky. I have a huge bag I got at a swap meet somewhere for $2 and they have been on the bike a couple years. They discolored a tad, but are holding up fine.
A word to the wise is not necessary. It is the stupid ones who need the advice.
Pat
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Re: Where can I get squirrel condoms?
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
The ones I got seem to be fine. No pregnant squirrels around here.
Mine have been on for a couple of years. Just looked at them two days ago they seem fine.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: Where can I get squirrel condoms?
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 298
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 298 |
No nearby Triumph dealer? That's where I got mine.
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Re: Where can I get squirrel condoms?
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Here's what I settled on. And you might even find a colour that matches your bike! Btw... they seem to last a long time.  http://www.picocanada.com/en/product/vacuumcaps.php
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Where can I get squirrel condoms?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,354
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,354 |
Quote:
No nearby Triumph dealer? That's where I got mine.
As I said in a previous post, there is a nearby Triumph dealer, but I'm not going to drive all the way over there for what will most likely be overpriced caps. I don't mind supporting them for service issues, such as 12K mile valve checks, but I wasn't going to drive all the way there for these. Maybe if I'm out on the bike, I'll stop by for a visit and see what they are charging for them.
And, I did what Z suggested (connect a vacuum tube from one to the other) and the bike runs fine now. Took her out for a brief ride today, even got caught in the rain.
I do intend to buy some cheap vacuum caps for just in case scenarios so I can get home. Those colored ones look interesting if not too pricey.
Again, thanks all! 
Blue/White 2007 TBA, Thruxton needles, Unifilter, AI removed, Polaris Bellmouth, Bubs, Nology Coils/wires, Lightbar, Ricor Intiminators, Hagon Nitros, Tall Sissy Bar w/luggage rack, Dart flyscreen & Lowers. 130 Mains, TrueGel Battery MG12-BS.
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