Hi all, new to the forums and Triumphs, looking for some expert input...
I purchased an 06 America that had been sitting around for a few years - it has 6k mi and some signs of neglect. I'm trying to put together a list of things to recondition her, and would love some input from others.
So, here she is:
Overall, in good shape, not showroom new, but I'm not one to get hung up on "character" flaws.
1. Front tire has dry-rot looking lines, so I need to replace it. Not sure if I need to replace the rear as well, or what ya'll think.
2. After I rode the bike home, I noticed oil on the right side, seemed to be coming from the cooling fins/where the spark plug is - third up from the bottom:
Only seemed to be a drop of oil, but there was some splatter along the body as it was pulled back by the wind... Is this the common issue with loose bolts I've read about? What specifically should a new-to-Triumph owner check out?
3. The pipes are blued, which I'm okay with, but I noticed some bluing on this cover as well (to the left of the table leg in the reflection) - is that an exhaust leak?
4. This black crud - is that chain gunk seeping out?
5. Also, I noticed when riding her home that the top of the speedo was dark - is that just how the speedo is designed, or is there a second bulb in there that should be replaced?
6. The brake lever is bent from what looks like a fall, but there's no other damage on the bike, so I assume it tipped into something in a garage.
At any rate, any good place to get a replacement?
7. Lastly, the rear wheel has a broken spoke - looks to be on the chain side, broken at the rim, not the hub. Is there a "best" solution for replacing the single spoke? Should I just buy a new wheel?
Fwiw, I love the Triumph America - I've ridden one for a short stint in the past, and decided it would be next bike. My plans for her, other than getting her fixed up, are a center stand for repairs and some kind of exhaust, which I'm reading up on here - lots of good info, and seems like good people!
