Triumph Twin Power have released the Safe-Start, which is a device fitted to the idler gear boss to strengthen the area around it and save your engine from future expensive engine failure. Click
HERE to read about it and identify if your bike requires one.
Someone beat you to this a few weeks ago.
I think several/many of us have already ordered....I have two waiting at USPS for me to collect.
Since I have heard of the issue I approach ever time I hit the starter with trepidation!
Thanks for your order Martin. The exact reason we developed it. I felt the same way every time I started my Bonnie, now it's not a worry.
I hope this is in the vault.
Is this something the average guy can install or does it need to done at a shop.
Yes, you can do it, read the instructions that are on the link listed on Pieman's 1st post of this thread. If you have a ceiling hoist or portable engine puller, you can rig your bike to lean over to its right side as no damage allows, and you will only lose about a cup of oil, when you pull the engine case. Don't forget to get a case replacement gasket for when you go back together too. If you have a torque wrench and a manual, you can be sure you do not over tighten the casing bolts, remember steel bolts that thread into Aluminum have a limit before they strip the threads.
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Yes, you can do it, read the instructions that are on the link listed on Pieman's 1st post of this thread. If you have a ceiling hoist or portable engine puller, you can rig your bike to lean over to its right side as no damage allows, and you will only lose about a cup of oil, when you pull the engine case. Don't forget to get a case replacement gasket for when you go back together too. If you have a torque wrench and a manual, you can be sure you do not over tighten the casing bolts, remember steel bolts that thread into Aluminum have a limit before they strip the threads.
Jeez Ryk, before going through the gymanstics of laying the bike over, the oil can always be drained into a clean container and refilled when the job is done, presuming one one wants to reuse the same oil.
I just find it easier to take the seat off and screw in an eyebolt, rig it, lay it over and do the clutch or whatever in there. I've done 2 Speedys 3 Americas, 1 Bonny and 1 Thruxton, all clutch spring jobs. I'm a popular dude around here in the little local Triumph pack that hooks up on the 3rd Saturday of the month. Having a lift, a warm shop and all the tools, probably doesn't hurt either. You are right though, drain it and reuse it, or add a cup when your done, all the same to me. But with the bike layed over, I don't have to crook my neck so far. Even the wavy washer stays put when I pull the cover. I lost one the first time, never did figure out where that sucker went.
Thanks, I was going to ask if you have to lay the bike over since I don't have a hoist. Don't want a bunch of parts falling out if done upright.
Kind of sorry I read this post, had the bike 9 years and now I'm kinda afraid to start it lol.
I notice the title states " all 790s" I thought this was before a certain year.
I think certain 865s before a certain year and all 790s are vulnerable.
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I think certain 865s before a certain year and all 790s are vulnerable.
I looked at their website which shows a picture of which bikes are at risk. My 06 which was built in 05 and has a 790 engine is not at risk. So I'm not sure what year or size bikes are vulnerable.
Hi Bruce, so you have an 05 built 790 and it has the later labyrinth engine breather system?
I am thinking if left side of the boss blows out, the most common and it is recovered. Epoxy that back in place then lay this piece over the boss. I think it could be used like a repair too.
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Hi Bruce, so you have an 05 built 790 and it has the later labyrinth engine breather system?
Yes, I even took my laptop out to the garage and compared the picture to what I have and it is the later labyrinth breather system. On the neck it says the bike was built in 05. I bought it new so nobody has made any changes to it.
That's interesting, we were told "all 790's and some 865's", it's obviously not the case. Maybe that should have been all pre 2006 790's. Thanks for the info.
My '06 790 (build 11/05) looks to be the new style as well.
Thank you Hermit for your info too.
An update for America/Speedmaster owners of which bikes are the ones at risk of idler gear boss breakout, it is engine numbers up to 221608 & between 229407-230164.
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I think certain 865s before a certain year and all 790s are vulnerable.
I looked at their website which shows a picture of which bikes are at risk. My 06 which was built in 05 and has a 790 engine is not at risk. So I'm not sure what year or size bikes are vulnerable.
I'm thinking early 05 models with 865 engine,thats what mine was.
I have a 05 865 Speedy that was built in late 04 and has the labyrinth engine breather system like pictured on your site. I haven't verified the numbers yet.
If you have the labyrinth breather system, you have the later strengthened engine cases. Nothing to worry about.
For a reality check. How many cataclysmic events have we had with this issue? Does starting in neutral make a difference? My bike would appear to be a candidate for this so I'm wondering is this what we classify as a "nice upgrade" or a "must do?"
Personally, I think if your bike is tuned right it shouldn't be an issue sine it is a backfire on start that does the damage. Mine never does that.
It can also happen if your battery gets low on power and you try to start your engine. The low battery power doesn't have the energy to turn the engine over fully against the compression and it can then fire and send the piston backwards.
It's not just about your engine being tuned correctly, the later engines do it as well, but the strengthened idler gear tower/engine case can take it and stops the damage.
Anyone with half a brain would replace a bad battery. Soon as mine showed any sign of weakening it got replaced.
Agreed, but owners usually find out they have a battery that's dying, after a couple of times of not starting.
Pieman I'm not trying to rain on your thread. Was just wondering my level of imminent danger.
If your bike is a 2008 model, no danger what so ever. The last bikes to have to centrifugal engine breather were around 2006.
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Anyone with half a brain would replace a bad battery. Soon as mine showed any sign of weakening it got replaced.
If the R/R goes south then the situation might not realized it in time to replace the battery &/or R/R. It could happen to anyone.
I'm just wondering, how big an issue is this? I remember gettin kickback from my bikes with kick starters, but my bike seems to start up without a hitch with the electric start. Only real engine mod I did was to remove the AI. I have a 02 America with 53k miles.
Ted
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I'm just wondering, how big an issue is this?
We hear of only a few bikes a year who suffer this failure. Most owners find out when they try to start the engine and just get a whir from the starter motor.
It's a costly repair and quite an unpredictable problem. You may ride your bike for years and not suffer from it, but then again it could happen tomorrow. The Safe-Start is like an insurance policy against it happening and against early bikes losing value as the problem gets more widely known.
It affects engine numbers up to 221608 & between 229407-230164.
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It affects engine numbers up to 221608 & between 229407-230164.
Just for clarification, my vin is :SMT915RN75J226362 and my engine number is: 915RN5227324 , manufacture date:01/05
Which are the pertinent numbers to this issue?
It's the last six digits of the engine number.
Thank you Mike, looks like I dodged the bullet this time.
