Little Rant
After stripping, cleaning and rejetting the Keihins a few months ago. I drained the carbs fully, and left the bike dry.
Going to use it today for a friends Funeral (Biker), and guess what, yep, those carbs are misbehaving.
Cant use my car, so Tiggers gotta be ridden...
I'm going to leave in about 30 mins, and hope they clear, as the carbs were clean just a short while ago.
I love my Steamer, But I ride infrequently now, and I can't afford to spend time trying to get the thing to run every time I want to ride.
Thinks its time to start looking....I know the 1050 is a great bike, but I'm having feelings about the 800 range....
Ride safe all...
Phil
(http://www.hdforums.com/forum/attachments/touring-models/338105d1381761559-star-tron-enzyme-fuel-treatment-0002269730107_500x500.jpg)
this stuff wo r k s ...........................
it keeps ethanol from going off bad even after all winter ................and I find it prefers if you leave the carbs wet .(leave the gas on)
Or,have you got a Shell garage nearby?? Try running with VPower?
I found with my 93 trident similar bike
fuel stabiliser and decent fuel no probs in 19 years
use v power in my 955i better fuel economy
and now v power in my 800
800 is the way to go :wheel
I've tried VPower in both my bikes. Not much difference in my Tiger,but noticeable in my super3. I think its got 5% ethanol,but its got the additives you don't get in cheaper fuel? Worth a shot?
Quote from: Mustang on November 21, 2016, 11:44:13 AM
this stuff wo r k s ...........................
it keeps ethanol from going off bad even after all winter ................and I find it prefers if you leave the carbs wet .(leave the gas on)
:nod And this is also good... I use it in the tank in Autumn/Winter when the bike isn't used as much. So then if I don't intend riding it for a while I drain the tank, run the engine til it cuts out, then using the bowl screws I drain the carbs of any remaining fuel. This always works for me, and on recommissioning, with fresh fuel she fires straight up. :icon_biggrin:
Thanks Guys, will look into the UK available conditioners.
As mostly happens, after 20 miles the bike cleared and purred the rest of the way, but it's those first few miles, in suburban traffic with a bike that only runs at 3K.
In the cortege there was my Steamer, a Girly, an Explorer and a 1050, but no 800's
I have to look at the longer term with a 21 year old bike, a potential London charge of 12.50 per day when travelling in the low emission zone with a carburetor, and my low use riding.
I can just about stretch to £5K which gets me a fairly decent 800 with ABS, and I think that's where I'm going to be looking for the longer term.
I have to be carefull with the financial controller at home, as the phrase " do you really need a bike anymore" has been uttered..........
Difficult decision, I really do love that bastard Steamer.....
Women :icon_rolleyes:
Couldn't you slip some of that Lucas stuff in her Horlicks? It might condition,and stable-ize her? :icon_wink:
Mate, your poking a nest of snakes with that remark........ :bad
Quote from: London_Phil on November 22, 2016, 09:00:45 PM
I can just about stretch to £5K which gets me a fairly decent 800 with ABS, and I think that's where I'm going to be looking for the longer term.
Difficult decision, I really do love that bastard Steamer.....
I think you're on the money there mate, personally I'd go for an XC with the better suspension, won't get under your skin like a Steamer but you won't be disappointed.
Quote from: threepot on November 22, 2016, 09:11:35 PM
Couldn't you slip some of that Lucas stuff in her Horlicks? It might condition,and stable-ize her? :icon_wink:
:*&*
3K gets you the best Girly ever, £2.5K for the bike and another £600 or so on a Wilbers. Just saying. £5K is knocking on the door of a 1050 Sport ????
Quote from: London_Phil on November 22, 2016, 09:00:45 PM
I have to be carefull with the financial controller at home, as the phrase " do you really need a bike anymore" has been uttered..........
Reminds me of
"Darling, I don't think that you really need that motorcycle any more"
"You're beginning to sound like my ex-wife..."
"I didn't know you'd been married before?"
"I haven't"
Quote from: Ossian on November 23, 2016, 05:43:37 PM
Reminds me of
"Darling, I don't think that you really need that motorcycle any more"
"You're beginning to sound like my ex-wife..."
"I didn't know you'd been married before?"
"I haven't"
:rfl :*&*
Each to his own but I just don't get the 800 in fact looking at the stand at the NEC I don't get Triumph either God knows where they think they are going they are we'll on the way from mainstream to oddball.
Quote from: Timbox2 on November 23, 2016, 05:36:09 PM
3K gets you the best Girly ever, £2.5K for the bike and another £600 or so on a Wilbers. Just saying. £5K is knocking on the door of a 1050 Sport ????
5k is two excellent steamers. One will usually be working. You know it makes sense.
Quote from: Chris Canning on November 24, 2016, 11:00:49 PM
Each to his own but I just don't get the 800 in fact looking at the stand at the NEC I don't get Triumph either God knows where they think they are going they are we'll on the way from mainstream to oddball.
The 800 is lovely but lots of things are making it look old. Triumph have lost there way a little of late. Good bikes, not class leading bikes.
Lots of food for thought.
I agree with most of the comments, but, not sure I could live with another Steamer, pleasure pain ratio is now rather unbalanced.
Just don't like the Girly look, (probably alienated half the forum...sorry)
1050 is the head choice, and cheaper, but heart prefers the 800 look
Probably ought to try a 1050 though.
I know there are other offerings out there, but I do like the Triumph brand.
The 800 XC just looks right to me, I sat on a couple of 800 versions at Laguna in Maidstone, and I liked them.
I've seen an 800XC abs with all the extras I could possibly want in lovely condition which I'm hoping to get to see in the flesh on Saturday.
With the lower miles I now do, I think the bike, if serviced at the correct interval will give me 2 years before major service required, and no accessories to buy will mean I can just ride the thing when I get the chance.
Hope those 21" front wheels are not like my old choppers when it comes to roadholding, but again I ride conservatively and occasionally, so we'll see.
Choices Choices.....
I doubt you'll notice a big difference with the 21" the better forks deal with it well. Just my opinion but I've found the 800 a bit easier to handle in traffic, there seems to be a wider sweet spot at slow speed of you know what I mean. The 1050 just begs to be thrashed, even the pre sport model.
If I was looking to change,it would definitely be another Tiger. Which one?? I've ridden the 1200..nice. The engine :nod
Two friends of mine have it. One traded his 2014 one in for 'new',and these guy's have lots of miles with various types,and makes. Before buying the new one,he took a GS 1200 out,and took it back after a half hr,and told them it wasn't as good as his Tex :icon_smile:
I've also ridden the 'new' 800 with the WP suspension. I was 'really' impressed with that! But I really like the look of the 'new' 1050 :nod
But,for now,my Steamer still ticks the boxes :thumbsup
Think you need to try both types Phil?
I appreciate there are lots of good bikes out there.
I Chose the Tiger 16 years ago, and I just like them.
I dont have the finances to stretch much further than 5K, and the 1200s are not cheap, I know the 1050 is a great bike, but it just doesn't move me like the Xc.
As Sin says, it may not move me like the Steamer, but given I went from a 1979 1340 Shovelhead Harley to the Steamer, it wont take much to impress me...
Quote from: London_Phil on November 25, 2016, 09:23:46 AM
.................
Just don't like the Girly look, (probably alienated half the forum...sorry)
No worries mate, Im on my second and looks havent come into the equation on either really, they are a Head buy, not heart. Though there is something endearing about Fugly bikes, and women come to that, they are always really grateful when ridden, oops, :bug_eye. Did I say that out loud.
Quote from: Timbox2 on November 25, 2016, 04:29:32 PM
Though there is something endearing about Fugly bikes, and women come to that, they are always really grateful when ridden, oops, :bug_eye. Did I say that out loud.
We're heading for dangerous waters here, Pirate Captain........
Always fun reading threads like this and Tim and I have have had many recently along the same lines and when I was looking to run something else along side my 955 and the other bikes we test rode several the only one I didn't was the 1200 Explorer because that's not were I am going but the only solution is riding them and I've found my best train of thought is just as I'm nodding off in bed :icon_lol: many days after each test ride.
I still think the sensible option is the very latest 1050 sport and wait till the price drops,as it happens sensible didn't come into it in the end :icon_rolleyes: and I went away from Triumph but Jeeze you ride some of the latest wiz bang stuff you realise how the game has moved on and thats from a bike owner who likes to upgrade his bikes as they start to show their age.
Fate intervenes.
Got a call at 4.55, "sorry we just took a deposit".
Looks like I'm going to get some reflection time, and maybe try a 1050....
Rats.....
I've only ridden one steamer and being used to fuel injection it was like Pony Express compared to email with the exception of the very last carbed Yamaha R6's I'd never go back to such in a million years as letting the bike stand I've left my 1100s for 12 months and even with old fuel it will fire bang on the button.
Quote from: Chris Canning on November 25, 2016, 07:50:28 PM
I've only ridden one steamer and being used to fuel injection it was like Pony Express compared to email with the exception of the very last carbed Yamaha R6's I'd never go back to such in a million years as letting the bike stand I've left my 1100s for 12 months and even with old fuel it will fire bang on the button.
Yep, I think for me the issue of the carbs has become a game changer.
I know some guys have no problems, and some seem to spend masses of time and effort on keeping them clean.
For me, the cold wet garage, and low use make it an uphill struggle, regardless of what fuel additives are used.
Now both the kids are living away means I can hopefully ride more, but these last few seasons have been a mixed bunch, and almost always fuel/carb related.
I've got a tatty Mercedes C124 from 1995 that sits for weeks, but that baby fires up and runs every time.....Fuel injection.......
I know its above the budget, but another test in Ride Magazine sees the latest Tiger Sport get a very good review against the Tracer and Versys 1000.
And AGV do a matt black / green helmet to match it :*&*
Quote from: Timbox2 on November 25, 2016, 09:28:22 PM
I know its above the budget, but another test in Ride Magazine sees the latest Tiger Sport get a very good review against the Tracer and Versys 1000.
It may be a super beast, but its at least double my budget, and my daughter now tells me shes got her driving test in the new year, so looks like i'll be buying
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GUn_2_R9kA
IF I can afford It.....
May come down to price at end of the day, so 1050 may still be an option, as they seem generally a few grand less, ie the cost of a small car difference...
I'm all confused again....
Quote from: Chris Canning on November 25, 2016, 07:50:28 PM
I've only ridden one steamer and being used to fuel injection it was like Pony Express compared to email with the exception of the very last carbed Yamaha R6's I'd never go back to such in a million years as letting the bike stand I've left my 1100s for 12 months and even with old fuel it will fire bang on the button.
On the same battery? One thing I've learned in 20yrs of early Hinckley ownership..you need to run the bikes regularly,and they need well charged batteries. I've ridden quite a few different bikes over the last few yrs..vfr800,v Strom,z100sx,cb1000f,zx10,guzzi1200,trans alp,and I wouldn't swap my Triumphs for any of them! There's just something about these bikes that you 'connect' to,that you don't on others?? Maybe it's just me? I did a 130ml ride today to hay on Wye ,and my steamer was just brilliant! :thumbsup
It's not just you Threepot, a lot of new bikes are rather anodyne, particularly in regard of their engine characteristics. You can't say that of a steamer!
Sometimes I think choosing a new bike is as much a heart wrenching, nail chewing chore as it is a pleasure.
Quote from: threepot on November 27, 2016, 01:20:30 AM
On the same battery? One thing I've learned in 20yrs of early Hinckley ownership..you need to run the bikes regularly,and they need well charged batteries. I've ridden quite a few different bikes over the last few yrs..vfr800,v Strom,z100sx,cb1000f,zx10,guzzi1200,trans alp,and I wouldn't swap my Triumphs for any of them! There's just something about these bikes that you 'connect' to,that you don't on others?? Maybe it's just me? I did a 130ml ride today to hay on Wye ,and my steamer was just brilliant! :thumbsup
Oh blimey I only put my third battery on my 1100s a couple years ago and I've had the bike 16 come January and I've learned from leaving an Optimate on all the time and I put it on every couple months and that's it.
Re character if your talking Japanese V European you have a point but my 1100/1200 and even my XR are as quirky as my Tiger it most certainly doesn't have a monopoly on that,I can make a good case for all of mine depending on what I'm riding at the time.
Certainly what you can say about the 955 female fuel connectors excepted there are zero skeletons in the cuboard their are very few bikes you can say that about and certainly one of the great current bargains.
Quote from: London_Phil on November 26, 2016, 08:32:12 PM
May come down to price at end of the day, so 1050 may still be an option, as they seem generally a few grand less, ie the cost of a small car difference...
I'm all confused again....
Don't be confused! Think of those lovely chrome handlebars you get included in the purchase! :*&* You will not regret that choice if you get one. (Just keep an eye on the charging system.... :icon_wink: :icon_wink: :icon_wink:)
Thanks for that Nick.
My last set of chrome bars were on a Shovelhead.....
Looks like all the bargains have been had pre Christmas now.
I'm currently awaiting an indicator to replace the one I broke whilst doing the leaky Rad, so I'm still looking at options, as I can see the longer term will probably not be Steamers, but it Will be a Tiger.
The Steamer was my first big ADV style bike after getting back into riding after a long hiatus due to kids, self-employment, life etc. I thoroughly enjoyed Steamer ownership, the bike never let me down and was a pleasure to ride but it did seem to require regular tinkering in order to keep it running in top form. Lurking here and other sites I feel like I got one of the better Steamers being a later 98 model Triumph had sorted most of the earlier issues and the previous owner had not done a hack job on anything.
I have no problem tinkering and enjoy doing all my own work on bikes I have two older Collector Plated Hondas that I'm always playing with the difference is I do this tinkering on my terms and timeline as I had the Steamer which was the main bike I would ride. Since I am trying to get some longer multi-day trips lined up over the next few years the Steamer had me wondering "what if" I guess I was tired of having to tinker and was looking for a newer, turn key, minimal maintenance bike. If I did not or could not spend the money on a newer bike I would have happily continued with the Steamer I'm by no means independently wealthy but I did have the ability to upgrade so the Steamer was passed on to a new owner who was very happy with the overall condition of the bike and excited to get his first larger ADV bike.
Now if I could only find a nice early Speed Triple or Thunderbird Sport for the stable :__
Quote from: threepot on November 21, 2016, 04:39:08 PM
Or,have you got a Shell garage nearby?? Try running with VPower?
I tried VPower with my Ducati but can't say there would have been any difference compared to normal 98E fuel. I think VPower is 99 octane. Is there difference in ageing of the fuel, can't tell either.
Quote from: Timbox2 on November 23, 2016, 05:36:09 PM
3K gets you the best Girly ever, £2.5K for the bike and another £600 or so on a Wilbers. Just saying. £5K is knocking on the door of a 1050 Sport ????
In our domestic motorcycle market I'd have to add 1000€ for Steamer, and 1000-1500€ for a Girly.
1050 would require 2000€ more than in most European countries, Germany perhaps having lowest prices for Tigers. Right now there's a Girly '00 for 3900€ with 39k on the meter. Alternative is 1999 Steamer with 96k for 2900€. Tough choice.