Finally Bought a Bike - Just Need To Pass Now!

Finally Bought a Bike - Just Need To Pass Now!

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BigTom85

Original Poster:

1,927 posts

170 months

Sunday 27th July 2014
quotequote all
Well after hiring a van yesterday and traipsing round Northants and Herts looking at lots of tatty bikes, today I have purchased a lovely old Triumph. smile

Its a 1998 Triumph Sprint Executive, complete with factory fit colour matched hard luggage. Its clearly been cherished, and after quite a bit of thought much more suitable for me than the likes of a Fazer, Bandit, SV650 etc (as becomes clear in the last photo wink )

I have my MOD1 test tomorrow, and MOD2 booked for 6th August. Its going to be a long 10 days before I'm allowed to ride it!

I've locked it up in a friends garage to remove any temptation to ride it, but a quick test ride had me grinning like a Cheshire Cat.

Any tips with these? The back tyre is a bit square and it'll benefit from a small service and chain and sprocket, but overall its in really good condition indeed.

Here she is.









And without the luggage with me looking a bit, well, silly... I've lost quite a bit of weight, but still a long way to go wink



smile

Any advice and tips etc appreciated.

BigTom85

Original Poster:

1,927 posts

170 months

Sunday 27th July 2014
quotequote all
Apologies for the appalling pics stolen from the advert, better pics to follow smile

podman

8,850 posts

239 months

Sunday 27th July 2014
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Looks tidy mate.....are you local to Northants then?

BigTom85

Original Poster:

1,927 posts

170 months

Sunday 27th July 2014
quotequote all
podman said:
Looks tidy mate.....are you local to Northants then?
Yep, not far from Billing Aquadrome smile

Baryonyx

17,990 posts

158 months

Sunday 27th July 2014
quotequote all
Looks like a fantastic motivation to pass the test! Good luck!

VinceFox

20,566 posts

171 months

Monday 28th July 2014
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Good luck, be safe.

RumpleFugly

2,377 posts

209 months

Monday 28th July 2014
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As a first bike, be aware that these old Triumphs can feel very top heavy, especially with a full 25 litres of fuel on board, so be careful doing low speed manoeuvres.

And make sure you keep the battery in good condition, get an Optimate or something. If it sounds like it's struggling to turnover, stop cranking as the Sprag clutches have a habit of going and it's a PITA to do.

Have fun and enjoy the noise!

BigTom85

Original Poster:

1,927 posts

170 months

Monday 28th July 2014
quotequote all
Thanks for the tips - yes I've been reading about the sprag clutches, best keep on top of the battery!

MOD1 passed today, roll on MOD2 next Wednesday so I can get out and enjoy!! smile

vonuber

17,868 posts

164 months

Monday 28th July 2014
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Well done on the MOD1 pass, 1 to go!

coupeboy

522 posts

205 months

Monday 28th July 2014
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Well done, the bike looks lovely, just take your time and enjoy!

Planter

410 posts

121 months

Tuesday 29th July 2014
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Let us know how the MOD1 goes?

sprinter1050

11,550 posts

226 months

Tuesday 29th July 2014
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I had a 98 Sprint Sport. They are a a bit long & heavy-ish, carrying their weight a bit high up. it does make them stable in long sweepers though. Mine had braided brake lines- standard I think on the Sport.

Avon tyres ( was then the AV46? but try Storm 2 Ultras) worked well on it if you need to put new rubber on.
Looks well though. The guy I sold mine to bought some fairing lowers for it & I think there are plenty of spares for them.

BigTom85

Original Poster:

1,927 posts

170 months

Tuesday 29th July 2014
quotequote all
Planter said:
Let us know how the MOD1 goes?
I passed! MOD2 next Weds.

Thanks for the tips guys.

I've read its a bit top heavy, especially with a tank full. The only other big bike I've ridden is a Fazer 600, its certainly heavier than that. I'm sure we will get on just fine though smile

BigTom85

Original Poster:

1,927 posts

170 months

Tuesday 29th July 2014
quotequote all
sprinter1050 said:
I had a 98 Sprint Sport. They are a a bit long & heavy-ish, carrying their weight a bit high up. it does make them stable in long sweepers though. Mine had braided brake lines- standard I think on the Sport.

Avon tyres ( was then the AV46? but try Storm 2 Ultras) worked well on it if you need to put new rubber on.
Looks well though. The guy I sold mine to bought some fairing lowers for it & I think there are plenty of spares for them.
Thanks for the tips on the tyres, I reckon I'll be fitting a new pair in the not too distant smile