T160 Gearbox Issues

[trumpeter]

Hi all,
New to this forum but I thought it would be a good place to start.
I'm lucky enough to own a t160 1975 trident.
Unfortunately the gearbox doesn't work properly and I'm after any recommendations for professional trident restorers would be prepared to stripe down a gearbox and rebuild it.
I have watched Chris rooke's videos on YouTube but I can't find his contact details.
I was wondering if there are any restorers based in the south west of England as I'm based in Plymouth. I would be interested in members experiences and recommendations.
Thanks
George

 

[Greyfell]

Chris Rooke doesn't leave any contact info with his video's, but you could leave a comment asking him to contact you. He also has books for sale at Motorcycleclassics.com, also without any apparent contact info, but, again, you might be able ask them to help you contact Chris Rooke.

 

[trumpeter]

Chris Rooke doesn't leave any contact info with his video's, but you could leave a comment asking him to contact you. He also has books for sale at Motorcycleclassics.com, also without any apparent contact info, but, again, you might be able ask them to help you contact Chris Rooke.

Many thanks for the advice of getting in contact with Chris

 

[Rudie]

gearbox doesn't work properly

In what way?

Some history would be useful. Has the gearbox ever worked for you? Have you done any work on the gearbox or primary drive? Etc.

A regular problem with the T160 is the neutral switch, or more particularly people messing up its setting when they should have left well alone. Be a pity to drag the bike to a "specialist" and pay him a lot of money to do something you can do yourself with some patience?

 

[trumpeter]

In what way?

Some history would be useful. Has the gearbox ever worked for you? Have you done any work on the gearbox or primary drive? Etc.

A regular problem with the T160 is the neutral switch, or more particularly people messing up its setting when they should have left well alone. Be a pity to drag the bike to a "specialist" and pay him a lot of money to do something you can do yourself with some patience?

That's a good point.
Ok, I bought the bike during the last lockdown on ebay without physically viewing it. A huge and stupid mistake!
I was told the bike had just been rebuilt and needed running in.
Upon receiving it I immediately took it out for a ride only to discover that I couldn't select 4th or 5th gear. The engine ran fine.
After watching several YouTube videos and some research on various forums decided to strip down the gearbox and see if I could ascertain what was wrong. Again another huge mistake!
I couldn't determine what was wrong and tried to reassemble the gearbox. Reassembly has made the problem worse, so now its in neutral and that's it!
I have to admit defeat, I don't have the knowledge or correct tools to do the job.
This is the reason why I posted on this forum. I'm trying to find someone who is an expert on triumph tridents and willing to take on the job.
I've caused enough problems to the bike and decided to stop messing with it and get professional help.
I have a budget and the bike is worth it.
Hope that sheds some light
George

 

[67 Daytona]

That's a good point.
Ok, I bought the bike during the last lockdown on ebay without physically viewing it. A huge and stupid mistake!
I was told the bike had just been rebuilt and needed running in.
Upon receiving it I immediately took it out for a ride only to discover that I couldn't select 4th or 5th gear. The engine ran fine.
After watching several YouTube videos and some research on various forums decided to strip down the gearbox and see if I could ascertain what was wrong. Again another huge mistake!
I couldn't determine what was wrong and tried to reassemble the gearbox. Reassembly has made the problem worse, so now its in neutral and that's it!
I have to admit defeat, I don't have the knowledge or correct tools to do the job.
This is the reason why I posted on this forum. I'm trying to find someone who is an expert on triumph tridents and willing to take on the job.
I've caused enough problems to the bike and decided to stop messing with it and get professional help.
I have a budget and the bike is worth it.
Hope that sheds some light
George

No offence to this forum but have you tried the "T3" forum , or give Norman Hyde a ring.0333 800 2300 or LP.Williams 01524 770956. Hope this helps.

 

[Rudie]

have you tried the "T3" forum

More clarity please:-

. Google says the T3 forum is for 79-90 VW vans ...

. If you mean a forum for the early Hinckley triples, T160 bears absolutely no resemblance to them except the "Trident" name on some of them.

give Norman Hyde a ring.

NH the founder of the business sold up and retired several years ago. Current owner knows nothing about T160's.

 

[trumpeter]

Many thanks for all the info. I'm going to give LP Williams a call as I've bought spares off them before.

 

[Rudie]

Couple of lightbulb moments:-

any restorers based in the south west of England as I'm based in Plymouth.

Monty's Classic Motorcycles is at Callington. Does not need to be a triple specialist as the gearbox is pretty much the same as fitted to the twins.

Upon receiving it I immediately took it out for a ride only to discover that I couldn't select 4th or 5th gear.

Might never have been the gearbox at all ... The left hand gearchange linkage has what looks like two "feet" inside the primary case, the "toes" of which engage with each other. If the primary case "foot" is fitted one "toe" out, the symptom is as you described ... is a regular on the T160, amhikt.

 

[tobyb]

Hi all,
New to this forum but I thought it would be a good place to start.
I'm lucky enough to own a t160 1975 trident.
Unfortunately the gearbox doesn't work properly and I'm after any recommendations for professional trident restorers would be prepared to stripe down a gearbox and rebuild it.
I have watched Chris rooke's videos on YouTube but I can't find his contact details.
I was wondering if there are any restorers based in the south west of England as I'm based in Plymouth. I would be interested in members experiences and recommendations.
Thanks
George

Your problem is the indexing of the gear selector, it is not a major job. Remove the outer gearbox cover. you will see the selector. It has to be in either neutral or 2nd gear. The best way adjust this is to purchase the gear selector alignment tool from LP Williams, it aligns the gears for you, otherwise you can do it without. However this is one process you need to be shown, it is hard to verbalise. Do you have the factory workshop manual, if not get yourself one.