Triumph Rubber Parts Deteriorating

[Desmo Island]

Ok, I am a long time rider and collector, and added a T120 to my garage. I have noticed that the some of the rubber parts on myT120 (like gators, tank rubber, various grommets, etc) have started to deteriorate quite a bit and turn brown over a short amount of time. I mostly have Ducatis in the garage, and have never seen this before. I live in sunny Southern California, so not likely the weather. Just curious if anyone else has seen this, and also if there are any products which will possibly restore the rubber. It's especially bad on the front gators where a layer of the rubber is flaking off.

 

[atomsplitter]

Haven't seen that on my T-120. How old is the bike?

 

[Desmo Island]

Haven't seen that on my T-120. How old is the bike?

Mine is a 2018

 

[atomsplitter]

That's strange, it must have been exposed to something it didn't like. Your only real option would be to replace the parts that are worst case and try some Armourall on what's left. The gaiters on my 2017 aren't in bad shape at all.

 

[Greyfell]

That's strange, it must have been exposed to something it didn't like. Your only real option would be to replace the parts that are worst case and try some Armourall on what's left.

I have to agree; rubber breaking down in only 5 years suggests it was exposed to something liquid or vaporous (ie. it is not jealousy of the Ducatis). Replacement is necessary, but in the meantime rack your brain and seriously look for the source of the breakdown.

 

[Desmo Island]

I have to agree; rubber breaking down in only 5 years suggests it was exposed to something liquid or vaporous (ie. it is not jealousy of the Ducatis). Replacement is necessary, but in the meantime rack your brain and seriously look for the source of the breakdown.

Possibly the moisture being close to the beach. We do have a problem with metal things in the yard outside rusting. But funny the Italian rubber is still ok on bikes as old as 1992.

 

[Greyfell]

Possibly the moisture being close to the beach.

I suppose it is possible, but I've never seen that, and we lived, for a while, within 1/4 mile of the beach in Half Moon Bay, CA. I noticed you said this is a relatively new addition to your stable, so you don't know what it was exposed to before coming into your possession. Therefore, while it would be nice to have the "back story", I think you just have to suck it up and replace those parts.

 

[CarlS]

I have a 2020 T120 that I bought a little over a year ago. It is a Florida bike meaning it has been exposed to hot summer temperatures, intense UV radiation and humid, salt air. I keep it in a carport and covered. I live about five miles from the ocean. I have no problems with the rubber parts.

I think something the previous owner used on the rubber parts is the culprit. It is definitely not normal.

 

[sikatri]

I have a 2020 T120 that I bought a little over a year ago. It is a Florida bike meaning it has been exposed to hot summer temperatures, intense UV radiation and humid, salt air. I keep it in a carport and covered. I live about five miles from the ocean. I have no problems with the rubber parts.

I think something the previous owner used on the rubber parts is the culprit. It is definitely not normal.

Something the previous owner did as noted is the likely source. Also agree with the comment that the effected parts need to be replaced. Once they start to crumble there’s likely little you can do and if your other bikes are fine I doubt it’s anything in your garage.

 

[danmercer214]

Ok, I am a long time rider and collector, and added a T120 to my garage. I have noticed that the some of the rubber parts on myT120 (like gators, tank rubber, various grommets, etc) have started to deteriorate quite a bit and turn brown over a short amount of time. I mostly have Ducatis in the garage, and have never seen this before. I live in sunny Southern California, so not likely the weather. Just curious if anyone else has seen this, and also if there are any products which will possibly restore the rubber. It's especially bad on the front gators where a layer of the rubber is flaking off.

Hi
If you are looking for replacement parts, I used Euro Cyle from Las Vegas, Triumph Detroit and adeptpowersports.com for my rubber parts for my triumph adventurer. Parts are located by VIN number. FYI.

 

[mrmvolz]

Ok, I am a long time rider and collector, and added a T120 to my garage. I have noticed that the some of the rubber parts on myT120 (like gators, tank rubber, various grommets, etc) have started to deteriorate quite a bit and turn brown over a short amount of time. I mostly have Ducatis in the garage, and have never seen this before. I live in sunny Southern California, so not likely the weather. Just curious if anyone else has seen this, and also if there are any products which will possibly restore the rubber. It's especially bad on the front gators where a layer of the rubber is flaking off.

we have a 2016 and a 2017 T120. we have not had anything like this. Could it be something wher you store it?

 

[triumph900]

I have an 18. I wash it religiously, once a year, whether it needs it or not

So far the rubbery parts are no worse for wear. The most noticeable wear is on the tank pad I stuck on.

 

[mrmvolz]

I have an 18. I wash it religiously, once a year, whether it needs it or not

So far the rubbery parts are no worse for wear. The most noticeable wear is on the tank pad I stuck on.

I have tank pads on my 2017 but have not noticed unusual wear. :-/

 

[triumph900]

I have tank pads on my 2017 but have not noticed unusual wear. :-/

I'm talking about a pad in the center of tank to protect it from jacket zipper. It's got some noticeable scuffing.

 

[Tupperware]

Are there any electric motors operating inside your garage? Volatile solvents or gasoline in containers vented to atmosphere?

 

[JerryP]

Perhaps heat accelerates rubber oxidation. Living in FL I use various products for sidewalls and gators. I'd try "Solution Finish" as a test dose on small rubber parts. Designed for plastics it is even used on wiper blades. My best use is to erase wax residue on Jeep black plastic fenders.

 

[mrmvolz]

Perhaps heat accelerates rubber oxidation. Living in FL I use various products for sidewalls and gators. I'd try "Solution Finish" as a test dose on small rubber parts. Designed for plastics it is even used on wiper blades. My best use is to erase wax residue on Jeep black plastic fenders.

Well, I am bad, I just use water on my rubber parts