LONG TERM REALITY At 28.8 hours, the clutch finally let go, a respectable wear time in my view. I first noticed mild slipping during sand testing( a subtle draggy feel under load) and then on a deeply ripped, rutted track it became obvious and progressed to a proper slip. I also had a slight 2nd – 3rd shifting stubbornness under load, and occasionally( bad habit) it could be stubborn clicking from neutral straight to second. Triumph has felt things could be improved in this area. So, my test bike has had an update / bulletin work completed( clutch + selector star). My early impressions are positive, 2nd – 3rd already feels improved but I’ ll report back once I’ ve got real hours on it post-update. Nevertheless, it is great that Triumph is rolling out upgrades to customer bikes free of charge on parts that aren’ t living up to its standards. If you’ ve got one of these bikes( or you’ re shopping used), it’ s worth simply asking your Triumph dealer about the clutch / selector star bulletin / update and whether your bike has had it done.
MY RECOMMENDATIONS If you’ re my size( 6ft, 93kg) or a stronger vet rider... Firstly, springs at both ends- this changes everything. Next up is a 49-tooth rear sprocket, which makes third gear useable everywhere. Thirdly, the FCP engine mounts offer a surprisingly big improvement in calmness and connection. Everything else depends on preferences and where you ride. If you’ re a lighter 75kg or average club rider, you probably don’ t need to touch springs straight away. Ride it first. If you want a simple improvement, gearing is a great first step. The fan and pipe are in‘ nice to have’ territory, unless you’ re living in deep sand or chasing that last little edge of performance.
KIWI RIDER 45