Triumph Street Triple 675
Triumph have launched a new Trident based on the 675 motor. It’s keenly priced – but you could still save loads with a minty used Street Triple…
DOUBLE CREAM OR SWARFEGA?
Fuelling for the 675cc inline three engine should be fabulously smooth. If it’s not, or the response is a bit switch-like, then the throttle bodies probably require balancing. It’s something that should be done every 6000 miles, but often gets overlooked or even ignored as it’s fairly involved. The correct way is to set up the free play in the throttle before balancing the bodies, so that the injection system can self-adapt as it should.
IMPORTANT BITS ‘N’ BOBS
Early Street Triples (2007 to 2012) use low-quality hose clips. They work loose, so should be tightened at every service (bikes from 2013 onwards have self-tightening clips that aren’t as much faff). 2007 to 2010 bikes were also recalled for a faulty regulator-rectifier. Even the upgraded unit (two plugs rather than a pair of moulded leads) is knocking on a bit now, so best take a multimeter and make sure there’s at least 14v with the engine running.
TICKETY-BOO
A ticking or rattling from the top end is usually nowt to worry about. Often it’s just natural engine noise, or the automatic camchain tensioner just before it clicks into the next tooth. It’s normal operation – no need to panic or fit a manual tensioner. Equally, if the bike’s leaking coolant under pressure it’s not necessarily a popped head gasket. The radiator cap is prone to failing on older bikes – the rubber seals have a short life and need replacing every few years. £10 for a genuine replacement cap.
USED BY LIGHT FINGERS?
Loads of Street Triples have been nicked. Early models are quite easy for thieves to hot wire, and can be lifted easily into a waiting van because they’re so light. Most stolen bikes are broken for parts, but quite a few get sold on – so a HPI check prior to buying is essential. There’s nothing necessarily wrong with buying a bike that’s been listed as an attempted theft as long as any damage has been properly rectified and that the seller is willing to accept £500 to £1000 less than a pure pampered example.
DING-A-LING
Lift the front end off the ground and give the wheel a spin to check that it’s true, and then take a test ride and feel for vibes coming through the steering. The Street Triple’s wheels are fairly light and damage quite easily, and any damage to the rim might not be obvious to a casual glance.
SERVICING STUFF
Minor services are every 6000 miles (or annually), and cost around £135. Major servicing comes at 12,000 and is a monster of a job – done properly: the bike needs its front and rear ends removing for access to head bearings and suspension linkage, plus a valve clearance check, throttle body balancing, new spark plugs, oil and filter. It’s a whole day in the workshop and about £200 in parts, so a Triumph dealer will want upwards of £800. The 24,000-mile service is the same, except the front end stays in place and fork oil is renewed instead.
ELECTRICITY STORAGE
Don’t buy a bike fitted with a modern lightweight lithium-polymer battery. The Street Triple’s charging system wasn’t designed for Li-po and it’ll just be bothersome. Instead, stick with the original Yuasa lead-acid battery. You’ll get starting issues unless it’s replaced every two or three years, but they’re only about thirty quid.
‘Major services require a full day in the workshop’