The Grandfather of the Hinkley triple

Feb 5, 2007
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I just bought a 1976 Triumph T-160 Trident to keep my T-140 Bonnie of the same year company and am pretty chuffed with the purchase. Restored by Bruce Holland in Gig Harbour WA (USA) and as you can see is in pretty nice condition with 2500 miles after restoration. Fitted with English style bars rather than the US market mini ape hangers, and Norton style pipes. The fugly turn signals will go once I get collector plate approval.

This is the last year of the Trident and features the sloped "BSA" style engine, the mechanical refinements of the last year, an electric starter (for all the good it does!) and L side shift. Rather than built in the Meridian factory like previous Triumphs, the T-160 was built in the BSA Small Heath plant

An amazing bike of its era and the engine feels and sounds modern but at the same time has the proper vintage feel. Just put 660 miles on it last weekend and problem and more importantly oil leak free.

I had my head stuck in HD and Jap bikes at the time these were new and wish that I had bought one at the time.
Nothing like the Bonnie and this can be ridden like a more modern bike, however the engine can easily overpower the shoddy brakes so a lot of prudence is required. Not as flickable as an old Bonnie but much faster and no problem keeping up with modern traffic.

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Feb 5, 2007
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My first triple and that 3 cylinder wail is special. Makes me want to try the new Yamaha MT-309
 
Oct 17, 2006
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A real Gentlemans ride ,, so beautiful and an awesome sound ,,,,, but the engines are a nightmare to work on ,, change the oil regularly every 2000 miles max for best results and least wear . it needs a lotta love

cheers jerry
 
Feb 5, 2007
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The last day I went to take her out the L outboard carb pissed fuel out the tickler. No amount of tapping, flooding, and prodding the float with a bit of wire would free it up so now off with the carb rack. By the looks of things I am sure that that will not be an easy job!

I am tempted to change out the Anals for Mukuinis for everyday ride-ability but then again the originality will be gone
 

ianyonok

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Dec 9, 2008
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Robert,
I would have thought you could just remove the 2 screws that hold the float bowl on the problematic carb and lower that off complete with float. It sounds like the float needle is just not sealing in the jet for whatever reason. The reason will probably be clear once the bowl is off. Holed float? Damaged needle tip? Amal only supply the viton tipped needles now which seem to seat fine.
If you think the carbs are worn, you could replace them the new Amal Premier Concentrics. Same design, but include upgrades like better castings, removeable pilot bushes, anodised slides and adjustable floats. The Amal website is excellent too with lots of technical info on the Concentric.
I just ordered a Premier for my TR6 Tiger and looking forward to fitting that.
 
Feb 5, 2007
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Apparently there is also a new float type for the original concentric and I bought a pair for the Bonnie but they arrived after I did the carb rebuild.
The removable pilot bush would be a huge improvement!

Will try to get in there with a bent screwdriver but not hopeful and even so, as you know the screw heads are made of cheese. Anything to avoid removing that carb rack