Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Triumph Tech
My first Triumph(again) My first Triumph(again)
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Triumph Tech Triumph Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Triumph riders only.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 16 May 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Newark Delaware USA
Posts: 7
My first Triumph(again)
Thanks for all the answers/support on starting the Triumph. It finally arrived today. I put in a new battery and now I want to start it. So far, no luck. How do I "tickle both floats until fuel exits"? How do I use the chokes. I'm sorry for the elementary questions, but I have no owners manual. I bought a shop manual but that is no help on starting. Can anyone fill me in on the switches in the handle bar, specifically the one on the right with one Red plastic toggle and two black push buttons? Thanks.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 May 2007
Dodger's Avatar
Large Golden Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 1,085
Your bike probably has mk2 Amal Concentric carbs [ squarish shape] and therefore no ticklers .
I'm not all that familiar with Bonnies but there should be either levers on the carbs or a handlebar lever to engage the choke .
Engage choke and then no more than a quarter throttle [or none at all ] and then try to start bike .

I assume ,of course, that you have checked for a spark at the plugs and the tank contains fresh fuel.
__________________
Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light. - Spike Milligan
"When you come to a fork in the road ,take it ! When you come to a spoon in the road ,take that also ."
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 May 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Newark Delaware USA
Posts: 7
my first Triumph(again)
You are so right. The carbs are as you described. I set the chokes and the bike started, but just one side of the twin ran. The other side pumped plenty of air so I think it is ok.Tomorrow I will check for spark on the side that didn't fire. If there is no spark, I think I will switch coil wires and see if the other side runs. If so,the coil may be the problem.I guess it may be a bad spark plug, but that will be easy to check. I sure wish it had an electric starter...my legs are worn out. Thanks for the help.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 16 May 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Dino,
Welcome to the worn out kickstart leg club! I own a Yam TT600R so I know how you feel.

Surely the red switch on the right is the kill switch and my guess is that the little buttons are for a starter motor, if you had one - that's how my Yam is anyway!

Good luck with the Bonnie and the pools of oil!

Dave (used to have a Tiger cub many, many years ago)
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 17 May 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Newark Delaware USA
Posts: 7
My first Triumph(again)
I have more questions...should I start a new thread? If not, here goes. I drained the tank and put in fresh gas. What octane rating should I use for this '76 Bonneville? I drained the carbs as well via the plug on the bottom of the carbs. One carb drained well and when I let the new gas flow in without the plug, plenty of gas flowed out. When I tried to drain the other carb, not much came out and when I tried to blow through it via the gas inlet, my breath would not go through. I finally got it cleared by alternately sucking and blowing so that gas flowed well into the carb, but I think it is gummed up enough that gas vapor does not get into the engine. (This side of engine doesn't fire up like the other side. I THINK it has spark on this side. Do you think carb cleaner will help remove gummy gas? The bike sat for a Minnesota winter with gas in it (before I bought it) Thanks again
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 17 May 2007
Dodger's Avatar
Large Golden Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 1,085
Use premium unless your manual says you can use regular gas .
It sounds like your carb is full of crud . You can try squirting some carb cleaner in through the gas feed ,I think from your description that the fuel valve was sticking .Leaving it overnight soaking in carb cleaner might free off any debris that is also causing the float to stick .
However I think that you will have to pull the carb off and remove the float bowl and give it a good clean out , blow through all the small holes with carb cleaner .
You can use soft fuse wire to poke through any holes that are still gummed up but be careful and don't get it stuck.

Try and download a diagram of the carb so that you know what you are dealing with .

Good luck .
__________________
Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light. - Spike Milligan
"When you come to a fork in the road ,take it ! When you come to a spoon in the road ,take that also ."
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Mt first Triumph dino76 Triumph Tech 11 1 Jul 2009 01:34

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 21:18.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top