classic motorcycle forum

Motorcycle Discussions => British Bikes => Topic started by: Trumper on September 12, 2008, 12:32:01 PM

Title: Oil types-advice please Triumph 500 speedtwin 1960
Post by: Trumper on September 12, 2008, 12:32:01 PM
 :)Hello everyone ,a newish owner here.
  I have a Triumph 500 speedtwin which after a period of 10 years has finally been rebuilt again [long sad story,not rebuilt by me,i wish i had such talents :)].
  I am in the process of running the bike in and getting used to the brakes and gears being the opposite way round [having ridden Jap bikes for 30 years ].
  I have the pitmans triumph twins book by W C Haycraft and also the Haynes manual [which i can't find for love or money at the moment >:(].
  I have done a search on the forum before asking this basic question but no results that help so i hope you don't mind me asking.
  I would like to know the best oil to use in the Engine [oil tank],gearbox oil and chaincase oil.
  The oils listed in the book are old makes of oils and possibly not made today so i would like to know which of todays oils are best and accessible.
  The engine number is h.7810 and was first registered in 1960.
 I bought some rockoil classic monograde 40  a few years ago which was recommended when the bike was 1 st rebuilt [told you it was a sad story]but i can't even see that listed anymore so times have changed.
  Thus i am confused,any help and advice appreciated please  :)
 Many Thanks :)
Edit,Very off topic but very british and sounding just as lovely as a Brit bike,a Supermarine Spitfire with a Merlin engine is doing air testing over the house at the moment-very nice :)
Title: Re: Oil types-advice please Triumph 500 speedtwin 1960
Post by: Searchguru on September 12, 2008, 08:18:56 PM
Hi Trumper,
In the 80's I needed a straight grade oil for my Ducati 900SS and used Millers oils. As always good oil's not cheap but I'm sure they are still producing quality stuff, check:
http://www.millersoils.net/1_Millers_frame_BIKE.htm
They do oils for modern/classic bikes and cars as well as performance vehicles. If you check the site and contact them I am sure you'll find what you need.
I'm with you, Merlin's are wizard!

Title: Re: Oil types-advice please Triumph 500 speedtwin 1960
Post by: TBS on September 13, 2008, 10:19:43 AM
Engine/chaincase, Silkolene Chatsworth 40, gearbox Fuchs Titan hypoid 90, (both of these oils are made by Fuchs) otherwise Morris or Millers, but use a straight 40wt oil in summer 30wt oil in the winter.
Title: Re: Oil types-advice please Triumph 500 speedtwin 1960
Post by: Trumper on September 13, 2008, 11:11:04 AM
 :)Thank you for the replies ,i've bookmarked the Millers site but the nearest stockist is about 15 miles away.
  Are there any other makes of oil i may be able to source more locally.I am in the Cambridge area if that helps. :) Thanks again :)
Title: Re: Oil types-advice please Triumph 500 speedtwin 1960
Post by: L.A.B. on September 13, 2008, 11:18:08 AM
Quote
:)but the nearest stockist is about 15 miles away.

Why not buy it online/by mail order?:

http://www.carrotcycles.co.uk/lubricants/cat_3.html

http://www.millersoils.net/1s_store.cgi

Quote
Merlin's are wizard!

- But the RR Griffon engined Spitfire variants sound even better, in my opinion :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tykFKUhsrvo&feature=related

http://www.unlimitedexcitement.com/Griffon%20Budweiser/Rolls-Royce%20Griffon%20Engine.htm

Title: Re: Oil types-advice please Triumph 500 speedtwin 1960
Post by: Searchguru on September 14, 2008, 08:12:45 AM
Trumper,
15 miles away, you say. There and back and the old oil will be hot enough to drain nicely!
Title: Re: Oil types-advice please Triumph 500 speedtwin 1960
Post by: Trumper on September 14, 2008, 11:20:15 AM
Quote
Trumper,
15 miles away, you say. There and back and the old oil will be hot enough to drain nicely!
:)  I took it to work last night and put about 30 miles on it,problem was the headlight switch shook itself off >:( so had to improvise with a small spanner to turn it on  :o and coming home 02-00 we had fog,not the nice ride round the back roads i had hoped for  ::)
  Oh well i had better look for another light switch, any ideas  ;D
 Welcome to the world locktight and spares   :)