classic motorcycle forum

Just over 1000 miles ago I had the barrels liners on my Triumph 5T replaced and bored back to standard.
Although I had no issues with running in I was getting a little bit unhappy with how it was settling down and with the power compared with my 5TA. Even allowing for it being a heavier machine.
When the head was removed it revealed evidence of "blow by" on the head gasket, though not actually blown. And before anyone asks, it was new and annealed before fitting in case it was old stock. And the head sequentially tightened with a torque wrench to Triumph specs.
Can anyone enlighten me as to how proud the lining tops should be above the gasket face on the cylinders? There seems to be very little "nip" on the gasket before the liners bottom (or should that be top? ) in the head recess.
Careful measurement leaves a gap of 0.013in when the head is placed on the barrels and the solid gasket at 0.039in is only 0.026in thicker than the gap available.
Is that sufficient for a satisfactory seal?
Checking faces as far as possible with an engineer's straight edge reveals no distortion problems.
Incidentally, I was surprised to find the thickness of the old gasket to be exactly the same as the new. Also, I must admit that I had not tried re-tightening the head.
Jim.

My Triumph 5TA "eats" clutch cables.
In 7 years it has pulled the nipple off one or other end of its clutch cable at least four times. Always replaced with a new cable.
I have been told the clutch is "too heavy".
The only response I can make to that is that if I lower the clutch spring tension any more the clutch slips. I can also point out that I can easily operate the clutch lever with 2 fingers and the cable tension is less than often required for front wheel braking in normal riding, and the front brake cable has never failed even once in that period. Is this a Triumph 5TA Malady. If so what is the cure?
I have already replaced the clutch springs with different poundage (recommended) ones from Len Craig.
I find it difficult accept that the tension on the cable is too much, particularly as the front brake lever needs a much harder pull in normal use.
Any comments or help gratefully received.
I perhaps should also mention that replacement cables have been from different suppliers and have always been well lubricated and fitted with minimum bends..
Jim.

I have decided to have a convalescent holiday (after my bike crash) and rather fancy Madeira. The scenery looks stunning, but since I cannot yet walk too far, some kind of transport is desireable.
Any advice about hiring a two wheeler (or perhaps even four wheels) welcome.
I realise that Madeira is Portuguese and will probably have regulations similar to Portugal, but s there anything I need to be careful about?
Jim

I had a modern JAP bike (Kawasaki W 650) until I bought my Triumph Speed Twin and discovered I much preferred riding the Triumph. But the Kawasaki did have one thing I miss on longer rides. And that was a built in clock.
I have searched the internet and trawled round shops looking for a timepiece which I might fix on my Triumph. But without success.
Does anyone know where I might find something suitable?
Jim.

Following up on my posting "A barrel of laughs.....not) - does anyone have a cylinder barrel in reasonable condition for sale?
Jim.

Investigating a sudden rise in oil consumption and smoke on my 1956 Triumph 5T Speed Twin I discovered both cylinders had massive ruts (not typical scores) in both pots. Obviously made by the gudgeon pin circlips if badly fitted (or the gudgeon pins if the circlips were not fitted).
I have two problems. I have no idea who rebuilt the engine when it was bored to +.040", but I think they must have used something like Araldite as gasket sealant! I cannot shift the barrels. I have tried driving the unit upwards utilising the very slight lip available in places, screwing in the head studs and judicially tapping them forward and sideways and also the same with a suitable piece of wood in the bores. All to no avail. Of course I dare not clout the fins.
Any sensible suggestions please?
The second problem - it is obvious that when/if I remove the barrels I will need to either get the barrels sleeved or replaced. Can anyone help me there?
Hopeful Jim.

By the way I intended taking the bike on a tour of Northern Spain in May and still hope so to do. However, I do have a reserve in the form of the reliable 5TA Speed Twin in my Avatar.

Just thought it was time to shout -

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE]



AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Jim.