Non Laverda - compression

GT

Full member
One of my T160s has been smoking badly, I tested compression and 2 were at or close to 150lbs, the other was 90lbs. I put some oil down the bore and it immediately measured at 150lbs as well. Would this point to rings rather than valves?

Regards
Glenn
 
Sounds like it, but until you rip it open you will never be sure the valves are tip top.
In any case, if you are going to rebore it then it would be wise to freshen the valves and seals.
Otherwise you have to do the job twice.
 
if you wish to be certain before you decide to strip the engine then arrange to have a leak down test done on the engine
that will tell you where the missing 60 lbs is going

 
The Triumph tridents and BSA rocket three's have got to have the absolute worst cylinder head there is. Very short valve guides and horrible valve to rocker arm geometry that puts massive side loading on the valves.

Now having said that I have ridden a number of these bikes and do like them, especially the T160.

Bruce
 
I love the styling of the T160.
 

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I replaced the rings on my T160 about 5 years ago.  Somebody described the engine as the most complicated motorcycle engine they had ever seen.  It is a real pain to set the cylinders on the pistons (not much space) then set the head on with all the pushrods in the right place.  It smoked horrendously the first time I started it.  When I called the maker of the rings, they recommended that I rev the motor to 5-6k on first start to seat the rings.  Started over again, rehoned the cylinders, second set of rings, gaskets, etc.  I had never heard this before but it worked.  Once these bikes are set up right, they are actually a lot of fun and quick.  Remember, BSA triples took 1st, 2nd and 3rd at Daytona in 1972 against Honda 4's and all the rest.  Unfortunately, the workmanship at the factor was poor.
 
I would like to see a Hurricane based upon a Laverda triple. I reckon that would look cool with the upright riding position.

triumph_x-75_hurricane.jpg
 
nealebms said:
Scrumpy
With the Hurricane tank and Jota engine you would have an effective range of about 60miles. :D :D
Neale

The tank and seat unit would need to be built in the correct proportions though 8) For going to the pub it would be just fine.
 
Scrumpy said:
I would like to see a Hurricane based upon a Laverda triple. I reckon that would look cool with the upright riding position.

Your wish ...

Very roughly cobbled together with MS Paint.
Someone clever with photoshop could do a better job.

Cheers,
Cam
 

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That hi rev,quick break-in is used by more than a few engine builders.They suggest only using a drop or two of oil on the skirts and assembling the rings in a dry bore and revving to about 2/3 of redline for a minute or so on first start. I would think it works best with a finer bore finish the usual 220 grit. The splash from what is thrown off the crank would oil the bores pretty quickly so it kinda makes sense to allow rings to seat quickly.Though with the low pressure of a Lav oiling system it might be a little riskier on our bikes.
 
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