Trophy Servicing

[Wilko]

Evening all.

Just out of Interest, more than anything else, I was in a Triumph Dealership today, Performance Triumph, Stratford-upon-Avon, I was there making use of the free coffee and wasting time, I had completed a job almost next door.

I asked the question on here about the 20k service, and could it wait etc etc, the guy on the service desk said to wait until I have been to Bulgaria, 4 thousand mile round trip, then get it done, the cost is £850.

This got me thinking, who pays the price, don't get me wrong, if I have to pay it, so be it, but who uses main dealers and who uses a good reliable, knowledgeable mechanic / none dealer to look after their machines, especially when it comes to a major service, like the 20k one.     

[GavJ]

May not apply to all but when my 20k service was due last year I contacted triumph to ask why I was getting the valves checked when the bike had been recalled for a new cylinder head a few thousand miles ago? They said leave the valves until 40k

Still didn't get the rest of the service done, changed the oil & filter and checked the bike over, also fitted new brake pads, will do the others , brake fluid etc when the weather is better. Next on my to do list is the rear suspension lube.... because I do it myself I spread the service over a few months and do it as and when it suits me, usually when its raining....

[Coconut]

There are many fine Mechanics who are not official Triumph agents,
but as is the trend these days, most modern motorcycles need specialised Service Tools,
and Computerised Diagnostics.

Routine matters such as Oil and Brake Pad changes don't present a problem,
but even something like changing the Brake Fluid, which should be relatively simple,
needs a device connecting up to the Trophy - to open the valves within the ABS Pump,
and a procedure specified in the Service Manual to be followed.
( An After-Market device called "DealerTool" can be used to perform this task ).

It simply isn't feasible for a "General" mechanic to keep up with all the different Makes and Models
of motorcycle, and buy all of the different Service Tools needed, and in the case of Software downloads,
these can only usually be carried out by an authorised Dealer, as the software files are not freely available.

The "general" Mechanic wont be able to check for Recalls / Service Bulletins / Workshop Notices etc

A complete set of Service tools for the Trophy costs almost £5,500 !
( Conceded that some of the Tools may never be needed, and includes a Battery charging kit,
and other tools that a "general" mechanic may already have. 
Also included in that price is the PC Based Diagnostics kit,
but as mentioned there would be no access to check for Software Updates etc ).

[Phil]

I have always followed the same system with most of my bikes.   I usually attend to the basic service (fluid changes and pads) myself, but put he bike into a dealership for the 20k service.   I am reasonably ok at fixing stuff if I know what is wrong but I lack the ability to diagnose, current or potential future problems. 

I have used independent mechanics, I like to think I am supporting the independents, but have not had a great experience with them.   For piece of mind I am drawn back to the dealerships for their expertise.

Phil

[ShaunDW]

My dealer offered an unlimited mileage engine & transmission warranty when I bought my TT nearly 3 years ago, so long as all servicing was done by them. I can't remember how much the 20K service was, but I have just had the 40K service where they checked the valves again (no adjustment needed) and which cost about £440. I intend to continue to use the dealer for the foreseeable future, though I might sell the bike if I have to make a claim on that warranty - after it's repaired of course.

[1675]

I still use a dealer after 5 years of ownership. It's not that I cant do the mechanical stuff, it's the diagnostic and electrickery side of things. I've just come in from the garage and cant find the points or carbs so will look again later.

[Coconut]

1675,

I think the Trophy Ignition will be too "advanced" for you !

( Hear that "Pinging" sound ?  )

It can't be cleaned up with the sandpaper on the side of a box of Englands Glory either 

[Grubloon]

Same for me, Like ShaunDW, I use the dealer for my servicing as I also have a life time warranty on the Engine and Transmission system, also I have it serviced in January, when they have a 20% discount on servicing, so its a bit cheaper, only down side is the weather, and traffic to the dealer, not used to riding in rush hour traffic these days.