Reading the R 3 Forum about heated grips saved my 18 day Vacation

[trapper]

I was at a loss for words when the HD dealer refused to help me with something as easy as heating up a cable end pulling out a little piece of cable and then soldering it back on but then a lot of those HD guys think they don't need to help anyone. It is funny if it had been a Honda dealer they would have helped in a heart beat. They just proved that I made the correct decision when I didn't buy one!!!!!

It's not entirely inaccurate.....they are not trained to work on REAL motorcycles

 

[idk]

@barbagris, fortunately I haven't needed many spares. My clutch cable broke, but you get a spare when you buy the bike - so it took me about 5 minutes to swap them out. I will repair the original, so I will be ready next time. RE (http://nfieldgear.com/) seem to carry pretty much everything so I can get any parts within a few days by regular mail, or overnighted if needed. Hitchcocks is also a good resource.

Parts are reasonably priced too. A standard factory tool kit is just $165, and the complete factory kit is around $400. Of course, most things can be done with a screwdriver and a few wenches.

 

[barbagris]

...something as easy as heating up a cable end pulling out a little piece of cable and then soldering it back on

No - you see technicians replace parts - they go to the back and get a nice new cable in a plastic bag. Most are probably not safe with things that get hot or are sharp.

Mechanics repair
Fitters and Toolmakers make
Engineers design

It's not JUST Harley. The place that was the Triumph dealer in Madrid was the same.
Of course sometimes mechanics set to repairing when it'd be cheaper overall to replace - but that's how life is.

 

[barbagris]

Of course, most things can be done with a screwdriver and a few wenches.

Strap wenches?
I ask as I am mildly contemplating a simple single.
My interest was piqued by the SWM expected in October
http://www.swm-motorcycles.it/en/models/classic-bikes/silver-vase-440/
Then thought - But why not an Enfield?.
The more I ponder - the more I think I'd get a REAL one though - no bloody €uro rulings. Pre '72.
One has a cunning plan once one's mom sells her car.

 

[idk]

Get a Pre-72 and put a new engine/gearbox in it - or a big, thumping, diesel.

 

[trapper]

This parts availability thing concerns me. First we have to deal with a very weak dealer network, on trips I have taken I have at times been hundreds of miles from the nearest dealer and then they don't have much for parts on hand. I mean,A throttle cable is pretty basic and the closet one was 1200 miles away and they still had to order it. I had a similar problem with a sensor o-ring just before a trip.didn't have time to order from warehouse. I found a dealer 2 states away that had one on the shelf and overnighted it to me. I bought my bike to travel with but I increasingly find myself nervous about traveling very far from home. I'm glad you were able to save your trip but you shouldn't of had to go through that. Triumph needs to do something about stocking more parts at dealers. Just my thoughts and concerns

Ridefree

I know Triumph has a week dealer net work but in this day and age they need to at least have all the parts available at a parts center where you can get them shipped
to you next day air. That would be a great step in the right direction and if the dealers get hacked because their not getting their mark up then all they have to do is get you to tell them who your dealer is when you order and they can reimburse them. I like you go on trips all over the USA and I always have hat feeling of what will I do if it breaks down!!