First Triumph For Years And Already Problems

This is a common complaint, lots of members on here swear by ACF 50, dont know if perhaps manufactures are using Greener metal presentation or regulations have changed the processes involved these surfaces are not so durable. Whether this is just a Triumph problem I couldnt say.

 

Is it normal for alloy to corrode/oxidise in harsh conditions? Yes, of course it is. Don't take this the wrong way but choosing a bike with exposed alloy parts, to ride daily in all weathers when you're not prepared to put in the cleaning time is the wrong choice. Bare alloy + salt water = corrosion very quickly. I have a Street Scrambler with far less exposed alloy but it still requires regular washing and corrosion protection measures like ACF50 etc. In fact every bike I've owned over the last 40 years has suffered in Winter weather to some degree or other, even if it's limited to small fittings and fasteners.

 

Crikey that doesn’t look good!

As sprinter says ACF50 or similar might provide some protection.

My Tiger is however protected by an inch deep layer of mud and grime. This has the same effect as ACF50 but is cheaper and easier to apply (just drive though a muddy puddle).

 

Mine did the same, after a ride I washed it but didn't wipe the casings after, I'm not sure I want to wash and dry it after every ride though.
I'm thinking of painting the casings satin black like the engine block, or have them lacquered.

 

I wouldn't go down the lacquering route personally. Even if you get a decent finish it will suffer from stone chips. Then the corrosion will start under the lacquer and it will look crap and you'll not be able to polish the alloy without removing it, nightmare. The black crackle finish used on some of the engine cases looks more durable.

 

What a sad story and sorry state for your new bike. I can understand your frustration and decision to get rid of your bike. On the triumph response your experience is similar to mine when I had problems with a new bike. Basically triumph off load to the dealer because your contract of purchace is with the dealer not with triumph direct. It is their get out jail card. It is a real pain, but owning a triumph does require a liking for a harsh cleaning regime.

 

Bloody hell Gothmog!
Looks as though you've had a ride to Portmadoc and nipped down to Black Rock Sands.
You simply should not have ridden up and down the beach whilst in 6 inches of sea water!
Looks as though your alloy is actually some type of soft cheese?
Totally unacceptable, not fit for purpose in my book.
I feel your distress, not that that helps at all.

 

Worked for me too when I commuted year round. Spray WD40, dirt sticks to it, apply more WD40, more dirt sticks to it and so on. Come spring/ salt clear roads, out with a brush and a can of Gunk to degrease. Alloy cases etc in perfect nick.

If I take a bike out now for pleasure during winter, its an hour riding then hours and hours of washing and cleaning and re-protecting with WD40,ACF50, Silicone Spray, Auto-Glym etc.

Been out once in December. Thought." Fk that" since.

To the OP, I would be taking those cases off and getting them polished cos they are knackered. Surprisingly cheap and you will go weak at the knees when you collect them. Supa-sexy!!!

 

That's some really funky patina you have going on there dude. It's right on trend these days. Way cool

 

If you prefer something less thick than the waxy ACF50 try Scottoiler FS365. It does work in a completely different way to ACF50 and you apply it more frequently. It is a water based spray with an oil mixture that leaves a barely visible protective layer on things. Some like it, some don't. Not trying to rubbish ACF50 either but I prefer the FS365 myself.

 

I use a product called corrosion Block which is made by the same Co. that produces ACF50. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Corrosio...857933?hash=item20fca88c8d:g:IbsAAOSwqIJecyag
It's basically a heavier duty version of ACF, recommended for use in salt water marine applications and lasts longer. The only "problem" with both is they don"t dry and harden which means that dirt sticks to them .

 

I can easily understand the disappointment.
Not much you can do I'm afraid apart accept some corrosion.

 

That is pretty p*ss poor for a new bike.
I've previously owned two Bonnevilles, a 2004 T100 and a 2012 SE and never encountered any issues with corrosion.

This was a T120 loan bike I had whilst the Tiger was getting it's 24000 mile service. It had over 400 miles on it and hadn't been washed for two weeks according to the dealer - but the casings look clear to me.

 

Ridiculous in our times to sell a motor vehicle that needs cleaning & drying after every use!
Triumph probably bought the residual material from Honda when they stopped making camshafts out of chocolate, and are now using it up on engine casings.
This is what the Ditch Pump makers say re. care.
Ken.

 

Gothmog
Welcome to the family. Sorry to hear your woes. Sad advert for Triumph and their reputation. Strangely my 900 has some marks to the casings and has not been out in the winter weather. I will be polishing min soon as i like the mirror finish anyway.
Joe.

 

Sorry to hear of your troubles. I just bought a new, leftover, 2018 Speedmaster. I hope this is not what I have to look forward to. When I saw all the exposed aluminum I treated it with Master Formula Sealer Gloss in anticipation of what you've experienced. I haven't had her out in really bad weather yet, so we'll see if the Master Formula performs as advertised. I will report on its effectiveness.