Triple question

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Jan 9, 2017
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Hi

Returning to triple ownership after a forty two year layoff, I have recently purchased a 160 from a guy in Virginia . The bike is claimed to have a 1,000cc Big D of Dallas motor, fitted with megacycle cams, la di da , who knows only time will tell. I won't get the bike back to the UK until late Feb early March.

From the ebay photos I can see it's has a 3 into 1 and Lectron carbs hanging from the inlet stubs. I don't think these will be staying, looking at alternatives to Amals, not that I have anything against Amals, I have premiers on my Mk3 Commando and they do their job well. However with no gantry and the std airbox missing I am going to take the Mikuni challenge either a set from a Hinckley triple or option 2 I have a set of flat slide smooth bore 36mm carbs that came with my Z1100R . Would someone be able to tell me the distance between the inlet port centres on a T160 , I would like to see if it's practical to reduce my smooth bores to a triple pack .

Best regards

Esme
 
Would someone be able to tell me the distance between the inlet port centres on a T160 , I would like to see if it's practical to reduce my smooth bores to a triple pack .


Approximately 89-90mm (or roughly 3 1/2").
 
Hi Esme,

If you’re getting back into triple ownership, you might wanna frequent this site: http://www.triplesonline.com/

I had great success with Keihin CR round slide carbs on a 988cc triple.

But many do graft carbs from modern bikes onto them, which is of course, a far more economical route, and I reckon the good folk over on TOL could assist / share experience with you about this.
 
I had great success with Keihin CR round slide carbs on a 988cc triple.

But many do graft carbs from modern bikes onto them,which is of course, a far more economical route , and I reckon the good folk over on TOL could assist / share experience with you about this.

Nige

I will take a look at TOL, thanks for the tip. "a far more economical route" Oh yes, that's the road I'm travelling, for the moment;)
 
Kate,
A set of Mikunis from a Hinckley 900 will go straight on after you've made some manifolds, or 3 carbs off a 4 cyl Daytona with a bit off jet messing. I have jetting info here if you require it. I've got a set on a 990 Neil Beadling motor , the carbs are great , instant start and idle and just goes well. They are expensive to rebuild though.
The last I heard about the Big D conversion (a few years ago now) was that they were having difficulties finding pistons .
sam
 
Just for inspiration...

Triple question
Triple question
 
Kate,
A set of Mikunis from a Hinckley 900 will go straight on after you've made some manifolds, or 3 carbs off a 4 cyl Daytona with a bit off jet messing. I have jetting info here if you require it. I've got a set on a 990 Neil Beadling motor , the carbs are great , instant start and idle and just goes well. They are expensive to rebuild though.
The last I heard about the Big D conversion (a few years ago now) was that they were having difficulties finding pistons .
sam


Thanks Sam

The Hinckley Mikunis sounds like the path of least resistance. I will sell the flat slides and recycle the funds. I will be in touch re jetting when I have purchased the carbs.
 
Thanks Sam

The Hinckley Mikunis sounds like the path of least resistance. I will sell the flat slides and recycle the funds. I will be in touch re jetting when I have purchased the carbs.

No prob,
I'm moving house tomorrow so will be off line for about 2 weeks .
You're bike looks like a good base. You certainley got it at a good price.
Pretty sure that is a Big D 867 motor without a stroked crank
sam
 
Nige

They look exquisite! wrapped up in that North racing snake.

Eased on to my old Trifle, it would be a case of all fur coat and no knickers:eek:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1975-Triumph-Trident-/302981160635?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&nma=true&si=DNwkzu2OAZ1vZmy93HEDYIYdSyg%3D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc

It was a Harrier chassis actually Esme, similar affair, just a better fit for those not built like racing jockies!

Looks like you have the basis of a nice bike there. As Sam says, I think the 867 kit is probably not a stroked crank. The only possible downside is that some of those kits came with rather hefty pistons.

I see the bike already has some interesting looking flat slide carbs on it. Perhaps worth seeing how they perform before swapping for something else?
 
Lectron carbs, on Nortons no idle facility so presume the same for triples, though as you say could be worth trying first.
sam
 
I see the bike already has some interesting looking flat slide carbs on it. Perhaps worth seeing how they perform before swapping for something else?

The fitted carbs are Lectron as Sam mentioned they have their limitations, though great for strokers on track not so good for road use.
Three cables and no gantry all floating around on rubber hoseo_O Think I will pop them on ebay;)
 
The fitted carbs are Lectron as Sam mentioned they have their limitations, though great for strokers on track not so good for road use.
Three cables and no gantry all floating around on rubber hoseo_O Think I will pop them on ebay;)

Sounds like a good idea !
 
Hinckley Mickey Rooney's on route:)

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I was able to make some progress over last week end with the inlet stubs for the Hinckley Mikunis. A week or so ago I met up with Reggie and he very kindly lent me one of the inlet stubs from his bike . After running the vernier calipers over it I made a quick sketch prior to making a start on my own.

Triple question


I have turned up the three Stubs and partially bored them leaving enough to bolt them down on the mill and cut the flanges.
 
I had a 3x with the Big D kit bore job only. The pistons are very heavy. Also got in a nice ride on one of his bore and stoke jobs and in 1974 it was
quite respectable. I put a hole in a piston and nipped up another both middle cylinders. But it was a nice street bike and I wish I had gone for the
big bore again when I did my current 3x several years ago.
 
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