Motorcycle and Scooter appreciation

Went to take my bike out yesterday to go in to work yesterda, started it up and got the dredded click.

Pretty shit trying to work out the issue in the rain. Even more frustrating that I never got around to installing this work around, and even more frustrating still is that I'm certain I left my Optimate 4 with my mate when we moved to the US, and don't really believe he properly looked for it, but he is adamant he doesn't have it so what you gonna do? I guess I just need to look at it as £50 for a years bike storage. Just annoying buying something you've bought before.

Is there anything better and cheaper than an Optimate 4?

I've already got the super long extension lead, plus a pigtail installed so reticent to buy something different, but thought it was worth asking.

@nefarious bit late, but on the gear chat from a few pages back IME you can get a lot cheap and/or second hand. Even helmets don't have to be expensive - just something from a know brand. I was very impressed with Shark and HSJ when I was looking, especially Shark.

The one thing I really, really would say to invest in are gloves. I've easily spent the cost of a decent pair of gloves buying a series of cheaper gloves. Go to a shop and buy one decent pair of leather gauntlet gloves that fit well. Add ebay silk glove liners to make them 3 season.

Budget £100. If you can spend less or get a deal, great, but plan to spend that sort of amount.

Further down the line you can look at some summer gloves or winter gloves.

Is there anything better and cheaper than an Optimate 4?

I was going to replace my optimate with a ctek but as I've moved to a lithium iron battery bought a Noco G3500 and very happy.

Is there anything better and cheaper than an Optimate 4?

Working out what is draining your battery?

Any particular reason? And Was there a particular one you were looking at?

The Mxs3.8 only looks to be a fraction cheaper.

Maybe they do one now, but a few months ago ctek didn't do a lithium iron charger. Also as the Noco G3500 was weatherproof, works on cars and had good reviews I bought it.

I've only ridden it a few times in god knows how long. Plus triumph twins require quite high cranking amps(?). Which I hoped the motobatt would solve. (and to be fair this is the first time it's faulted in two years.

But yeah I do need to put a multi meter on it to at least check that's the issue.

I only say this because I can leave my ktm for 4 months and it'll start on the button.

Just worth dealing with any potential issue first, then moving to other options second.

Plus triumph twins require quite high cranking amps(?).

RSVs are the same, they all chew through stators unless you address the weak cranking. I upgraded a few bits which made a big difference, I wonder if there's a similar kit for the Triumph?

https://www.electrexworld.co.uk/

https://www.triumphparts.co.uk/

These two should sort you out - reg/recs often sited badly even in newer Triumphs.

Cheers all.

This is the hack: https://www.triumphrat.net/threads/the-dreaded-click-when-trying-to-start.760994/

Right now moneys a bit tight and handily our car insurance, bike insurance and 90% of immediate family birthdays fall around Xmas, so I'm loathed to buy a new rectifier. Although I have always meant to upgrade to the mosfit(?) one people reference.

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What's the hivemind on replacing steel caliper and banjo bolts for titanium? Pointless chintz or something you'd actually want on your own bike? Parked the idea of upgrading the RSV for now so wondering what I can waste my money on.

Spend it on fishing tackle.

Tuition?
Not a jibe at you coming off, but I think it's the place I'd spend money.

I have a jump starter battery that will get my rarely used 2.8 jeep going with a dead battery. It’s essential kit for the winter.

Ti can corrode when straight into some alloys or steel, can't remember which.

With brakes I tend to use whatever was original, have had a not goodridge 'braided' hose kit the banjo supplied with alloy (only really suitable for mtb!), and the bolts also alloy, impossible to tighten up to torque without it stretching out.
Normally I think they are steel with a coating.

Had to chuckle at this :)

Pointless chintz. You've already made the best upgrade to Lithium Ion batteries in terms of weight saving. I love mine. Have you seen the pictures of them on fire?

I use an Antigravity battery, had it for years and must have started half the cars in the street. It's great when you get the knock on the door at 7:30am!

If they're good quality stainless don't change to Ti. If they're not, then change for good quality Ti.

What about a shorter and lighter exhaust?

Personally I like the big RSV exhaust, but it would drop some weight.

@skinny I can ride, promise. In terms of going faster I totally agree, although might add crash sliders to the shopping list too ;)

@hanford good suggestion.

@BrickMan good to know, often replacing anything with a component that isn't stock is normally asking for trouble.

@Airhead and the weight reduction with a lithium iron battery is up high where it matters. Yeah I saw a few videos when researching whether to get one, such a good upgrade.

Ha fair enough!

Maybe save for a trip then. I couldnt care about the form of things, much rather spend money on memories.

Being a tart the ti does appeal but also understand the logic if it ain't broke... high quality ti though sounds like sensible advice when they secure the brake calipers.

The Arrow slip ons are already titanium so presumably not too much to save there but will look into a single exhaust and maybe fancy headers.

I can ride, promise.

Clearly photoshopped

Maybe spend the money on gym membership and reduce the centre of gravity a bit more :)