40K mile service ( valve adjustment ) 2018 Triumph Bonneville T120

Quickly going over my technique on how to do valve checks on your T120. The bike had all it's valves tight at the 20K mile interval and today we are doing checks. All valves clearences are healthily within spec at 40K miles!
Best,
-Jedz

[BMWKRider]

Thanks for the video! I’m only at 3000 k with my T120, but this is nice to know. I’d love to do jobs like this myself anyway.

[nickaxe]

Good vid Jedz....I have an odd cold start rattle on my 2020watercooled T100 first heard it a 500mls....Triumph Dealer said dont know what it is...just ignor it....I cant do that.

Starts around 30seconds after a cold start...only after a cold start does it rattle...as I say not right away but around 30 secs after the motor starts....I let it idle for a bit before I ride rattle then slowly disappears after around 2 mins.

Got to know a guy online....same motor as mine the 900cc water-cooled.has exactly the same rattle...his dealer have cured it so he tells me....they say one valve had to big a gap.

Sounds odd to me....not heard of slack valves going quite as the motor warms....or not being able to hear immediately the motor starts.

Going to take a look at my valve clearance's myself soon....dont trust my dealer....I have worked on my own engines all my life...now 69.

The bike is still under warranty....but when I am told...just ignore it it dont fill me with confidence.

[starnr]

You can also check if u are at top dead center by putting a long ass screw driver down the spark plug hole the piston will push up on it once you're at TDC the screw driver will "dwell" for a bit before it starts moving down... Its not the most accurate way but it works in a pinch. The most accurate is to use a gauge.

You cant trust the timing marks

[killbasa]

I've checked Haynes manual, 900cc engine has the same design, thanks Triumph (you can insert your imaginary friend instead of Triumph if you want). Apparently much easier to service than previous generation Bonnies, phew..

[tnwilliamson]

Hey, Jedz, I'm a Vermont T120 owner as well, I understand you've moved on from the Triumph due to loss of confidence in the bike. Sad to hear that. I have a 2018 I bought new last June, and have logged over 4000 miles this summer. Love the bike, and I hope it lasts for many miles.
Tom W., Hartland, VT

[ginoasci]

I have a 2022 Triumph Scrambler 1200XC, so it’s that same engine you’re working on.

This bike is new with only 2000 miles on it. Is it possible that the valves could be making a noise that sounds like knocking?

While my bike was in the shop to repair an oil leak on the driveshaft, and dealership also did the annual service which includes an oil and filter…..it comes out of shop when the knocking that wasn’t there before. I noticed it right away.

I uploaded two short videos on my channel so you can take a quick listen.

I would love your opinion on this because I’d hate for any engine damage to occur.

Thank you !

[drdoc]

great info but I sure wish triumph would go Hydraulic valves

[midas]

It's not about 'good' clearance, it's about being within the factory stated perameters, to much clearance is nearly as bad as to little. You should be taking a measurement of how much exactly and re-shimming to suit. Thats why they give you the min and max...!!!

[armandogonzales]

It is annoying listening to your voice.