TRIUMPH Complaints

Brakes feel spongy or grinding at times. The grip on the front brakes is not good.

This is a fairly well known issue for this year Triumphs, as well as other Makes/years, fitted with this type of Brembo brakes. The brakes have an inconsistent pressure issue during operation. The first pull of the brake is soft and "spongey" and takes multiple pulls to build pressure. Full bleeding of brake system, replacement of pads, etc. does not resolve the issue. this is obviously a huge safety concern as it does not allow the rider a clear and consistent braking operation, which can cause them to over/under apply the amount of necessary braking and pose a large risk to themselves as well as others on the road.

The contact owned a 2022 Triumph Speed Triple motorcycle. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the motorcycle did not stop immediately while the brake pedal was depressed, causing the motorcycle to crash into another vehicle. The contact suffered two fractured ankles and received medical attention. No police report was filed. The motorcycle was towed to a tow yard and deemed totaled by the insurance company. Prior to the failure, the dealer was made aware that while driving, a grinding sound was coming from the motorcycle and a burning odor was detected. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V207000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 22.

The front brake requires a first 'pump' to become effective. On subsequent application the brakes work as expected. After a short time I need to 'pump' the brake again (when first applying the brakes I can almost pull the lever to the grip). This is a known problem on many owner forums. Due to the safety hazard this should really be addressed.

Triumph issued a recall (SRAN 587) regarding the rear braking system. I have had the bike to the dealer twice in which they replaced the rear ABS module and bled the brakes and the problem continues. I have scheduled to take it in for servicing again on 4/28/2022. They have no remedy besides frequent bleeding of the brakes at their expense. I told them I was wanting to sell the bike due to the issue but didn't want to just pass this dangerous issue along to another rider. They said they could at least have them fixed temporarily so I could get it sold. (Scary) I know that this is a common issue on the Rocket 3 message boards and I am investigating a class action lawsuit. The rear brakes are so dysfunctional, I must pump them repeatedly to have any pressure and braking at all, even then I must gear down and utilize the front brakes almost exclusively. This is extremely unsafe and ridiculous considering the high cost of this motorcycle, $23000 or more dollars.

Second Gear slips in the shaft drive. Upon shifting into second gear and applying throttle, the vehicle will "slip" a "tooth" causing a terrible lurch and an enormous safety issue. This issue has been going on since about 2,000 miles on my 2017 Triumph Trophy ES and is now "out of warranty". People on various newsgroups have been reporting this issue since 2014. Many people report the problem becoming such an issue that 2nd gear becomes unusable at any RPM.

The contact owns a 2021 Triumph Rocket 3R. The contact stated that fuel was leaking from the fuel tank while riding the motorcycle and, while the motorcycle was stationary. One day after refueling the motorcycle, fuel started spewing out of the fuel tank while riding. The contact then took the motorcycle to a dealer as fuel continued to spew out of the fuel tank. The motorcycle remained in the possession of the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The motorcycle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 500.

The contact owns 2006 Triumph Rocket III. The contact stated while riding the motorcycle at approximately 50 MPH, there was a vibration. The contact noticed the rear output shaft bearing assembly had deteriorated. The contact also mentioned that the shift lever was loosened and not installed properly. The contact made it safely to the destination. The contact notified a local dealer and provided the dealer with a video of the failure that was experienced. The motorcycle had not been diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The output shaft bearing part was ordered by the contact. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 14,000.

Rear bake failed. Pressing pedal down does not apply braking. No brake error light.

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Component that failed was pivot plate, Triumph part T1194900. I have the defective part. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Failure of this component due to poor design led to intermittent issues upshifting during operation. Downshifting unaffected. This created an unsafe operation condition due to distractions, inability to accelerate, properly manage engine speed and RPM. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning lamps, no messages. Failure occurred without warning, and was not easily reproduced because it happened intermittently. Comments: A review of the overall diagnosis of the power train issue was done by me. Clutch was in spec per Triumph technical data. I reviewed concerns and complaints from other owners using various Tiger 800 forums and found other owners experiencing identical problems, some who reported a total failure of the gear change mechanism leaving them with no ability to leave first gear. In some cases their issues were resolved by replacement of the pivot plate and detent wheel with a redesigned part kit (T1194905). Examination of the pivot plate found chipping at the mating surface where the pivot plate engages the detent wheel. Comparing the original part to the updated design shows that changes were made to address this matter. The attached photos show the premature wear on the pivot plate. There is significant wear and chipping of the mating surfaces which may contribute to the shifting issues. I am currently waiting on a replacement part from Triumph.