Speed Twin problems

[@VanBlamm]

UPDATE: It was the battery. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXzKm2mYpLZ6h7M

[@chrismeyler]

Despite its simple appearance there are a ton of electronics in the speed twin. A dying battery could cause problems with many systems potentially including the ecu, abs sensors, etc. I'm not a mechanic (but I did work in it for many years), though so don't take my word for it. My 1st stop would be the dealer for a warranty lookover.

[@alexandrosr71]

Yes, definitely agree with straight ahead to the dealer.

[@VanBlamm]

I also forgot to mention here that over the last few hundred miles it would frequently ignore multiple presses of the starter before agreeing to crank (sometimes firing right up, and sometimes cranking for a while before wheezing to life). Sometimes one of those initial presses of the starter button would cause the dash to reboot, resetting the clock, trip odometers, and fuel consumption average.

[@Simon-xs6en]

I‘ve had the dash reboot, resetting etc. as well for a couple of times. And once it just turned off, for no reason. But so far no christmas tree 😅! I own a 2019 Speed Twin with an early 19 battery. So that could cause the issues. Hopefully you‘ll get yours back on the road soon ;)

[@suryateja933]

I infrequently have the dash reboot problem. Whenever I take it to the service center they run the diagnostics and everything comes up clear. But, the problem persists. And, also I have engine cutoff issues when I am taking a U turn. Once, I had a gear shifter linkage come loose leaving me stranded on a highway in the middle of the night. Apart from these issues it's runnning fine. Mine is an 2019 initial lot bike still running on the original battery.

[@dan-sc7fm]

@@suryateja933 the gear shifter linkage was a known problem and had a recall notice by Triumph, which simply required a a little locktight on the nuts. I replaced the oem battery to a lithium battery which is the third of the weight. and never have had any issues with the electronics. I also bought the tune ecu and obd link to check for any error codes, even uploaded a mapping. If his positive battery connection melted the protective sheath then he is likely correct that the heated grips wiring have caused a short in the system.

[@VanBlamm]

I've heard about the recall for shift linkage issues. Thankfully, my VIN isn't on the list of those affected, although I still check it every so often to be sure it's not working its way off. Glad you lived to tell the tale

[@suryateja933]

@@dan-sc7fm yes man, I heard of the recall. But, I experienced it before the recall was announced. I had friendly neighborhood mechanic help me fix the issue on that day. Went to the service center the next day and they loctited the linkage. Good to read about your mods. Wish you safe riding.

[@allan7378]

I have the exact same bike and have had issues with the battery. I keep my bike on a tender a lot of the time but I've had a couple occasions where the bike wouldn't start after a night of cold weather without the tender on. Also, after bringing my bike to my Tiriumh dealer last month for its annual service, the bike no longer starts upon the first ignition attempt (when cold). It will turn over and over but will not start until I release the ignition and try again. It starts like clockwork on the second attempt every time. I have also had the bike stall when coming to a stop similar to how you described. The revs come down, I pull in the clutch, and then maybe give the throttle a little action just for fun and the bike stalls. Good luck getting her back in working order. Excited for the new content though!

[@VanBlamm]

Thanks! I actually used to have the same issue with it cranking endlessly on the first try but firing right up on the second. I ignored this issue for about 6,000 miles and it gradually went away and then evolved into the other issue, wherein the first one or two presses of the starter doing nothing at all.

[@allan7378]

@@VanBlamm OK, back again. Not even a week after my previous comment and my bike officially won't start. My battery was on a trickle all night and started successfully a couple times today but after being left outside for a few hours (off the trickle) it will not start. The electronics all fire up correctly but there's just absolutely nothing when I hit the ignition. Super disappointed.

[@VanBlamm]

I'm in a similar boat here. I was able to get it started after a couple hours on the battery tender; it was reluctant to fire up but eventually idled fine. Not long after that it was totally dead again. New battery gets here tomorrow or the next day, hopefully that does it.

[@stevefox8605]

Get rid of the heated grips, charge the battery & bypass the sise stand cut off switch & you're sorted. Fit a trickle charger. Keep us posted & good luck getting it sorted. Love those little rodent things, very cute 👍🏻👍🏻🏍️🇬🇧

[@ponderguy7724]

Having such a range of electrical issues suggests wiring or the battery. On my ST I have Triumph's heated grips and I've had zero issues but please use this as an opportunity for more content since we are all interested in the cause.

[@alansmith5255]

Just remember because of battery shows 12.7 volts does not mean it's a good battery

[@BunyipToldMe]

We've all done something similar, but connecting directly to the positive is a nono, and the cause of all the problems. Probably a popped fuse or capacitor will have saved you from expensive repairs but the battery may have given up the ghost, either way leave complicated electricals to the dealer. I do.

[@johnholder5237]

Regulator rectifier lives under the bike just forward of rear wheel, next to ABS unit. Mine had similar issues to yours, connector to reg rec was full of water and corroding, also check the ABS connector which was beginning to show signs of corrosion. Good luck and I hope Triumph are more helpful than they were with mine.

[@VanBlamm]

Damn, thanks for the info

[@c.g.c2067]

Hi John, my 2021 St.Twin has issues with ABS, TC and Engine warning lights which go on while riding. Had a sudden loss of drive while riding, unecessary ABS engagement while braking. It happened three week ago and yesterday. Could it be an ABS problem?

[@ilyak.2596]

I had a problem with my dash, on the 2018 Street Scrambler, exactly for the low oil warning light, wiring harnesses went bad and cooked up the digital dash. Apparently it was a recall on that, Motorcycles of Dulles took care of it for me, so I would check the wiring harness too, it’s a bad spot for the liquid cooler Triumphs now.

[@7up761]

Sorry to hear of your issues . I had THE exact same "issues" with my Speed Twin a year ago - the problem appeared immediately after a HUGE braking incident in highway traffic - scared the crap out of me and S/Twin . Every thing started playing up : starting , braking , ride modes defaulting . Triumph in Australia were not interested in rectifying the problem/s that they could not believe were there 🦧 This became so dangerous , I chose to trade the bike . The Speed Twin 1200 is STILL the best motorcycle I have owned in 50 years ! ! ! I miss it very much , and when Triumph gets to care about us , I will be a happy rider 😀 🐊 I AM looking at a 900 Kawasaki as well 😱voodoo

[@VanBlamm]

I sure hope it doesn't come to that for me! I have no time for a motorcycle I can't trust, and even less for a premium brand that doesn't want to look after a paying customer. Might start pricing out a Z900RS tonight.....

[@roadwarrior6039]

I'm pretty sure everybody figured out it's the wiring harness recall

[@xorbe2]

I hate how he never followed up with the root cause/solution here in the description. or give some kind of link. It's only mentioned in some other video he did. It was his battery.

[@VanBlamm]

@@xorbe2 Apologies for not seeing this until now. KZbin doesn't notify me of replies to comments that aren't my own. I just added a link to the detailed follow-up video in a pinned comment and in the description. And right here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXzKm2mYpLZ6h7M

[@markjenkins905]

I had to purchase a new battery too after a similar problem. When trying to start sometimes the bike wouldn't turn over the clocks would reboot. A new battery cured this problem. Check the battery voltage, should be above 12.6ish Then check the voltage drop when starting, should be no lower than 10.2, then rev the bike to check the charging. This should be around 14.2. Tip, if you are going to buying a new battery make sure you fully charge it before you install it on to the bike.

[@greysea4841]

I had a similar problem on my T120. Was going to try disconnecting the battery but had no tools. Popped the seat and noticed that there is some kind of a connector that comes off the ground wire. Disconnected/reconnected that wire and everything came back to life. The check engine light stayed on but then went away after a few minutes. When I got home I checked for codes using tune ECU. Can't recall the code number but the description was along the lines of "Lost communication with instrument cluster." Cleared the code and haven't had any issues since. It's good to know that in the absence of tools, you can essentially disconnect the battery by separating that plug that comes off the ground wire.

[@VanBlamm]

Good to know, thanks. My bike isn't reading any fault codes, so hopefully a new battery sorts it out.

[@VVoltz]

Oh no! I hope is something easy to fix, you probably want to schedule the appointment now, those Triumph dealers are pretty busy. Also, if you are still on the road and you have a day or 2 to spare, dealers give preference to travelers when they show up with issues, obviously it matters more when they are riding the bikes but it would not hurt to ask.

[@sunnyverghese8232]

Check the battery. I had something very similar. Got resolved once battery was topped up….all the best …

[@andrewturner2717]

Had a similar (no start) problem with a Bonneville in the UK. Took it to Triumph trained mechanic and he found a broken wire on the loom below the headlight. Might be worth a look. Either way I'd cut my losses and take it to a Triumph shop. If they are at all committed to customer service it should be covered under warranty depending on how they perceive your wiring mods!! Good luck!

[@VanBlamm]

Let's hope so! Probably could use a new battery around now anyway, but if that doesn't restore full function I'll be plopping it on the dealer's lap.

[@juanantoniorosadobenitez9508]

¿Too much consumption of the heated grips causes dead battery? Sometimes batteries cause malfunctions before going dead at all. Maybe those are all those strange behaviors and dash lights, so all that could get fixed by installing a new battery.

[@VanBlamm]

That's what I'm hoping. Thanks.

[@mahasidha9]

I am so grateful you shared your problems though I am saddened that you are experiencing them. My father taught motorcycle maneuvers in the Sahara desert; he was under the command of General Montgomery (Monty) known as the desert fox. My father had ridden BSA, Norton Lightening, and Triumph and said they were all leakers; you woke up in the morning and there was a puddle under the bike. About 10 years ago i was in a forum and it seemed that issues since WW2 regarding quality control were still appearing; sometime nastily wrote we don't want to hear about your old anecdotes; Triumph is not what it used to be; designed in UK built in Japan he said which was wrong; they are entirely new bikes and don't you know, I can't remember what motorcycle magazine it was, the editor took the bike out for a test ride and when he went to re-start the bike he reported that the odometer had reset itself; so to me it seemed nothing had changed. I have my eye on the Kawasaki Z900S but with the advent of the Speed Twin thought in the spirit of fairness I should read reviews of it too and boom here is your tale. I am old and frequency of repair is a big issue for me. I am in Wisconsin and there are not many dealers in the state so breaking down in the middle of no where is to be avoided; did you consider the Z900S? I am asking from the point of view of reliabilty only. I do not want to have an intimate relationship with my mechanic as I did in college with a Fiat 128

[@erikarneberg11]

Not to be a jerk, but “the desert Fox” was the name given to Irwin Rommel, head of the German Afrika Korps, not Montgomery…

[@mahasidha9]

@@erikarneberg11 you are correct; all the other details of my dad's military history are factually accurate

[@maximet.8809]

Others will probably know a lot more about it then me but, you should never plug anything more powerful than a USB socket directly on to the battery. You need a relay (not sure if that's the proper english term for it) in between for high intensity circuits.

[@VanBlamm]

I'll definitely be looking into a relay once I get this resolved!

[@ctwrcfan]

100% agree. Should have wired heated grips with an added relay. Or as someone else suggested you could get the Triumph grips and wire it in as they show, or have the dealer do it.

[@donh5877]

Rice motors in Rapid City is a Triumph dealer. They can probably get you checked out.

[@h2obordrbush]

Sorry to hear about the bike troubles. Hope it is an easy (read cheap) fix for you.

[@bytesandbikes]

Sounds a bit like dead ignition coils or a fried ECU. I had very similar issues on a Honda, with a similar progression (low power, stalling, then dead). The coils had gone bad, and grounded in a very wrong way and fried the ECU.

[@bc67]

This may have been noted below and/or obvious, but the fried terminal cover looks to be caused from high current. It obviously wasn't caused by arcing because the cover is non-conductive. Penny wise/pound foolish with the less expensive heated grips? I've been guilty of the same.

[@VanBlamm]

I think I did figure out why that bit got cooked. I didn't use a ring terminal on the red wire, just kind of wrapped the raw copper in there and screwed it all down. Well some of that copper came undone over time, leaving only a little bit still in contact with the battery. This meant the same current was effectively passing through a much smaller gauge, resulting in the heat. Not sure if that's to blame for the other issues though.

[@bc67]

@@VanBlamm ah yes that would do it!

[@NickandJoe1234]

Hey there....greetings from Oz 🇦🇺 My 2009 Thruxton had Oxford grips connected straight to the battery and the previous owner told me to remove the fuse as they keep draining the battery......well I thought that’s bs so I left the fuse in and after 3 days the bike wouldn’t start.....bad decision.....checked the battery and it had 11.5 volts so I did some research and found that Triumph (in their wisdom) have built in to the EMS a minimum battery charge. This means that if the battery drops below a certain level the bike won’t start, I think it has something to do with the fuel injection. I got around it by crossing the poles on the solenoid, not recommended but it got me out of trouble. So now I’ve connected an SAE plug to the grips and have one running off the battery so they’re now plug and play! 😉 Love the channel and the vids of your tour 🏍

[@dan-sc7fm]

Yes. When I changed my battery to a lithium battery I believe (if I recall correctly) now this battery has an emergency last resort charge which prevents the bike from completely draining the battery so you won't get stranded.

[@VanBlamm]

Very interesting! I'll definitely be looking for alternative ways to supply power to the heated grips after I get all this resolved. Fortunately it's June, so I don't need to worry about them for a bit.

Would go for a battery change also .. mind that you, adding the heated grips might have killed the battery... One think it must have...is your warranty. At least if you lived here in PT

[@daveharriman2756]

Hmm, I have the same bike, same year, so far no probs, only 8000 miles though, dows sound like a battery on the way out, only thing I do have is a battery tender, and when the bike is parked up, it gets plugged in ( I have the aux plug fitted, and it goes in there) also I have the factory fitted heated grips, with no issues, anyway hope you can sort it out!, best of luck Dave

[@VanBlamm]

Thanks Dave! I may be investing in the factory heated grips later this year....

[@davidfisch7654]

I was advised, by a Triumph dealer I personally know and trust, that some options just work better when it's a Triumph part - namely heated grips. Anytime I consider an aftermarket mod, I try to find out if it voids the warranty or have any mechanical risks. Also, and probably MORE important, VB, it's incredibly bad form to feed animals, especially in a National Park. Might even be illegal. Tsk tsk tsk

[@VanBlamm]

Thanks! This was actually the official Prairie Dog Ranch, where they sell you bags of unsalted nuts to feed to their "domesticated" prairie dogs. Is that business totally ethical? I'm not 100% sure. But I'd never knowingly feed wild animals. Thanks for looking out though

[@davidfisch7654]

@@VanBlamm haha. I saw “Badlands” in the beginning of your video and assumed you were in the park. Only after I commented did I see the sign for the ranch. Remove foot from mouth. I would’ve fed the cute creatures myself

[@VanBlamm]

Hah no worries. I remember seeing a prairie dog for the first time in Yellowstone when I was about 8 years old and thinking they were the cutest things ever, so this was sort of a dream come true

[@xorbe2]

Remove, clean, and re-tighten the battery lugs. What happens when you give it a jump from a car battery? (Car engine should NOT be running.) Batteries are tricky to know if good or not without a load test and a capacity test. Voltage is an extremely poor indicator.

[@CarlosIvanDavila-vg5yd]

Sometimes mine doesn’t turn on, even if on neutral and clutch on. I have to get on the bike and pull up the kick stand. Maybe the clutch is not fully in? This morning it turned on in neutral while on the kick stand. All is good.

[@rahulbasnet83]

Let us know how you fixed those issues

[@saddle8bag]

Check the connectors at the voltage regulator. It's that small metal oval with the fins. It that isn't properly seated the battery will eventually drain and when the voltage gets too low, goofy stuff will start happening like ABS failures and weird speedo tricks. Could also be your stator cables got cut putting on the sprocket cover. Changed one of them recently? Stator or regulator may have just died of natural causes too, but I doubt that. I think you fixed your first problem by tightening the battery terminals. I have my heated suit, or horn, XM radio and probably other things I'm forgetting connected directly to the battery. No way it gets that hot if its cinched down. When they're loose, it creates resistance that creates the heat. Hope it's something simple. Good luck.

[@willhorsley2105]

I would recommend a new battery (or salvage the one you have if it isn’t totally dead) and then rewire the grips so that they are ignition switch activated and hopefully not draining the battery.

[@VanBlamm]

That's my long term plan, assuming a new battery actually restores the bike's health. I dread dealing with wiring, but it's June now so I can leave the heated grips unplugged for a few months and worry about that later.

[@johnridesadv2512]

A bad battery can do all sorts of weird stuff to a motorcycle. Do you keep yours on a battery tender whenever not riding it for a few days? I do that and it seems to extend my battery life, but I've had a few weird issues on bikes that were the result of a battery that was pretty much toast.

[@VanBlamm]

I keep it on a tender when I'm at home in VA, but not when I'm off in the west. I charged it up a bit today and managed to start it up; it was very reluctant to fire, but it eventually idled fine. I'm hoping that means a new battery will restore it to good health. We'll find out when the replacement arrives next week!

[@frederickwoods5943]

Side-stand safety switch.

[@Stryker425]

Unlikely. Side stand switch would hard kill the bike when it fails intermittently, not let it idle down, and would have no effect on the ABS.

[@frederickwoods5943]

@@Stryker425 yes, quick answer on my part; not the correct answer. I went back and watched the video; this is way more than just "won't start". I have heard of gearbox problems with the early Speed Twin also, hope Triumph addressed that issue; mine is a 2020 but built 6/'19.

[@gordjy]

In minimum looks like a battery cell short. WOrst case is that that eletrical connection fried some track on ECU or relay. A shorted battery can give you the right charge and voltage when testing but be completing fucked....

[@VanBlamm]

Pleeeeease just be a bad battery.... 🤞🤞

[@Stryker425]

Low voltage. ABS fail? Starter fail? Fueling/spark fail? Definitely low voltage. Start with a new battery. If the problem persists check your voltage out of the R/R and off the stator. It's very unlikely that it's just one sensor or downstream component, so look at the upstream stuff.

[@VanBlamm]

Right on. I've got a new battery coming, and am really hoping that sorts it out.

[@AndrewLynch9]

You'll need to let us know how you got on with this all. Could be one system failing that knocks everything out.

[@VanBlamm]

Got a new battery coming next week, so I'll post an update once that's installed!

[@AndrewLynch9]

@@VanBlamm upgrade to lithium?

[@VanBlamm]

Nah, I just went with the OEM Yuasa

[@tonywellbelove9832]

Had a similar problem. Engine warning light and then wouldn’t start. Tried the battery, disconnected all my modded electrics (turn-signals, booster-plug, etc.). Ended up being the headlight fuse (who’d have thunk it)…

[@VanBlamm]

Interesting. I'll get some fuses ready in case the new battery doesn't fix it. I am a little distrustful of warranties and will try whatever dead-simple fixes I can before taking it to the dealer.

[@moondog1888]

Any chance the battery was wired I. Reverse and then factory charged . Mine was wired backwards

[@wltrlg]

Sorry to see you having issues with Triumph. It’s their weak spot obviously.

[@shawnkislenger3024]

Bummer dude

[@donh5877]

Try checking your kick stand kill connection

[@VanBlamm]

That's my first stop if a new battery isn't the cure

[@athreyaraveesha]

Recharge your battery. It’s likely that the low Amps are causing it.

[@ethereal_synapse]

If the battery is low, that means there is a deeper issue as the alternator should be keeping it charged with all of the riding.

[@VanBlamm]

That's my thought too. When all this was starting to happen, the bike wasn't sitting for more than 12 hours between rides. In the weeks prior, it had sometimes sat for days on end without issue.

[@equaliser2265]

Battery is fucked. Use the key for on and off not the stop switch. Using just the stop switch only stops the engine and doesn't cut power.

[@alansmith5255]

A bad battery can cause all types of electrical issues like you are describing

[@VanBlamm]

That's what I'm hoping. One problem disguising itself as a bunch of problems.

[@shadowrider7072]

Oh man.. that SUCKS! I literally just traded in my speed twin for HD Pan America, so I'm curious if I just dodged a bullet. Hope things work out for you, man! (Still gonna watch the channel even without the Twin, as I enjoy your content!)

[@VanBlamm]

Ooh congrats on the PanAm! That's the first full-size ADV to really pique my interest in, well, maybe ever

[@shadowrider7072]

@@VanBlamm First one I could actually ride comfortably thanks to the adaptive ride height technology. Only got to test ride one but was impressed enough to put money down. 8 week lead times from the factory though! UGH! (selling like hot cakes) If I ever get the new bike in the garage and you are in the NC area, hit me up if you want to try it.

[@VanBlamm]

If that's western NC, I may just try and take you up on that this fall. Enjoy the hell out of that thing once it shows up!

[@shadowrider7072]

@@VanBlamm Yeah, I'm up in the NW part of the state in the foothills close to where Virginia and NC meet. It's fairly close to the blue ridge parkway and other fun mountain roads.

[@MrLou8888]

First and easiest thing would be the battery.

[@gregslife9584]

I doubt you have multiple issues. Most likely loose ground.

[@GoD_Quake]

You may want to swap out the grips for the Triumph ones which have dedicated socket up under the tank and I’m sure are designed specifically to not cause this problem.

[@VanBlamm]

I had skipped them at first because the price is absurd, but now I'm thinking about actually buying them. Fortunately I have a few months to think about it...

[@johnsteeds7248]

Hello from speed twin owner in New Zealand. You have 2 keys on your bike keyring. If they are both for the bike, this may be contributing to the problem as it causes problems for the anti theft electronics. Good luck

[@VanBlamm]

Good theory, but one of them is for my disc lock

[@scottkisner8737]

Indicative of a dying battery. Don’t leave us hanging, what was it?

[@VanBlamm]

I'll let you know after my replacement battery shows up next week!

[@joesolo9946]

You could have toasted something.. Take the bike in for service bone stock.. .

[@c.g.c2067]

And it’s not a cheap bike neither…

[@chantalrubino337]

Check the tire pressure, it might be that.