Part 1
Introduction
This is the story of the building of a very
special motorcycle. It is a "special" or a "project" as
bikers often refer to them. Nothing is quite what it appears
....
Ascot TT is the name
given to a stylish kit made by a French company, X-Company Mecatwin,
for the Triumph Legend TT 885 cc motorcycle. The kit alone produces a
fantastic bike with great attitude - silver paintwork, cafe-race
cowl and side panels, progressive front fork springs, Ohlins rear
suspension, Pirelli MT60 Corsa tyres, 3 into 3 exhausts and
silencers(?), Speed Triple bars, grips, adjustable levers and Rizan mirrors
and bar-ends.
We've taken that even
further here by beefing up the engine and braking performance as well, with
Super III pistons, Speed Triple cams and ECU, and Keihin FCR 39 Flat
Slide carburettors. This necessitated fitting an oil cooler too. The front brake is a Beringer 6 pot caliper and
floating disc. I
have
fitted a neat National Cycle fly screen and Raask rearsets.
|
This
story is based on a series of correspondence that took place between Steve Lilley of Jack Lilley Ltd.
and
me (Alec Gore) in Hong
Kong. This bike was built for me purely on the basis of this exchange
of e-mails between February and May 2001. It was shipped from the UK to Hong Kong
in late June 2001.
I will endeavour to update
the story with my impressions of its riding and handling, and the
results of tuning the FCRs. |
|
Enjoy ....
Research
In February, I'd been talking with Steve
about parts for my 1995 Triumph Thunderbird motorcycle when he casually
included a PS in one of his e-mails, with an attachment.
S-Fri 02-02-2001 18:57
Hope you like the attachment. It is our latest baby.
I
opened the attachment and thought I was looking at an early version of
the Thunderbird Sport (not really paying close attention!), so I wrote
back
A-Sat 03-02-2001 3:05
Great picture of the T-bird sport. It's one of the earlier ones,
right? Didn't they move the exhausts later to one each side and two
front brake discs? I don't know why Triumph discontinued the TBS. Do
you? I was thinking of getting one until I decided to overhaul my T-bird
instead.
But curious about the "Ascot" label on the side of the bike, I
searched the Internet and found:
Ascot Page in Triumph.Net
and,
T-bird Kits
from John Wilcox
So I wrote to Steve,
A-Wed 07-02-2001 11:04
I'm impressed. I didn't realise when you attached the picture to a
previous e-mail that you were actually building the Ascots. For some
reason, I assumed it was one that had come in For Sale. Last night I
discovered your T-bird Ascot page in the TriumphNet website. Incredible!
If I'd known about it before I just did up my T-bird, I could have been
tempted to change mine. However, nothing to stop one having a second
bike (not even the wife!).
On
which thought, just need an excuse to use one of David Cohen's
(Auckland, NZ) wonderful pieces of Triumph artwork ....
Dave Cohen's Triumph Webpage Resources
And I've got an end of contract bonus due at
the end of April .... so time to dream on:
What if? The Ascot changes to the T-bird are largely cosmetic, i.e.
on appearance not performance, right? So, if you were to combine the
following mods on a suitable second-hand good-condition T-bird (in your
stock), what would I have and how much would it cost, including the
bike:
(1) Ascot T-bird
silver looks great, especially with the MT60 Corsa tyres
(2) The equivalent of the Wilcox Stage 3 tune (see link below)
http://www.wilcoxengines.demon.co.uk/tbirdkits.htm
(3) The Beringer T-bird 6 pot for additional stopping power
S-Thu 08-02-2001 23:48
The Ascot is based off a Legend or pre 2000 model Thunderbird, the
kit will not fit the latest model T/Bird. The bike in the pictures is one we have made here, based on a
second-hand Legend we had lying around. All done as you see it worked out at
7750.00uk
on the used one. A new one would not be that much more since you will save
the dreaded VAT.
Really the bike does not need loads
doing to it, the sound and attitude are all it needs. The next step is a set of flat slide
carbs to give it that little bit extra. The flat slide kit works out at around 950.00uk.
The Beringer brake would fit with a new master cylinder and disc.
A-Tue 13-02-2001 1:30
I notice that in some of the pictures of the silver Ascot, the side
panels and the cowl look like they are whiter in colour than the tank.
Is that just an illusion because of the light or is the quality of the
finish different on the cowl and panels. How good is the kit's finish
compared, say, to Triumph's normal good deep paintwork on metal parts.
Is the kit metal or plastic?
S-Tue 13-02-2001 20:55
You can blame the poor mans version of David Bailey for the
unimpressive pictures. Wait a second that's me!
I think you will be very impressed with the fit and finish, customers
viewing the bike in the showroom are surprised when they are told it
is not a factory model.
Order
and Specification
I've decided to have an Ascot TT built by Jack
Lilley.
A-Sat 10-02-2001 0:49
Thanks for the informative reply. Don't rush to reply if you are
busy. This isn't urgent, but it is something I've decided to do.
I'd like to order an Ascot for import to Hong Kong.
Specification:
(1) Triumph Legend.
Triumph Motorcycle Co. Ltd.
(2) T-bird tank badges.
(3) Tank knee pads and centre pad.
(4) Fork protectors
(5) Beringer 6 pot caliper, disc and master cylinder.
(6) Goodridge stainless brake hoses front and rear.
Goodridge
(7) Metzler tubes (because they have the 90 degree valve, which makes
getting the airlines between spokes possible!)
Metzeler Motorcycle Tyres
(8) Ascot Legend Kit and Options as follows:
X-Company Mecatwin
(a) JL00100-TRA-L5 ASCOT LEGEND KIT TTR
(b) JL0301-TRA ASCOT HANDLEBARS
(c) JL0309-TRA ASCOT GRIPS
(d) JL1010-RIZAN BLACK MIRROR
(e) JL0808-TRA/RD PROGRESSIVE FORK SPRINGS
(f) JLMT60 PIRELLI MT60 CORSA (PAIR)
Pirelli
MT 60 Corsa
(g) JL1303-TRA/IS ASCOT PAINT ICE SILVER
(h) JL0701-TRA/3 ASCOT 3 INTO 3 SILENCERS
(9) JL300122 KEIHIN FLAT SLIDE CARBS WITH ADAPTERS AND K&N FILTERS
Keihin Flat-CR Racing
Carburettor
K&N Powersports.com
I'm definitely going ahead with this. I will be able to pay cash, but
only after my contract gratuity is paid on 30 April 2001. That includes
any substantial deposit! Sorry, I've got a tax bill to pay in April and
there's the trip to UK, so little spare funds.
I'd be grateful, given that you know me, if you could get the ball
rolling. However, if you tell me I have to wait until May for the
process to begin, I'll understand.
Please advise on the feasibility of doing things as I've outlined and
could you put some figures on the items.
S-Sat 10-02-2001 21:34
Thank you for your message this morning.
I will sit down on Monday and price up for you and check with the
factory what bits of paper we need.
A-Sat 17-02-2001 12:06
I didn't mention in my original specification, but can you add a
centre stand to the Ascot. Although, I'm not that impressed with the one
I had fitted to the T-bird (because of the angle of the feet not making
it roll-over nicely), it does make life so much easier for cleaning and
maintenance.
Quotation
Steve's next reply is in response to my initial suggestions for
a specification. He quotes me a price for the build.
S-Mon 12-02-2001 19:57
QUOTATION ASCOT TT FOR ALEC GORE.
|
NEW TRIUMPH LEGEND TT |
4750.00 |
|
JL00100-TRA-L5 ASCOT KIT TTR |
1190.64 |
|
JL0301-TRA ASCOT HANDLEBARS |
33.61 |
|
JL0309-TRA ASCOT GRIPS |
14.46 |
|
JL1010 RIZAN MIRROR BLACK |
47.55 |
|
JL0808-TRA/RD PROGRESSIVE FORK SPRINGS |
104.68 |
|
JLMT60 PIRELLI MT60 CORSA TYRES |
212.76 |
|
JL1303-TRA/IS ASCOT PAINT INCA SILVER |
546.00 |
|
JL0701-TRA/3 ASCOT 3:3 SILENCERS |
530.21 |
|
A9758043 T/BIRD TANK BADGES |
55.31 |
|
A9710002 TANK KNEE PADS |
25.52 |
|
A9710004 TANK PAD |
11.02 |
|
A9741010 FORK PROTECTORS |
8.50 |
|
JL300068 BERINGER 6 PISTON CALIPER |
255.32 |
|
JL300066 BERINGER DISC |
170.21 |
|
2020100-T0301 MASTER CYLINDER |
142.71 |
|
JL300069 GOODRIDGE HOSES |
57.02 |
|
JL300122 FLAT SLIDE KIT |
977.88 |
|
METZLER TUBES |
FOC |
|
FITTING FOR ABOVE |
380.00 |
|
|
|
|
TOTAL FOR ABOVE |
£9513.40
SAY £9500.00 |
|
SHIPPING ESTIMATE AT |
380.00 |
|
|
|
|
PRICE DELIVERED |
£9850.00 |
I'd like a deposit of say 500.00uk if possible please. So that I can
get the kit organised. I sold two on Saturday!
S-Tue 20-03-2001 1:53
Just thought you had better know that your card company, screaming
and kicking have let us take 500.00 from them. It was an effort
but the boys wore them down in the end.
There
had been a question in the Yahoo! Triumph lists about the cost of
the Ascot. I'd replied as follows:
A-Tue 17-04-2001 15:23
"Also wondering the
"total" cost of this project including the cost of the new
Legend?"
At present, looking about on my
target budget of GBP 10,000. I wouldn't even begin to compare whether or not
it is more or less than the price of a new Speed Triple! The Ascot is
beautiful and unique. The Speed Triple is an acquired taste, but ....
Also, by bringing it out to HK,
I'm going to be bringing it to a place where, should I ever have to sell it, a
resale at more than I paid for it would probably be easy. There are people
here who queue for hours just for the latest rare Snoopy toy from McDonalds or
the latest rare stamp from the Post Office. Tell them a m/c is practically a
one-off job and they'd be wetting themselves to buy it! (In 1988 I brought a
restored MGB Roadster out from UK and sold it for 3 times what it was worth in
UK.) Botton line though is that this is a "project" and having
committed yourself to such you don't, if you are fortunate enough not to have
to, worry too much about the last penny.
Warranty
S-Mon 05-03-2001 23:14
Have been in touch with the factory today and sent a picture of the Ascot as well, which the warranty guy I
know was most impressed with.
A-Tue
06-03-2001 17:53
Good point. Since the bike is being modified before the warranty
period has expired, how will I stand if, say, a major breakdown occurred
in the engine - which we are not modifying, except the carbs. Will
Triumph allow warranty repairs?
S-Wed 07-03-2001 1:55
We can handle any major warranty
issues this end.
There
had been some more questions in the Yahoo! Triumph lists about the warranty on
the Ascot. I'd replied as follows:
A-Tue 17-04-2001 15:23
"I'm wondering how Triumph
is going to warranty a highly modified engine?"
To be honest, I don't really
care! As I said, that hinges on the relationship between JL's and Triumph. I
don't know what consumer protection legislation is like in the rest of the
world, but in UK (Europe?) any goods must be guaranteed by the RETAILER to be
"fit for the purpose for which they were bought" for 12 months. Any
retailer who tries to refer you back to the MANUFACTURER is evading his legal
responsibilities.
Hopefully, it will be
irrelevant. We're talking about all Triumph parts (except the Keihin's), all
taken from engines with a proven record of reliability since 1994.
Payment
A-Tue 10-04-2001 23:30
I
know I had the original quote, but we've added some since then. Do you mind having a quick add up for me. The
exchange rate is quite favourable at the moment and I wouldn't mind doing a
transfer. What if I was to, say, transfer GBP 10,000 and we could sort out the
rest later?
S-Wed 11-04-2001 0:30
It
will take me and Brian a day or so to get your final total up. If
you want to transfer any money then I will be only too pleased to accept.
Never
been accused of not taking money!!!
A-Fri 13-04-2001 6:37
Thanks
for the bank details. I will initiate a transfer on Saturday, but due to the
holiday, I'm not sure whether it will take place before we leave for England
or not.
A-Sun 15-04-2001 8:43
I will get to the bank Tuesday morning and get a Bank
Draft. Couldn't arrange the transfer on Saturday because I forgot that
Saturday is also a BH here (because we have a 6-day week!)
Tue 17-04-2001 20:00
Thought you'd like to feast your eyes on this. Yes, it's real! Got it this
morning ...
So, now
I'd paid out GBP 10,500. Still owe Jack Lilley Ltd at little more. Consequence
of the extras!
A-Sat
23/06/2001 11:37
No
rush with the final total! :) Although once I know how much I spent, I'll know
how much I've left for the goodies list you priced up for me before.
S-Mon
25/06/2001 19:52
I
think the final balance is 1797.00uk. That includes the shipping charges etc.
S-Mon 02-07-2001 21:19
I
will list all the parts for the Ascot for you as we have them, so that you can
check that all is correct.
Deposit
paid 10,500.00
Balance
due 1,670.00
The
labour figure ought to be nearer 800.00 than 400.00 as we have not charged for
any extra work. Ho hum!
A-Tue 03-07-2001 12:02
Thanks
for the list of items. I noticed:
(1)
No mention of the Fiamm horns
(2)
Your original quote for labour was GBP380, however when you quoted for the
engine mods on 8-3-01 you quoted an additional GBP200 for labour, which I
can't see in your list
(3)
re Ho Hum!
For
me, this whole thing as been about more than just buying the bike. I've
enjoyed immensely the experience of corresponding with you and others and
seeing the Ascot become the very special bike it is. I've never before had a
vendor or provider of a service give such excellence service, advice with the
benefit of experience, enthusiasm and (when things got frustrating) good
humour. I'm not going to spoil a continuing relationship with you / your firm,
just because you underestimated the labour involved.
If
you want to charge whatever you feel is reasonable, I will pay. If you want to
write it off as "development" cost and part of the process of
customer relations, that's your call. Either way. I certainly wouldn't want
you or me to be left with any lingering "bad taste" from what has
been a wonderful building / buying experience. I know you make profit from
accessories too. I know I'll be back over the years for more and probably
another bike even!
Please
amend as you need to.
S-Tue 03-07-2001 15:32
Well
that will teach me not to write things down. Lets call it a round GBP 1800.00
then if that is OK with you.
S-Thu
05-07-2001 22:07
Did
you agree with my final calculation?
A-Fri 06-07-2001 2:44
Sorry,
yes. Please debit the credit card GBP1800.
A-Mon 09-07-2001 16:36
Credit
card company just rang to confirm the transaction for the balance. It's gone
through!
So,
overall I spent GBP 12,300 with Jack Lilley Ltd on the Ascot.
Continue
.... 
