Blogs

Q. What is a sludge trap and why is it so important?

A. The sludge trap is a tube inside the crank cavity. It is essentially a centrifugal oil filter that protects your connecting rod bearings from solid carbons. Over time the trap fills up creating a blockage of oil flow to the connecting rods causing a seizure. In the picture below you can see the there is a solid build up and anymore "muddy" build up. When a bike sits for 30 years or more the sludge starts to harden, this is especially dangerous. When you run the bike with this you take a solid risk of the carbon loosening up and making its way into the connecting rods. Unfortunately there is only one real way to clean this and that is by splitting the cases and removing the trap, that is really the only safe and effective way to clean it. The upside is now you know your motor has a clean bill of health. As for future care you have two options; running a remote oil filter and changing your oil more often, every 1000 miles is a good start.

TR5T Trophy Trail Restoration with Title I found this bike in a garage covered in boxes and dust. It had languished there since 1983. The original miles at time of storage were 3972. Unfortunately the speedometer and tachometer and also the handlebar switch were broken and could not be repaired so they have been replaced. Also missing was the airbox, front and rear signals, connector hose and bash plate. Note, all of the above were replaced with NOS except for the signals. Anyone familiar with this model would know how hard it is to find these critical items. This is a frame off restoration, all black parts are powder coated, bright work is re chromed. Exhaust was ceramic coat/paint. Boyer/Podtronics for ignition with new wiring harness. Tank was repainted along with side covers. The yellow on the tank was matched to the Trophy Trail decals. Engine was completely rebuilt (professionally by British experts!). New tires, spokes and rims from Buchanans. All in all a wonderful bike. Runs like a dream but has about a mile on it so will need to be broken in. Price: $ 15,000 Negotaible. For more pictures/ information email: [email protected]