Bad news two days before the LSR meet in Ohio.The T140 frame is leaking oil from the down tube where the swing arm pivot is welded.This happened on the previous T120 OIF despite having a certified welding friend do repairs.Later Triumph frames, OIF, have no external oil tanks and the main frame tube holds the oil similar to some race frames..
Then this mint looking T140 frame started the same crap.It always happens after road testing or in this case,the dyno testing.I welded it this time..It was fine until yesterday when I ran it hard down the rural roads where I live .
You weld it,it's ok,then the metal fractures on the edge of the new weld.I seen this before on brackets etc.Maybe fish plating the whole area might work...too late for that.
I can't let this bike on the race track with this kind of oil leak.A sudden fracture could spray oil on the rear tire..
My idea of using an OIF is no external oil tank , less clutter and supposedly a more rigid frame.
My conclusion? Bare OIF's for sale are probably leakers
Well.......I have this 60's T120 C frame sitting in my shop.The older style with an external oil tank...A whole new build...There are more races this year.
Always move forward.......