Posted this in the "rear shocks" sticky... but not getting any traction over there.. so figured id give it a shot here. Perhaps "experienced" folks dont look at the stickys? or maybe no one has done this? or maybe im just impatient 0
In either case:
I am looking to soften the ride slightly as well as raise the rear end of the SE -Scrambler project bike I am working on without breaking the bank (subtext cheaply). Looking at the TEC bikes Thruxton (with and without the piggyback, havent decided).
Wondering if anyone cares to share their experiences swapping out SE shocks for Thruxton/Scrambler units and hopefully a pic (to see if the lift is visible)???
Guy I know who used the TEC shocks found them very firm, to firm for him but he's not heavy, not sure if you get spring rate choices but if you want to soften your ride you'll need just the right spring matched to your riding weight, both Hagon & Ikon do affordable shocks with spring choices and no doubt plenty others, I have Hagon 2810's on an 01 Bonnie & Nitro's on a Mag wheel bike, both are Thrux length & both with 18k spring the lightest they do, tried OE scram shocks on both and they were quite good, the 2810's are compliant and comfortable, the Nitro's are very composed at speed, like both, longer shock does rake the steering some on the mag wheel bike, exactly what I wanted, OE being 330mm 360 is noticeable & I like the quicker steering, pic of my ace cafe replica.
Don't buy TEC shocks. You can find used hagons, ikons, and even Ohlins in the marketplace for the same price. Thruxton length rear shocks are amazing on a Bonnie SE.
I am reviving this thread. Someone let me know if this is frowned on here. Its a good question and us SE drivers are a smaller sub set of all the Bonnie drivers out there so we need all the info we can get. This forum has been phenomenal for me.
This morning I installed some lightly used 09 stock Thruxton shocks on my 2010 SE.
Like the original poster I was hoping they might have a bit more travel and that the increased length would quicken the handling.
I had a bit of trepidation about quickening the handling.
This is my first Bonnie and its bone stock. My other bike is a Harley.
I know the stock stuff is marginal. But it does reliably change the geometry and I don't drive at any limit. I know several aftermarket shocks will be leagues better. I got plans for next year but for now I am on the cheap with anything.
Today I took a 15 mile and back ride.
I left the shocks on the lowest preload setting. They make the handling of the SE even more delightful. They added a bit of travel and they do change the turn it but not in an unstable way.
This is a great cheap upgrade to my SE. I can't wait to run it up the canyons west of where I live. I don't remotely approach any limits but the Bonnie precision in one turn after another is a real fun experience.
I have a 2014 Mag wheel and bought a set of scrambler shocks on an impulse buy because I heard the same handling improvements as you did. I have decided that I would prefer aftermarket of the stock length because I only have a 30" inseam. I will probably sell the scrambler shocks once I finally decide on a new pair.
Same as me and I love mine. Can still flat-foot at a light. With another person to hold the rear of the bike up by the grab rail, it takes literally 5 mins. to swap rear shocks.
I fitted Thruxton length IKONs on my 2011 Mag Bonnie for increased ground clearance, much better ride, new springs on the front as well. Highly recommended.
I have an 08 Thruxton and within weeks of buying, changed the OEM shocks to YSS budget shocks. I did this because the Thruxton shocks are pretty dire and hit bumps with a whack where as the YSS shocks actually absorb bumps like they should do. So if you are going to try Thruxton shocks, go aftermarket rather than OEM, otherwise I don't believe you'll see much benefit.
I put Scrambler shocks on my mag-wheeler and the ride and handling improved immensely. Not sure why they don't come like this from the factory. The seat is noticeably higher now, but still fits and I am pretty short.
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