Triumphrat

05-15-2006

I ride a 95 Triumph Daytona 1200. I love the bike, but would like it to feel a bit more planted and give better feedback. I often ride two up. Any advice for suspension or brake mods? As the bike is now 10+ years old and has 36,000 miles on it it is maybe due for a shock replacement. I have been considering an Ohliens rear shock (but it is rather expensive) and or replacing the fork springs (I have had the fork seals and oil replaced recently along with all other factory scheduled maintanence).

daytonacharlie · 05-16-2006

Richard,
Where to begin... I've been through the exact same thing with my D12 and at around 36,000 miles too.

Since you're in Japan I'm not sure of the availability of the same parts I used but here goes...

Forks: Racetech springs and Gold Valves. This was a complete rebuild by a local suspension shop costing around $600.00 USD. This mod made such an improvement it completely transformed the bike (stiffer and more adjustable) but then made it clear that the rear shock was shagged out.

Rear shock: I priced all the top shelf shocks (Penski $900-1200), Ohlins ($*!#+xxx), etc., but I ended up getting a Hagon shock from England for around $300. I know it's not the best shock out there and lacks some of the higher priced shocks features but I'm on a tight budget. The spring that came with the shock was rated at 660 lbs. which turned out to be too soft for my 195 lb. arse so I contacted Hagon and they allowed me to send them back the stock spring in exchange for an 880 lb. one. This combination works best for my weight and riding style (sport touring).

I was able to do all the shock work myself but you really need to let a professional do the forks unless you're a pro yourself that is.

When all was done the bike handled better than new and with Tokico 6 piston calipers up front I bought from a junkyard off of an '02 Busa the brakes are up to the task now too. The final piece of the handling puzzle was a set of Michelin Pilot Power tires. Truly amazing.

good luck,
dc

[ This message was edited by: daytonacharlie on 2006-05-17 05:37 ]

YYZSKI · 05-17-2006

I have exactly the same modifications on my Daytona 900

When I purchased it, the previous owner had already installed an Ohlins rear shock, and he and I are about the same size & weight.

A couple of years ago I had the Racetech Gold valves & springs installed in the front end and had them set up for my size & riding stye.

6 piston calipers went on this winter, Ohlins was rebuilt, and I'm now on my 3rd set of Pilot Powers (will be on #4 in about 2 weeks)

While the bike handled predictably before, words cannot capture the improvement in handling, 'feel' and confidence. Suspension is more supple and controlled on the street and is still comfortable for touring with my wife.

On the track it's an absolute blast because it handles much better than it's size & weight would indicate. And there is nothing like passing a new sportbike on the outside line and getting the look of ***? in the pits.

Dragging knees and grinding footpegs is not a problem......

[ This message was edited by: YYZSKI on 2006-05-17 08:26 ]

Windchill · 05-17-2006

After much soul and pocket searching I changed the back end on my D900 for an Ohlins unit. The result is truly fantastic!!!

What used to, I thought, handle well solo but soggily two up has been transformed as described by our "partners in crime". It now sticks to corner lines like the proverbial to a shovel, and is sufficiently adjustable to give a very good ride two up.

I changed the mounting of the remotes a bit, pictures of which are on my album page.

Go for gold - you're worth it!!