Triumphrat

ShikePoke · 09-27-2007

2001 Legend TT -

Starting my homework for a suspension upgrade, and more rubber on the rear. I have read some success stories and some troubles people have had.

I really like the stock rims, but need more rubber on the rear...she kinda squirly...and the suspension lacks front and back, I have never messed with stock forks or attempted to change any suspension parts.

Is this a worthwhile and relatively simple venture, or will this put my bike out for another summer?

Poke

Napalm · 09-28-2007

I have upgraded my suspension front and back and put wider rims on.

My upgrade was WP progressive fork springs and an adjustable WP rear shock. Hagon would be a cheaper option. I did the work myself. It was no big deal. It took me a few hours to do each one.

I also had a 5.5" rim laced onto a thunderbird rear hub. If you can find a good value hub from a wrecker you will be able to keep riding while the wheel is being built.

In my opinion the suspension upgrade is a very worthwile upgrade. It will feel like a different bike. Plush and precise.

I would get the suspension done first and see how it feels.

MickMaguire · 09-28-2007

I tore off the stock parts and fit Kawa ZRX1200R wheels (17" front and back 180 rear tire) and front forks (race tech upgraded) / 6 pot brakes and a TBS rear shock. Most of what it cost was recouped in selling the Triumph parts.

It totally transformed the ride as well as the bike - maybe a bit radical for some though I must admit

ShikePoke · 09-28-2007

Two seemingly good options here, was there any modifications done to these parts to make them work, or did they bolt up?

Did the wider rims require any swingarm mods, or chain?

Thanks,
Poke

MickMaguire · 09-28-2007

For the Kawasaki route you need to machine new rear wheel spacers and source rear brake components from an early Trophy. You will also need to fabricate a new front fender unless you want the Kawasaki item (which looks wrong IMHO). Other than that its largely bolt on - you retain the Triumph triple trees and rear axle.

Napalm · 09-30-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShikePoke

Did the wider rims require any swingarm mods, or chain?

The 17" x 5.5" rear rim upgrade fits straight in with a 180mm rear tyre. IMHO the 180mm is big enough but for those who think the rear tyre width maketh the man I believe bigger is possible...

...A 190 mm could be fitted but would be just 8mm from the chain. If you were good with your chain maintenance I doubt they would touch but it would be pushing the limits.

With some spacers to move the front and back sprokets to the left a 200mm tyre could be fitted into the swingarm. A 6" rim would be nessesary. (I visited my local tyre shop with a vernier guage and ruler.)

I also had a 3.5" x 17" front wheel made but I am not sure it was nessesary (with the 180mm rear). I have been riding around with the original T'bird 18" wheel in and it handels great. The taller 17" rim lifted the back end up and made the steering sharper. I am really looking froward to fitting the 17" front though (if it ever arrives).

BadMouth · 09-30-2007

I just picked up a used pirelli 190 to try.
I should have my wide rear rim in a week or two, but I'm sending it off to the powdercoater, then have to get it laced, so it will be a couple months before I can report how well it fits (or doesn't fit).

An old Metzler brochure that has a section on fitting wider tires calls for at least 1/4" of clearance between the chain and tire (as little as 1mm for belt drives).

MickMaguire · 10-01-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by BadMouth

An old Metzler brochure that has a section on fitting wider tires calls for at least 1/4" of clearance between the chain and tire (as little as 1mm for belt drives).

yep - you have to allow for expansion and (to a lesser extent) flex

ShikePoke · 10-01-2007

I believe the 180 is gonna be plenty of rubber for me, for now, but first I'm gonna focus on the suspension upgrades. I like my Legend, but she needs a tighter ride front and back. I rarely ride more than a 100 miles in a day, and it's all curvy with SERIOUS elevation changes. Lot of fun, but she doesn't feel sure-footed enough, especially into an uphill right hander around a blind corner.

Thanks all...any other ideas welcome.

Poke

crosstie · 10-01-2007

If you haven't already, you could try dropping the forks a bit... it's a fairly easy no-$$ mod. Start with a half-inch and see how it feels. IMO dropping the front makes a big (positive) difference in the handling... sharpens it up nicely.

You might also try a lower / flatter / wider bar... that can also improve the handling.

HTH.