Triumphrat

01-05-2004

Just fitted WP progressive fork springs to my T Bird and started to notice lighter front end handling (yes there was an earlier topic re this).

WP advised me this is quite often the case as the weight is pushed further back on the bike, particularly on acceleration. They advise upping the compression and maybe even a little preload to compensate. However, as we all know, standard T BIirds have no rear suspension adjustment! Not sure whether I have traded one problem in for another, although I am very happy the bike doesnt nose dive anymore under barking.

Just for info in case of similar projects.

Ade

01-05-2004

Just fitted WP progressive fork springs to my T Bird and started to notice lighter front end handling (yes there was an earlier topic re this).

WP advised me this is quite often the case as the weight is pushed further back on the bike, particularly on acceleration. They advise upping the compression and maybe even a little preload to compensate. However, as we all know, standard T BIirds have no rear suspension adjustment! Not sure whether I have traded one problem in for another, although I am very happy the bike doesnt nose dive anymore under barking.

Just for info in case of similar projects.

Ade

GeoffE · 01-05-2004

Hi Ade,

Interesting as the fork springs were something I was wondering about for the future. Did WP mention the possible use of a slightly lighter fork oil? I guess this might offset some of the benefit, but perhaps there is a compromise (until you buy an adjustable rear shock)? What grade fork oil was recommended for the Thunderbird?

Cheers, Geoff

GeoffE · 01-05-2004

Hi Ade,

Interesting as the fork springs were something I was wondering about for the future. Did WP mention the possible use of a slightly lighter fork oil? I guess this might offset some of the benefit, but perhaps there is a compromise (until you buy an adjustable rear shock)? What grade fork oil was recommended for the Thunderbird?

Cheers, Geoff

MickMaguire · 01-05-2004

Of course, you can adjust the rear preload.

I had a similar experience after doing the race tech mods to my forks. The front end really highlighted the shortcomings of the rear. My solution was to fit a Thunderbird Sport rear shock - a used stock item (thanks to Slinky). This made as much improvement as doing the front end did! the bike is now beautifully balanced and of course adjustable.

The only downside is that the shock raises the rear of the bike an inch or three and the center-stand was rendered useless without the use of a plank of wood under it. This will soon be rectified (probably by fitting a TBS center stand).

MickMaguire · 01-05-2004

Of course, you can adjust the rear preload.

I had a similar experience after doing the race tech mods to my forks. The front end really highlighted the shortcomings of the rear. My solution was to fit a Thunderbird Sport rear shock - a used stock item (thanks to Slinky). This made as much improvement as doing the front end did! the bike is now beautifully balanced and of course adjustable.

The only downside is that the shock raises the rear of the bike an inch or three and the center-stand was rendered useless without the use of a plank of wood under it. This will soon be rectified (probably by fitting a TBS center stand).

01-05-2004

Thanks Mick. Yes I know it can be done, just extra expense, hassle etc. I will run them for a few months and see how they are over a longer term.

Geoff, WP recommended using 10wt oil (as standard) to standard level in the fork. I dont want to put you off these springs. All of my complaints about the original T Bird springs have gone. I have the Triumph Summer Screen fitted and also the fork protectors (pushed further down the fork legs) and these would constantly smash into the screen, the original forks traveled that much. The WP ones do feel much better, its just this lighter front end feel that I am not used too (yet).

I could always replace the originals with thicker oil if they dont work out but I dont think this would be an ideal solution either.

Ade

01-05-2004

Thanks Mick. Yes I know it can be done, just extra expense, hassle etc. I will run them for a few months and see how they are over a longer term.

Geoff, WP recommended using 10wt oil (as standard) to standard level in the fork. I dont want to put you off these springs. All of my complaints about the original T Bird springs have gone. I have the Triumph Summer Screen fitted and also the fork protectors (pushed further down the fork legs) and these would constantly smash into the screen, the original forks traveled that much. The WP ones do feel much better, its just this lighter front end feel that I am not used too (yet).

I could always replace the originals with thicker oil if they dont work out but I dont think this would be an ideal solution either.

Ade

MickMaguire · 01-05-2004

Just for info Ade, the rear shock was a very reasonable price (well under 100 quid IIRC). If you can get hold of one for a similar price; well worth it. It took me about an hour tops to fit it including locating the remote reservior, (on the later birds you just need to buy the bracket $7 from Triumph). th eonly headache came when I realized I had not lifted the bike high enough to fit the new shock (after removing the old one).

Let us know how you get on/ what you end up doing.

By the way, have you tried upping the pre-load? The standard setup is a touch soft IMHO.

[ This message was edited by: MickMaguire on 2004-01-05 20:18 ]

MickMaguire · 01-05-2004

Just for info Ade, the rear shock was a very reasonable price (well under 100 quid IIRC). If you can get hold of one for a similar price; well worth it. It took me about an hour tops to fit it including locating the remote reservior, (on the later birds you just need to buy the bracket $7 from Triumph). th eonly headache came when I realized I had not lifted the bike high enough to fit the new shock (after removing the old one).

Let us know how you get on/ what you end up doing.

By the way, have you tried upping the pre-load? The standard setup is a touch soft IMHO.

[ This message was edited by: MickMaguire on 2004-01-05 20:18 ]