Triumphrat

Geof3 · 11-28-2005

Anybody know the spring rate of the 05-06 rear shock? Also, what are the travel distances of the front and rear. It seems I've seen the numbers somewhere, but can't find them.

Also, for those over 200lbs... What changes have you made to the suspension, if any?

Eldercanuck · 11-28-2005

Geof3,

Although I am only 190lbs, I opted to swap out the fork springs and the rear shock spring. The stock rear spring is an 8" 775lb spring, and it was swapped for a 6" 1300lb spring with a spacer. I can't recall the stock front spring rate exactly without my maintenance log, but I'm pretty sure that the stock springs were 0.77 progressive rate springs and that I swapped them for a 1.00 constant rate spring. Those changes, together with sag set by the only competent motorcycle suspension shop in town has made for a sweet setup!

Geof3 · 11-28-2005

EC...

I'm just over 200. What did you notice with the changes particularly? Why change the size of the spring?

HiVel · 11-29-2005

I weigh 250 and my son (part time rider on S3) is over 200-no fat. Us BIG BOYS need some help!! Sportrider mag just did a test on our babies and of course The best bike in the comparo was the S3! They suggested settings as follows:
Front-spring preload 2 lines showing
Rebound 1.5 turns out, Compression 1.25 toffs, fork tubes flush with triple clamp,

Rear-Spring preload is 5mm of thread showing, Rebound damping is 1.75 turns out from full stiff, Compression damping is 2 toffs.
I set m9ine this way but weather has not permitted trials. Hope this helps they seem to think this is a start for heavier riders.
Hope this helps.

Bryant · 11-30-2005

first let me say sorry for posting this on your thread but I don't know another way to ask Goef3 a quick question...

Goef3,

Can you let me know what brand and where you purchased your hand guards? (Also where you picked up the bars, as I'm having difficulty finding a dealer.) I'm looking to replicate both the bar and hand guard combo, with the addition of electric grips (I got hooked on this combo w/ my tiger, esp. living in the NW and riding year round.)

Looks fantastic BTW, thanks for posting!

Bryant · 11-30-2005

Goef, got your message, please disregard my message, thanks

Eldercanuck · 11-30-2005

Quote:

On 2005-11-28 18:02, Geof3 wrote:
EC...

I'm just over 200. What did you notice with the changes particularly? Why change the size of the spring?

With the change, I found that the front end tracks with more confidence (I had the fork fluid changed to a high quality synthetic as well) and the rear feels more planted. Overall, the handling is considerably improved, with bumps being soaked up more smoothly and a reduced "hobby horse" affect in on/off power transitions in the corners. Eventually, if $ permits, I might look to re-valve the forks and replace the rear shock.

As for the change in size of the rear spring, I understand that the change was necessary to ensure that the rear ride height balanced with the front while getting the right sag setting with the new spring rate.

ELP_JC · 11-30-2005

What the heck is this bike set up for? I'm 155 lbs, and the stupid thing didn't even move with me on. Later noticed the preload was cranked up all the way, but still should budge a little with my weight. Seems stock setup is for bigger guys.
The testers on Sportrider are on the heavy side as well, so the settings they used (duplicated above) should work well for you guys. I'd be the one needing different springs if I end up with one. Am also trying to find info on brembo brakes because didn't like the stock ones.

Legman · 12-01-2005

JC, I am 250lbs and the rather firm stock settings work fine for me, so for your 155lbs it would be pretty harsh. Its a welcome change though to have to back the suspension off.

Often over the years I have had to crank it up to the max, just to get the bike to accomodate my bulk.

Geof3 · 12-01-2005

I dialed in the Sport Rider suggested settings and I must say, they worked out very well. The bike is much better sprung. No more ride-em pony. I'm pretty familiar with SUS setting, but it is tough to dial something in when you don't know all the parameters such as spring rates etc. Interestingly enough, the preload I had set to the front was right where it needed to be and the rear was close enough... that thing is a major b!tch to adjust, even with the load off the back!!

ELP...

Did you get some cans yet?

Try setting your preload all the way out and see what happens. I would guess the spring weight is set for us overly "portly" American averages. You will most likely need softer springs, or just have a really sporty ride!! :wink: