Handling

[Fridgehq]

Hi,

I’m in need of some urgent advice and anyone’s input would be much appreciated.

I purchased a 1994 black speed triple back in January 2004 after having a bad accident with a car back in the summer in 2003 which resulted in one written off R6 and some metal work in my left leg. I bought the speed triple because I wanted something a bit more easy going and totally different.

I really like the bike but I have experienced the following problem since going out for a fairly long ride. The handling is absolutely horrible and gives me no confidence at all. I know this sounds silly but it has only happened since I filled the petrol tank up - it feels as if the bike is going to topple over and the front feels really vague.

My bike has 20,000 miles on the clock and is 10 years old. I was wondering if the suspension has worn out? I have discovered that the front forks have been set 21 mm above the top yoke and the manual says it should be 28mm - would this add to the problem? The bike came with a full service history but I noticed that the fork oil has not been changed - could this also add to the problem? Also, I would say that the bike was used before with a pillion - could this mean that the rear shock has worn and needs replacing?

The suspension settings on the bike are as follows: front compression 2 clicks from hard; preload 3 lines showing damping 4; rear shock damping set max on No 4; preload set at No 3. Also, I probably weigh about 16 stone.

The problem I have is that I would be prepared to spend the money on replacing these items, as I really like the bike and would like to keep it, but only if the handling dramatically improved. Has anyone else experienced the same? Any advice would be much appreciated.

[mbeebe900]

I would set the fork tubes to their standard height in
the clamps. I imagine that might get rid of some of the
vagueness in the steering. Also, your shocks most
likely need to be rebuilt or replaced. Definitely need
your fork oil replaced- again helping the poor front end.
If you don't want to spend a ton of money, fiddling with
the preload and damping might help but it's not going to
fix old shock oil and worn springs.
How are the tires? Poor tire condition can
have a dramatic effect on handling as well.
Don't worry, when set up right the bike will
handle great and last forever.

[trypcil]

Suggest you get some springs(1kg for 180lb man) for the front, go with heavier oil 15wt. Set the forks to the height advised by Triumph and preload at 4 rebound at 5 comp at 5. rear preload at 4 damping at 3.Ride her like that preferably with new 207 or 208 dunlops. Then drop the front forks by 1/2 inch see how she does. then keep dropping 1/4 inch until she starts getting ugly then back off to the prior height. These things handle great ,they work with lots of body english, so work her - move around the bike and be smooth you'll be amazed at what she can do and they're very forgiving. The key is to get the slop out of the front end(lurch/dive)when breaking,hence the heavier oil and springs - suggest ebc sintered hh front pads, watch you disk service limit - again ebc do a reasonable replacement rotor - my 1st set of rotors were gone at 36000 and I'm on my 3rd set -but I ride hard & alot - the bike is a beaut ! Share & Enjoy! :hammer:

[Fridgehq]

Thank,s for the advice guys i will give this a go by the way the tyres are next to new Hi sports front and rear.

[Pipes]

My 94 Super111 has done 29k and I noticed over the last season or 2 that my suspension felt lumpy.Iv`e recently fitted Hagon progressive fork springs and rear shock unit and it feels like a new bike.I run the front a little harder than standard,and the rear is preset by hagon already and it feels great so I don`t think I`ll***** about with it.
Personally I use Bridgestone 020`s,they will last you a lot longer than sports tyres that frankly I think are a waste of money on the road as who can ride them to there limit anyway.I don`t hang around and ````````I`ve never had any moments with them.Don`t listen to bod down at the tyre shop,ring Bridgestone Tech Dept and they will tell you what I`m telling you.
Hagon front and rear set up inc oil cost me £317.50 inc delivery in the UK by the way :-D

[Knightshade]

I would say...I almost have the same problem...but it's mostly from lack of familiarity w/the bike I'm assuming. I'm much more comfortable and confident on my SVS..as I can just dive into turns at will.

I feel really awkward on the Triple...I don't know if it's the upright position or what..

That...and if I hit a modest bump on the street, I literally bounce off of my seat...it's very un-nerving. A bit of suspension setup I'm sure would help...but I'm totally clueless...

On 2004-05-12 22:58, Knightshade wrote:
I would say...I almost have the same problem...but it's mostly from lack of familiarity w/the bike I'm assuming. I'm much more comfortable and confident on my SVS..as I can just dive into turns at will.

I feel really awkward on the Triple...I don't know if it's the upright position or what..

That...and if I hit a modest bump on the street, I literally bounce off of my seat...it's very un-nerving. A bit of suspension setup I'm sure would help...but I'm totally clueless...

Hey Knightshade, try using these settings:

http://www.motodawcy.motormania.pl/2003/z_triumph.html

I found that with the front preload cranked up, it really helped settle the front end in corners.