Triumphrat

SilverThief · 10-30-2005, 11:48 AM

Hi all, I just took ownership of a 1998 Executive and have a question about the rear suspension.
First off, I'm no lightweight at 210lbs and it seems like I bottom out the rear end everytime I hit a bump.

I see the rebound damping adjuster on the shock itself, but in another thread I saw someone talking about the preload adjuster under the seat.
Is this the small cylinder with a hex nut on top, and numbered markings on the side?
1-4 I think?

If so, then which way would I want to crank on it to stiffen up the suspension a bit. The bike only has 7900 miles on it and the shock/coil looks to be in good shape.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Puffer · 10-31-2005, 05:43 AM

It is. The higher the number, the more preload it has (it gets stiffer). I believe that early Hinckley Sprints/Trophys/Tridents, etc use a Showa shock. At any rate, I've found that most "give up" in 10,000 miles, and are dead @ 20,000. I replaced mine on my Sprint @ 22,000 miles, with one from Hagon. Seems to work well, although it is a bit more challenging to set the preload, as well as the damping, due to the placement of the adjusters.

blue885 · 10-31-2005, 09:49 PM

Puffer,

Did you get the Hagon with the remote preload adjuster? My '01 just rolled over 35k this weekend and I'm pretty sure the shock is toast; the back end bounces a lot more than it used to. Just thinking about an Ohlins with the remote preload makes my nose bleed, and the Penske shock isn't available with a remote preload, so I'm definitely considering the Hagon.

legend21 · 10-31-2005, 10:25 PM

Why not considering reconditionning the showa OEM shock, for a fraction of the price of an HAGON ???

You should find a rebuilder able to change the oil and the seals ..

I guess you do not change the fork at 12 000

[ This message was edited by: legend21 on 2005-10-31 20:27 ]

Puffer · 11-02-2005, 06:51 PM

Hi, Blue885. I did not get the remote one, so I kinda have to stand on my head to adjust the one I have! All things considered, I like the Hagon and, once you have it set, you really don't have to mess with it again.

bajajoaquin · 11-04-2005, 05:24 PM

SilverTheif, welcome to this forum, as well!

The stock shock is too soft, even when new, for your weight. Crank it up to max preload, and accept that it's as good as it's gonna get.

I've just ordered the Hagon unit from the US distributor, Dave Quinn Motorsports. I'm a bit heavier than you are, and am right at the limit of what they recommend for the maximum on the standard shock. I ordered the "uprated" model, so I could have some leeway for luggage and a passenger.

I looked at the remote preload adjuster, and it was going to add $125 or so to the price. That was getting awfully close to a Works Performance shock that comes fully adjustable, including ride height. Given that the bike really isn't that valuable, I decided to go without the adjuster.

If you go with a Hagon, there are some othe rissues you need to check, like shock length, but if you are going that route, let me know, and you can worry about it then.

Of course, you're going to find the forks too soft, next. If you go to the Race Tech site, you'll find they recommend 1kg/mm fork springs, cartridge emulators, and 15-wt fork oil for you. Of course, I've just bought all that garbage, too.

I'll let everyone know what I think when I get it all fitted.

blue885 · 11-05-2005, 10:48 AM

Puffer,

Thanks for the info. I'm looking at the remote adjuster because my wife rides with me often enough to make adjusting a concern.

SilverThief · 11-05-2005, 02:00 PM

Thanks again for all the help. I am having a blast on this bike. I'm going to slap some new rubber on it, and get it serviced next weekend. Meant to take it in this weekend, but
I got tied up doing other things.

Just out of curiosity, anyone ever do a wheelie on this monster? I know this is no squid bike, not at all what I was looking for, but I just thought it would be neat to do the occasional 1st gear wheelie.

:razz:

Puffer · 11-07-2005, 07:19 PM

They really do nice, controlled wheelies! By the way, I have found that mine is very touchy as to what tires you use, and then even more so as the tires wear. Best I found thusfar is the Dunlop D205's. I'm getting about 7,800 miles per set, and they don't turn in to evil spawns from hell as they wear (like my Michelin Macadams did, as well as the original Bridgestones). Just spooned on a set of new Continential sport/touring tires, and I think I might like these even better than the Dunlops. We'll find out.