Triumphrat

odie · 10-09-2009, 05:33 PM

I have upgraded my Rocket 3 Suspension both front and rear. I had a shop replace the frontend guts with Traxxion Dynamics AK-20 axxion cartridge kit. I just replaced the rear shocks with the Progressive 440. What a big diffrence. Alot more enjoyable to ride.
When going slow, say 35-40 mph, the rear-end isn't hopping over small bumps like before. The back feels way more solid to the road in curves. The overall feel is smooth and nimble compared to the stock suspension set up. It takes less effort in the curves to get the same results that I had before the upgrade. Will need a few more test rides and day trips to give more feed back on the upgrade.
I went on a 150 mile trip a few weeks ago and the four other bikers had a case of sore a$$ after about 80 miles . It was one of those hi-ways that had a bump for every section of pavement. Not the kind of road I enjoy. The Rocket held up great in that test run. I didn't have the new rear shocks then, only the front.
I might just have the dream suspenion setup.
It's so smooth and sweet, it makes you want to cry.
You know what I mean?

odie

TallRocket · 10-10-2009, 02:30 PM

Odie,

Completely agree with you about the benefits of the new rear shocks.

What prompted you to replace the front guts? Prior experience with the companies product on other bikes? Do you brake hard enough to fade or notice the front sagging? Was the out the door cost of the new suspension above $500?

odie · 10-10-2009, 10:20 PM

The front end might of been sagging in the corners before but now the front end feels firm and positive all throughout the turn. More responsive in the stearing. If needed, I can make small adjustments in a turn with hardly any effort. The big issue for me was that the new shocks have taken out all the hard jarrng from road bumps. Okalhoma roads are bumpy and rough. Lots of tar snakes, ripples and patches.
I paid 625.00 out the door for the rear shocks and put them on myself. I paid 1200.00 for the front end kit. It looks like they have dropped the price 200.00 from the factory now. I paid another 300.00 to have them installed.
I was just going to put Progressive 440s and Progressive front springs and change the oil flow jets out but we hit a snag. One day in the shop turned into over two weeks with my bike torn down sitting on a rack.
It sure rides much soother now and handles a lot better. I think the new up grade has improve a already great machine.

odie

Dracul Telea · 04-24-2011, 08:06 PM

Seems 440's are an excellent fit for the rear. I was looking for something different, perhaps more exotic/performance oriented such as Ohlins or KSS...but 440 progressives are solid shocks, not ugly and cheaper. Up front I'm going to have custom springs cut for my forks. Heavy duty, damping springs. I'm 290 pounds, the bike is heavy and I ride hard and corner hard. Need stiffer suspension.

stealth1970 · 04-25-2011, 01:20 PM

i had 440 hd, and found that fully loaded, 2up i had to set it so stiff so that it wouldnt bottom out, that it was actually uncomfortable to ride (needed new kidneys after every rideout).
i was recommnded the touring comfort suspension from triumph by another rocket rider that rides 2 up and loaded a lot and have never looked back. sure they wallow a bit but nowhere near as much as the stock. oh and a fraction of the cost of the progressives.

Power-Tripp · 04-28-2011, 08:50 AM

While not the same as an actual cartridge install like the AK-20s, simply upgrading the front springs and using a bit heavier fork oil on the R3 and R3T makes a very noticeable difference in how well the front end is planted and in its stability - especially on rough pavement.

The 440s are a nice improvement at the rear, but we are looking at another option as well. Something with a bit more adjustability, and non-progressive rate springs.

dougl · 04-29-2011, 02:51 PM

I put Progressive springs and heavy oil in the forks - reduced diving, definite improvement.

With the stock shocks set at 3 for preload I don't think I experienced wallowing. Maybe I don't know what that is. With one up (170 lbs), it seemed like the springs didn't move at all. So I switched to Progressive 418's which have dampening adjustment. This works OK with me but not me and my wife.

I'm considering the Triumph touring shocks or 440's. What do you suggest, Tripp?

Power-Tripp · 05-01-2011, 11:39 AM

The R3T rear shocks/springs are even more "mushy" than the standard/Classic models. At full preload, the rear is fair (not great) riding solo, but still doesn't have enough dampening - like most Triumphs, IMHO. [Triumph tends to use heavy springs and little/no dampening. The R3 has little of either.] We are working with a suspension company to develop a better rear shock/spring set than the Progressive 440 offers.

For the front, we have only started with development - as posted above. But may eventually work up a full 25mm or 30mm cartridge kit. We are looking at costs/demand right now.

FWIW, we have been able to track down upgraded seals and inner/outer sleeves, springs, spacers, etc. for the stock front end - at considerably less than stock replacement parts. With more and more R3s building up higher mileage we are finding more and more that need rebuilding, or simply upgrading. If anyone needs a R3 front end rebuild, or rebuild kit, we can take care of it.

I hope this helps,
-Wayne

dougl · 05-01-2011, 02:11 PM

There used to be an accessory called "comfort touring suspension pack" where the shocks were supposed to be better than the original. These aren't offered as accessories anymore - are they now stock?

Progressive talked me out of the 440's because I was too small and suggested the 418's which have manual dampening. I don't think the springs are HD enough for 2 up, and this model isn't offered anymore either.

The 440's have auto dampening - what's up with that? I'm wondering should I try the 440's? I'm not looking for the perfect racing suspension - just something that doesn't rattle my teeth on small bumps and bottom out coming off traffic calmers.

Power-Tripp · 05-01-2011, 02:47 PM

IMO, the 440s are better than stock, but not by much.

The problem is that there is just not much interest in real suspension upgrades for metric cruisers. Most owners simply don't know or ride in a way that will show the difference. Most simply don't know how to set up the stock suspension... they ride it however it was set up when they got it. Then there is the whole difference in opinion on what makes a bike ride well. Triumph/KYB use heavy springs and little dampening. Not a good combination, IMO.

I am not a fan of progressive spring rates. I want the right spring rate for the weight of that end of the bike, plus the rider(s). And good dampening of the weight of rider(s) - this can mean that good adjustability is required for different weights, road surfaces, and riding styles, as well as different spring rates.

This means that what works well for me, may not be what works for your needs.