Triumphrat

08-03-2005

Hello everyone. I'm a new rocket owner (about a month w/ 1300 miles) and have enjoyed reading the forum for the past couple of day's. I have a few questions that I would like your opinions on.

1st (SHOCKS) Which shocks seem to be the best? (Progressive 440's or the Wilbers) and what model #'s and lengths. :???:

2nd (EXHAUST) I want to modify the exhaust. On my previous bike I had Samson Long Connons w/out baffles. My wife really didn't care to much not being able to hear after she got off. I would like to get something that sounds good, good quality and adds performance but is not super loud. Which are the best? Mad Dogs, D&D, Triumph's, Jardine etc... :???:

3rd (COMPUTER) I already have the K&N air filter and after I do my exhaust mod I will need to get the computer updated. Which is a better way to go, get my dealer to update it or purchase the Power Commander? :???:

Thanks for all your help.
:-)

dragline708 · 08-03-2005

How ya do'in
Hyder,
If you don't ride on back to hear the noise wifes got to hear it .If you ride 2 up 50/50 % of the time IMO I'd just get cat bypass pipe makes it sound healthy & the PCIII and ACCEL PUMP UP GRADE & K&N filter should run good as far as shocks can't help you there sure our members will

Jamie · 08-05-2005

Welcome Hyder,

Pipes: Triumph TOR's alright. For a, deeper, more growling (and obviously somewhat louder) sound, MadDogs Mk. II are great. Besides sounding more authoritative, they are lighter than the OEM pipes (both standard and TOR's) AND they deliver a few --but real-- additional ponies. I have recently switched from TOR's to Dogs.

Shocks: Standard ones not all that bad (I mostly ride solo). Wilbers, perhaps arguably, are the best in functional terms, besides being the most expensive (talking about the ones factory-tuned to customer weight/ riding characteristics, and with the external reservoir). That's what I have just fitted on my RIII. Drawback: Only visual, i.e. brushed aluminium finish and black (option being godawful blue) springs that Wilbers refuses to chrome and which, apparently, should NOT be chromed. Some love that hi-tech appearance. Am not sure I do. Now, regarding Progressive: Have seen them on RIII's , but not experienced them myself. Other captains have said they ARE better than the OEM units and look just as good. The proverbial " good compromise", maybe. Length-wise, I dunno.

Tune: A K&N filter, in itself, should not (I think) require a tune change. TOR's evidently require a different tune. Triumph Dealers know which one and will be more than happy to supply. MadDogs, by the way, are compatible with that non-standard tune. Beyond that, you are (I certainly am-) entering unchartered waters. But there are many other posts here that deal specifically with Power Commander Q's & A's.

My 2-cents worth in closing: Don't rush into changing things. TAKE YOUR TIME taming/enjoying the beast "as is" first. Hope this helps
:wink:

[ This message was edited by: Jamie on 2005-08-05 10:52 ]

08-05-2005

Thanks for your input. I'm leaning hard toward the MadDogs MK II's. I think they have the quality and performance that I'm after.

Everything that I've read so far in the forum has go me leaning toward the Progressive Shocks. Appearance is important but I plan on getting Corbin's Beetle Bags so they will be covered anyway. Is there a Wilber dealer in the States?

I guess after I make a final decision on the pipes and other mods and can decide what power commander map to go with!

Thanks Again

Jamie · 08-05-2005

Dunno about US Wilb. dealers. Remember that US residents wrote on this forum that they had dealt directly with the German factory. Which I eventually did. :wink:

RocketVet · 08-05-2005

I went with the Progressive 440's and instantly noticed a difference. After all the custom paint went on the passenger seat came off so I ride solo on a soft setting. The bumps no longer send me off the saddle and stable through the turns. When I bought them they came with chrome end caps but there are plans for all chrome I believe. Once you put the beetle bags on you only see them from the front but you WILL see them.

I went with TOR and cat by-pass. The pipes have been talked about over and over but I think it comes down to a real personal preference. The TOR's will sound fairly subtle idling into your neighborhood (still louder than stock) and when you give it some kick it sounds like a big block Chevy. I get back fire if I am going down a hill, high compression, no throttle but I don't mind it and it magically stops if you pull the clutch :razz: I have heard the Jardines and Staintunes and they were all a little different but I liked the look of the original pipes and wanted to stay with 3 pipes. From the rear it is what makes the bike unique.

I am personally waiting out the whole Power Commander thing because I think we still have room to find the right mix. If you are a real tech head then tweak away. You will get more HP from the pipe/catback alone...noteable power!

Enjoy!

dougl · 08-05-2005

Quote:

On 2005-08-05 11:01, hyder2300 wrote:
Thanks for your input. I'm leaning hard toward the MadDogs MK II's. I think they have the quality and performance that I'm after.

Everything that I've read so far in the forum has go me leaning toward the Progressive Shocks. Appearance is important but I plan on getting Corbin's Beetle Bags so they will be covered anyway. Is there a Wilber dealer in the States?

I guess after I make a final decision on the pipes and other mods and can decide what power commander map to go with!

Thanks Again

Good question. I get the impression from my dealer, who is a DynaJet tuning center, that you can't do that much to reprogram the Triumph ECU aside from using different Triumph maps. If you could, there would be no need for a Power Commander. Is this right?

Trackerjack · 08-06-2005

Hello hyder

About shocks :

Be carefull ! All the shocks with piggy back reservoir will not be compatible with the Corbin's Beetle Bags.
About look, the Progressive 440 are not far from the stock appearance with good improvement in handling and a little in comfort with no more bottoming. The quality and the finish are good.
I think that the Wilbers 630 (those without the external reservoir) are a good option and of course the 633 TS (with the external reservoir) are the best shocks available for the "beast".
Wilbers U.S.A

About other products :
The R III is a new bike and I think we have to wait a little for a larger choice of well designed products. :wink: