Triumphrat

jjmeadowlark

I'm not talking about any crazy DIY type stuff, but things that are popular, orthodox changes that compromise the handling, braking, suspension or drivetrain? Something that accelerates engine, chain or transmission wear?

There are a lot of discussions about changes being made, wondering if anyone has thoughts on things that should absolutely NOT be done.

ALPINE STAR

I guess you could say that the steering damper may be considered unsafe at slow speeds if the setting is maximum damping. It may require a lot more muscle than you would normally intend to give on a tight slow turn.

ALPINE STAR

Oh yeah....while some brake pads replacements may slow you down better than stock while dry, they can often times offer horrendous braking capabilities when wet.

Forchetto

Dropping the fork tubes through the triple clamps too far can make the steering twitchy and prone to wobbles.

rodburner

Crazy is a pretty broad interpretation. But you never know whats what until it's all been tried.

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Ruining a perfectly good Bonnie since 2004.

Haggis

I've found that the mods I've made just make it better to ride, and quicker to stop.

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Triumph Riders of Calgary and Southern Alberta

jjmeadowlark

OK.. I guess I don't "get" two things so far.

1. Steering damper. Why would you need one on a Bonnie? I've cruised at 70, and gone "ton up" once very, very briefly.. Steady as can be... Tire degradation + speed = tank slapper.. Maybe?

2. Why drop the forks given the downside? Handling?

I would have thought "ape hangers" would have been #1, and changing exhausts without re-mapping the computer making the bike rich or lean would be #2.

Kirkus51

Well, safe is a relative term to me. Just swinging a leg over a bike might be unsafe if you're inexperienced or just a plain Hotdogger. There's lots of them out there.

I would say anything bolt on or replacement would not adversely affect the Bonneville. I've got suspension pieces that have raised the height on my Bonnie, but have improved the handling in my opinion. Manufacturers as a rule don't sell anything that would put sensible paying customers off their bikes.

plodalong

Put the wrong nut behind the bars and any bike's unsafe.

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07 thrux,breathe,Dna airfilter,airbox X restrictor,135 mains,1 shim,tp +3 ignitor,yss emulators,hp springs, Bitubo shocks,pingle steering damper,D9 layflat,3" rise clipons,corbin seat, tt350 taillight,alloy indicators.shorai battery,Changes daily

Scramblerstew

Hey Forchetto, have far is too far when dropping the forks? I ask because the previous owner dropped them 22mm on my Scram. I have not noticed any twitchyness or wobbles but I am going to an 18 inch front wheel and wonder if overall drop will be too much.