Triumphrat

FattRat

I'm hoping to get opinions regarding after-market suspension.......

I put Works Performance on my Sportster 1200'S' after the factory piggybacks had about 30,000 miles of my phatass on 'em. You tell them what your style of riding and experience is, and they ask how much you weigh; then they make ya a pair.

There is the ever-popular Ohlins, about which I've heard multiple stories of the customer being given the wrong spring, breaking/leaking prematurely, and how they are simply "the best."

My buddy put some sexy Bitubo's on his Beemer and he loved 'em. But until they were set up correctly for him, he had no idea just how much he loved 'em! I personally think he likes the fancy brief case they came in and the machined fit & finish. They ARE cool looking.....

Then I come over to Bonneville, and hear about the Ikons......... Never heard of 'em before, but quite the sales pitch to go with them. They make a lower version that I might be interested in, as I have but only a 24" inseam and I'm getting older & fatter.

Anywaaaaay, aside from the front-end having little (if any) damping, and the rear riding as if on struts........ what might you suggest I consider, or to whom on the west coast should I go for a competent suspension system?

Thanks in advance.

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rodburner

Pat,I have Hagon Nitro`s on my bike [shocks]Mine are minus30mm to lower the bike,and have 100# springs for comfort.My wife recently started riding with me [350lbs combined] and the ride is supple and smooth.I got my 1st set from BellaCorse and my lower ones from Dave Quinn Inc. Spendy but worth it. Hagon will build them to your spec`s[see their website for options].I have Ikon fork springs from NewBonneville and like them as well.The Hagon fork springs I got first were very good also,I just wanted to get rid of the spacer.either way, you can`t go wrong.

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Clifford

Pat,

I recently installed Ikon progressive springs in my fork tubes. In doing so I was quite surprised to see how much the orginal springs resemble Bic Click ballpoint pen springs. What prompted me to make the change was the way the front end would dive when braking hard, particularly when carrying a passenger.

I went out and performed some tests after installation. First was riding some very twisty roadway at speed, incorporating some very sudden decelerations. Result was improved cornering, because the front end was not so compressed on entering the corner, consequently the front didn't lift so much when opening the throttle in the corner. I guess you could categorize this test as "corning- consistency of handling". Results were positive and the bike is easier to handle under these conditions.

The other test I made was a series of moderately high-speed emergency stops. I took the bike down a country lane, with very light traffic and did several of these, laying on the brakes as hard as I dared from 70 mph. The front end did not dive as far as it had with stock springs. My balance and posture were improved.

Okay, I weigh about 200 lbs and my bike is an '05 T100. I haven't felt the need to change out my rear springs, so I can't speak to that end of the bike.

My one other change would be to increase the viscosity of the fork oil. I think that would be helpful to you as well, with more weight, you're looking at a greater potential distance of travel on your shocks, both front and rear. Thicker oil can reduce or eliminate the extremes of that travel.

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RedBird

Clifford,

On your emergency stop tests, would you rate the stopping distance about the same as with stock springs? I've been a little concerned when others say the front end doesn't dive at all. I believe the front needs to compress some to get proper weight transfer for shorter stopping distances in emergency stops.

Larry

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Larry
2003 T-100 (790cc), NARK, NH Togas, 8100 rpm rev limiter, 158 main jets, 42 pilot jets (less than 1 turn out on pilot screws), stock needles--no shims. 13 A/F ratio from 1100 rpm to 4000 rpm; 12 A/F ratio from 4000 rpm to 6000 rpm; 13 A/F from 6000 rpm to 8100 rpm.:D
2007 Tiger 1050--White:D--SW-Motech crashbars, Skidmarx rear hugger/chain guard, Calsci +7 windscreen.

Brooksie

The Hagons do come in various lengths that may require lowering the front forks. That is not an issue for a dealer to do, if you can find one who actually works on the Triumphs during season! I do have the Ikon adjustable and love the performance. As far as I know, they do not come with lower versions. Check out the Hagons at Bella Corse.