Triumphrat

12-02-2012, 08:28 AM

I want to get another later model Bonnie. I had previously found that the stock seat and rear shock combination was just too stiff for my back. How have others addressed this issue ?

Dan McGrath · 12-02-2012, 08:48 AM

Try adjusting the pre-load of the shocks.

denbow · 12-02-2012, 09:04 AM

I agree that the stock seats aren't the comfiest in the world but it's likely to be the bolt upright riding position that's causing your back problems....been there.

Consider Norman Hyde M bars or similar with a little less rise and pull back.

The Triumph King and Queen seat is VERY comfortable and supportive for both rider and pillion.

I found the stock rear shocks plenty soft enough on the lowest spring setting, position 2 being too hard except on smooth roads.

Kito · 12-02-2012, 09:56 AM

How much do you weigh, Bradkap? I had the same problem, a really harsh ride jarring my back. I fited a pair of Hagon shocks with faily soft springs which helped a great deal. It's the spring rate that determines the softness of the ride not reduced preload, which increases sag. With soft springs you have to increase preload to maintain sufficient travel to prevent bottoming out.

RickMcCl · 12-02-2012, 10:03 AM

When I first got mine; I turned the rear preload down all the way, and got a very soft ride (I have a lot of lumber and cervical vertebrae damage).

Now I set it on "2".

For me, the standard Bonnie seat/peg setup is the most comfortable that I've found; I wouldn't be able to handle the forward peg setup of cruisers at all, and the rear peg/ forward lean of low bars would be killer.

My back hurts more after sitting on the couch for a while than it does riding my Bonnie, which really doesn't hurt.

Good luck,

Rick

Kito · 12-02-2012, 10:15 AM

I also found the stock riding position the best. I tried a more forward leaning position with NB superbars but that upset the neck area. It's all age related!

scottslob · 12-02-2012, 12:47 PM

I got the Progressives. the cheap ones, they work nice. also wide bars and the forward lean required with them seems to help.

pyr8willy · 12-03-2012, 07:00 PM

There are plenty of aftermarket seat options. One of my buddy's got a custom seat made, it was memory foam gel combo for his Harley(he has back issues) and loves it. Also try changing bars.

rodhotter · 12-03-2012, 07:22 PM

installed bitubo WME's best ride i ever had, set rebound at 3 adj preload-sag as instructed, very plush but not sloppy ride for my 170 lb. these shocks are DeCarbon aka piggy back but use an internal reservoir and rebuildable, not your typical cheaper upgrade, at $450 usa they are well worth it!!

nzkiwi · 12-04-2012, 01:39 AM

I had similar issues with jarring and a hard ride. I installed a Burton seat which helped. What has made the best difference is dropping the rear tyre pressure to 38 psi. Both my America and v-strom both ran 38 psi at the rear, so tried it on the Bonnie, and it took away that sharp jarring I was experiencing. For two up I'd go back to 41 psi..