Triumphrat

fruckman · 07-12-2009, 03:21 PM

Am vertically challenged and like the feel of the new SE, but LOVE the looks of the T100. The 1.4" difference in seat height feels so much better on the SE. Am wondering if the T100 can easily be lowered so that I could have the best of both worlds. Have been told that I could replace the rear shocks and accomplish this. Thoughts? Also, since I'm buying now, does the group think I should pay the extra $2,000 or so for a new fuel injected model vs. buying an 06 or o7 bike? THANKS.

oldefart · 07-12-2009, 03:33 PM

You can replace the shocks with shorter ones to reduce the seat height some (don't know how much). Also, I have the seat (the cut down one) off my 09 Bonne that will fit a T100 and I would be happy to sell you; that seat is about 3/4 inch lower and a little narrower where your thighs are when feet are on the ground.

Forchetto · 07-12-2009, 03:39 PM

The SE also has a lower seat. This was achieved by removing some of the padding. I think someone here has tried to swap seats and apparently the SE seat will fit the T100. It might be just enough for you.
Suspension suppliers like Alf Hagon, etc, have a choice of rear shocks, higher or lower than standard. If you lower the rear suspension then the front will have to be lowered as well (could be wrong on this).
Shorter springs or raising the fork stanchions through the triple clamps should do it. 10 to 15 mm maximum though. Much more and the front end tends to become a bit lively.

Baltobonneville · 07-12-2009, 04:14 PM

I took a ride on the new version Bonneville yesterday. The seat is even more of a plank than the stock seat on my 2005. So it might be lower, but you're not going to be happy with it. The smaller front wheel does allow it to turn quicker, but the old style Bonneville does that pretty well too. Overall, the handlebar area looks a little bit "cheaper" than my 2005.

For $2000 less, I'd take the carburetor bike. There's a wealth of experience with it here on this board, very little yet with the EFI. And it's easier to make adjustments yourself.

dennieo · 07-13-2009, 06:53 PM

how tall r u ? I'm 5'4" and perfectly comfortable with my 07 T100. and that's with a triumph single seat which I think is a bit taller than stock IMO these are perfect bikes for shorter people

Quote:

Originally Posted by fruckman

Am vertically challenged and like the feel of the new SE, but LOVE the looks of the T100. The 1.4" difference in seat height feels so much better on the SE. Am wondering if the T100 can easily be lowered so that I could have the best of both worlds. Have been told that I could replace the rear shocks and accomplish this. Thoughts? Also, since I'm buying now, does the group think I should pay the extra $2,000 or so for a new fuel injected model vs. buying an 06 or o7 bike? THANKS.

fruckman · 07-15-2009, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dennieo

how tall r u ? I'm 5'4" and perfectly comfortable with my 07 T100. and that's with a triumph single seat which I think is a bit taller than stock IMO these are perfect bikes for shorter people

5/8" with 28" inseam. The SE feels better, but I much prefer the look of the T-100. Thus, I'm thinking of changing out the shocks to a shorter version. An inch is all I'm looking for.

VirtualNomad · 07-15-2009, 08:34 PM

I'm short too. I lowered my Bonneville black 08, which for my year is the same height as the T100, by replacing the rear shocks with shorter Hagon units and raising the front forks in the yokes.
This helped me a bit but I still can't flat foot it.

The bottom line is don't let seat height determine what bike you really want to get. Being able to flat-foot should not be a deterrent. Being shorter will always mean having to adjust the way one rides no matter the bike. This might mean circling the parking lot a couple of times to look for the spot that will be easiest to get out of, or noticing which way the road is cambered or sloped when approaching a red so you can put down the foot closest to the road.

Get the bike that moves you.

dennieo · 07-15-2009, 08:56 PM

I couldn't agree more. I've had many different bikes over the years and stood flat footed on only one, my 1200R sportster. I'm almost flat footed on my T100 but not quite. but that doesn't bother me in the least. This T100 knocks my socks off.before I bought it I did a lot of research and I'm thinking, doesn't anybody dislike their bonnevilles? I can now see why. get a bonnie, you'll love it. NH togas should arrive in a day or 2

Quote:

Originally Posted by VirtualNomad

I'm short too. I lowered my Bonneville black 08, which for my year is the same height as the T100, by replacing the rear shocks with shorter Hagon units and raising the front forks in the yokes.
This helped me a bit but I still can't flat foot it.

The bottom line is don't let seat height determine what bike you really want to get. Being able to flat-foot should not be a deterrent. Being shorter will always mean having to adjust the way one rides no matter the bike. This might mean circling the parking lot a couple of times to look for the spot that will be easiest to get out of, or noticing which way the road is cambered or sloped when approaching a red so you can put down the foot closest to the road.

Get the bike that moves you.

fruckman · 07-15-2009, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VirtualNomad

I'm short too. I lowered my Bonneville black 08, which for my year is the same height as the T100, by replacing the rear shocks with shorter Hagon units and raising the front forks in the yokes.
This helped me a bit but I still can't flat foot it.

The bottom line is don't let seat height determine what bike you really want to get. Being able to flat-foot should not be a deterrent. Being shorter will always mean having to adjust the way one rides no matter the bike. This might mean circling the parking lot a couple of times to look for the spot that will be easiest to get out of, or noticing which way the road is cambered or sloped when approaching a red so you can put down the foot closest to the road.

Get the bike that moves you.

Thanks, the T-100 is definitely what I'm getting. Can't believe it took this long to discover it.

billstokes · 07-16-2009, 02:00 PM

You'll love it even more with the Togas!