Triumphrat

ohiorider · 08-24-2010, 04:56 PM

Like so many others on this site, I installed a set of Ricor Intiminators last year. Generally positive results over bumpy, patched asphalt, though like some others, my front forks now trend to hunt up and down slightly on very smooth roads. Distracting, because it feels like a slightly out-of-balance wheel. Brian from Ricor suggested drilling a bleed hole .050" directly through the center of the bolt in the Intiminator.

However, someone else on the forum made a good point. Not all the Intiminator equipped bikes are exhibiting the hunting problem.

I was going to use the survey format for this, but couldn't seem to find it (??)

Anyway, here's the questions. I'd really appreciate seeing this info from anyone who has experience with the Ricors on their Bonnies/Thrux/Scram. I don't want to drill bleed holes in the Intiminators if there's another solution.

1. Does your bike exhibit the hunting symptom on smooth pavement? (Y/N)
2. Do you run the factory recommended fork oil level? (Y/N) If not, elaborate.
3. Do you run the Ricor recommended fork oil weight (Amsoil 5w)? (Y/N) If not, elaborate
4. Do you run the original equipment fork spring with the Intiminator (Y/N) If not, elaborate
5. You ride a Bonnie/Thruxton/Scrambler (?)

Thanks,

Bob

Sp00ky · 08-24-2010, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ohiorider

Like so many others on this site, I installed a set of Ricor Intiminators last year. Generally positive results over bumpy, patched asphalt, though like some others, my front forks now trend to hunt up and down slightly on very smooth roads. Distracting, because it feels like a slightly out-of-balance wheel. Brian from Ricor suggested drilling a bleed hole .050" directly through the center of the bolt in the Intiminator.

However, someone else on the forum made a good point. Not all the Intiminator equipped bikes are exhibiting the hunting problem.

I was going to use the survey format for this, but couldn't seem to find it (??)

Anyway, here's the questions. I'd really appreciate seeing this info from anyone who has experience with the Ricors on their Bonnies/Thrux/Scram. I don't want to drill bleed holes in the Intiminators if there's another solution.

1. Does your bike exhibit the hunting symptom on smooth pavement? (Y/N)
2. Do you run the factory recommended fork oil level? (Y/N) If not, elaborate.
3. Do you run the Ricor recommended fork oil weight (Amsoil 5w)? (Y/N) If not, elaborate
4. Do you run the original equipment fork spring with the Intiminator (Y/N) If not, elaborate

Thanks,

Bob

I've been on the Intiminators since they became available for Triumph.

My Bonneville exhibits no "hunting" or wobble at all on smooth or rough road surfaces.
I run Shell 5 weight fork oil.
Oil is 120mm from top of fork tube with Intiminator in fork and no spring, fully compressed.
The spring is original equipment with 1/2" cut off the spacer.

My fork feels stiffer than standard, doesn't compress as easily but I have the bike set up for fast cornering, with the rear end shocks [IKON's] preload set on position 3 with the damping on 3 so the front and rear are in perfect tune.

The suspension feels quite firm overall and I can push the bike very hard on the back roads. The Avon Roadrider tires are one size bigger in front and rear on standard rims. [140-70-17 rear and 120-70-17 front].
No steering damper. NH rearsets. The bigger tire on the front is really magic.

Anything else you need to know?

S.

NorthernThrux · 08-24-2010, 05:22 PM

Only think I'm hunting for with Ricor is good customer service !

1. Does your bike exhibit the hunting symptom on smooth pavement? (Y/N)

No.

2. Do you run the factory recommended fork oil level? (Y/N) If not, elaborate.

I run 134 mm from the top of the compressed fork.

3. Do you run the Ricor recommended fork oil weight (Amsoil 5w)? (Y/N) If not, elaborate

Bel-Ray 5 W
4. Do you run the original equipment fork spring with the Intiminator (Y/N) If not, elaborate

Racetech 0.95 kg/mm springs. My own stainless spacer that allows the fork cap to be put on with just hand pressure. Modified adjusters (pin removed) that then allow 2 cm compression. I use about 1 cm.

5. You ride a Bonnie/Thruxton/Scrambler (?)
2008 Thrux

thistle66 · 08-24-2010, 06:25 PM

08 Scrambler. Stock springs. Ricor Intimators installed w/ 5W Amsoil Shock oil at 130mm below top of fork. Thruxton preload caps added. 196mm spacers (stock is 235mm). No hunting up 'n down on smooth roads.

I think the springs are too soft for me (210 lbs), cos I had to crank on some preload to get appropriate sag. I plan on stiffer springs - when I can stop procrastinating.

ohiorider · 08-24-2010, 07:45 PM

Thanks to all for responding. Hopefully we'll hear from a few more, especially those who have had the 'hunting' issue. It's a strange thing .... I'm at 120mm below top of fork, did the spacer calculation as several of us that installed the Intiminators determined proper, yet still have the oscillation in the front forks .... not side to side, slightly up and down. If you were to ride my bike on a smooth surface, and take a look at the wheel and forks, you'd see them working .... up and down.

Bob

08Bonnie · 08-24-2010, 09:25 PM

Bob,

I had the same problem as you and I suspected it had something to do with the preload i had to add to get the correct sag #'s. The front end felt nervous over seemingly perfect asphalt after installing intiminators. I finally fixed this by going to the Traxxion springs recommended for my weight. I set the 5w oil 140mm from top of tube. End result is in the numbers; with 1" LESS spacer (less preload) i was able to get 25mm of free sag and about 35mm of rider sag, generally accepted to be pretty good.

The bike now reacts exactly as you'd expect it to over any kind of road surface. I think this has to do with the spring not been overly compressed. With less preload on it, it can now do it's job.

This worked for me. I have an 08' Bonnie and my rider weight is about 185lbs.

Schulte · 08-24-2010, 10:02 PM

Here you go...

1. Does your bike exhibit the hunting symptom on smooth pavement? (Y/N)
No

2. Do you run the factory recommended fork oil level? (Y/N) If not, elaborate.
130 mm

3. Do you run the Ricor recommended fork oil weight (Amsoil 5w)? (Y/N) If not, elaborate
Yes

4. Do you run the original equipment fork spring with the Intiminator (Y/N) If not, elaborate
No, Racetech 1.0 kg/mm

5. You ride a Bonnie/Thruxton/Scrambler (?)
05' Bonnie

LuckyBonnie · 08-25-2010, 01:28 AM

Great thread idea.

grumpy_1944 · 08-25-2010, 02:03 AM

I don't remember specific settings but, stock springs, 5 wt fork oil, everything else follows installation instructions to the letter. Bike was "nervous" in corners prior to intiminators. Also installed Hagon rear shocks. Bike is now more capable than I am.

mightydaj · 08-25-2010, 10:01 AM

1. Does your bike exhibit the hunting symptom on smooth pavement? (Y/N)
No.
2. Do you run the factory recommended fork oil level? (Y/N) If not, elaborate.
Yes.
3. Do you run the Ricor recommended fork oil weight (Amsoil 5w)? (Y/N) If not, elaborate
Yes.
4. Do you run the original equipment fork spring with the Intiminator (Y/N) If not, elaborate
Yes.
5. You ride a Bonnie/Thruxton/Scrambler (?)
Bonnie.

Sorry to hear of your problem, have not had same problem. Ride much better than with just progressive spring. Some day I will test out Ricor and progressive springs (put stock springs back in when I installed the Ricors).