Triumphrat

mdr231 · 05-08-2007

I'm 5'8" and can just about flat-foot my feet when sitting
on my T-100. I've been reading the threads on lowering the machine, and think I would appreciate being about 1" closer to the ground. First question, for those of you around my height who have lowered their bikes, (I weigh about 150) is it worth the effort and expense?

Next question- I would like to do this myself, but don't have a garage to work in and no center stand. Is it practical for me to change the rear shocks (to something about 30mm shorter) and lower the front end by about the same? Or do I really need a lift? Will a Triumph dealer do these mods for me (and keep the warranty intact)?

Thanks in advance.

Michael

bonnieblackinfl · 05-08-2007

I don't know the length of the stock T100 shocks, but I have some stock Bonneville shocks w/1000 miles on them I will gladly part with. Stock Bonnie shocks are 12.5" if I recall correctly.

Greg

sweatmachine · 05-08-2007

they're the same shocks...

5bassman · 05-08-2007

Your best bet would be a more narrow seat. I'm 5'6" and lowered mine in back with Hagons 1 1/4 and in front 1/2 and it helped but doesn't make that much of a difference. Remember that you sacrifice ground clearance in turns when you lower it.

[ This message was edited by: 5bassman on 2007-05-08 19:06 ]

ROBD · 05-08-2007

A lift is very helpful, and probably necessary. When you take off the shocks, the wheel will drop down, so you need to bungee the wheel/swing arm to the frame. I tried to take off 1 shock at a time and it didn't work too well. Try to get a set of Used Speedmaster or America shocks off of this site. That's what I did and they fit fine, about an inch lower, and CHEAP. The lift also helps in lowering the front, so you can control how far to push the front shocks up, about 3/4". Not a real hard mod, you just need to take your time and find a friend with a jack. The "Steal"ership will cost you $$$$ Good luck.

beagldog · 05-08-2007

I had my Bonnie Black lowered by the dealer when I bought it. They changed the rear shocks and also adjusted the front forks. I also replaced the seat with a 68 brown leather seat. I'm about 5'5" and I can put both feet flat on the ground while sitting.

--Everything chrome should be black--

Loxpump · 05-08-2007

I also did the lowering, I'm 5'-6". I used 30mm shorter Hagons and slid the forks up about 3/4". I can now flat foot it and it feels great. I haven't noticed any adverse effect on handling or scraping on turns from less ground clearance. You will need to either shorten or do what I did and put a bend in your side stand so it leans over more. I didn't do it the cheapest about $300.00 total with Hagons in the rear and new progressive springs in the front. An easy DIY also. With a center stand no lift needed.

Here's an after pic.

Here's one of me leaning it over. Foot peg, side stand, and center stand are not touching the ground. There is no weight on the suspension so the angle would be a little less under load but I have had no problems on turns yet.

[ This message was edited by: Loxpump on 2007-05-08 21:44 ]

karamazov · 05-09-2007

Michael,

Don't know how long you've had the bike, or how many miles you've put on it, but you may wish to hold off a bit before doing any modifications. Or, start with non-suspension changes (seat foam trim or boots with a thicker heel.) I'm 5'6" and at first I thought the bonnie was too tall, but now I don't even think about it. With Redwings on, I can just about flat foot. I've heard a lot of talk about confidence with two feet flat, but not nearly enough about learning to ride the bike properly at slow speeds. I'm pretty sure that getting two feet flat on the ground wouldn't have done me any good the one time I dumped it in a parking lot.

Just another opinion... Good luck, whichever way you decide to go.

Nathan

mdr231 · 05-09-2007

Thanks all. Good advice.
I've had the bike for a bit over 1000 miles now.
Think I will wait and see how it goes this season before
deciding. Maybe put some more wear on the current shocks
before getting rid of them...

Michael

russerts · 05-09-2007

I've got my Thruxton lowered, but the first option might be a custom seat. Perhaps folks here can suggest one near you. I went to Rich's in Seattle and I am very happy. I went for increased comfort, but he was fixing a Harley for a young woman while I was there and she got lots of improvement from the seat. Probably as much or more than the parts, though - say $400.