Triumphrat

Boriqua · 07-28-2007

I just installed mine a few days ago. The bike is absolutely awesome at speed now. Up to 95MPH today and no more of that little scary feeling. It is a must here where going 80 is a requisite. I have it set on the third setting and you do have to put in a ton more body english to get the same amount of quick lean. It doesn't bother me because it is much more in tune with most of the other bikes I have had.

Make no mistakes though it DOES slow down the steering. So now its not twitchy at highway speed but you do lose some of the dodge and cut at medium speed. For me its worth it. Highways were down right scary until the steering damper.

Now just because I cant believe I am the only dweeb in the world I want to share some info. The unit comes preassembled. I thought the looseness at the joints was by design. I mean where they have the nylocks. NOPE !! I mounted up the whole unit and started to ride and said this cant be right. I came back and tightened the nylock that holds the pivot to the supplied metal plate and tightened the bolt that holds the pivot out front by the fork. Maybe it was obvious to others but the two items that are attached when you receive it need to be tightened up. If you need pix I will take some....

The instructions could be clearer ... I cant be the only dude to mess this up!
Alex

Thrux-ton-up · 07-28-2007

Yea, I have the NH damper and fork brace - both great items - instructions are minimal though. I keep mine set on five - but with 17 inch wheels and quickened steering geometry it works just fine. Have not felt the need for one on the T100 yet, but I'm usually with the wife on that so high speed riding isn't the norm.

HiVel · 07-28-2007

Borqua- I did exactly the same with mine when I installed it last week. 3 turns is just about right for me too. I have the NH fork brace also and it sure did tighten up the handing-good stuff.

There are no instructions for the damper in my estimation. I left mine loose too-as I had another one that was supposed to be left loose at one point in the mounting. Anyhow, I tightened then up and she works fine.

2112 · 07-29-2007

I recently made a highway trip of 170+ miles each way and for that long, straight trip I set the clicks to 7 while on the fly. Speeds averaging between 80-90 mph was wonderful. Around town I like it still heavy setting it 4 clicks from zero.

I had the same installation delima and yes you're right that the mounting points need to be finished tightend-up. A lot of bang for the buck on a Bonnie.

Shameless pic

nick_t · 07-30-2007

can i ask for some clarification on the "looseness" you guys are talking about?

i've got an 06 T100, and i notice that once i get above 30 or 35mph, i can give the handlebars a little shake and the bike wobbles a bit. not enough to change my direction, but enough to cause me concern. at higher speeds, the wobble is still there, but i honestly don't shake it enough to check it out fully, since i don't want to take a spill at 65mph.

the wobble feels like the frame and perhaps even the front forks are sliding back and forth horizontally, but the front tire remains planted. the only real worry i have is sometimes on the twisties, when leaning the bike back and forth, there's a slight delay between my intent to turn and the actual turn. it's not long enough to be dangerous, but i'm concerned that when i really need it (like swerving to avoid a deer or car), that delay will be trouble.

i checked tire pressure and we're good at 33psi on the front, and as near as i can tell the bearings are tight. the bike only has 1200 miles on it.

would a steering damper help this out? is there something else wrong with the bike?

thanks for the help!
nick

Boriqua · 07-30-2007

For me the problem/idiosyncrasy was at speed. I was cruising along at say 75-80mph and when I would use my directional it was enough to move the handle bars. Any movement at the handlebars made the front end feel like it wanted to start a speed wobbble. it never did but it was disconcerting. If you feel something at slow speed that is a hesitation in reaction at the front I might check the head bearing for looseness. Im not sure a stabalizer would help with that.
Alex

nick_t · 08-01-2007

thanks, alex.

i went out yesterday and double-checked everything. my rear tire was a little low in pressure, and that helped. it's more responsive now, but still a little wobbly. i've got to take it in to the dealer for some minor work anyway, so i'll get them to make sure all my bearings are tight.

nick

raproe · 08-01-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by nick_t

thanks, alex.

i went out yesterday and double-checked everything. my rear tire was a little low in pressure, and that helped. it's more responsive now, but still a little wobbly. i've got to take it in to the dealer for some minor work anyway, so i'll get them to make sure all my bearings are tight.

nick

Have him check the wheel alignment also.

Rich