Triumphrat

johnpa · 11-04-2007

Has anyone upgraded their front end with RaceTech Springs (Non Progressive) and the cartridge emulator kit (RT Part # FEGV S4101) I have read through the forum and see alot of folks have gone the IKON, Hagon, Progressive route.

I am interested in hearing what your experience has been and if you would do it again. Also what types of improvements did you see in the handling of your Bonnie after the upgrade.

Thanks

John Palmer
01 Bonnie

uzidzit · 11-04-2007

I have emulators, 1.1kg/mm springs, raised the tubes 20mm, and have done Yss shocks (thruxton length) in the rear. I have also added pre-load adjusters. This is the best handling front end mod you can do, you can use the valves with a progressive spring as well but you loose some of the handling improvement.

I have also used them on a 650 V-strom, sv-650, my cousin has them on his sv-650,and yahama v-star, and my dad has them in a sport glide.

I guess you could do a cartridge conversion, but this gets you so close the rest of the bike sets the limit.

FastbyFonjozy · 11-05-2007

I have Race-Tec Springs Spacer and heavier ( Can You Say Real) fork oil.

Great improvement from stock!

ohiorider · 11-05-2007

Here's a post I saved from several months ago. It would appear that RaceTech has first hand experience now with the Triumph front end.

Bob
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
tri650
Supersport 600

Missouri

Rides:
05 Sprint ST - sold
97 KTM EXC250 - sold
SV 650 track bike - crashed
06 Husky TE 610 - sold
06 Scrambler

Joined: Aug 15, 2005 Posted: 2007-01-07 14:38

I sent my front forks from my Scrambler off to Race tech for the full works - emulators, springs, etc. They did not have an emulator specified for the Bonnie (surprising) so my set was the test "mule". They have had them for about 3 weeks and I just got a message on Friday that they are done. Hopefully they will be back here this week so I can test next weekend.

I added Ikons to the back and changed tires to Pirelli Sport Demons - went with a 140 in the rear. I am really looking for a sporty ride. Can't wait to see how she handles with these mods. A report will be provided by this time next week - as long as the weather cooperates in the Midwest.

-----------------
Not likely to die of natural causes
________________________________________

thekiwi · 11-05-2007

Fitted springs & emulators . Straight wound springs are preferable to progressive [ Advice from some pretty clued up suspension guys ].
The emulators were not a straight fit so I had to make up nylon spacers but I understand Racetech now have a kit for the scrambler so this problem is probably solved . I put 15wt oil , the front end is now firm ,I no longer get the crashing & bashing from the forks bottoming I am going to change the springs on the emulators from 65lb to 45lb & use a lighter grade oil to see if I can get the damping a little more supple,its great on big bumps , stiff on small stuff, it is still way better than standard . The Racetech option is probably as good as you can make the front end with just springs & minor mods but in my case it will take a little sorting out to get it right . I am about 90% there & pretty happy with the improvement

johnpa · 11-05-2007

Thanks for taking to time to respond to my RFI on RaceTech. My Bonnie spent too much time at the beach in a previous life and I have pitting on one of the fork tubes that has eaten the seal on that side.

Since I have to take the front end apart anyway I think I will go for it and order the bits from RaceTech. I will spend some time on the phone with them today and place the order.

For those who have done the conversion do you have any war stories to tell or was the job fairly straight forward.

I found a post by DickBender where he references photo documentation he took the time to create when he upgraded his Bonnie. Does anyone know where I can find a copy of his efforts?

I also found another post where the author suggested upgrading the stock fork caps with the adjustable preload fork caps from a Thruxton. Has anyone gone down that road?

I will keep you posted and, as I said earlier, thanks for the help.

JP

johnpa · 11-05-2007

RaceTech lists the range of Bonnevilles that fit their solution as 2002 - 06. I have researched and can't find any reason other than the fact that RaceTech has not fit the emulators and springs to an 01 in their shop. It looks like all of the part numbers for replacement parts are the same on 01 - 06 Bonnevilles. I can't imagine that Triumph whould have jumped to a different fork. I think they are using Showa forks on the 01 is that the case with the later model Bonnies?

The folks I have talked to on the phone are very helpful and are more interested in making sure I will be satisfied rather than making a quick sale. That sure is a welcome experience.

Anyone out there upgraded an 01 Bonnie?

JP

Jarvis1966 · 05-27-2008

Just recieived my emulators and replacement (95Kg) rated springs from Racetech USA. Having them fitted to my scrambler by suspension specialists :

www.hmracing.co.uk

in the next week or so. They are based near Orpington in Kent and also have an impressive Dyno facility there.These people are very experienced in Ohlins and Racetech setups, and should get the Scrambler 'planted' the way i want it. I Have managed to source a pair of Ohlins type 36 PRL for the back. HM racing are going to set the whole system up for my riding style (liberty taking, fast road), and weight (95 Kg). I really was tempted by a complete YSS setup - and made enquiries regarding the purchase of said suspension - but was left hanging on the end of the emails for too long. The Ohlins are available via:

www.mhracing.com

in the UK. These are specified for the Thruxton, but are in fact 175mm eye to eye and have length adjustable to lift further. I have got them sprung for my weight. If anyone can point me to a source for Thruxton Preload top caps in a hurry I would be appreciative. I will report back on the handling transformation when the work is done. The Ohlins mod is not cheap (£599) but the Racetech internals are good value for money. You probably wont get better performance from a set of cheap KYB forks than this route, except maybe similar results from YSS. Looked into progressives/Ikon/Hagon, but after research have come to the conclusion that linear is the way to go. Its a pity that Triumph dont offer a premium suspension package (Ohlins USD, custom yokes, and rear piggy backs for the bonnie derived range). The Milan show Thruxton looked soooo sorted!

All the best.
Dave.

Jarvis1966 · 06-09-2008

Just got back from a blast around Kent after having my suspension tuned by HM Racing. The Emulators and racetech springs really turn the front end into something special. I got 95Kg springs fitted for my weight. It worked best with 15W oil in the end. Rear Ohlins shocks are the business TR538's (22 clicks rebound) and take care of the rear very well. Im riding my Scrambler exclusively on road, and am going to need a steering damper for the maxed out long sweepers as the front is a bit light and twitchy at times. the suspension has made it better though.