Triumphrat

Fyr · 05-16-2008

I am in a conundrum. Ive got the M-bars, Dart flyscreen, stock front chain ring(and rear), stock shocks and stock seat with leather saddlebags that go on under the seat (and flap in the wind). I am planning a ride to Americade in 3 weeks and want to make the Bonnie more comfortable. The ride should take 4-5 hrs depending on the roads (all back roads I should think) But I have taken a 3 hr ride and my back was brutalized. My bike is set up for around town and commuting, not hrs in the saddle.
I would think a higher chain ring would help in engine rpm (stock is 19t I believe). Better shocks out back would help (Ikons?) and different seat (although I like the cut and look of the stockie). Hard bags would be nice and a locking gas cap. Hmm the list grows and I get poorer...
My other idea was to get a strict touring bike (older airhead) but my wife would, ummm kick the **** outta me (lots of older bikes that dont run in the garage)... So upgrading the bonnie is the way to go. Plus I love that bike!
I am planning to go some other rides but not as long. I kind of have a budget of 600$ to get some stuff done. Any advice?

tooblekain · 05-16-2008

King and Queen seat, and higher bars...or back to stock bars...should still be under $600 and will make your ride comfortable.

VTbob · 05-16-2008

I have some experiance as a long distance rider (Iron butt association member) and I agree, the best single thing you can do is get a better seat. The best seat is one that matches your butt. Going to Americade is the best place to do that and you will see all kinds and be able to sit on most. I'd tough out the trip there to find the right seat for you. The second thing that helps fatigue on is a good wind screen. Your fly screen is just not big enough to effectively take the wind load off your body. Small ones look nice ( I have a National F15 on by bonnie black) but bigger ones work better.

ps have a great trip to Americade, take some of the day tours and enjoy the great roads in the area. I'm partial to the Vermont ones some how.

Fyr · 05-16-2008

Thanks guys
Ive been to Vermont and love the roads there!
I will tough it out and do some buying at Americade. I think my goal is to be able to enjoy longer rides without spoiling the kinda minimalist thing I have going with my bike as most of my riding is commuting and less than an hour in the saddle. Seat I agree with (but I really can't get into a king/queen seat as I love to slide around). I just sold the roadster screen to get a dart as I hated looking through plexi glass. (I know I am difficult, but I dont mind the windblast- I did Laconia on a Ninja 900 so I dont mind some wind!) It's just my neck and ass that gives me the stress. Also the knees as I wouldn't mind lowering the pegs..

Cat_Daddy · 05-16-2008

I tour extensively on my junk.

Stock front sprocket was an 18. I went to a 19 for calmer high speed cruising.

I've had 4 different seats so far and the King and Queen is the choice for long hours in comfort.

I had M bars and a flyscreen for awhile. I found they made the old body hurt on anything longer than a commute to work. So, ultimitely, I went back to stock bars and added risers. It's definitely a world of improvement.

bonnevillebilly · 05-16-2008

Well you made a mistake by getting rid of the roadster shield.
It helps 100%.
I have road for many, many years with out a shield I put the roadster shield
on a few years ago and I love it. It makes riding much more enjoyable
on longer rides.
The king and Queen seat is one of the most comfortable seats out there.
A set of handle bar riser help quite a bit.
A set of highway bars are very nice on those longer rides.
It is very nice to kick your legs out for a change of riding position.
The stock counter shaft sprocket is either a 17 T if you have the 790
motor or a 18 T if you have the 865 cc Bonnie.
I installed the 19T sprocket on my once 790 Bonnie which is now a 904 Bonnie.
But, the 19 T sprocket also helped quite a bit for the long rides.
It droped the rpm's down just right.
I can cruise all day at 80 with no problems.
And the saddle bags I got to have them I feel lost with out them.

RedBird · 05-16-2008

I basically agree with the other poster, except for the sprocket changes. I ride a 790 and wouldn't consider changing to a 18 or 19 tooth counter sprocket. I, too, can ride all day at 80+ mph with no problems, except for the LEO's.

The single biggest change factor for me was a good windscreen...the Parabellum Scout fairing transformed the bike for me, and I can ride 500 miles easier than 100 miles prior to the Parabellum. Second would be the King/Queen seat...the reason it is not first is once I installed the Parabellum, my butt wasn't so picky.

The Parabellum is pricey, but it is worth it IMHO.

Kirkus51 · 05-16-2008

There's also Gel Seats out there offered by Triumph both for Scrams and Thruxes. They will fit a Bonnie.

GeoDiablo · 05-17-2008

A good windscreen and highway bars are a couple of good choices. You may have to make your own bars though as the aftermarket is lacking good solutions. Good luck.

Fyr · 05-17-2008

I know someone who's got a king and queen seat on his Bonnie, I'll have to give 'er a try. Also. It's a straight swap I guess. Pop one off and the other pops on?
Johnny B (another member here) went to a seat upholsterer and had his seat re-stuffed. Looks good and adds a bit of height, so another option.
GeoDiablo, nice bars, looks slick! More ideas to consider..
I've kept the stock handlebars so I'll probably swap 'em out for the ride.