Triumphrat

Jake_Goodman · 05-20-2008

I have Bonne black -07, which I bought brand new last year. During my first ride this spring I knew that I gotta get rid of those pogo sticks.

About one month ago I changed fork springs to Hagon progressive springs, which are the same length as OEMs. With the springs they supplied 20W fork oil. After some considerations I decided to use that although it seemed a bit stiff compared to what they supplied earlier. So far it has been working okay and I don’t have any negative comment.

Next thing was the rear shocks. I choose YSS Z302TRL –shocks, because I felt that they give best bang for bucks and because I could choose the length freely. I got 10 mm extra length for the shocks. Now I got shocks which are doing what they are supposed to do.

Boy, but my Bonne is handling way differently that it was before. It feels like completely new bike. The steering is light and fast; I also dropped fork geometry about 10mm while I was doing the fork springs. Bike reacts to irregularities and ruts in the road maybe a bit too easily while I am driving around the town. On the twisty the bike really shines.

What about the future mods? During this summer I am going to do something for the air intake and re-jet the carbs. I already did bafflectomy and I love the new sound.

Baltobonneville · 05-20-2008

I wonder why Hagon supply 20W oil with those springs in Europe?

I installed the same springs--they didn't come with oil--and changed the oil but used the same 10W as it started with.

Some people caution against using the heavier oil in the forks, some people go to 5W or 7.5W, some use a heavier weight. Since I couldn't find a consensus on what it should be, I left it at 10W.

I'm not sure what qualifies Hagon as the supplier of only the springs to specify an oil weight at all.

Jake_Goodman · 05-21-2008

I was wondering exactly the same think. I was prepared to do the same as you did, or use 7.5W oil. They had printed 20W and 150mm cap in to the box, so I decided to give it a try.

I think/hope that Hagon is capable to specify the weight of the oil, because the springs came with HAGON fork oil.

uzidzit · 05-21-2008

on the fork oil, these forks lock up with 10wt going heavier just makes the high speed damping worse, if you are not running emulators and or drilled tubes, stick with 5-7.5wt oil 10 at the most. you can just buy the traxxion dynamics kit for the sv-650 early model (kyb) and you will get emulators and damper tubes already drilled correctly, then whit this you go to 15-20 wt oil, and you will be spot on.

If you go this route straight rate springs work better, remember sv-650 springs interchange get them from sonic springs they have a great selection of rates.

not sure why they send 20 wt oil in Europe, when even hagon recommends 5wt for their springs as does works on their dual rate spring.

motorjon68 · 05-21-2008

I just ordered Hagon springs and YSS emulators for my Scrambler. Thruxton springs, the factory spacers and the emulators are roughly the same length as stock springs and spacers. How much fluid goes in each leg? Sounds like I need 15wt oil?!

uzidzit · 05-21-2008

you are really opening a can of worms for yourself.

You really cannot run cartridge valve emulators with progressive springs, they fight each other and become almost impossible to set up, you need a good set of sonic springs (or race tec)(note: any sv650 set of springs work, in the correct rate) straight rate springs.

the yss emulators seem as good as race tec I have used one set and they were good, but required a different size spacer ring than the race tech did.

yes plan on 15wt oil or even 20wt you will pick the lighest wt oil that does not pogo stick at a full very hard stop or deep bump (ie no more than 1.5 ocilations of the forks)

the compression damping you set at the valve, you do not want excessive dive (or wallowing) during heavy braking and you want it to feel solid over bumps in turns at higher speeds (not like it is dancing getting ready to let go)

this will take a little time to get just right.

set the oil level to about 120mm to start, and set your sag for about 30-33mm, less is ok on a track but on the street you will hit the top out springs too often.

the final oil level is set by riding, this will firm or soften the ride on small bumps at lower speeds, it is a ride and adjust to taste thing.

ohiorider · 05-21-2008

What you say about progressives with emulators is beginning to make sense. I'm running Progressive 11-1126 fork springs, and have played with fork oil levels and weights, and think I've reached the best compromise possible (for my riding style and typical road conditions).

I may want to do the RaceTech emulators next year. Based on what I've learned about cartridge forks, it seems like the correct solution.

I have to admit, that although my long-gone W650 front end was no more sophisticated than the Triumph's, (maybe a tad mushy) it was good enough that I didn't see the need to modify it.

Bob

bonnieboy · 05-21-2008

I fitted Hagon springs to my Bonnie and used the oil supplied. No problems, the difference is amazing. No need to make any alterations to the forks.

Jhtjon · 05-22-2008

Funny I just ordered a set of springs from traxxion. I specifically asked what weight oil I should use and they said 20w. The springs are constant rate springs.

uzidzit · 05-22-2008

if you run 20wt with stock damping tubes get ready for a real good beating, unless your roads are smooth as a bowling ball. getting the spring rate right is the first big step.

the bike is way way under sprung, and a little over dampined the way it comes.

this generally, is the best compromise for a cruiser with simple suspension.

a little warning, here too I put handling as THE TOP priority, and the ride quality as SECOND, when set up to handle well, this bike will have a VERY FIRM ride, not harsh but you will feel every pebble, ripple, and even every matchstick you hit. be prepared for this.

If you just want much better, but do not want a bike that is between stock sportbike firm, and track bike firm. then

light oil and progressive springs with the sag set correctly, is probably your best choice.

Or go with one step lighter on the straight rate spring than recommended (This will still be a much higher rate than stock trust me) and run the race tech valve at no more than two turns, (could even call them for a set of lighter valve springs) and run heavy oil, and lower fork oil level this will soften the ride but will still give the benefit of the valve when you hit the vicious bumps .

by the way the progressive springs from a suzuki dl650 (the stock ones it comes with) make a great set of springs for the bonnie, their rate is about right, they are long so you have to cut a spacer, but they give a good feel with 7.5wt oil for a rider 165-225 lb or so. you can find them on the bay or
stromtrooper classifieds for usually $15-20