Triumphrat

bommer · 06-09-2008, 11:28 AM

I searched the forums and while I found passing reference to the KYBs there was never a love 'em or hate 'em.

I took the plunge and got a set from a gentleman on eBay.

Installation on my '08 Thruxton was a breeze. I used both bushings from one of my factory shocks. Use a drift (socket) that is just a bit larger then the steel insert in the busing and you will have no problems knocking them out.

On the Thrux, the bottom bolts are blocked by the pipes so they need to be removed. I expect the Scrambler has similar issues on the right top side.

I would say an hour for the entire R&R, even less on a Bonnie.

This is a completely different bike now. The rear end was borderline out of control prior, particularly in rough corners. It is now well planted and has much better control over all road surfaces. It is firm but compliant, the previous hard hits are now easily soaked up and the pogoing when laid over is gone.

Note to Triumph: Why aren't these stock parts??

bendavanza · 06-09-2008, 11:45 AM

I have the KYB shocks on my 01 Bonnie. I have to agree with your review, but add that they are a bit over sprung for my weight. With a passenger they are perfect.
It was a huge difference in handling. Now I just need to do something with my fork springs.
-Ben

bommer · 06-09-2008, 12:02 PM

I was in the second and third Austin Powers movie as Fat Bastard's

stunt double so the spring rates are perfect for me.

I am actually pretty happy with the action of the fork. Being a hacker I will probably try a set of progressive springs anyhow.

neuroboy74 · 06-09-2008, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bommer

This is a completely different bike now. The rear end was borderline out of control prior, particularly in rough corners. It is now well planted and has much better control over all road surfaces. It is firm but compliant, the previous hard hits are now easily soaked up and the pogoing when laid over is gone.

my thoughts exactly. . . love them!!

travellingtenor · 12-25-2011, 01:43 AM

It is funny how people differ in their opinions of things. I have owned two ZRXes and the KYBs are original equipment on them. Although they function like a shock should, they can hardly be considered ideal. One of the first things that I did was to pull the KYBs and replace them with Ohlin's on the first bike, and Works Performance on the other one. In fact I did not think much of the first bikes KYBs and gave them away to a friend of mine. Now, before anyone gets all up in arms, the KYBs are probably better than stock shocks. I would not know about that because I have never had them on my Bonneville. I liike a retro look so the KYBs do not fit the part for me. If other riders are happy with them, and they work for you, go for it. There are plenty of ZRX owners waiting to pass their shocks on to you for a decent price. The ZRXOA board has them in their classified section a lot. They usually go for 200 to 250 dollars, depending on mileage or if they have been modded by a suspension place.

RumRunner · 12-26-2011, 01:05 PM

Wow this is bringing a thread back from the dead...

But on my Thruxton I've had the stock rear shocks, Ikons, and the KYB's.
The KYB's are by far a ton better than either the stockers or the Ikons (maybe just the fact that they're more suited to my rotund shape. That said I was able to make adjustments with the KYB's and actually feel a change vs. the Ikons where I really couldn't tell the difference. Plus for me they gave me the look I was wanting. Would I prefer something with a little more adjustment of course, and maybe if I find a set at the proper price I'll got that way at some point.

If you're looking for a set of better shocks for a Thruxton, and you like the look you won't be disappointed with these.

LukiSevenAce · 12-27-2011, 10:41 AM

And a damn good looking bike it is my friend!

On my first Bonnie I ran with the stock Hagons for about 12K miles, they were just average and had only one very (very) basic adjustment (spring rate tension.)

I got a set of IKONS, and ran with those for about 16K miles. Better than the Hagons, but still, just one basic adjustment.

Jumped to the KYB's and the difference in 'feel' was palpable from the first minute.

The two basic adjustments are easy to 'affect' for any riding condition you are going to encounter--- spring tension and rebound rate.
From a two-up day ride to a week long trip with saddle bags packed and all the 'stuff' you take for a run like that (er, tools.)

You can add into the mix of possible adjustments the gas load too.
That's a finer type of adjustment to make, and takes a while to get it right for 'mean' performance (broad stroke, daily riding conditions.)

I have stopped in the middle of a run to make changes to the KYBs to address road conditions before.
While everyone else is complaining about corner chamfer in the line for critical turns, I'm able to get through with no abject effects.

Mind you, I only put 50K miles on the KYB's, so there's probably someone out there that knows better than I how good they are.

*My new (to me) $75 set are on the way, soon to be on my 'new' (to me) T100.
I'll have them on for Spring, certainly.

RumRunner · 12-27-2011, 11:03 AM

Yes they do look much better than standard shocks

sidknee · 12-27-2011, 06:08 PM

They look the business in my opinion, but then I removed that "KYB" red stuff to aid aesthetics.

Performance wise - several times better than standard shocks in terms of stability, albeit the ZRXs are designed for a bike that is about 20Kg heavier. Riding solo they are a bit stiff (I am about 11.5 stone in weight) but with loaded luggage, or indeed that and/or a pillion they are a massively effective, cheaper alternative to many otherwise "quality" alternatives. I paid about £170 for a good used pair.

Certainly will not be looking for anything else, anytime soon.

sidknee · 01-26-2012, 12:46 PM

Don't know what happened with the pics from my previous post but here we go again...