Triumphrat

BlackBonnie08

I have an 08 bonneville. Love it. But, i have been having an issue with the front end.

When i go over even slight bumps the front end 'thumps' like something is loose, especially when braking. It is not a 'head shake' issue and i dont have any high speed wobbles or anything that seems like a tire problem.

I have only owned one other bike-but driven several others. My prior bike did not do this. Is this common?

What can i check for tightness? I have not done any work to the suspension. The first service has been done - braking is fine.

Thanks for any input, i am somewhat concerned that this could be a safety issue.

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08 Bonneville Black, D&D, K&N, xAI, xSnorkel, 128 -42, Thruxton seat w/cowl, National Flyscreen & cafe bars.

Gtorockz

I really think you should let your local Triumph dealer/mechanic take it for a test ride, if he finds no problems, you will at least have piece of mind.
Safty First!

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2008 America: shorty off road pipe's, AI delete kit, Tach, tall backrest with rack, MS Shooter windscreen, droopy headlight visor and still adding stuff..

BlackBonnie08

I just took it in for the first service about 600 miles ago. He said "really nice bonneville". I assumed he had ridden it -maybe a poor assumption.

In any event, the dealer is local. I will stop by this weekend. I wanted to ask what he would charge to upgrade springs anyway.....

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08 Bonneville Black, D&D, K&N, xAI, xSnorkel, 128 -42, Thruxton seat w/cowl, National Flyscreen & cafe bars.

AKT100

Try putting your weight on the front forks and compressing them... Does your horn hit the mudguard?...I swapped my stock horn for a louder variant and noticed after a while the same thing.Every speed hump i'd get this noise...finally figured it out but not before the horn had scuffed my paintwork. relocated the horn under the tank no more issues!

good luck
AK

BlackBonnie08

I have checked and rechecked the headlight, etc for something loose. thanks.

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08 Bonneville Black, D&D, K&N, xAI, xSnorkel, 128 -42, Thruxton seat w/cowl, National Flyscreen & cafe bars.

AKT100

Stiffer springs are also an option...i wouldn't pay to get them done though...its very straightforward ...there are loads of threads here describing the process. I fitted hagons progressive springs they are a good improvement over stock

regards

AK

BlackBonnie08

I've done all of my mods so far. its one of the things i love about the bike. BUT, its summer and i already have the Airbox removal on my todo list.

I am a cheapskate at heart, so i am sure i will end up doing it myself. If the problem gets any worse, i will do that mod first. thanks for letting me know that it helpled.

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08 Bonneville Black, D&D, K&N, xAI, xSnorkel, 128 -42, Thruxton seat w/cowl, National Flyscreen & cafe bars.

AKT100

Well from one cheapskate to another....just cut the stock box to make room for the pod filters....save yourself a couple of hundred dollars and buy some progressive springs with the cash...job done!

Best regards
AK

BlackBonnie08

for some reason, I have an irrational fear of tearing the front end apart, but no hestitation about carbs,etc.

this is especially silly since i have in the past built multiple mtn bikes from the ground up (suspension -yes, not so much engine work).

Your economic analysis is flawless - i am going to order the springs and have at it! its a good excuse to get those fork boots i have had my eye on......

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08 Bonneville Black, D&D, K&N, xAI, xSnorkel, 128 -42, Thruxton seat w/cowl, National Flyscreen & cafe bars.

AKT100

Best bit of advice i can give you with the forks is just do one at time...that way you won't disturb the headlight brackets...be methodical and you cant go wrong!

Good luck with the work
I like you're spirit!!

regards
AK