Greetings, I have a 2014 T100. While the ride is softer than my 60's bonnevilles, I ride this bike more at highway speeds (60+mph). The two lane roads in Illinois have seams that can rattle your teeth after a few miles. I also have a BMW R75/5 that handles the seams a little better than the T100, I equipped it with some Ikon Basixs, plus the seat is quite a bit thicker, which absorbs the bumps as well. I like how the T100 handles much better than the Beemer, but I want to change the rear shocks, and the seat, for a softer highway ride. I know I may loose some of the handling. I'm just looking for options to consider. Thanks for all replies. Phil
Consider my Ikons for the rear but call Ikon USA in San Francisco first with your weight and riding style. Mine are dead-on.
As for Sargent, not cheap and you have to supply them with a stock seat base. Assuming he's still there, speak to Troy. Huge improvement and they'll make/configure it any way you like. Having a bad right hip, the rear subframe width has always been my biggest issue as it makes the seat wider than I'd ideally like. Compromises...
I like my Hagon 2810's more than I liked the Ikon's that I used to run. '08 T100. Make sure the shocks (whatever you get) are setup for your weight and riding style.
Agree with wenzel850. Be sure to specify your weight and primary riding style, as well as if you ride with a passenger, and if so percent of time. The Hagons saved my back and improved the handling and stability.
The newly elected governor here in Michigan just won on the platform of "fix the dam roads!" :agree
Have you played with spring preload on the rears? With stock shocks set at factory default (mid point) preload, my T100 would tend to bump me right off the seat at speed when hitting bumps, yet bike tended to wallow during fast corning. Changing preload to highest setting made the bumps harsher while setting softer preload made it worse corneeing.
Replaced with Hagon Classic II's at recommended spring rating and preload for my weight...wow, huge imprivement...exact same bumps at same speeds no longer throwing my vertically off seat...they are actually absorbed by the suspension yet everything feels firmer overall.
Stock shocks are just about the best Triumph could buy for $8 a pair....
Although considered by many (myself included) ugly and totally destroying the beauty of the lines of the Bonneville, the King and Queen seat from Triumph is extremely comfortable. I have read many reports from others attesting it it the most comfortable option out there.
I've bought one and use it for touring and when going for rides with SWMBO, as she hates the stock seat even more than I do...
I have done over 13 hour days, 600+ miles on the K&Q. Depending on your build, there is just enough room for you to move around a bit and change your position in long rides. I have done 2 long trips this season, totaling 4,800 miles and can attest it is very good. But please note I have over $1300 in suspension upgrades on my bike! The combination of the suspension and seat does wonders. I can notice the difference in comfort when using the stock seat - still much, much better than with stock suspension.
But again, it looks ugly - understanding taste is a personal thing...
Triumph accessories are getting harder and harder to find for the air-cooled Bonneville models. You might find used ones either online or from other forum members, though.
Yes, I saw one with the King & Queen seat last summer, and yes, it does destroy the look of the bonneville. As comfortable as the K&Q seat may be, if it's gonna take me over two hours to get somewhere, I'll drive a car.
I put one on my '01 and it was actually too tall for my short legs, so I flattened off the front with an electric knife and stapled the cover back on. Not that hard...
After that, it's the rear shocks. I don't know about the new new bonnies, but the air cooled ones always worked better with almost any brand of rear shock - other than OEM
Thanks for the replies. I ran across a used sargent custom seat on ebay, so I bought it. I'll try it first. Who sells Hagon shocks now since Dave Quinn, and Hagon USA aren't selling them any longer?
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