[inspector tom]

after doing some research i plan on going with penske. they are about $200 less than ohlins. after talking to the people at penske the 2 way adjustable 8983 series would work good for the tiger. and if you get the one with a remote reservoir it easy to adjust for different riding styles or a passenger. no reason to go with a higher end shock because the tiger will never be a track bike. the guy that has worked on my bikes for over 20 years swears by penske. he has them on all his race bikes & has won many road race championships over the years.

 

[winger]

Go with what ever suits,but don't look at high end shocks from the track day angle,high end shocks stay at the same level for longer when they get hot and bothered,hence why they have a remote reservoir,so when your two up with a pile of kit and your 300 miles down the road,they don't go awol on you.

After a 200 miles my stock shock would go belly up to the degree my wife would ask if were on a pogo stick!!,my Ohlins has never faded even on an 800 mile day.

Of course if you don't do that kind of thing,then it doesn't matter.

 

[johnwesley]

you can save a few coin and still have a high quality shock that doesn't fade and handles well with custom valving and spring to suit your weight and intended use. Motocd.com can rebuild your shock with all new internals and shims to suit your style

 

[winger]

Have a look at some of the suspension threads out there at the mo,just like everything else in life,suspension is no different,you only get what you pay for,the important question 'Do you need it'

 

[Merrimac]

I have had Ohlins shocks on the last few bakes. It has become one of the firsts changes I make. Some spend money on making a bike go faster. I prefer to invest in the suspension so I can ride safer at a quicker pace. The 2 best investments you can make to improve your bike are putting on a new set of tires and improvements to the suspension.

 

[Timbox2]

Ive just got one of these,Wilbers 641 with Hydro Preload, fitting tomorrow.

 

[kanhulk13]

Has anyone tried WP? Made in Austria I think, and on all the KTMs.

From test rides last year I almost bought the KTM SMT but chose the Tiger 1050 in the end. The one thing I like much better on the SMT than the Tiger was the suspension! Other than that I preferred the Triumph engine, backup from internet sites, ABS, more friendly dealers, better price and much better looks of the Tiger. Also slightly better availability of aftermarket parts/bolt-ons/mods.

Pick your Tiger:
http://www.wp-germany.com/shop/de/Triumph/Tiger

1050 Tiger:
http://www.wp-germany.com/shop/de/Triumph/Tiger/Tiger-1050i-ab-2007

529 Euros seems reasonable for the 4014 Emulsion (similar to the Wilbers).

http://www.wp-germany.com/index.php?id=104&subcat=19&subsubcat=12

Zugstufe = Rebound ; adjustable 16 clicks.


Fork springs are 99 Euros, which is also typical. Progressive or regular? I guess for non-track use progressive is better?

I've only had my Tiger 6 months so I have to wait until next winter to justify the cost of replacing the rear & front springs etc. but I am starting the research now.

I did the dynamic 'sag' (rider on) measurements with my tank bag on and sadly found that the front has 6 cm and rear has 4.5 cm. Too much...This was with the pre-load cranked to one turn back from fully in on the front and 12 clicks back (from the 16 stock) in on the rear. I suppose a cheap fix is just to replace the springs.

My complaint would be, however, that the stock bike obviously came with springs that are too weak...I'm not exactly heavy at 80 kg / 180 lbs...forget 2 up.

Come on Triumph... don't skimp on the basics! It's very annoying...We shouldn't have to replace springs for 4-5 years!

 

[blacktiger]

My complaint would be, however, that the stock bike obviously came with springs that are too weak...I'm not exactly heavy at 80 kg / 180 lbs...forget 2 up.

Come on Triumph... don't skimp on the basics! It's very annoying...We shouldn't have to replace springs for 4-5 years!

You're moaning at Triumph for fitting springs that are too weak but you have to accept that those springs will be perfect for someone else.
I'm going to defend Triumph here because it is impossible to make a bike to suit everyone. We're all different. Different weights. Different heights. Different length limbs.
When I rode a 1050 I thought it was a really nice bike that rode very nicely all round. I'm around 200lbs.
Also, you say that 6cm static sag is too much but this isn't a sports bike with 80mm total of fork travel. 60mm out of a total movement of 177mm is, I would say, is about right. I read somewhere, years ago, that sag with rider onboard should be about 1/3 of total travel available.

I managed to find a place to rebuild the shock on my 955 and it's turned out to be really good now. New oil, gas and seals for £110. The guy said it was a PItheA to do though.

 

[ChazzyB]

I managed to find a place to rebuild the shock on my 955 and it's turned out to be really good now. New oil, gas and seals for £110. The guy said it was a PItheA to do though.

This wouldn't be the place a certain Sprint-riding Johny Brett was telling me about this morning, would it?

 

[blacktiger]

This wouldn't be the place a certain Sprint-riding Johny Brett was telling me about this morning, would it?

Might be. ;-)



Unfortunately for Johny it's not a ride in, ride out service. You have to take the shock out and take it in.

 

[kanhulk13]

I hear what you are saying, Blacktiger, and agree it is difficult to build a bike for all shapes and sizes. But 6 cm sag front and 4.5 cm rear is AFTER cranking the front pre-load to 1 turn (not 1 ring) from full in and 12 clicks back from the 16 stock out on the rear.

I just think that in today's market my 80 kg/180 lbs. is actually light to average....therefore they should have a stronger spec spring which reflects the actual weight of people using the bikes. The Tiger is targeted at Adventure/Sport Touring...eg. usu. 2 up!

Not a big deal...just annoying...you only notice it on the bumpy B roads...but that's mostly what I ride!

 

[blacktiger]

I hear what you are saying, Blacktiger, and agree it is difficult to build a bike for all shapes and sizes. But 6 cm sag front and 4.5 cm rear is AFTER cranking the front pre-load to 1 turn (not 1 ring) from full in and 12 clicks back from the 16 stock out on the rear.

I just think that in today's market my 80 kg/180 lbs. is actually light to average....therefore they should have a stronger spec spring which reflects the actual weight of people using the bikes. The Tiger is targeted at Adventure/Sport Touring...eg. usu. 2 up!

Not a big deal...just annoying...you only notice it on the bumpy B roads...but that's mostly what I ride!

You are right but weaker springs give a better, more comfy ride. I now wonder if the Triumph test riders test anything two up. Though it is a common fault with most makes of bike.

 

[thefirerider]

Anyone looked @ the Bitubo or Matris products?
JCIII

 

[DevilDog]

I hear what you are saying, Blacktiger, and agree it is difficult to build a bike for all shapes and sizes. But 6 cm sag front and 4.5 cm rear is AFTER cranking the front pre-load to 1 turn (not 1 ring) from full in and 12 clicks back from the 16 stock out on the rear.

I just think that in today's market my 80 kg/180 lbs. is actually light to average.... !

Totally agree. Even the motorcycle rags complained about the Tiger being under sprung, but it is typical. Back in the day when rice propelled bikes dominated the market, everyone complained that the springs were designed for 120lb Japanese riders. Just from casual observation, Tiger riders tend to be on the "big" side. Smaller riders tend to avoid the Tiger when they have to use a step ladder to get into the saddle.