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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
So if you order the ikon shocks for the bonnie it will lower the rear of a Thruxton? I want to lower the rear end, and i'm not a super experienced rider so i don't need anything track worthy, but i was just wanting to make sure that i was correct about this. Has anyone done this? Are you happy with the results?
 

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Discussion Starter · #3 ·
I lowered my front a bit after i talked to you about it and i love it. just wanted to lower the rear a little bit cause now i feel like i'm sliding into the tank more. I remember reading that the bonnie shocks are shorter i just can't remember by how much. I think around an inch.
 

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Caspian, fiddling around with ride heights has a serious effect on geometry and consequently handling. It's a vast subject but generally lowering the front (by dropping the forks in the yokes or "triple clamps or trees" as you guys refer to them), relative to the back, quickens turn in (it shortens the rake and trail) but can cause head shake if the rest of your set up is not perfect. You don't want that! If you're a novice, and you want the bike to sit lower, my suggestion would be to lower the back and the front by the same amount. Personally I have lowered my front by 25mm, have Traxxion custom springs, a Traxxion damper rod kit (to give some damping and rebound control) and a variable steering damper to help with any head shake. On the back I have standard length custom Hagon Nitros. (By custom I mean the springs are matched to my weight and riding style so that my static pre-load is correct). So, for me my bike's front is dropped relative to the back. The handling is vastly improved, a lot of this due to the considrably improved components. But to get this I had to spend pleanty cash (Traxxion and Hagons are not cheap!) and do a large number of laps on the track tweaking the preload, rebound and damping settings. Be careful. Maybe do some reading on suspension set ups? Good luck.
 

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You won't have any "problems" if you lower the back relative to the front. Your bike just won't be as pointy and will turn in slower. Many folks like that - it does give you more assurance. Lowering the front relative to the back can cause "problems" as it quickens turn in. Quick turn in can frighten some...
 

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Discussion Starter · #12 ·
I just didn't have the $150 more for the cheaper Ohlins at the time. I actually don't have a problem with the stock ones. I just wanted to lower the rear a little bit. I also really want to keep my bike looking more like an old bike.

[ This message was edited by: caspianthruxton on 2006-11-16 16:51 ]
 

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I put bonnie shocks on the rear and lowered the front an inch or so. Turn in is more drastic and you will s***** you toes on turns. None of this bothers me but it may bother you.

I always like to get my bikes low as possible to get a lower center of gravity and I'm smarter than the factory dweebs anyways.
 
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