These are the Nitron R3 Stealth shocks which were bought for their looks over the other colour options. The advantage that Nitrons have over the Ohlins is Lo Speed damping. It really reduces any road ripples being felt through the seat, a real armchair of a ride. However they do take a lot of dialling in to get there! Certainly overkill for my abilities but perfect for my lumber discs - or lack thereof 😕

 

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@Kinjane How is the ride with the Ntrons compared to the stock rear shocks? After my bad experience with the price point Ohlins on my old Thruxton R, I have been pleasantly surprised with the generic supension on the Speed Twin. But I'm guessing I will find the stock suspension's limits once I have a chance to take it for some spirited riding with my regular group.

 

@Kinjane How is the ride with the Ntrons compared to the stock rear shocks?

TBH @ 75kgs I found the stock units adequate on smooth roads but on the twisty back roads that I prefer I would normally last about an hour before needing to give my back a break. With the Nitrons only the tank size limits how long I can ride without stopping. Unfortunately the deficiencies of the front forks have been exposed as my wrists are generally suffering by the time I stop to fill up so the Nitron cartridges with the 3 way valving will be going in after Christmas.
The ride I have now is very comfortable but one which also permits me to ride quicker through my favourite set of bends without seeming to require any real increase in effort to do so and is both planted and confidence inspiring,

 

there are LOTS of shocks BETTER than OE depending on $$$$, one important is built for your weight + riding style + factory support!! seen quite a few moans about Ohlins, + considering cost thats poor!! Bitubo makes great shocks as well as fork kits for fair prices with 3 selections for weight classes.from experience they are a great value IMO

 

I popped Nitron R1s on my Thruxton. Night and day compared to the OE junk. Plus they are engineering art but so are the R3s. The ohlins look mass produced to me by comparison.

 

The R3 cost pretty much exactly the same as the Tr-923. I think there is a 40 or 50 euros difference. Yet, you can get the Ohlins slightly cheaper online.

 

Hi Modular

I also tried unsuccessfully to find a direct comparison between the two and I don't think you'll actually find one IMO.

Here's my experience with the Ohlins TR-923's for what its worth.

Ohlin's Shocks on Speed Twin

I think I want to get some Ohlins for the Speed Twin. I push it hard around the corners and the back of the bike just isn't planted. It wanders around a lot. I also want to be able to make some adjustments when I put my wife on the back. I added one click of preload when I put her on and I...

www.triumphrat.net

Note: If fitting any manufactures rear shocks, and given some Triumph owners experience, it would also seem prudent to check this:

Nitron Shocks - Word Of Warning. Closure! :-)

Now, I've openly praised these and I maintain their function is first class but I discovered something today as I was fitting a Christmas present...

www.thetriumphforum.com

FYI : Ohlins TR-923 installation parts come with a "Tapered Spacer" to give sufficient clearance between the shock mounting lug and the top of the shock.

I hope this helps.

Regards

 

My R1s came with a similar small spacer. If installed without the spacer there would be contact between shock and frame.

It is tight on my Thruxton but from that thread it looks like the wrong model/year shocks were supplied and fitted by a numpty installer who failed to notice clearance issues which caused the damage and the owner of the bike then refused to engage with the manufacturer constructively when they offered to help.

The fact they were shorter than the OE shocks was the first red flag. They should never have even been fitted in the first place.

Another reason to learn how to do things yourself if you can.

 

Nothing extra required for the R3's they just bolt straight on.

Out of interest I've checked the spring rates for both piggyback units, which may help play a part in making a decision if outright quality is not an issue, The Ohlins have a 16-26N/mm spring and the Nitrons a 16-24 Spring.