 Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 898
3/4 Throttle
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OP
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 898 |
I really want to keep my bike, but tempted to sell it! I need to know from un-biased sources if the upgrading to progressive front and rear actually works. The bike handles well for a cruiser, but because of the suspension I'm almost afraid to lean it over! I have had this bike or an America since 2003, but after riding many other bikes I really understand just how bad this stock suspension is. The front end is really bothersome, is there a fix that actually works? Seriously..................
Triumph Scrambler Diablo Red & Silver (2014), Arrow Exhaust, FI remapped with TTP #4, 16 tooth sprocket, Triumph Gel Solo seat & Rack, Progressive 440 1" lowered Shocks, SAI & O2 Removal, Airbox Restrictor Plate removed.
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Re: Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4 |
Replacing the front springs with progressives anbd adding the Progressive 440IAS shocks will transform the ride to a whole new and far superior level. Cost about $500 to do but well worth the $$. I believe there is a special with one of the vendors here (fast eddie??) for free front springs if you buy the 440s.
I had one of my 440s leak and sent them in for free replacement (lifetime warranty) and rode with my stock shocks for two weeks and could not believe the difference. At first I forgot I swapped and could not figure out why it rode so bad. Doh!
A word to the wise is not necessary. It is the stupid ones who need the advice.
Pat
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Re: Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 898
3/4 Throttle
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OP
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 898 |
Sounds encouraging, do the front springs help as much? It feels like the front end is is bouncing up and down sometimes............
Triumph Scrambler Diablo Red & Silver (2014), Arrow Exhaust, FI remapped with TTP #4, 16 tooth sprocket, Triumph Gel Solo seat & Rack, Progressive 440 1" lowered Shocks, SAI & O2 Removal, Airbox Restrictor Plate removed.
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Re: Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,721 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,721 Likes: 5 |
yeah, the front is a very good upgrade, the tire is firmly planted on the road with progressives
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 570
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 570 |
From reading posts here, I had the front springs replaced with Progressives before I brought my Speedmaster home. No sagging or bouncing at all. I now have Progressive 412's on the rear. Altough an improvement over the stock shocks....no WOW factor for me. I'd get the 440's or maybe even better, the Hagon Nitros. Maybe Staffo will jump in here as he has the Nitros and claims a PLUSH ride. That's what I want.
"You're a long time underground!"
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Re: Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150 |
Yes I do have the Hagon Nitros but there are a few on here who have heard Hagons aren't much chop. Of course there are Hagons and there are Hagons. The cheaper Hagons have had a fair few complaints but to confuse them with the quite expensive Nitros really does not do them justice. BTW, there are others on here who also have bought Nitros and like me seem pretty happy with their purchase. Of course I can't compare progressive rears to mine but what I liked most about the nitros was all their parts are stainless with pure quality construction. They also have damping as well as good pre-load adjustment. One other factor that comes into this is, you won't find a better bloke for advice or price than Fast Eddy and even though he stocks the progressives I suggest perhaps talking to him as part of your information gathering.  Regardless, I don't think you can go to wrong just as long as you realise that in most instances, if they cost a little bit more it's for a reason.
Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
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Re: Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
This thread interests me a lot. This spring I bought an 03 TBA with 2000 km. Virtually brand new. As the season wore on and I got used to the bike I found myself riding faster and faster, especially through twisties which are in abundance around here (Mmmmmmmmm, twisties...). Now I like to hit them hard with a good solid roll on the outtake.
I'm telling you, there are times my bike freaks me out!!! In a hard corner it can do a sort of wobble/twist/bounce/shake thing that can lead to me a serious case of AR! Not a good feeling.
Now... I love my bike, I really do and I HAVE to get her to handle better. In these mountains there are nothing but twisties which dictate the style of riding. I corner a lot and I corner pretty hard. If I have to spend $500 I will but I sure hope it really is the answer.
So far the prognosis is compelling. Would love to read a few more testimonials.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
Quote:
Replacing the front springs with progressives anbd adding the Progressive 440IAS shocks will transform the ride to a whole new and far superior level. Cost about $500 to do but well worth the $$. I believe there is a special with one of the vendors here (fast eddie??) for free front springs if you buy the 440s.
I had one of my 440s leak and sent them in for free replacement (lifetime warranty) and rode with my stock shocks for two weeks and could not believe the difference. At first I forgot I swapped and could not figure out why it rode so bad. Doh!
Im running Progressive 440s in the rear and Progressive springs in the front with a mix of 50/50 (10wt and 15wt forl oil)...by far one of the best changes Ive made to date in regards to feel.
Im thinking of adding a set of Ricor Intiminators to teh front as well. Theres a great discussion and a discount somewhere on here.
Do the upgrade! I did it on Karens bike and she got ticked I spent the money on her bike till after she rode it. It improved her confidence in the corners and I have noticed her speed up.
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
Im running Progressive 440s in the rear and Progressive springs in the front with a mix of 50/50 (10wt and 15wt forl oil)...by far one of the best changes Ive made to datein regards to feel.
Interesting Z. I'm on the verge of doing this upgrade due to (especially) Eddy's Progressive deal this month) ... but ummm, well you're running the 440s but you are slightly heavier than me, right? And well, you've been through this country more than once and all the while cornering hard. Does your bike do the wobble/twist/bounce/shake thing with the upgrade on these roads?
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,933 Likes: 3
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,933 Likes: 3 |
My road test results in comparison of the three Progressive Shocks. Progressive Suspension tests
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Re: Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 898
3/4 Throttle
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OP
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 898 |
"wobble/twist/bounce/shake"
I'm with mountainman as bad as the rear's are I'm almost more concerned with the front's! Sometimes it seems to jump/bounce up and down going down a fairly "smooth" road, is there a fix or mod to smooth out the front and keep the front tire on the road in the rougher patches?? help!! One of the post's above suggest the Progressive front springs do keep the tire firmly planted on the pavement....
Triumph Scrambler Diablo Red & Silver (2014), Arrow Exhaust, FI remapped with TTP #4, 16 tooth sprocket, Triumph Gel Solo seat & Rack, Progressive 440 1" lowered Shocks, SAI & O2 Removal, Airbox Restrictor Plate removed.
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Re: Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,721 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,721 Likes: 5 |
Mark, you know how when large trucks drive over a hot asphalt road and it creates all those bumps in a row? Before I put progressive springs in the forks, my bike would be jumping all over the lane on this stretch of road near my house. Now I can hit the same stretch and accelerate and it's nice and smooth throughout the whole thing. No hop in my tire, no bounce, I can watch the forks work as I ride and they just keep the wheel planted, not sure how else to explain it. I know that after the Mid West Rally this summer, livinginh was riding behind me and was amazed at how smooth my bike was when we were hitting the same bumps in the road and he was flying out of his seat.
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
Quote:
Quote:
Im running Progressive 440s in the rear and Progressive springs in the front with a mix of 50/50 (10wt and 15wt forl oil)...by far one of the best changes Ive made to datein regards to feel.
Interesting Z. I'm on the verge of doing this upgrade due to (especially) Eddy's Progressive deal this month) ... but ummm, well you're running the 440s but you are slightly heavier than me, right? And well, you've been through this country more than once and all the while cornering hard. Does your bike do the wobble/twist/bounce/shake thing with the upgrade on these roads?
Keith,
Im 300# so yeah...Im ajust a little bigger than you (by 2 at least  ).
The bike is solid on them thar Kootenay roads you speak of.
The only issue I still have is a slight dip on harder braking but I beleive that is due to the amount of weight my bike has to stop  I think the Ricors might be what I need to resolve that.
I dont know how long Eddy is runnign his deal but Id do it.
I know the major part of this thread is for front suspension but doing both front and rear is the way to go.
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1 |
Ive seen Eddy's comparision with 440,412,418s but has anyone compared the 812s?
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Re: Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,721 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,721 Likes: 5 |
I thought the 812's were the same as 412's with only different cosmetic design
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: Feb 2008
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2008
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+1 for the 440s. It's one of the best and most noticable upgrades I've put on my bike.
Still waiting for the intiminators to arrive.
They are still half price.
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Re: Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,933 Likes: 3
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,933 Likes: 3 |
Yep, the 812's are the same as the 412's but prettier. Same exact shock with fancy coverings.
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Re: Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Quote:
Regardless, I don't think you can go to wrong just as long as you realise that in most instances, if they cost a little bit more it's for a reason.
Thanks Staffo....the above is so true!
"You're a long time underground!"
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Re: Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1 |
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Re: Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 95
Member
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Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 95 |
I like bouncing around all over. It keeps it real for me.
2008 BA, Ageon Blue, roadster shield, light bar. tach, big bags, square engine guard, short sissy with rack. All Triumph parts. No mods.
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Re: Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 898
3/4 Throttle
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OP
3/4 Throttle
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"I like bouncing around all over. It keeps it real for me."
Funny, but u obviously don't know much about sporty riding..........
Triumph Scrambler Diablo Red & Silver (2014), Arrow Exhaust, FI remapped with TTP #4, 16 tooth sprocket, Triumph Gel Solo seat & Rack, Progressive 440 1" lowered Shocks, SAI & O2 Removal, Airbox Restrictor Plate removed.
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Re: Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 208
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2007
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Just curious, not looking to start anything, but why would one buy a laid back cruiser bike, of any brand, if they are wanting to sport ride? Why not a sport bike?
Me, I'd buy a Bonnie, Thruxton or Scrambler (to stay with the classic look), mod it and ride the tires off of it, if I were looking to sport ride.
Again, just wondering.
Jim F
Salisbury NC/York SC
"Are you a Mod or a Rocker?"
"No, I'm a Mocker!"
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Re: Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 898
3/4 Throttle
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OP
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
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As my skills have increased since riding on the street since 2002, I have gravitated more and more to a sport bike. I can't handle the bent over the tank riding position however. I am looking to get one of the following three bikes next spring......
1) Street Triple
2) Harley XR1200
3) Kawasaki Versys
Still the front tire jumping all over the place is unsafe and not as fun in the twisties as it should be!
Triumph Scrambler Diablo Red & Silver (2014), Arrow Exhaust, FI remapped with TTP #4, 16 tooth sprocket, Triumph Gel Solo seat & Rack, Progressive 440 1" lowered Shocks, SAI & O2 Removal, Airbox Restrictor Plate removed.
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Re: Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
The Progressive front springs make a huge difference. Throw the stocks in the recycle and never look back. No more diving on hard stops, no more pogoing on tight turns (changed oil to 15W to help the rebound).
The front stock springs suck. Replace 'em. Probably the best mod you can do, and cheap too.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 234
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Come-on guys, stop being a bunch of wimps  and man up...  Just weld the front forks and rear swingarm, and get rid of those silly springs and dampers. Ok, Seriously... A Cruiser will NEVER be a sport bike. So if you want sport bike performance get a sport bike. The America/Speedmaster is probably one of the better handling Cruisers (with the exception of turn-in). I understand your comment in regards to leaning it over but when you do lean it over it still works (just a bit daunting). Progressive front springs and a 10/15W fork oil mix made a big difference to the skipping on irregular surfaces and a less daunting feeling when leaning over (now only two knuckles turn white). I haven't done the rears yet but going one-up in the OEM adjustment also made the ride better. Perhaps doing the rears will get me down to only one knuckle turning white. I'll have to try some 440's this coming season.
Adventure before Dementia...
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Re: Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
Come-on guys, stop being a bunch of wimps and man up...
Just weld the front forks and rear swingarm, and get rid of those silly springs and dampers.
You first. 
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Re: Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,816
Freelance Jedi Knight
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Freelance Jedi Knight
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,816 |
Quote:
one knuckle turning white
what it is all about? 
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Re: Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 711
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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CanyonWolf --
If we can get together sometime soon I'll let you see what I did to my 03 Speedy -- I have stock rear shocks but upgraded front fork springs and a fatter front tire -- makes a BIG difference.
--Jaeger
NEUTIQUAM ERRO
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Re: Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 898
3/4 Throttle
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OP
3/4 Throttle
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Really? I also own a HD Fatbob, it has a Huge front tire, I would like to do that with my Speedy!
Triumph Scrambler Diablo Red & Silver (2014), Arrow Exhaust, FI remapped with TTP #4, 16 tooth sprocket, Triumph Gel Solo seat & Rack, Progressive 440 1" lowered Shocks, SAI & O2 Removal, Airbox Restrictor Plate removed.
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Re: Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: May 2005
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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I't not super huge -- liek 10mm over spec -- but it made a difference in the handling. The real big improvement was teh progressive fork springs and the 12.5-wt oil.
--Jaeger
NEUTIQUAM ERRO
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Re: Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
The Progressive front springs make a huge difference. Probably the best mod you can do, and cheap too.
Yes, the front springs are a dramatic improvement, akin to buying a new bike.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 127
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Please excuse my ignorance here, but what exactly is the main complaint about stock shocks and springs - too stiff, too mushy, unstable, bottoming out or what? Aside from rearranging my vertebra on bad expansion joints at 70 mph my '05 SM seems to handle the road very well. I wonder if it was already upgraded front and back - any way to ID shocks and springs from outside?
Hot Pipes
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Re: Suspension is the worst!
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150 |
If your shocks look like the original stock units, they are more than likely the originals with no modifications.
I've found the best way to judge a good pr of shocks is:
if you are riding along and you hit a sizable bump in the road and next thing you know you are rearranging your backside back on the seat where it was before the bump, then your shocks are either not adjusted properly or ir they are then your shocks are rubbish.
Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
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