|  | Topic : Things that go bump |  |
| | | sbsdc | | Set |  |  | | Reg. Date | : | 09/09/2013 | | Posts | : | 30 | | Location | : | Washington, DC, United States |
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| | Posted : 26 Aug 2014 - 12:58 Post title : Things that go bump | | | OK, so I read a different thread about Ohlins, but I need some more input. Let me start with I am in no way, shape or form a techie. Please keep it simple for me.
I am having bump issues. My back and body just can't handle them anymore. We need smoother roads, but until then... am wondering about the benefits of new shocks v. new (different style) bike. Perhaps a cruiser is not best for me. That noted, I have a beautiful 2013 Red Marble Haze Bird with only 5,000 miles. Would love to keep her if I can make the ride smoother and more comfortable. I am 6'3" so I have no interest in lowering my suspension, just making the bike more comfortable over bumps. Already have an Air Hawk, so am only looking for shock/suspension advice. Again, I am not a techie, so the simpler the explanation the better. What Brands/models do you recommend? Is changing my shocks significant enough to be worth the cost? Thanks guys!
| 2013 T-Bird Marble Red Haze
Short Tors
Long Haul Turing Seat w/ Dual backrests
Kuryakyn ISO Grips
2016 R 1200 GS - Triple Black
2006 BMW K1200R (sold)
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| | | daz | | Zeus | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 12/05/2009 | | Posts | : | 7,686 | | Location | : | United States |
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| | Posted : 26 Aug 2014 - 13:34 Post title : Re: Things that go bump (Re: sbsdc) | | | AFAIK these are the shocks that people have fitted to the Tbird
1-hagon
2-ohlin
3-Ikon
4-progressive
Theres at least one other who's name I can't recall. progressive does not recommend any of thier shocks because none have been correctly fitted or tested by them. Same with hagon actually, tho the fitting is ok. Progs, not so much. I tried the progs tho, and recently hagons. Neither IMO is right for the bike, but many are happy with both so thats just my opinion. A few have the Ikons and all reports i've seen are quite happy with them. They are about the same as the hagons. Ohlins are a lot more but no doubt a great shock if you wanna put that much $ into shocks.
Progressive is probably the best bet for what you want....comfort, a soft ride. I had 440's on my speedmaster and they have a valving system called i think "IAS" or "AIS", something like that. If you can fit those to the bike you'd be in business. thats valving works like this. When you are on normal pavement it works as normal. When you hit bumps or other rough surfaces it detects it instantly and opens up the valving to soften it up. It worked REALLY good on my speedmaster. Like riding on air. They no longer make the 440 but they make another model with that system that replaced the 440's. If you can get those to fit i think you'd be a happy make. The 430's are what some guys here have, but they are stiff as hell even on thier softest setting. Don't know how you could try those progs with IAS but if you can determine they'd fit like the 430's and the right length and spring rate, i think that would be your cheapest route for a really sweet ride. Other than the Ikons at least, which people seem to love tho i have no idea how soft they can be.
| 2010 Blue/White Thunderbird, "Brutus". 1700 kit, short tors, gutted cat, UNI filter, filter seal off, custom tune. Brutus in his native habitat: Link
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| | | sbsdc | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 09/09/2013 | | Posts | : | 30 | | Location | : | Washington, DC, United States |
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| | Posted : 26 Aug 2014 - 13:54 Post title : Re: Things that go bump (Re: daz) | | | Thanks for your reply! BTW, I have long admired the photo you have of Brutus in his natural environment. Sweet!!
I should mention that I have had back issues for years. Bumps are killer for me. They literally send shock waves through my body and can be felt long afterwards. While cheaper (I mean less expensive, not lesser quality) is usually better, if Ohlins gives me the best "system" I will consider it. If I make the upgrade, I'd like to do it once and keep the bike for years. I need to make a smart decision here.
Good advice is always appreciated!!
| 2013 T-Bird Marble Red Haze
Short Tors
Long Haul Turing Seat w/ Dual backrests
Kuryakyn ISO Grips
2016 R 1200 GS - Triple Black
2006 BMW K1200R (sold)
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| | | edbob | | Chaac | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 04/04/2012 | | Posts | : | 931 | | Location | : | United States |
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| | Posted : 26 Aug 2014 - 14:49 Post title : Re: Things that go bump (Re: sbsdc) | | | It sounds like you're bottoming out on the big bumps. Although stiffer and better damped shocks will help with this, only a greater suspension range will cure the problem. That may require a different bike (sorry). Also, a cruiser's sitting position puts all your weight on your butt/lower back which is OK, but when you can see there is a big bump coming it's nice to be able to stand up and help absorb it with your legs. The best standing you can do with the thunderbird is pull hard on the bars and lay toward the tank which is also hard on your back. I went with longer shocks from Hagon. They're better damped and absorb the big ones better, but they do not have a longer stroke so I still bottom with some big bumps. To help with the big ones, I've moved my pegs back so I can stand a bit if I need to. If you want to give up on the t-bird, adventure touring bikes have the best suspension - magic carpet stuff - you'll never bottom unless you drive off a bridge.
| "You will ride eternal shiny and chrome"
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| | | daz | | Zeus | | | | Reg. Date | : | 12/05/2009 | | Posts | : | 7,686 | | Location | : | United States |
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| | Posted : 26 Aug 2014 - 14:58 Post title : Re: Things that go bump (Re: sbsdc) | | | Also, If you haven't tried this, move the bars forward. Ed's mention of seating position reminded me. The more you lean forward the less of a beating your back takes. Eliminating that cruiser sitting up straight position may work wonders. It does for me. I went to T bars for the look mostly, but what i found was my back really takes much more of a beating. I had the stock bars a bit forward and never had that issue. I've had the T bars for probably 3-4 years now but i'm beginning to think about going back to stock even tho i don't have back problems. Just thought about it again today coincidentally even before i read this. I just love the look of the Tbars so much tho, otherwise they'd have been gone a day after i first installed them !
So just move the bars up some, even just and inch or 2 will make a big difference. Whether it will fix you up 100% is hard to say, but i have no doubt it will improve things.
| 2010 Blue/White Thunderbird, "Brutus". 1700 kit, short tors, gutted cat, UNI filter, filter seal off, custom tune. Brutus in his native habitat: Link
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| | | sbsdc | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 09/09/2013 | | Posts | : | 30 | | Location | : | Washington, DC, United States |
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| | Posted : 26 Aug 2014 - 15:13 Post title : Re: Things that go bump (Re: daz) | | | Thanks. I had risers installed almost immediately and went with the long haul touring seat with a backrest pad. All were done strictly to preserve my back. It helps a lot, and also allows me to lean against the pad when lifting up off the bike (when I see a pothole or train tracks coming). My dealer knew my issues and told me not to buy a cruiser. To me, I didn't just buy a cruiser, I bought a Triumph Thunderbird! I love her looks but perhaps I went for the pretty girl when the less attractive girl would have been more stable and a better choice 
BTW, I really like the look of your T-Bars. It also makes your bike look a bit more unique.
| 2013 T-Bird Marble Red Haze
Short Tors
Long Haul Turing Seat w/ Dual backrests
Kuryakyn ISO Grips
2016 R 1200 GS - Triple Black
2006 BMW K1200R (sold)
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| | | daz | | Zeus | | | | Reg. Date | : | 12/05/2009 | | Posts | : | 7,686 | | Location | : | United States |
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| | Posted : 26 Aug 2014 - 16:14 Post title : Re: Things that go bump (Re: sbsdc) | | |
sbsdc wrote:
BTW, I really like the look of your T-Bars. It also makes your bike look a bit more unique. |
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Yeah, thats why i keep putting off swapping the stock bars back. But i sure enjoyed the long rides a lot more with them. Thunderbike makes a t bar thats a bit taller and further forward, just what i need. But they cost.....get this.....$500 ! ridiculous. But they'd be perfect for me. I just can't justify 500 bucks for a set of handlebars.
| 2010 Blue/White Thunderbird, "Brutus". 1700 kit, short tors, gutted cat, UNI filter, filter seal off, custom tune. Brutus in his native habitat: Link
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| | | sbsdc | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 09/09/2013 | | Posts | : | 30 | | Location | : | Washington, DC, United States |
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| | Posted : 26 Aug 2014 - 17:55 Post title : Re: Things that go bump (Re: daz) | | | $500 for handlebars does seem crazy, but what about $500 for shocks? It seems like my only options are new shocks, new bike or new back. The last one is out of the question, so new shocks or new bike? I won't mind spending the money on shocks if it helps, but it would need to help considerably, not just a little. I can look into the Progressives if you really recommend giving it a shot (don't worry, I won't come after you if it doesn't work)
| 2013 T-Bird Marble Red Haze
Short Tors
Long Haul Turing Seat w/ Dual backrests
Kuryakyn ISO Grips
2016 R 1200 GS - Triple Black
2006 BMW K1200R (sold)
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| | | daz | | Zeus | | | | Reg. Date | : | 12/05/2009 | | Posts | : | 7,686 | | Location | : | United States |
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| | Posted : 26 Aug 2014 - 19:06 Post title : Re: Things that go bump (Re: sbsdc) | | | I'd say check out the ohlins first if you can swing that kinda money. They are tested for the Tbird so you know they'll be right, and they're considered very good. Not sure whether they are strictly performance oriented tho or can also give a soft ride. Try PM'ing member Thatch. He's had a set quite a while and i'm sure he can give you the thumbs up or down for your needs. He doesn't post much anymore but he does check in now and then and will see your PM.
As to the progressives, whatever model it is that replaced the 440's with IAS i would have no problem recommending heartily except for the fact they are not tested for the bike. But neither are 430's and there are several members running those. I think i even recall one member saying he put the 440's he had on his speedmaster on the Tbird when he traded up, so they will probably fit unless the new model is different somehow.
| 2010 Blue/White Thunderbird, "Brutus". 1700 kit, short tors, gutted cat, UNI filter, filter seal off, custom tune. Brutus in his native habitat: Link
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| | | daz | | Zeus | | | | Reg. Date | : | 12/05/2009 | | Posts | : | 7,686 | | Location | : | United States |
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| | Posted : 26 Aug 2014 - 19:13 Post title : Re: Things that go bump (Re: sbsdc) | | | heres the new version of the 440, the 444. Seems they have a newer supposedly even better technology that dynamically changes the damping depending on the road surface. Same as the IAS did only they suggest the new tech is better. Look to have the same shape/and look as the 430's so they should fit. They have them for the rocket and the speedmaster/america. May well work for ya, tho they aren't HUGELY cheaper than the ohlins i don't think. Link
| 2010 Blue/White Thunderbird, "Brutus". 1700 kit, short tors, gutted cat, UNI filter, filter seal off, custom tune. Brutus in his native habitat: Link
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| | | metalb00 | | Set | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 02/07/2010 | | Posts | : | 343 | | Location | : | union, nj, United States |
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| | Posted : 26 Aug 2014 - 22:22 Post title : Re: Things that go bump (Re: daz) | | | what about an air ride? aren't the 440 the 13" the same as the hd shocks? could a true air ride give a better ride than coil overs??
| 2013 Thunderbird ABS Caspian Blue and Black Meercat crossover, D&D slipons, Black Wrapped Pipes, K&N air filter, Avon Grips, Hardstreet Slimline bags, Long haul dualseat, QR Sissy Bar
2012 Victory Cross Country Tour World Rally Blue Pearl and Obsidian Black Pearl
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| | | AleXL4 | | Chaac | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 17/09/2012 | | Posts | : | 571 | | Location | : | Gympie, Queensland, Australia |
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| | Posted : 27 Aug 2014 - 02:00 Post title : Re: Things that go bump (Re: sbsdc) | | | Hello Steve,
Personally I use the Ikon shocks for the rear as they are cost effective and more than adequate for all the road conditions here in Oz.
Ikon link:
Link
If I had unlimited funds, I would choose the Fournales shock absorbers as they remove the need for rear springs, and will never bottom out.
Fournales links:
Link
Link
Link
When you upgrade your rear suspension, recommend you do both front and rear suspension together so as they are balanced, otherwise all the good work will be to no avail.
Hope this helps in your decision making, and you find success for your back troubles.
Cheers
Alex
| Enjoying the Journey
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| | | KingOfFleece | | Set | | | Reg. Date | : | 30/09/2009 | | Posts | : | 304 | | Location | : | United States |
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| | Posted : 27 Aug 2014 - 09:53 Post title : Re: Things that go bump (Re: AleXL4) | | | If you go Ohlins-and it sounds like you should-you'll need to call Jim Hamlin at Hamlin Cycles in CT. He's the top Triumph tech in New England and most likely the entire east coast. Triumph factory trained and also trained with Ohlins. This goes on and on but you get the idea. For suspension this fellow absolutely knows his stuff.
Anyway, each Ohlins is configured for the rider. You'll detail what you need and the shocks will be sent to you-and work as intended.
I've been on several bikes Jim's set up-including the full monty on my Tiger 1050, and it's really something how much better a motorcycle can get.
Yes, it's $$$$$$. I'll ride my T-Bird to his shop next season and have this done to my bike. I just put in Hagon 2810's and would NOT recommend these for you. Better than stock but the spine hits are still there-just less of them.
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| | | sbsdc | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 09/09/2013 | | Posts | : | 30 | | Location | : | Washington, DC, United States |
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| | Posted : 27 Aug 2014 - 21:49 Post title : Re: Things that go bump (Re: daz) | | | Thanks Daz, I'm sure that you are giving proper advice, but thought I would reach out for more info. The rep at Progressive was not very helpful. First he told me he did not have the shocks for the 2006 T-Bird. I clearly wrote 2013. Simple mistake and he apologized, but...see what he wrote (below). I think he needs a little customer service and sales training 
"Sorry for the confusion. But I still don't have anything listed for any Thunderbird models. You can try and search yourself as well at www.progressivesuspension.com.
Sorry again for the confusion,
Name (I'll withhold his name)
Progressive Suspension
Customer Service/Warranty Tech
714-523-8700
| 2013 T-Bird Marble Red Haze
Short Tors
Long Haul Turing Seat w/ Dual backrests
Kuryakyn ISO Grips
2016 R 1200 GS - Triple Black
2006 BMW K1200R (sold)
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| | | sbsdc | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 09/09/2013 | | Posts | : | 30 | | Location | : | Washington, DC, United States |
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| | Posted : 27 Aug 2014 - 21:52 Post title : Re: Things that go bump (Re: KingOfFleece) | | | Thanks KOF. I e-mailed Jim and am waiting on a reply. Appreciate your advice. I even know Bethel, CT. I have family there.
| 2013 T-Bird Marble Red Haze
Short Tors
Long Haul Turing Seat w/ Dual backrests
Kuryakyn ISO Grips
2016 R 1200 GS - Triple Black
2006 BMW K1200R (sold)
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| | | KingOfFleece | | Set | | | Reg. Date | : | 30/09/2009 | | Posts | : | 304 | | Location | : | United States |
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| | Posted : 28 Aug 2014 - 01:33 Post title : Re: Things that go bump (Re: sbsdc) | | | Good move. It'll be a few $$$$ but Jim's the guy. Rachel7 has been to his shop along with a few others here. They'll all tell you the same thing.
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| | | Thatch | | Thor | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 24/06/2009 | | Posts | : | 3,655 | | Location | : | Savannah, GA, United States |
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| | Posted : 28 Aug 2014 - 08:23 Post title : Re: Things that go bump (Re: sbsdc) | | | I got your PM so swung by to put in my thoughts. I'd say the most important part for you is probably to get a bit longer shock that will increase the available travel. The Ohlins I have will certainly do that as they (at least the model I have) are height adjustable and even at their shortest setting are basically stock height. However if you do go with Ohlins make sure you convey the weights you will be running (single, two-up, with gear) accurately and your intended use. As you want a more plush ride you are going to want a spring/dampener combination that will allow for that sort of ride. My Ohlins are set up much more for performance and even though I have quite a bit of adjustment it is adjustment more along a performance line, as such my bike most likely rides a bit harsher than what you are looking for. Just ask your Ohlins rep and he'll let you know what they can do. They are exceptional pieces of equipment and quality wise you can't go wrong, but if they aren't right for your needs, they aren't right for you. So, just be clear about your needs and they should tell you if they can help you out or not. I will say that if you are only after comfort, there are cheaper solutions than Ohlins. If however you want an adjustable shock that you can fix to any given riding need, has the ability to be hammered in the twisties all day with no fade and you like the look, you can't go wrong with them.
The recommendation to adjust or replace your bars to lean forward a bit is a good one in my opinion as well. Riding upright was difficult on me and caused some lower back pain. Now that I lean forward I have no problems riding all day. It's much better for my tailbone as well, where I used to experience a lot of pain on longer rides before.
Good luck
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| | | sbsdc | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 09/09/2013 | | Posts | : | 30 | | Location | : | Washington, DC, United States |
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| | Posted : 28 Aug 2014 - 17:31 Post title : Re: Things that go bump (Re: Thatch) | | |
Thatch wrote:
I got your PM so swung by to put in my thoughts. I'd say the most important part for you is probably to get a bit longer shock that will increase the available travel. The Ohlins I have will certainly do that as they (at least the model I have) are height adjustable and even at their shortest setting are basically stock height. However if you do go with Ohlins make sure you convey the weights you will be running (single, two-up, with gear) accurately and your intended use. As you want a more plush ride you are going to want a spring/dampener combination that will allow for that sort of ride. My Ohlins are set up much more for performance and even though I have quite a bit of adjustment it is adjustment more along a performance line, as such my bike most likely rides a bit harsher than what you are looking for. Just ask your Ohlins rep and he'll let you know what they can do. They are exceptional pieces of equipment and quality wise you can't go wrong, but if they aren't right for your needs, they aren't right for you. So, just be clear about your needs and they should tell you if they can help you out or not. I will say that if you are only after comfort, there are cheaper solutions than Ohlins. If however you want an adjustable shock that you can fix to any given riding need, has the ability to be hammered in the twisties all day with no fade and you like the look, you can't go wrong with them.
The recommendation to adjust or replace your bars to lean forward a bit is a good one in my opinion as well. Riding upright was difficult on me and caused some lower back pain. Now that I lean forward I have no problems riding all day. It's much better for my tailbone as well, where I used to experience a lot of pain on longer rides before.
Good luck
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Thank you very much for your feedback. It was insightful and helpful. I may stay away from the Ohlins due to cost. I also have a BMW K1200R. I use that for hammering the twisties. Smooth roads are not the issue for me either. My back can handle that just fine. I just need a better ride so every divot, bump and pothole is a bit more tolerable.
| 2013 T-Bird Marble Red Haze
Short Tors
Long Haul Turing Seat w/ Dual backrests
Kuryakyn ISO Grips
2016 R 1200 GS - Triple Black
2006 BMW K1200R (sold)
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| | | drhach | | Set | | | Reg. Date | : | 18/10/2011 | | Posts | : | 250 | | Location | : | Waukegan, Illinois, United States |
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| | Posted : 04 Sep 2014 - 14:33 Post title : Re: Things that go bump (Re: sbsdc) | | | It sounds like you and I are looking for the same thing. I'm 6'4", I also have the touring seat and an airhwak. The Airhawk was part of an attempt to to get the ergonomics better. I installed 1" risers on the handle bars. I also found some carpet foam and shaped it to flatten out the seat alittle bit. I then stuffed all of the foam in the Airhawk under the air bladder. The difference was phenomenal in terms of seat comfort. I think the notion of changing the rider position has a lot of validity in terms of percieved comfort. In other words, the bike may get tossed around the same, but it bothers you less. In the end though, I'm still struggling with a machine that wants to toss me off the seat when going over the tiniest bumps. I think partly the rear spring is wrong. Of course the shock sucks too.
I started another thread about preload spacers. I have been working on the front part of my bike first because it seems like most of that comes from changes that I can make at home rather than buying very expensive components (e.g. different weight oils and preload adjsutment). It has been very frustrating for me. I spent quite a bit of time on the phone with RaceTech and Traxxion dynamics. I have to say RaceTech has not impressed me. The sales guy really comes off like an idiot. In the end, he said he wasn't able to help me. He spent most of the time referring to charts and when he couldn't easily find what he wanted he would give up and give some lame reason for not being able to help me. Next I called Traxxion. I spoke to Dan and he was very helpful. He said one of the issues with this bike is that it has an oddball spring. So, there will be nothing out of the box and they would need to custom make it. Also, he said that in his experience these bikes are working against their geometry. Because of the large rake (32 degrees), it is difficult to tune the front end's abbility to soak up bumps. An angled fork has a vertical component and a horizontal component to its movement. The more you rake out the front end, the harder it becomes to tune it. He didn't say it was impossible, just that it was a pain and there was a certain amount that you ultimately have to live with.
Next we discussed the rear end. He said this was the area where the biggest improvement opportuniy lies. Hoewever, there still is a geometry issue as well as a suspension travel issue. Having more travel allows you to soak up bumps better. I think the idea of a longer shock, and consequently more travel is a good one. Although, I have to wonder what the real gain is in terms of travel. it seems like a few mm at best.
In the end, it sounds like what we can hope for is "better", not great; especially in terms of plushness. I guess in the end, I'll probably buy the $500 shocks and call it good. So far, I have not been able to find anyone who can sell me a linear rate spring for the front without custom making it.
Sorry for hijacking your thread, I just thought I'd share a similar journey and my results.
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| | | PapaSmurfMC | | Chaac | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 03/10/2013 | | Posts | : | 871 | | Location | : | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
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| | Posted : 19 Oct 2014 - 03:43 Post title : Re: Things that go bump (Re: AleXL4) | | | I've been looking at the Ikon 7610-1650s for my 2013 Bird and have been in contact with IkonUSA. One question they couldn't definitively answer was about the difference in the spec'ed shock travel between stock and the 7610s. The stock shock travel is shown as 3.7" and the Ikon 7610-1650 is listed as (and confirmed by Ikon) as 2.2". That's a pretty big difference and not in a good direction. The TBird Service Manual shows rear wheel travel as 95mm (3.74").
Anybody with the Ikons get any indication that the shocks are limiting rear wheel travel?
| 2013 Blue Marble Haze Thunderbird 1600 ABS
2009 Black Bonneville A1 ("Mag")
Buncha farkles
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| | | edbob | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 04/04/2012 | | Posts | : | 931 | | Location | : | United States |
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| | Posted : 19 Oct 2014 - 15:09 Post title : Re: Things that go bump (Re: PapaSmurfMC) | | | I know it's been written here before. Fast eddy went into details in a post on shocks once - exactly which ikons the spring weight, travel, etc. . Keep searching...
| "You will ride eternal shiny and chrome"
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| | | kball1300 | | Set | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 14/09/2014 | | Posts | : | 99 | | Location | : | Lake Elsinore, California, United States |
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| | Posted : 19 Oct 2014 - 17:25 Post title : Re: Things that go bump (Re: drhach) | | | I'm in exactly the sane boat as sbsdc.
I want to keep an eye on this thread. My ONLY solution is to improve the shocks. Losing the bike is not an opion. I want the more laid back seating position and am just trying to find the best shock solution for bump comfort. I'm not an aggressive rider, so not as worried about performance so much.
Changing from the stock to Mustang seat, definitely helped, as does the rider back-rest but every once in a while you hit those little road level changes that are hard to see and wham, I curse in pain for a couple of seconds.
Good news for me is a) I don't ever ride 2-up, and b) only once a year (maybe), will I fill up my bags a long haul. That would maybe add 25 lbs, no where near a passenger. Therefore, I don't need a wide range of adjustment.
That said, I don't think I wanna spend $1000 on Ohlins. Don't need a lower ride height, but really don't want to raise it either (maybe an 1" would be ok) So whatever the best bang for the buck in the $500 or less would be ideal for me.
| "Life sucks. Get a F#&!in' helmet."
2012 Thunderbird 1600 ABS, 1998 Thunderbird 900
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| | | PapaSmurfMC | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 03/10/2013 | | Posts | : | 871 | | Location | : | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
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| | Posted : 20 Oct 2014 - 04:21 Post title : Re: Things that go bump (Re: edbob) | | |
edbob wrote:
I know it's been written here before. Fast eddy went into details in a post on shocks once - exactly which ikons the spring weight, travel, etc. . Keep searching... |
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To my knowledge, Eddy's never spec'ed or tested the Ikons, just Progressive and Hagon. Search turns up nothing relevant on Ikon.
| 2013 Blue Marble Haze Thunderbird 1600 ABS
2009 Black Bonneville A1 ("Mag")
Buncha farkles
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| | | PapaSmurfMC | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 03/10/2013 | | Posts | : | 871 | | Location | : | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
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| | Posted : 20 Oct 2014 - 04:25 Post title : Re: Things that go bump (Re: drhach) | | |
drhach wrote:
... So far, I have not been able to find anyone who can sell me a linear rate spring for the front without custom making it... |
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Sonic Springs Link
Also just posted this in the "preload spacers" post.
| 2013 Blue Marble Haze Thunderbird 1600 ABS
2009 Black Bonneville A1 ("Mag")
Buncha farkles
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| | | AleXL4 | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 17/09/2012 | | Posts | : | 571 | | Location | : | Gympie, Queensland, Australia |
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| | Posted : 20 Oct 2014 - 09:19 Post title : Re: Things that go bump (Re: PapaSmurfMC) | | | Hello PapaSmurfMC,
Still recovering from The Lightning Ridge Flocking.
Great people, lots of BBQ food & beer, even more tall stories, lack of adequate sleep, fantastic Artesian Baths (40 degrees C), and 1800km of never ending road. Did I forget to mention Great People?
Glad I didn't miss it, WOW!
Detail of the 7610-1650 Ikon Shock Absorber, centre to centre of mounts.
330mm - Extended
260mm - Compressed to bump rubber
Detail of 7610-1650 Ikon mounted on Thunderbird and measured from centre of rear axle vertical to centre of rear mudguard mounting line
350mm - Extended
255mm - Compressed to bump rubber
Original Triumph Thunderbird Shock Absorber
335mm - Extended - centre to centre of mounts
355mm - Extended - mounted on Thunderbird and measured from centre of rear axle vertical to centre of rear mudguard mounting line
The Ikon 7610-1650 Shock Absorbers have four settings for dampening which is more than adequate for most riding purposes, otherwise specialist Ikons etc. would be required, eg. Racing, Track, or Field.
For normal riding either one up or two up, I use the Ikon Code No. 489 Chromed Springs. Whereas, when attending a Flocking or a long journey, either one up or two up, I fit the Ikon Code No. 606 Black Springs due to a somewhat greater load carrying capacity.
With this Ikon setup, I have maintained the 95mm rear wheel travel which does not include the thickness of the compressed bump rubber of 15mm.
The Ikon Shocks have only 3 positions for the preload.
If using the Ikon Code No. 489 Progressive Chromed Springs, the Lowest setting spring rate is 32kg/cm; the Middle setting spring rate is 41kg/cm; and the Highest setting spring rate is 52kg/cm.
The Ikon Code No. 611 Progressive Chromed Spring is the next higher range rated unit, whereas the lower range rated springs can go to quite a low rated range.
There are six range rates of springs in the Chrome Progressives of 235mm free length, and ten range rates in the Black Progressive Springs.
Note: Always work on the front and rear suspensions as a unit, as one will always affect the other.
Hope this can be of assistance in developing a better appreciation of a strong and comfortable Rear Suspension System.
Cheers Alex 
PS: What was the Question again? 
| Enjoying the Journey
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| | | AleXL4 | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 17/09/2012 | | Posts | : | 571 | | Location | : | Gympie, Queensland, Australia |
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| | Posted : 20 Oct 2014 - 09:22 Post title : Re: Things that go bump (Re: PapaSmurfMC) | | |
PapaSmurfMC wrote:
drhach wrote:
... So far, I have not been able to find anyone who can sell me a linear rate spring for the front without custom making it... |
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Sonic Springs Link
Also just posted this in the "preload spacers" post.
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Thank you to Sonic Springs.
Very much appreciated.
Cheers Alex.
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| | | edbob | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 04/04/2012 | | Posts | : | 931 | | Location | : | United States |
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| | Posted : 20 Oct 2014 - 19:56 Post title : Re: Things that go bump (Re: PapaSmurfMC) | | | You know, I may have confused ikons with progressives. My mistake... The post I remember is him sending his stock shocks to someone (ohlins?) for spring weight/rate measuring and compression distance measurements.
| "You will ride eternal shiny and chrome"
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| | | PapaSmurfMC | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 03/10/2013 | | Posts | : | 871 | | Location | : | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
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| | Posted : 22 Oct 2014 - 00:33 Post title : Re: Things that go bump (Re: AleXL4) | | | Thanks for the numbers, AleXL4! Very helpful.
So if the Ikon, unmounted, extends 330mm and mounted extends 350mm, with the rear wheel off the ground the shock is stretched 20mm (and same with stock shock)?
What I'm really trying to find is how far the Ikon travels when the wheel travels max (3.7 inches). With the numbers you supplied, I may be able to simulate it.
| 2013 Blue Marble Haze Thunderbird 1600 ABS
2009 Black Bonneville A1 ("Mag")
Buncha farkles
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| | | gdp | | Set | | | Reg. Date | : | 13/03/2013 | | Posts | : | 136 | | Location | : | United States |
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| | Posted : 02 Feb 2015 - 20:34 Post title : Re: Things that go bump (Re: KingOfFleece) | | | Went to Hagon Nitros when I first got it...no pogo-ing....no complaints....
| | Post edited by gdp on 02 Feb 2015 - 20:35 |
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| | | gdp | | Set | | | Reg. Date | : | 13/03/2013 | | Posts | : | 136 | | Location | : | United States |
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| | Posted : 05 Feb 2015 - 17:12 Post title : Re: Things that go bump (Re: gdp) | | | ...went with longer than stock..
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