Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Triumph Tech
Best rear suspensions for adventure touring with Triumph Bonneville Best rear suspensions for adventure touring with Triumph Bonneville
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Triumph Tech Triumph Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Triumph riders only.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Like Tree3Likes
  • 1 Post By Threewheelbonnie
  • 1 Post By Benny_76
  • 1 Post By Threewheelbonnie

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 1 Nov 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 4
Best rear suspensions for adventure touring with Triumph Bonneville
Hi Everybody:

I'm planning to travel in Asia from Italy with an almost new Triumph Bonneville T 100 of 2012, but with two up and full loaded bike, riding tarmac and dirty roads (Asia...), and so I decided to change the stock rear suspensions; after a research and several feedback I'm looking for a couple of Progressive 444 series Heavy Duty of 13"; they have general good feedbacks, but I need some suggestion from anyone about these. Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 5 Nov 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: York
Posts: 34
I can't comment on the Progressive shocks but I'm sure they'll do the job and will be a HUGE improvement over the stock efforts. I fitted IKON shocks to my 2008 Bonnie, cost about £300 from Norman Hyde UK, they do a good job but they are starting to rust a bit on the coils but they've been used and abused all over Europe 2-up and fully loaded.

You may want to change the front springs too, the original ones are tiny and useless (nearly as useless as the rear shocks), it's an easy job! I used IKON springs and it greatly improved handling when 2-up and fully loaded.

We were carrying a fair amount on our trip but the Bonnie was great, they make good touring bikes.

Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 7 Nov 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 4
Thanks Benny, I'll change also the front ones following your suggestion (but I don't know if I'll be able to change it from myself easily as it should be with the rear ones...). Other than suspension issues, any advice about mech improvement and tool/spare parts to carry for a long two up ride will be wellcome.

thanks
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 7 Nov 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
In 12000 odd miles I found nothing wrong with the stock ones except they rusted. There is also a ready supply as so many people feel the need to change.

I'd talk to a supplier about your weight etc. as I suspect many selling the stock ones for a tenner a pair on e-bay didn't gain very much going to a stock pair with different branding.

I'm a lightweight, only 75Kg/11 stone and I've trained the wife about not needing a spare set of heated rollers

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 9 Nov 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: York
Posts: 34
The fork springs are easy to replace, here's a video I made when I replaced mine -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMR-psrFlHM

Just make sure to do one fork at a time!

In my opinion the only improvements you need are suspension and perhaps a good bash plate to protect the oil filter, especially if you plan on traveling along dirt/gravel roads. I did read about some electrical problems in the wet, I believe Andy who commented here had issues with the rectifier if I remember correctly? I didn't replace the rectifier but I did smother every electrical connection in electrical grease a few years ago and the bike has been ridden through some horrendous downpours in Scotland (every day for 10 days) and Switzerland and as yet no problems.

Other than that Sancap6 I reckon your Bonnie is good to go
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 9 Nov 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
The coil location made Joe Lucas' ghost laugh so loud they must have heard it in Thailand and the main earth is made of chewing gum wrapper, but probably only any issue when faced with wet and salty.


Related moaning here:


https://sites.google.com/site/threew...10/the-repairs

Just try to find a better spot to park than this




Andy
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Triumph Bonneville (2004,790cc Carb) - Fuel Range kentfallen Triumph Tech 13 31 May 2015 19:06
Triumph Bonneville 2004 - POOR STARTING kentfallen Triumph Tech 4 19 Jan 2014 13:34
Triumph SpeedMaster - Touring regcoles Which Bike? 9 28 Dec 2013 14:11
Triumph Bonneville 790 - New Shoes! kentfallen Triumph Tech 3 18 Dec 2013 17:31
Triumph Bonneville (2004) 790 - Wheel building? kentfallen Triumph Tech 8 18 Nov 2013 21:34

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 19:32.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top