[Mike]

I do have a spring compressor and I could take the OEM unit apart. That's still more of a pain than just trashing the OEM and bolting in a MUCH better unit. If I was needing to save a few bucks I can see it, I'm happy I don't have to (Thank You again Wolf Creek Nuclear Generating Station).

I have no regrets spending the money on a new unit, the improvement was well worth the expense. Anyone who is having issues and is comfortable with spending the money to do so should not hesitate.

My reluctance stemmed more from how offensive the concept was to me that I needed (not wanted) to upgrade the suspension on a brand new motorcycle because the stock unit was so inadequate, particularly in contrast to how well made I think the rest of the bike is. This isn't my first bike and I've never been that fussy about suspension, but I've never before experienced a suspension so limited that it rendered the bike unusable if I made a simple modification by changing the seat. With the stock seat installed it was borderline but liveable, but when I switched to a LaRosa seat, which lets me sit slightly further back, it was bottoming out constantly. So I considered all options except for any like the Fox that involve additional purchase from Triumph. They should not be rewarded for this.

 

[atomsplitter]

I hear you. With the price of new bikes you would expect reasonable suspension. I don't understand why Triumph doesn't put a better rear shock on, at least one that is even minimally adjustable. They want $830 for a Fox shock upgrade? Rubbish. They should put that on and just add a few quid to the price (would still probably swap it out for my Ohlin's).

 

[Mike]

I forgot to mention, for those not wanting to fork out for an entire new suspension but willing to disassemble the stock shock and spend a little, is that an actual option does exist. Hyperpro progressive spring replacement. They claim that it makes the bike less affected by weight change. I couldn't find much feedback from users on it so I can't vouch for it's effectiveness but it may be a tempting option for a certain segment.

Hyperpro | SP-TR12-SSB006 | Motorbike TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE BOBBER BONNEVILLE BOBBER 2017-2020 - Rear spring

Over ons

www.webshop-hyperpro.com

 

[Mysftail]

I think it depends on the rider. I have the stock shock and it works fine for me. I did just over 200 miles last Friday, no problem with comfort at all. To be fair it took about 3,000 miles for it to wear in but after that, it's been great.

For some people changing the shock is a must because it's not adjustable, so if you're above the range it was designed for it's not going to work for you. But I suspect that's led to a knee-jerk reaction that everyone has to change the shock.

For anyone around the target weight, I'd say ride the bike for a few thousand miles before changing it.

I tend to agree with Taurus, Like anything you buy brand new, shoes, belts, leather in general. It takes time for the newness to wear off and to break in.
The problem is that those of us who saw the bike and heard it calling to us, are over 50 maybe? We have been beaten up in our youth with Hardtails, Motocross, and foolhardy acts that don't bode well for a harsh ride now. I think Triumph did its best in guessing where the median weight would be.
It just so happens we want the comfort now! So the alternative is a new suspension setup.
I got lucky and purchased my Ohlins from a member on here for a great price. I am sure the same could be found on eBay.
I defend Triumph because I think this bike is the cat's A$$, But I love my Ohlins!

 

[atomsplitter]

My 05 Rocket III came with adjustable suspension. You had a choice of how many steps (up to 4) to add preload to the rear, and that was it. I found 2 steps not enough and three too many. I eventually swapped those out for Hagon Nitros. OEM isn't bad per se, but it doesn't necessarily suit every rider either.

 

[Traveller]

Would have to look to be sure but the speedmaster has a twist lock kind of setup so you can more or less make small adjustments.

 

[atomsplitter]

The threaded collar style is vastly more adjustable.

 

[Sticks]

Okay easy question. Why doesn't Triumph just put the Speedmaster shock on the Bobber? Would it be that hard to do? It's a direct fit and already has adjustable preload, plus they already have the things in their inventory.

It seems the one common theme from the new Bobber owners is changing out the shock, you would think Triumph would get the hint.

Side note: I still hate the person that designed the pull ring under the Speedmaster seat, but that is an easy fix with a little 550 cord.

I agree. .
Why not put the adjustable shock they already have for the sister bike that has the least amount of comfort in the seat area??
The fact that they put non adjustable on the bobber at all dumbfounded me beyond stupid 😝
Why triumph? Why?

Oh yeah . So we'd pay for the fox upgrade🤣

 

[Traveller]

I agree. .
Why not put the adjustable shock they already have for the sister bike that has the least amount of comfort in the seat area??
The fact that they put non adjustable on the bobber at all dumbfounded me beyond stupid 😝
Why triumph? Why?

Oh yeah . So we'd pay for the fox upgrade🤣

Going on the same idea of sister bikes I wish they would have made the Speedmaster seat adjustable. Even just a inch or two forward and back would have been nice.

 

[Aitch]

Spoke to Hagon and they said that the stock Bobber rear shock was made for someone in the 16-18 stone range to work properly... at 14 stones fully bike kitted, (even lighter in the summer) I'm not surprised the bike is kicking me outta the saddle over bumps.... Anyhoo... I pulled the trigger on the Hagon shock, £400 delivered, comes with 'C' spanner and allen keys for adjustment, and preload already set for my weight... arrived 3 days after ordering... had to order a 500kg M/cycle jack to do the job though... that's arriving on weds/thurs this week... pics once its in, feedback when the weather stops being [email protected]

 

[Mr P]

Spoke to Hagon and they said that the stock Bobber rear shock was made for someone in the 16-18 stone range to work properly... at 14 stones fully bike kitted, (even lighter in the summer) I'm not surprised the bike is kicking me outta the saddle over bumps.... Anyhoo... I pulled the trigger on the Hagon shock, £400 delivered, comes with 'C' spanner and allen keys for adjustment, and preload already set for my weight... arrived 3 days after ordering... had to order a 500kg M/cycle jack to do the job though... that's arriving on weds/thurs this week... pics once its in, feedback when the weather stops being [email protected]

We are similar weight and i had the same issue "bike kicking me outta the saddle" my upgrade (Wilbers) did fixed the issue so am sure hagon will too. i did the front end as well (Matris) and overall it transformed the bike

 

[Sticks]

Spoke to Hagon and they said that the stock Bobber rear shock was made for someone in the 16-18 stone range to work properly... at 14 stones fully bike kitted, (even lighter in the summer) I'm not surprised the bike is kicking me outta the saddle over bumps.... Anyhoo... I pulled the trigger on the Hagon shock, £400 delivered, comes with 'C' spanner and allen keys for adjustment, and preload already set for my weight... arrived 3 days after ordering... had to order a 500kg M/cycle jack to do the job though... that's arriving on weds/thurs this week... pics once its in, feedback when the weather stops being [email protected]

Anticipating how your ride transforms.
I'm in the shock upgrade stage of my changes for the better list .
Just did the B.C.gel seat tonight, and the triumph heated grips a few weeks back.
Both turned out great 🏁