2022 Triumph Rocket3 Gt

Kurt88 · 2026-01-03T16:53:34-0600

Hey Guys loving the bike, but, I find the rear suspension falls pretty short on a highway ride, with what it seems like pushing straight through the system into your back!! I know bumps, pot holes will vary but this bike I just can't get to absorb the hits, it just doesn't seem to absorb the hits at high speed, back roads, motorway joins etc.
I've tried all of the suggested settings and am currently sitting
Rear; Pre Load 14 in from all out/ rear comp 2 out from all in / rebound 1 out from all in
Front Forks; Comp 1.5 out from all in / Rebound 2 out from all in
105kg Rider / Spirited ridding lol.
Has anyone upgraded this system to a better rear shock? or re shimmed ?
I personally think the rear Spring is not strong enough, I know shes a heavy chick, but when that rear hits these obstacles its a prick of a feeling, and the back cops it.
I have a 2006 Victory Vegas that just soaks up these issues also a heavy girl but way more comfortable and plush.

Sparky59 · 2026-01-03T17:19:55-0600

@Nashvegas has gone aftermarket on rear shock.....and he's happy with choice...

Jagster · 2026-01-03T17:59:45-0600

I took some advice from Col & Zig and my ride improved quite a lot.
Here's the video by them:

I have, in more recent times, cranked up the rear pre-load a few more notches and got an even better result.

So.......If your rear suspension is jarring your back, over bumps in the road, my advice is keep cranking up the pre-load a bit, until you reach an acceptable ride to the 'bump-stop' and then adjust the damping accordingly.

This bike is more sensitive on the rear end than any other bike i've ever owned, but at least there is plenty of adjustment available, to get it dialled in to suit my body weight.

Kurt88 · 2026-01-03T22:38:51-0600

Jagster said:
I took some advice from Col & Zig and my ride improved quite a lot.
Here's the video by them:

I have, in more recent times, cranked up the rear pre-load a few more notches and got an even better result.

So.......If your rear suspension is jarring your back, over bumps in the road, my advice is keep cranking up the pre-load a bit, until you reach an acceptable ride to the 'bump-stop' and then adjust the damping accordingly.

This bike is more sensitive on the rear end than any other bike i've ever owned, but at least there is plenty of adjustment available, to get it dialled in to suit my body weight.

Hey Jagster yeah seen these old buggas lol.

Kurt88 · 2026-01-03T22:45:27-0600

Yeah seen these dudes I wound back my pre load from all out to in ( I think it mentioned 18 clicks full out to all in is its limit) to find the stop point, from all out to in I got to 28 Clicks so wtf is going on there, from all out to tightening it doesn't appear to have a stop point on mine?

rick danger · 2026-01-04T02:35:30-0600

Sparky59 said:
@Nashvegas has gone aftermarket on rear shock.....and he's happy with choice...

I ordered the same Wilbers shock. Didn't get it yet though.

Kurt88 said:
Hey Guys loving the bike, but, I find the rear suspension falls pretty short on a highway ride, with what it seems like pushing straight through the system into your back!!

That was probably my biggest complaint with this bike. But I've been riding long travel adventure bikes for the last 20 years, and this was my first forward controls, cruiser style bike. So that might have contributed to my suspension disappointments. But I did order a new shock. Shock Absorber Type 643 Competition P

Ward · 2026-01-04T04:39:00-0600

Well I must be missing something here 'cos When I bought my '22 GT last year with 2000 miles, it had never been altered from stock settings. It was terrible, and nearly shook my fillings out. It was the most uncomfortable ride I'd ever had the misfortune to take.

I wound the rear shock right out, and adjusted the front both sides to soft - and started there. I went out for a ride like that with 'er indoors on the back, hit a pot-hole I couldn't avoid, apologised to Mrs W about that and she replied, "What Pot-Hole?" I've left the rear as is ever since, stiffened up both front a just a bit, and we're good to go. Even getting it on , it handles so much better, and is so much more comfortable - with tyre pressures at 38/42

Jagster · 2026-01-04T04:43:22-0600

Ward said:
Well I must be missing something here 'cos When I bought my '22 GT last year with 2000 miles, it had never been altered from stock settings. It was terrible, and nearly shook my fillings out. It was the most uncomfortable ride I'd ever had the misfortune to take.

I wound the rear shock right out, and adjusted the front both sides to soft - and started there. I went out for a ride like that with 'er indoors on the back, hit a pot-hole I couldn't avoid, apologised to Mrs W about that and she replied, "What Pot-Hole?" I've left the rear as is ever since, stiffened up both front a just a bit, and we're good to go. Even getting it on , it handles so much better, and is so much more comfortable - with tyre pressures at 38/42

Do I understand you right?......You've put the rear in the softest setting and it's the best setting you've found for 2-up riding ?

Ward · 2026-01-04T04:45:22-0600

Jagster said:
Do I understand you right?......You've put the rear in the softest setting and it's the best setting you've found for 2-up riding ?

Yep, including luggage & touring - it wafts along like a Goldwing with no complaints from the Mrs ! (other that being cramped)

Mighty Mouse · 2026-01-04T10:54:29-0600

At 5’9” 185 lbs and probably 200 lbs with my riding gear on it took me a few years to find the right setting on my 2020 GT. The front settings I locked in early. The rear settings gave me fits. Most members have the rear pre load set high up. It’s like riding a skateboard over large gravel to me. I have my rear pre load set at 1 click out for all riding with loaded Panniers and at zero (factory setting) without panniers. It’s smooth and comfortable for me. The tires are rear 40 and front 38.5. It does float a little ( very little but noticeable) going hard on the twisties but I don’t care about that. I like comfort. Go figure.

2022 Triumph Rocket3 Gt

Kurt88

.020 Over

Sparky59

The Guy With The Most Toys Wins!

Jagster

Torque junkie

Kurt88

.020 Over

Kurt88

.020 Over

rick danger

Turbocharged

Ward

.060 Over

Jagster

Torque junkie

Ward

.060 Over

Mighty Mouse

It's All In The Reflexes!

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