08 R3T suspension recommendations

[GavinHooper-Newton]

Hey she might only be a 2008 but its the hottest motorcycle ever made spend up now if you hoon solo, top speed stuff, suspension is the best upgrades you will do to the big girl. Race tech emulators ( others available now same price range) up front are not expensive and improve forks alot. If you hoon or go fast, something you can adjust slow speed compression, high speed compression, height. It changes the ride. You can use ohlin 777 for hd readily available everywhere about 750 you will have to change eyelets no problem. Some pictures of an ole 08 ready for pastu

 

[GavinHooper-Newton]

@Kevin frazier totally agree she's become a forever bike so will be looking at suspension upgrades

 

[atomsplitter]

Suspension bottoming out causing spine jarring hits usually means the preload is too little. The shock travel is 4.13 inches. When you and the spouse sit on it does it take up about 3 inches? If so that leaves 1 inch before spinal detonation on a moderate bump. If you jack the preload all the way up to max stiff and you get only 1 extra inch of spring travel you need a new set of shocks. With you and your spouse onboard there should be at least 3.5 inches of shock travel available to absorb hits from the road.

 

[Bunny Burrell]

Been over twenty five years since I was “Down Under” so don’t know what’s available anymore. But here in the U.K. we can get most manufacturers, but the most popular brands are Öhlins, YSS, Hagons and WP Suspension.
I’ve never used Öhlins, but I’ve used Hagons on lots of my bikes, you give Hagons your weights in riding kit and they’ll supply a set of shocks with an appropriate spring, YSS do similar I believe. WP I’ve only ever used in Mono shock bikes, but can recommend them as well.
On my current 2009 R111 Classic I was offered a set of YSS and can say I’m pleasantly impressed. Came with pre load, compression dampening adjustment and adjustable length. Certainly made the steering a bit quicker on twisties.
But if I ever need to renew, I think I’ll go back to Hagon. I feel Hagons are a better build quality, for the same price also come with Rebound damping as well.

 

[GavinHooper-Newton]

What is the amount of money you are wanting to spend, it will narrow down alot of guessing on what to suggest.

FYI done some looking around and going with YSS with a tailored for me (and wife) install. Cost around NZ$1300. Figure it's worth it in the long run, specially now I'm getting some faster harder solo runs in now I'm getting used to the bike.

 

[cr0ft]

I imported a pair of Progressive 444 HD to Europe (it was literally cheaper than buying the same item in Europe) and they made a massive difference. All the small bumps went away and the bike is planted in a way it wasn't before. With a pillion especially you probably want the HD should you go with the 444 (I think they have one step higher than that now too) - the bike's heavy by itself and two-up you want serious kit there I think. And a set of these to replace those butt ugly hex bolts Shock Bolt Dress-up Kit (I chose chrome for both shocks and dress up bolts).

 

[GavinHooper-Newton]

@cr0ft thanks. Going with a YSS custom solution. Local guy who does the install says near 1k (NZ$) cheaper (including custom install and setup) than the 444's and says the new YSS are well on par if not better now. This guy apparently designed the R111 touring ohlin springs for ohlin back in the day.