Suspension upgrade question

After researching tyre combo's on the forum I recently replaced both avon's with a cobra on the front and an exedra max on the back of my roadster.
I've been very happy with the overall performance and the noticeably lighter steering presumably provided by the slightly larger diameter of the rear tyre improving the fork rake angle.

The cornering capability has also improved with the new tyres and I've found that I'm wearing the foot peg inserts out more than ever. I've found that the left foot peg sits 20mm higher than the right peg which appears standard and results in less wear than the right peg but now I'm starting to wear through the forward end of the left rail.
I've been looking into this problem and I'm told by the local suspension specialist I need after market shocks on the rear to better control rebound which in turn will reduce the front spring compression in hard cornering, resulting in more clearance and less wear and tear.

This makes sense to me but I thought I'd ask whether anyone here has had similar advice and found an improvement in clearances through better rear shock rebound control before I launch into upgrading the suspension.

Pete said:

I'm told by the local suspension specialist I need after market shocks on the rear to better control rebound which in turn will reduce the front spring compression in hard cornering, resulting in more clearance and less wear and tear.

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If the SPECIALIST is any good he´ll also tell you the forks have soft springs and close to bugger all damping. The extra rear axle height afforded by the E-Max is forcing the issue as there is now more weight transfer. Yes the rear shocks can be improved, but I have good shocks and the first thing an Emax did was show up how REALLY poor the forks are.

I run Progressive 444's on the back and swapped the fork springs over to progressives as well. Pretty satisfied.

Great suggestions!

I'm running Hagon Nitros on the rear and Progressive brand springs up front. A huge improvement over the harsh oem rears and spongey wallowing front. I also run an Avon Cobra front with an Excedra rear tire.

Fournales on the rear and Maxton cartridges on their way. E-Max rear and front to be decided today depending on what I can get. It's Spain in August - you roll with the tide.

R3Tex said:

I run Progressive 444's on the back and swapped the fork springs over to progressives as well. Pretty satisfied.

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DITTO Here!
Do BOTH!!!

Another strong endorsement for BOTH ends not just rears. Whatever brand you buy, make sure they are sprung for your weight. You sound like a candidate for a little longer rear shock to gain some ground clearance.

I am in love with my Wilbers, depending on your budget, I highly recommend them.

R3Tex said:

I run Progressive 444's on the back and swapped the fork springs over to progressives as well. Pretty satisfied.

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Ditto on my R3R with HD springs on rear Progressive 444's and 10w fork oil with Avon Cobra front and Exedra 55 profile rear.
Front Springs Progressive Fork Spring Kit For Triumph Rocket III 2004-2010 11-1529

Manufacturer: Progressive
Manufacturer Part Number: 11-1529
Style: FORK SPRINGS
Color: N/A
Product Features:

Progressive 444 Rocket | eBay

The Original Progressive Rate Fork Springs soak up the small road bumps, yet are firm enough to absorb the molar-rattling ones. Spring rates have been chosen to reduce front end dive during braking, yet still provide excellent ride comfort. Better yet, we warranty our fork springs for life! Progressive Rate Fork Springs have several advantages over straight rate springs. A straight rate spring only offers linear resistance to compression and is a compromise. For example, if you have a 20lb straight rate spring, it will take 20lbs of force to compress the spring one inch. It will take 20 more lbs of force to compress it the next inch, and so on, until the end of the travel. A Progressive Rate Spring has the advantage of a rising rate resistance to compression. For example, a 15lb - 25lb Progressive Rate Spring will take 15lbs to compress it the first inch, 17lbs the next inch, and so on, until the end of the travel, taking 25lbs to compress it the last inch. The benefit of this is that the spring can be soft enough at the start of the travel to offer a plush ride, yet be firm enough at the end of the travel to soak up the big bumps.

• Progressive Rate

• High quality chrome silicon wire

• Precision-wound

• Lifetime warranty

Item Description

• Frequency Sensing Technology (FST)

• Allows the shocks to sense the frequency of a bump and automatically adjust damping for superior ride quality

• Deflective disc valving

• Adjust spring preload by hand,no special tool needed

• Progressive rate spring

• Standard or heavy duty spring rate and black or chrome finish

• Lifetime Limited Warranty & made in USA

• Available in 11.0 inch to 13.5 inch lengths

• Available in chrome or black

Notes:

(HD) - Heavy Duty applications are recommended for bikes that carry additional accessories, rider weight over 200lbs. or passenger use 50% of the time. If (HD) is noted the shock / spring is considered a Heavy Duty Spring Rate for that machine.



Note there are two rear spring rates, Std and HD and various heights of 444 available - 11.5" is lowered, 12.0" is stock, 12.5" and I have 13" which increases fork response further. All in black or chrome with the same for the lower grade 430 and 412 series.


You can also get their older similar 440 series (maybe just 2nd hand now unless NOS) and cheaper lower grade but much better than stock 430 series.

Progressive 430 Rocket | eBay

And at least as good as stock 412 series.

Progressive 412 Rocket | eBay

If you are happy to pay more I think Wilbers offers a much better range of Roadster options and they require you to specify your weight, riding style and intended usage when they hand build the shocks on order with valving and spring rates to suit. I bought a set of rear Wilbers Stage 3 Triumph Sprint ST (1050) 215 NA 05+ from their French language Australian eBay website (need to use Google or Bing translator) with unbeatable very cheap FREE freight to Australia.

They also list a range of Std/Classic and Roadster versions. If you are buying the hydraulic remote spring rate adjusters do NOT buy them together in one order as this takes it over the $1000 import limit and you get hit with 10% GST and a $90 Customs processing fee on to even if you do the paperwork yourself and do not go through a Customs broker service which would be even more fees. I learnt the hard way.

This eBay website regularly as clockwork, (like right now) applies 10% discount off the RRP which is universal and even Australian dealers will charge you the same RRP converted from EUR to AUD$ at the current exchange rate and freight within Australia too. (I have followed this site for over a year now). So wait until the 10% is being applied before purchasing.

wilbers rocket | eBay

Only these ones under a AUD$1000 at the moment but some are close and will be under if EUR drops against AUD$.

Bi-Amortisseurs Wilbers Premium TRIUMPH Rocket III (C23XB) 04

Looks like they do Ohlins as well now for Rockets

Amortisseur Ohlins TR9230 (S36K) Triumph ROCKET III 2300 2004-2008 G7



Amortisseur Ohlins TR9250 (S46PR1C1) Triumph ROCKET III 2300 2004-2008 G7

I don't know if anybody has tried MAXTON REARS - They are also made to order - fully bespoke to rider weight/style etc. £470.00 (+ V.A.T UK/EU) a pair. imo that's not bad.

In OZ I'd talk to GAZI. I've ridden an old Guzzi fitted with GAZI made to order.
Old Guzzis have notorious rear suspension issues due to the weight of the rear diff' raising unsprung weight on an otherwise NOT THAT HEAVY bike. GAZI controlled it.
I wanted Air shocks - so Fournales it is.