Time for some overdue modifications to the Bonneville, And first on the list, some TEC Bike gas shocks for the rear...."lowering it by an inch, and improving the ride by a country mile"... Check out the website ;- www.tecbikeparts.com/
I just got a pair of these and put on my Bonnnie SE...WHAT a difference and they aren't even broken in yet. So much better. Thanks for the vid and info which gives all of us the confidence to break out the spanners and get wrenching!
Can't stop watching its 530 am, I put my Yamaha up for sale today excited about purchasing the T 100 and upgrading the heck out of it all with your help. Keep it up
Yet another brilliant video. Thank you so much for these! My Hagon shocks will be here on Friday. Your TEC recommendation is certainly making me question my decision. Definitely looking forward to the fork upgrades. Cheers to you and Penny!
I keep hearing that the Hagon units are a bit over sprung...but they are a premium brand and many people swear by them ... Forks done already, and loading up the exhaust video tomorrow... !
Great to see the mods on the bonnie whipping along. I'm looking forward to seeing the compensation work at the front end shortly. Well doe addressing the detractors, all fair and accurate comments made. All the best Peter
Gotta big up the north east fellah eh! Getting on with the jobs this week and there's a neat trick with the front to allow you to use the over-sized Thruxton springs!... Vids all coming up! RSMF, Del
Seen so many times but THIS time mine arriving Monday along with the 2-1, progressive front shocks and engine guard! Thanks so much for the great content!
Hey D, Awesome description of the OEM shocks: "…They perform horribly… they look horrible… they look like something from the 1980's… truly, truly, they are hateful! …oversprung and underdamped… like riding along on a pogo stick, they're awful." LMAO You've got such a way with words! Cool video and Penny's Bonny is coming along beautifully. Nice trick to press-in the sleeves on the bench vise.
Thank you kindly Byron, gotta say it like it is eh?! They are much better now we've replaced them with the Tec shocks, the guys have so much faith in their product, that they'll refund your money, in full, if you're not 100% happy with their improvement! Ride safe, buddy, Del
Hi Del Love the new bike first off. A great addition. I took your advice from the last Q&A when I asked about 600 sports bikes and I'm picking a nice and shiny 2 year old street triple R tomorrow! Keep up the good videos. :)
Bloody well done Andy, thats great news, im really pleased for you... you'll absolutely LOVED it, they are totally berzerk when you let them off the lead, so go careful mate.... have a good time and ride safe.. Del.
Hi Del - After watching your video I purchased and fitted a set of the TEC Gas Shocks to my T100 Bonneville this week. A simple task after watching you do it. The results are stunning - the handling is improved beyond belief and at a fantastic price! I recommend these shocks to any Bonneville owner, you won't be disappointed! Thanks for the advice and instructions Del!
Thats great news buddy, and thank you for your kind message.. im glad you like the shocks, they are still the best value shocks on the market today.... ride safe buddy, and thanks for watching.. Del.
On the strength of the improvement I have just ordered the TEC Front Springs to match and am looking forward to the result! Thanks again for your great channel!
Thank you buddy, thats very kind.. and please let us know how you find the new springs, i haven't got them in Penny;s Scrambler, so may invest if you think they are better... all the best.. del.
The new front springs are now fitted and I am delighted with the improvement on my Bonneville. I find them much more comfortable and planted; they complement the rear shocks perfectly. An added bonus is that they also seem to reduce bar vibrations that result in blurring of the mirrors at speed!
Sent off for the shocks from Tec for my America. It might take some time for them to get here because of the weather but I am looking forward to trying 'em out. Thanks for the advice here and on your other videos.
Thanks Ken, congratulations on choosing the TEC shocks, you'll love 'em ! They are the greatest bag for buck in the suspension market ... let us know how you get on with them !
I gives me reall pleasure to be fettling a bike for her now, she loved her Harley for 6 years and there was nothing i could do to make it any better for her....but now she wants a bike that can handle a few bends and corners, so time to tweek it and make the little Bonnie sing.... she's gonna love it mate... take care and Penny says Hi..
Thanks Neil, Penny is liking it more and more... we fitted the exhaust tonight, and when you first fire it up, the header pipes turn dark gold with heat to match....coll happy outcome aye...
hi , never posted before , but just want to say how interesting the shocks video was , GREAT, as i am thinking of changing my stock rear shocks on my Thruxton 2014 and not mechanically minded, so thanks, no dout ill get stuck. Kev Stoke On Trent
Hi Kevin, thanks for letting us know, have done a few videos of up-grades on my Scrambler and Penny's Bonneville, so hope you find them useful... the TEC shocks Penny bought have been brilliant, she loves them! Good luck with your modding! Ride safe, D&P
I got the TEC Gas Lowering Shocks for my SS 900. Lowered the bike 1&3/8" with no driver weight and no added spring compression. I found it surprisingly easy to get the powder coat off of the shock mount spuds. It's the softest powder coat I've ever seen. I use a SS tooth brush to get of old Locktight off of fasteners. Wire brush on a bench grinder works good also. I put a small amount of grease on the mount spud and the bushings, mainly because the shocks are one of the few things I've bought for this bike that actually had instructions and they said too, I figured it can't hurt. The one thing I didn't see you do is put the spacer washers in before you put the mount fastener and fender washer on. I think you need to revisit that because they are necessary to prevent the mount fastener and washer from pinching the bushing because the TEC shock mounts are wider than the stock ones, making the frame mount spud too short. That was in the instructions also. Damn instructions. ;-)
Hi there big thankyou for making these videos , extremely helpful , going back to a bonneville or should I say thruxton and know how poor the stock shocks are so you've just helped me find a great pair of shocks for great value , many thanks to you and all the best 👍👍👍
Hi Craig, Im glad the videos can help you, You're right on the shocks, the factory ones are awful, and when you only have to spend £120 or so to get a great upgrade like the TEC shocks, it makes is a no brainer aye..!
Defo top quality shocks, Ive had the non gas version on my CB500 for 2000 or so miles and I have recently upgraded to these. I need to do some work before I can test ride them though. Soon to be scrimmed!
Been watching your videos on triumph bonneville would just like two say how good you both are and its been great to watch i have a bonnie the same as pennys but the orange and black colour given me some great tipps thanks to you both
Thank you Harry, its good to hear form you sir.... im glad the videos have been of use, even to see another bike being done can give you lots of inspiration....have a good time making yours a bit more special, and enjoy it... thanks for watching.. and ride safe.. D&P..
So living in Canada and after watching this video, I picked up a pair from TEC USA (they're closer) for my 2013 Bonneville SE figuring that they would be of the same quality as the UK. Though they worked for a short while and did improve the ride, they have since begun to leak. After a bit of research, I did discover that the US TEC doesn't undergo the same "rebuild/improvement" effort that is performed in the UK. I am disappointed but fortunately the cost was not prohibitive. I put the stock ones back on and am looking into a pair of Hagons. Love your videos Delboy. Unfortunately, TEC didn't work out for me for the long term.
+Derek Met hi Derek, Im sorry you had this with TEC USA, i have heard of a few sets doing this, and im not sure why, but it seems that like you say, they arent being built right over there.....i do know from speaking with George Milburn over here that he puts a lot of time into each set to get them right....and the two sets we have are still perfect after two years... i just wondered if its worth speaking with George here and see if he can send you a pair on spec to see if they are better, i know they have had no issues here..! just a thought, as i know the Hagons are a lot of money and anything is worth a try aye..>?
Hey Del, changed out to these shocks and springs on my Bonnie SE, I am well happy made such a big difference but just one thing fella, there's nowt wrong with an 80's Virago, I've owned and loved mine for 14 years and it's still going strong!!
Alright fella - spot on vid as always - I got a Hagon shock on the Bandit - and I must say I find it a little harsh - even on its softest its pretty tight and doesn't really give for a smooth ride, 2 up is a different matter - turns the bike into something else - maybe I should put on a few stone - lol - shh don't tell the wife.... :D Have fun fella - keep safe - cheers. Nige
Hi Del just put tec rear shocks and progressive springs on my 05 Bonnie,! Springs came same length as the ones I took out, Don’t know if tec had allowed for this or if previous owner had already change front springs,just been out for a ride ,much firmer,will see how we go ! Used a good quality pipe cutter to shorten tube,tell Penny I haven’t taken the grandad bits off! But having 7grandkids and being the wrong side of 65 I think I qualify for keeping them on😂😂thanks for your detailed advice and tips regards Philip
Moonfleet41 Hey Delboy, Just wanted to give you a heads up. I replaced my TEC shocks as TEC USA has not responded to date to my emails (first email sent on May 21st). I couldn't wait any longer for their response and riding around with oil leaking from my shocks isn't really safe. I ordered Hagons, cheapest ones i could find :) and I installed them last night. I really like them. Thanks for all your great tips and even I feel comfortable tooling around on my bike watching your vids. Peace brother, Daniel www.triumphrat.net/twins-technical-talk/72732-rear-shocks-discussed-here-78.html#post6507154
Daniel Goldring Dan that's such sad news, not to even bother to respond to you is awful service, and im not surprised you've just replaced them with another brand... the guys here in the UK are really helpful and always happy to respond any time... but i guess the guys there are just a franchise that doesn't care a damn.... hope the new shocks work well for you my friend, and let us know how they get on.... ride safe buddy.. all the best.. Del.
Daniel Goldring I think it comes down to poor quality control at the factory. I bought a pair of these too and they just about beat me to death despite numerous settings, 300+ miles, and the fact that they look so damn cool! I have a 2014 Scrambler. They were so bad that they even made the front end really harsh and moderate bumps at higher speeds came close to jarring the bars from my grip. Thinking that I just couldn't find the right settings between preload and damping I decided to take them to a bike suspension shop. The guy said I could leave the bike and he would break them down to take a look. He didn't seem overly positive because he had some experiences with TEC Bike parts before. A week later I went by to get my bike. He said one shock had one shim and the other had two. He removed one shim. In addition the piggy back cylinders containing nitrogen would not hold enough pressure to push the oil back into the main cylinders. He added O-rings to each shock and the pressure held up. The bike rides fine now but it cost me $210. I guess I just got a bad pair but buyer beware. I would, like many others, like to thank Delboy for all the great videos. I've benefitted a lot from all the tips, pointers, and goby vids posted. Thanks brother.
Great Review and install video. I just purchased my own but I don't have a vise. Will i still be able to change the Eyelets or do I need to take them to a Shop? Also, what is the length with the spacer? Thanks!
Unless those are the entry level emulsion type Gas shocks and even then there is no need to Prime them. Gas shocks are designed to operate with no air in a sealed oil reservoir, the gas, usually nitrogen is separated from the oil by an internal floating piston or a rubber bladder. With this design they can be operated in any position. The gas design is superior to the standard shock in that it doesn't allow air into the oil chamber and mix with the oil (foaming) under repeated cycling of the unit and thus reducing the effectiveness of the damper.
Really useful vid; thanks. I have a newbie question... I'm going to buy either a Speed Twin or a T120 and I hate not taking advantage of the power & wgt redux of the ST, but I love the looks and ride of the T120. Yours is the first vid I've seen that uses a shorter replacement shock and I'm wondering if a 1" - 1.5" shorter shock on the ST will throw off the stability/tracking/handling.
Lowering any bike will change the handling dynamics, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse, but being in control of the bike and able to put your feet on the ground is a given basic need... so if lowering the bike means it doesn't handle quite as well, then its a trade off you have to consider i guess... Good luck with it buddy.
I use all of your videos for any work that I do. They are great! Question about these shocks. Does it matter if they are mounted with the gas canister toward the front of the bike versus the back? I ask because I have my turn signals mounted at the top shock bolt so I'm wondering if I can mount the shocks backward.
TheJdmorgan55 Hi mate, as loing as there is clearance to mount them towards the front, then that's no problem, just as long as they are at the top... I've seen them mounted on the rear with the turn signals on the same post though!
I mention it now and again, it's one of those things that once you've fitted it, it's just there and it just works! Definitely worth the investment... the chain is always oily, yet the oil seems to take ages to run out...!
You make great videos. I'm inspired to do a lot more work on my T100 myself. I'm waiting on some Hagon's to arrive, your comment at the end made me a have a bit of the buyers remorse. You don't think there's much difference in quality?
I know this vid is 6 years old, but, when we have to install interference fit bushes, we always file a small lead chamfer (half a mm max) on the outer rim of the bush itself so it allows the them to lead in without fidly problems. I just thought people might like to know.
+Amit Ray Hi Amit, they can both raise or lower the bike depending on how you set them up, call TEC for details and advice of what you want ot achieve buddy... good luck.. Del.
They look much better for penny :-)) You could make some wood faces for your vise, cheaper and you could choose the wood type for the softness you need :-))
Finally found some time to watch the Bonny progress, starting with the shocks - That is a mighty bargain there mate. So simple progressives with a rez for a huge improvement! - I have to say I can't believe non progressive springs are still being used! Just a thought - has Penny considered painting the reservoir? For me a little too much bling in ally.. Anyway great stuff as always Del RSMF-RI Mr B
It's not bling as such as there's no chrome on it... and the bare ally gives an engineered look... which is a huge improvement over the daft chrome Virago shocks it came with!
I HATE locktite as well. On the Sportster and Softail Slim i clean it off every bolt that i undo, lubricate with Molykote and torque on feeling or to specs. Never had parts vibrate loose.
Hello, I order and shortly received my Tec Rear shocks for my 2015 t100. All went well while referring to your video. The only suggestion for we dummies is if using the center stand be sure the rear swing arm is supported when removing the shock, almost lost a little finger.One more question if you would be so kind. Tec is currently out of stock of the front springs. Can you suggest a alternate set of springs that would be compatible with the Tec rear shocks? Thanks, you are a blessing for new Bonnie runners. John
Hi John, if you can't wait for TEC to re-stock with the front springs, and you must have them now, I believe the Thruxton springs are progressively wound, so would be the same as the TEC springs... but if you buy them from the dealer they will be more expensive, perhaps get TEC to order them in for you and save the money - hope that helps !
If you're planing to use them full out i guess it would be worth it, kinda hard to predict your future tho... Btw are you off to Isle of man this year?
sturgis87 Hi mate, won't be doing the IOM this year or next, as got so many other things planned closer to home! Certainly doing the Bulldog Bash this year and really looking forward to it!
I put TEC gas shocks on my T100 Bonny using the length adaptors and in general I think they are very good for when I ride solo. However I've had some complaints on the two occasions when I had a pillion on-board. I thought I'd boosted the spring pre-load enough but apparently not. I was supplied with an extra set of heavier duty springs in with the deal and I'm wondering about fitting them as a test, just not 100% sure how I should swap the springs over.
Hi David, I am glad they sorted you out with a spare set of springs... not something I've had to do to mine, best thing I can suggest is contact the guys at TEC for some basic instructions on how to dismantle the shock... the standard TEC as sent, is matched in spring rate to the factory shocks, so at least you have an option, which you wouldn't have had with the standard equipment... good luck with it, let us know how you get on!
As inexpensive as the TEC shocks are, I get the feeling the standard ones from Ttriumph must be very "cost effective" for the company. Thanks for the vids, they have inspired me to do a lot of the work I would have paid the local dealer to bend me over for:-) I don't mind bending over backwards, it's that other direction I don't care for.
Hi there... I ve got a question... I have a T100, but i want the ride hight of a thruxton, do i buy the bonnie shock and set them on the highest setting or do i buy scrambler/thruxton shock and put them on the lowest setting? Because a thruxton is 360mm... i am a little confused, hope you can help me out... Thx you, love your channel btw (y)
Hi buddy, no problem... if you want to buy factory shocks I would go for some straight forward Thruxton shocks , none of them are height adjustable , all the settings will be for pre-load to adjust the quality of your ride... you could also maybe consider the TEC shocks, which come with a 30mm removeable billet slug and available in different lengths and different spring rates... chat to George at TEC for guidance... hope that helps !
+Moonfleet41 ok thx... I do consider buying tec shock... Like you say, you dont need ohlins on a bonnie, i share your opinion in that! I will chat with George and ask him... Thx for the quick reply! Greetings from Belgium
Hi D&P, I was wondering if you have a recommendation for a high-quality, accurate tire pressure gauge? Do you like the pen type or the round dial type or the digital type? Also, is there any way to check a tire gauge for accuracy? Thanks!
Hi There Byron, good to hear form you again.... TBH mate, there is no need to be too anal about the exact accuracy of a gauge, as long as they can measure 0.5psi thats fine....For what its worth, i always like the digital gauge as they are really clear and quick to read...i buy a new one about ever year or so so they stay recent.
Provided the shock is not from a much heavier bike, or a much lighter bike... as then the spring rate would be incorrect for the weight of your Bonnie...it's not vital, but if the difference is extreme, you can end up with a back end that's either rock hard, or wallows and bottoms out...
I just received a set of these and was surprised to see that they are not only dimensionally much smaller at the islet, they have NO metal bushings at all and TEC tells me that is intentional and they don't need more than plastic inserts. I've not seen any other aftermarket shock(or any shock period) that doesn't have metal bushings. The stock ones, tho not as sophisticated perhaps in damping, etc, are still clearly robust enough to last a long time as they have large metal inserts installed in the eyelet. I'm really shocked(no pun) myself at that assertion that the shocks don't need a metal insert. And it seems really obvious to me that the plastic has no chance to last long term.
I share you thoughts on this mate.. no way will they last five minutes of the mounting posts are bearing directly onto the plastic inserts...they must have a steel sleeve, i think you were maybe misinformed there... Why not contact 'George Milburn' directly at the TEC UK website email and put your thoughts to him... He will be able to advice you correctly and send you out any parts you need.. Here is a link to use:- www.tecbikeparts.com/
Hi Del. Wondering if you can help me with a quick question regarding dropping a Thruxton ride height by ~ one inch? I hear of some folks buying the Thruxton TEC shocks and throwing it on their Bonnevilles to increase the ride height of the bike. As I understand, the Bonneville T100 shocks are about one inch shorter than the Thrux (Don't quote me on that. TEC doesnt actually state the length of each models shocks, so I may be wrong on that), so I was wanting to throw the T100 shocks on my Thrux. The problem I have is the front fork springs. If I also buy the TEC T100 front fork springs, will I be able to just throw them into the fork tube or will I need to modify the cyclinder that sits on top of the springs that nestles up against the cap on top of the fork? It doesn't need to be exactly one inch because my heel is nearly touching down flat to the ground while on the bike. Just wanted to get flat foot placement while at a stop, and I want the front of the bike lowered the same as I would at the back. Any help on this would be great!
Jabsy Hi mate, glad you wrote to me on this, as I can stop you wasting some money here... DON'T go buying the Bonneville fork springs! The reason is whatever the length issue may be, the Thruxton has the best fork springs in the series (this is cos they are progressively wound rather than linea wound, like all the other models... this makes them smoother and better handling springs).... All I would do is this:- Cut 1/2" from the spacer tube on top of the spring (naturally, do it 90degrees square and take all burrs off) and see how you go with the ride height. You can always take another 1/2" off if you need to, and you can't add it back on! Start by measuring, accurately, between the top corner edge of the top yoke, down the outside of the fork to the centre of the axle nut with the bike standing UPRIGHT on it's wheels (get someone to hold it at the back)... then after lopping out the 1/2", measure it again, and in that way, you will get the perfect ride height without ruining your handling. As a side note, if you go to TEC for a fork spring upgrade, what they sell you is actually the Thruxton springs ! Good luck with it mate, hope that helps !
Moonfleet41 There's some confusion on my side. Are you saying that the stock front fork springs are progressive on the Thruxton? When last I changed the front fork oil, I pulled the spacer and springs out just for a quick inspection. My fork springs are actually linear and not progressive. Looking at the springs on TEC's website, those are progressive and do not look like mine. Here's an add selling OEM fork springs for a Thruxton and they look just like mine....... www.ebay.com/itm/Triumph-Thruxton-OEM-Front-Fork-Springs-motorcycle-/201340735638?hash=item2ee0d7d096&vxp=mtr Lastly just to clarify, are you saying the TEC T100 rear shocks would still be the ones to pruchase then cut the spacer in the front forks?
Jabsy It may be a UK/US difference, but talking with George at TEC he told me they offer the progressive Thruxton springs for any other model...perhaps if yours are linear, then just buy the TEC springs anyway, what ever is meant to be there, at least you'll have fixed that.... With the rear, you'll see that TEC do two lengths of the piggy back, gas canister shocks, one for the Bonneville SE, and the other for all the other bikes... they all come with an extra spacer slug that screws into the bottom of the unit to lengthen it buy an inch.... get those and you'll have the adjustability you need... hope that works for you mate..!!!
Moonfleet41 Awesome! Thanks for all the help, Del. Yeah its a shame we don't have progressives as stock here. That would have saved me some coin! Good to know about the spacer slug for the shocks. I'll purchase those (and the progressive fork springs -_-) and work on that front spacer. Thanks again for your time and advice, Del.
Hi Delboy, thinking about installing these shocks on my newly acquired 2015 T100, currently £119 pair. Just one question, would it make it more difficult to throw the bike on its centre stand? Cheers
I can't see how it would make it any different to set the bike on it's main stand, unless you lower the bike by fitting the shorter shocks, then maybe yes, there is a little further to lift it.
@@Moonfleet41 Thanks for that Del, I intend to swap the standard seat for a K&Q one (missus insists) and as I understand it the KQ seat is about 25mm higher than the standard one that is now on the bike, I'm only 5'-6" so the lower shocks would help compensate. If it turns out that the bike is then too difficult to get on the main stand then I'll use the Tec extensions. btw...thanks for all the brilliant vids...next job AIS removal. Cheers :)
Yes, absolutely, if you check out TEC Bike parts they sell piggy back shocks for the Scrambler which will jack the back up a fair bit, on the front you can add a little pre-load to your fork springs with a longer spacer tube, and generally lift the front and rear at least an inch.
Not sure mate, give the guys at TEC a call and ask then, i would think they would make a big difference, but be guided by them as they know ore then me... Del
Hi Del, I am installing HAGON Nitro shocks and just noticed that the little rubber & metal ring you switched in this video is only rubber, there is no metal ring in it. Could it be that I use the rings from the factory shocks? I was simply wondering how long would the rubber last without the extra support
Adam von Mack Hi Adam....i've not used the Hagon shocks before, and usually a shock bush has a metal insert as a matter of course.....but maybe the best thing, if there isnt any instructions, is to call Hagon and ask them direct...they'll know what thier shocks need... hope that helps.. Del.
+FRANCO LOPEZ Hi Franco, the old shock on my bike were changed when the bike was practially still new, they are a poor design and made an uncomfortable ride...they dont need to be changed at a certain milage, they dont exactly wear out, (unless the bike is very high mileage) i just wanted to upgrade to a better pair..
I wondered if, after you dismount the old suspension and replace the shock on one side and bump it up and down for the oil/air bubbles, you take that shock off again and repeat the mountain/bumping process on the other side of the bike, before actually properly mounting the new shocks with the right torque setting etc? I'm asking because it looked as if you replaced the shock on the right hand side, bumped it up and down and then tightened it straight away. Which would mean you would never be able to bump the left side shock properly.
Hey, great video. I have the same bike. Do you think it will look funny if I put 375mm on that bike. My se feel super lower so.i want add some height. I'm 6ft. Thank you
Hi Del, wondering how the shocks are holding up after all this time? Been considering a set but found a few threads of broken lower mount and some other failure complaints. Hope all is well!
Hi Erick, we have upgraded the TEC shocks to some YSS ones now, but this was 4 years ago and the project evolved... however, the TEC shocks were as good as new when i changed them, no corrosion and no leaks.. and they had done over 5k miles.. They are still the best value piggyback shock absorber you will buy for that money by a long shot.... Im interested to hear you read some complaints on them.. ive had no problems with the ones we had.. but all things can fail.. the test if the company behind them.. if you contact George at TEC bike parts with any questions he can reply with more detail than me as its his company and he'll know the problems they may have had... Like all these things, we only need to read three bad things about a product, and suddenly we done trust it.. but even reading three hundred GOOD things about the same product will struggle ot reassure us.. not to mention the thousands of happy customers who just fit them and enjoy them and dont bother posting comments. any product can fail, thats why they have warranties aye..! Let us know how you get one and what you choose buddy.. hope this helps in some way.. Del.
Moonfleet41 greatly appreciate your reply brother, I'm with you and only have seen maybe 3 or 4 total complaints on triumphrat. That's why I ask you as I think I saw you use these in more than one occasion so your opinion certain holds good value! Thanks again, going to pick up a set for my Bonnie in the T120 size (350ish mm I think), hoping for a +10mil change, currently at 340mm.
@@hammersteve8 Well...... I was on the verge of purchasing and then had a feeling i might want a new bike soon. Triumph release party later, going to the dealer today to uncrate a Speed Twin :)
@@hammersteve8 T120 was the first choice, as i cant ride on a Thrux for more than 30 minutes before my back starts really killing. So the Speed Twin is the best of both world, Thrux motor with upright position like a T120/Stree Twin.
Hi First i would like to congratulate you for those excellent videos. I recently bought a 2015 bonneville SE, i would like to install TEC gas shocks on it. I weigh 110kg and ride with my wife most of the times. I live in India where the roads are not that good. will this shocks work fine on my bonnie, or should i stick to the OE shocks. Thanks in advance
Hi Kumara. The TEC shocks are rated to the same spring rate as your factor4y shocks, so they will be as strong as them at least..... but if you would like to fit something a bit stringer, then contact TEC directly and ask if they can send some with stronger springs for you.. this is a service they offer here in the UK, so im sure they can help you over there in India... Good luck with it my friend, ride safe.. del.
Hi Kumara I too own a 2015 SE, If at all you tried upgrading your suspension, can you share your experience with the new one. I too find the stock suspension very uncomfortable for our roads.
Sumeet Shet Hi I haven't upgraded my rear shocks yet.. was not happy with the reviews of the TEC shocks. I just tightened the rear shock by two notches and it's much better now...
hi, I have the same tech shocks on my bonneville 2015, A3. shocks work fine with some fine adjustment on the height, but some how now I feel like I loose confidence while cornering, (probably because my rear ends sits down more while cornering) some times it bottoms out in high speed on big gutters ( I live in india) not sure if I can tension it max for more height and tension? Now the adjustment thread is almost in the middle. Please assist.
Hi, If your shocks are bottoming out on bumps, then you need more preload on the tension rings...wind them down more to make the spring stiffer and resist the bottoming... and if you have lowered the back.. did you lower the front also by cutting the fork spacer tubes..?
Moonfleet41 , Many tks for your reply will further tighten this, front forks were not touched/ adjusted how ever presently rear is more higher than the original shocks, which I like since it avoids bottom scrapping while passing speed breakers.
Hi Del, the TEC shocks are getting quite a bad review on the Thruxton forum. Seems a lot of problems with failing mounts and failures. Too bad, because the 2 in 1 short trackers are getting great reviews. I was wondering if there was a difference between UK and North America TEC parts? I will go ahead with the exhaust system, considering a different shock supplier though. I might even order from UK instead of USA. Any thoughts?
Bernard Leger Hi Bernard, i have heard this about the mounts, and when we bought mine they came with soft rubber mounts, which are fine so far but ive only done 3k miles on the bike....but when Penny's shocks came about 6 months later, they had hard plastic bushes, and they fit real tight to the frame posts....no issues with them at all...perhaps give the top man himself a ring here in the UK, he is the owner and founder of TEC, the US side is a franchise...he is a mine of information and knows everything there is to know about the parts because HE developed them all in the first place.... his name is George Milburn, and you can call him on his cell phone if you look up the number on the UK website.. please let me know how you get on as im interested to know what he has to say about it... good luck.. Del.
Great Video Del, probably the best thing I liked that you said was these are £89.99 and that's why there better, no truer word as ever been spoken, I'm sick to the back teeth of people talking about this and that just because it's a name brand, I tell them, "No it's not a name brand, it's a Rip off" I must admit they normally come back at me with some shit, but to be honest I'm too long in the tooth to give a shit, lol, RSMF.
I like that Skeggy! You can put finest branded Ohlins on and of course they're better than these, but you'll never exploit their better-ness and they ain't 500 quid better! I'd rather fit these and take Penny out for 200 pizzas with the change! RSMF... Del
Delboy, I recently bought a 2013 Bonnie and discovered your great videos. I was interested int he TEC shocks -- and as a credit to you, trust your endorsement of them. I got on Triumph Rat Forum and many people just trash these shocks as cheap junk. How have your performed over time?
Hi Paul. Don't you love those kind of people, anyone who trashes them has clearly never bought any or even probably seen them in the flesh... The alternative is to spend five times as much on some Ohlins super sexy sports shocks, and waste 90% of thier ability as your bike will never exploit them, as after all, its still just a Bonnie they are bolted to, think about it mate, "you can put 'Nike trainers' on your Grandma, but they wont help her run any faster" if these people want to spend £3k on their suspension then that's their choice, ... So its a trade off of whether you want pose value, bar bragging rights (or forum bragging more like..!) or whether you just want some really good value alternative shocks that work a lot better then the facotry ones, look better, and just don't have the sexy blue badge to impress your shallow mates.. The TEC shocks may be budget items, but they are still 100% better than the god awefull things they fitted at the factory....(they're like something fitted to a 1980's Virago)....so its your call buddy, for my money, we have a set fitted to both our bikes, they've been ridden in rain and bad weather, not developed a single spot of corrosion, and make the bikes ride and feel a whole lot better than they did before... and they cost less then a new front tyre....plus, on top of all that, they have a full guarantee, and a bloke in England that will replace them if they go wrong.... what not to like about that..? Hope that helps you gain some perspective mate... good luck. Del.
Jobs a goodun Del... As for people questioning your choice well frankly who the hell are they to question what you want on YOUR bike... As for tech bike parts well good on em i say... Gan canny bonny lad
@@Moonfleet41 I'm a competitor so I doubt it but as your are doing an in depth and independent review perhaps you should research and reveal to us all.
Take no notice of the comments about origin of a product. I could name some blue chip companies that have there products made I China then rebuilt in europe. It,s not in any company,s interest to supply or produce poor quality products its counter productive. I think you have found a company that is able to source at the right price with whilst maintaining the quality. When do you change the colour of the Bonnie, I bet p Penny has some ideas already. Keep the execellent vid,s coming.
Hi Keith, Penny has a few ideas, some inspired by her experience with the Iron and a few fresh, original ideas too.. gotta get it on the road first and enjoy a few miles and the re-paint will be a project for the near future!
Hi Craig, this is an old video now, these were the origonal basic non damping adjust versions.... if you check out the TEC website now they have fully adjustable ones available for about £130..!
+moonfleet41 complete noobie here. So I have a 2013 T100 that I need to lower about an inch. I guess I just need to know what size I have and what I should get to be able to bring it down about an inch.
This bike was a Bonneville SE. The TEC shocks i fitted have a 30mm slug that can be removed, check out our newer video "Scrambler slammed" here ;- ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xgYQK7oECEg.html Im sure it will give you all you need to know... the T100 stands the same height as the Scambler..to the same shocks will fit..! hope that helps you mate..
Yes you can mate, the standard Bonneville shock is 840mm and the Scrambler and Thruxton shocks are 865mm, so that 25mm equates to a full 1" in rear ride height, but it will be important to add at least a 20mm spacer in the top of your forks to equalise the levels and retain the correct steering rake... otherwise it will top in to corners with a lot less stability...
Hi, love your videos. Got a couple of questions. After some time using the TEC shocks are you happy with them? The other thing, are they height adjustable? Apart from the spacer of course, I am aminf for 330mm myself. Thanks a million.
The shocks are great, and after 500 miles or more, they settle in and become really supple....you stop noticing the ols bumpy ride you get with the factory shocks, and as the bike never feels harsh or solid, you push it more and enjoy the ride a lot better. The height adjustment IS the spacer....they arent 'platform adjustable'...but then, no bike shocks are.....they have preload adjustment, but thats not height adjustment....for that just have. the spacers in or out.. Hope that helps.. Del.
Hi there, yes it can, they are rated the same as the factory shocks, so depending on your passenger, it should be fine. But if you require a stronger spring, then i believe TEC off them as an option, you just need to ask..!
Hi buddy, that's interesting, Penny is the same height, and we lowered her Scrambler by 2", I think the Scrambler is taller than yours? So 1.5" would probably be enough, we bought some lower shocks for the rear and cut 1" off the spacer tubes inside the fork legs... this made the bike the perfect height with flat foot down... we have videos on all of this in our Triumph Playlist mate... hope that helps!
