Delboy's Garage, Triumph 'YSS' Suspension Upgrade.! 

As a Thai guy,I’m so proud of Yss They started from making a replacement shock for scooter or moped and I didn’t even noticed when did they making a high quality and high performance shock and exported worldwide, They’re grew so fast!

Del, quick one for you: my brother got a pair of rear shocks for his shadow 1100. He went to a local specialist who went through the process of weighing him etc. The brief was 'upgrade shocks for a cruiser for an owner with a very bad back'. I was concerned when they arrived because only the pretension was adjustable. The guy told him that the springs had what should be the right amount of pretension - a 200mm spring with 20mm pretension- this was also stated on the spec sheet with the shocks. When we fitted the shocks, the ride height was noticeably lower than standard and you could bottom-out the rear end in the garage just by leaning on it. We had to wind a further 30mm of pretension in to get the bike to a reasonable height and to stop the bike pipes hitting the road on right-handers. The brother went back to the guy who said he'll replace the springs which is great but aside whole thing being a little bizarre having gone to a specialist, I'm still wondering if he shouldn't be expecting more adjustability for his money - he paid more for his shocks than you did for the YSS's. Any thoughts appreciated, Del :)

I'have put a pair of YSS RE302 on my 99 W650 (200euro) and there are a really nice upgrade (with the wilbers progressive front springs 7mm more oil and 5w inside instead of 10w change my ride)! Thanks for all your video, you are the best!

Would love to see video of Penny dialing this setup in as I'm bit of a sucker for wanton violence in riding (I originally went from dirt to tarmac as far as motorcycles go). Somewhere suitably bendy to keep it semi-legal, obviously

Best explanation of a progressive spring ever! Thankyou.

One small point - you are in fact incorrect in your understanding of the spring rate, the other guy was right, more coils per length = lower rate, once they go coil bound (inactive) then the rate increases (lower coils/length) and the unit becomes stiffer. That is a spring fact :-) Think of a spring as a torsion bar not a beam bending, it will help to understand the principle.

WOOP WOOP !! Porridge, Coffee and Delboy's Garage. I love Saturdays !

Hi, your videos have been a great inspiration for me. Now, I have starting working myself on my Bonneville A3 more and more. I am considering a suspension upgrade. Presently my stock feels very stiff and under sprung. I want to have a more comfortable ride. My available options are the YSS G-series vs YSS Z-series. Which one will you suggest considering my requirement?

I like the way you explained the spring , very clear . Cheers

I can tell you from experience with the sameYSS on my CB1300. Amazing shocks. After 20K I saw signs of leakage. My garage contacted Vmoto and they sent are replacement in a week and so far I've one another 30K with no problem. Dellboy is 100% right!

Hi Del..Another great vid. Here's a really cool idea for those redundant, crap, original Triumph shocks, spray up the springs really shiny colour, then fit them as wardrobe or cabinet door handles. Seen it done, looks the dog's. All the Best Gav

(P) Hi Del. I'm really seeing a more professional approach coming out here... Both in the editing, and the content... You're being more concise, advising correct torque settings (for the novice, who has not had the experience of the "feel" of fasteners)... This past half dozen videos seem to be a new era for Del Boy's Garage, and it's really exciting and warming to see. "You get out what you put in", as someone once said :-)

Hi Del, is YSS an upgrade for a Sv650?

great video del i do enjoy watching you do these jobs as your​ very knowledgeable & explain things so people can understand them. would you say doing mods/upgrades definitely add value to a bike only with cars it's the opposite & can devalue it as well as turning people of buying. looking forward to the next video mate :-)

How did these perform and how durable are they? Read lots of stories about them blowing seals after 2-3k miles

Found this channel by chance and glad I did! Keep up the good work you do an excellent job brother!

From my view, it looks like the springs on the YSS shocks are larger diameter gauge wire (spring is beefier). That is also my impression of the weakness of the TEC lowering shocks. When you shorten suspension travel vis spring height, you need a beefier spring than stock sec. With the lowering shocks, you loose half your remaining travel, just sitting on the bike. I have 9 full turns on my TEC lowering shock springs now, first time riding it in the year I've had them that they didn't bottom out (bump stop pushed all the way), it doesn't ride there, but hitting that stop can accordion your spine. Does "WEMOTO" ship to the US?

Like your explanation of progressive spring rate. Off to ride my new Speed Twin..just ordered some OEM Triumph Ohlins from a Thruxton for the SpeedTwin.

Hi Del, like the Pun 'Whats left of the Roads' Council's please take note...! Martin / Wiltshire

Heh del.......just a little question.....have you or penny had a go on the new street scrambler for 2017 yet. I am liking the look of it, but would value your opinion on it.

YSS are great shocks. fitted them to many of my friends triumphs, especially the t300 range.

I bought a T120 in May and I have recently changed the rear shocks for some EMC ones Made in France. I'm not happy. They're really stiff so I sent them back to be made more 'comfortable'. The retuned set are better but still so stiff even nearly on max clicks to full softness. Wonder what I'm doing wrong... If I increase compression when my wife is on to stop it bottoming, it's way to stiff on my own. Maybe the YSS would have given me more compression damping possibilities ?

Thank you again Del. I have now bought a 2008 Bonny EFI (first injection model) with 8000km on the clock - brand new looking! I want to do the whole maintenance on it including your recommanded air filter (not the trow away one - as you recommend!) what are the recommended brands for the oil, airfilter, breakfluid etc... (any more?) changes I want to do before the spring come? Many thanks

FWIW I’ve installed a pair of these YSS on my 2020 Speed Twin as the standard kit is the worst I’ve ridden on in over 40yrs. I’m used to having full spec Maxton, Ohlins and K-tec on my bikes but didn’t want to spend that kind of money on the Speed Twin. I have to say that while not ‘as good’ as the more expensive brands, (the expensive stuff is more plush) the YSS are very good and are a night and day difference to the standard rubbish. It’s made the difference between me keeping or selling the bike. I recently took it on a 2000 mile trip across the Pyrenees and I genuinely wouldn’t have been able to do it with the standard set up. The standard shocks really are that bad. The forks still need doing but that can wait for Spring 23 now. When I get around to it I’ll edit and post the video I made while fitting them.

We get these YSS shocks for INR 40000 (GBP 400) in India, which is quite a lot of money. I had a question about using these shocks for two-up riding on a Street Twin. The OEM shocks are too soft, even at a setting of 4, and bottom out on bad roads. Also, on undulated highways, they make the bike wallow a fair bit, which isn't confidence inspiring at all. After two years of using these (considering you still have this bike), would you recommend this purchase as a significant value add for two-up riding?

Wasted 10 minutes out of the 28 talking about nothing to do with YSS shocks, Plus got to not to agree with you about tec gas shocks, I fitted a pair on my 13 Speedmaster, 14 months (3000 miles) they were shagged, the ride was getting unbarable, thinking it was the swinging arm bearings, winters project, on removing both tec shocks, just curiosity, I will check their pressure's, 1st one had 3llb in, 2nd one no pressure at all apart from that is filling my tyre gauge with oil I have owned for 20 years knackering it, I sent tec an email, got no answer. While out on a ride near Leeds one early morn up front was a motorcycle on its side, with rider & pillion looking a bit worse, I stopped to give assistance if I could, one of his rear shocks had broken near the eye, yes you guessed it after market tec shocks, in my eyes they are shite. I started viewing your fitment of YSS shocks as I had only yesterday fitted a pair of YSS shocks, not the piggy back, but gas shocks none the lesser.

Hey Del, quick question... I have the exact same shocks on my k2 Gsx1400.. On the dampening the clicks are intermittent, some clicks up top and some down lower, its not as easy clicking as yours, I have them set by feel to what I think is 15 on each side.... should the weight be taken off the rear wheel when adjusting the dampening? Also thank you for this video, little or nothing anywhere on YSS shock adjustment so thank you.

In this video you were going to follow up with an evaluation of the YSS rear shock over the TEC shocks? Did you ever come to a conclusion if it was a worth while upgrade given the price difference?

I have to admit. being a long time auto mechanic. I've still always been sketchy about working on my bike due too the repercussions of a mistake on a bike Vs a car. That being said I still like watching the old simple videos you make. Like you said we are talking 1 socket and 4 bolts, but what I like is all good info and the small tips you don't get in a service book.

hi, what's the diameter of upper and lower mounting hole on the shock?

Hi del, I'm in need for BIG HELP! In the 7 years I own my Bonnie se.. I absolutely love it and been Personalize it ever since there was a budget for it. The only thing I'm really but I mean REALLY unhappy about is how the bikes suspension is. From the beginning it rides to hard and feels like I'm riding with bricks as suspension. First thing I Changed was installing tec progressive fork springs. Second thing was installing hagon nitro rear shocks. That resulted in..... NOTHING. The bike still rides like a brick on uneven surfaces. For example cobble stones are an absolute hell. If I can I turn back! But not only cobble stones also roads with many small bumps and little dips is a nightmare. It's just really unpleasant and I even consider selling the bike against my will. I already spend 600 € on the rear shocks alone? All I have done has been in the correct way, fork springs sit the correct way up, spacers cut to right lenght, correct level fork oil. Tyre pressure is correct. I think the major problem is my own weight.. I just only 65 kg. And I think because of that there isnt enough pressure on the bike to get the suspension to work? I'm desperate how can I update my suspension and have a comfortable enjoyable ride. These bikes must be able to get that? I only want to spend money on this one last time otherwise I'm think of selling the bike. Please some guidance in this matter? Thanks in advance Dieter

Thanks y'all for what you do. All the time and work you put into your videos, to help others, and myself. Thank you, ride safe, and God bless

Billiant Job Mate... Darn i cannot wait to pop all my questions your way, when i start fiddling on my Thruxton

Hi just wanted to know if the difference in the price worth it. Just brought the Tec shocks not fitted yet. I only use my trimpth for pleasure.

3 or 4 years later this video is still being watched.

good words - I put a nitron shock on the bandit and it transformed it because of the adjustability and also had it made to my weight and riding style

Excellent video thank you. I'm looking for a fitment for these shocks for my Speed Twin but as yet there is none. Looked at the Triumph Fox piggyback shocks and see that the progressive spring is reversed compared to the YSS. Any thoughts on that and would you recommend the Fox?

Thanks for another great video. Good technical info and I had a laugh at "riding on what's left of the road" as well! However, I would take issue with the assertion that after market shocks and such improvements add value to the bike for the following owner. Those bits and bobs are terribly dear when first bought, they'll be unusual if they represent a 10 percent return on their as-new price when the owner is ready to sell. I'd say go ahead and invest in the improvements for the pleasure they give you when you ride your pride and joy; don't expect the next owner to value them much at all.

I've just bought an XJR1300SP with YSS rear shocks (RG362-330TRCL-37-BJX) they look great but I'm in pain after an hour they're set so hard!! The front shocks are as bad! The guy must have toured all over with luggage back and front, I never received the instruction manual so it was good to watch your video I'll try to set both ends up at the weekend if I can find the pin that comes with them!

hello, can you please give me the reference of the YSS suspension for a street twin 2018 please ?

Hi Del and Penny, very useful series, i am a reasonable HOME mechanic , but every time you guys do a job that is regarded as routine maintenance I pick up some great new tips and advice.The new style is subtly better, more pro looking, but either way your bang on the button. Thanks again. Gerry.

still being watched and not for the first or second time, 😃, in April 2023

Hello, could you disclose which tyres you fitted on this nice T120?

what is the maximum after market shock travel you can get for a street scrambler 900??

Excellent as always - also enjoying your new music being an old 'clubber'

Great vid, but lose that bloody music or at least use rock music not that jungle crap!!

Hi folks as always love the vids, what a great way to spend some time on a cold winters day.. Not complaining about the music but would like to say that I miss the Transitions. Keep the vids coming and look forward to the next one. cheers

another great vid can't wait to see how the shocks go. all music is good music, it seems to be a fair bit louder than the talking parts though

My question is, if you're going to change the wheels, tires, exhaust and suspension anyways, is the Street Twin or T100 Bonneville essentially the same, or would it be better off in some way to start with the street twin or Bonnie? I ask because I'm considering one of the three bikes. I like spoked wheels, but if they rust on three months, I've have to buy aftermarket wheels anyways, so it doesn't matter what wheel they come with. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I've already got a ZX14R, so I'd like a nice classic machine like this, for the road. Thanks.

Crackin, informative video as usual Delboy. used your 5000 sportster service video recently. saved myself a fortune and I know it's been done correctly. Keep on keeping on. Superb chanel mate. All the best.

Another good video Del, like you mentioned the quality of the videos just keep improving..the time you and Penny are spending is obvious..great work and keep it up. On a different note, the Mrs was helping build furniture the other day and said "Don't mince the screw head"...she's been listening to you it seems!!

Hi Del & Mrs Pitstop. Love your uploads and your editing! But I want to see a seventh episode with a front suspension upgrade 💪💪 Regards from Denmark

Really clear explanation on the progressive springs but is there any difference when the tightly spaced springs are at the bottom as they are on my Ikon shocks fitted to my T100?

Is the height adjustment thread the same size as the Tec shocks? As I've got the Tec twin shocks with the added 30mm adjustment would be great if it fitted into the yes shocks too.cheers

another enjoyable video buddy and very well presented, regards Stu 🔧🔩

I really want to change my suspension up but i want it so much softer, would the tech shocks be able soften it up? Not in it for the handling, I need a comfy place to be for hours on end. edit, 500 pounds isnt too much really, Im a firm believer that the most expensive/important thing you can do to any vehicle is suspension work. i used to have a Spec-V sentra and threw something like 3000 dollars at it with full JIC coilovers, nismo bushes, bars and arms. every penny well spent. Great series Del, i just replaced pads and plugs yesterday those couple of videos made an already easy job that much easier and entertaining.

Good vid and Some more funky sounds there dude 🎼🎼who are they.?? just ordered me shocks finally for the old iron they do them in black now 👍🏻

is there an update on things like ride and handling please to me it relevant as I'm looking for new shocks for my bike cb1300.

Which tires do you recommend for a bonneville? I have some battlax now but I can say I like them

What's the verdict on these shocks Del? I'm thinking of getting some in the near future for my Triumph America. Also have the Tec Shocks on them right now but the ones I've got only have pre-load on them and I want more adjustment on them. Did you get or set any Static Sag on these YSS Shocks?

Music great video fantastic, and I'm an old fart, but love all of your stuff.

Did the owner feel they were riding past the ability of the TEC?

Love all the videos guys. Also enjoying this intro music, reminds me of Atmosphere

Is there a difference between the T100 and street Twin rear shocks?

(P) Looking more & more beasty everyday, Penny is one very lucky lady! 👍🏻

Worked with YSS.Really good parts

Let us know how these preform . my zrx has same type of shocks and the stock ones are getting tired

hi Dei what click settings top and bottom did you end up doing

Hello Delboy can I ask your opinion on something?, I bought a Triumph bonnerville on Saturday and have been riding it quite happily, well on Tuesday the back wheel slid out, so I got home as I only live round the corner from where it happened and discovered that the right hand side shock absorber had spat out its retaining bolt and seal and coated the tire, chain guard, wheel and tire with fluid. Now the shocks looked well looked after and clean and even Had a brand name sticker on them, which eventually turned out to be previous owners wishful thinking and not the brand it was imitating. Have you ever come across this, I was quite horrified when I saw it, I can send you some pictures if you want to see it.

Hi Del, wanted to send you an email but thought you'd pick this up here anyway... I have been binge watching most of your video's... I'm not going to talk about anything I don't like because it's not really useful to you and you probably know from other comments anyway but what I will say is the good stuff... I really have enjoyed the slow and methodical way you present jobs in a noob friendly way that give's me confidence and a little inspiration to start work on a little project. Due to changes at work my current bike, an Mt09 isn't mission critical anymore and really want to get stuck in with a older project bike, either a CBR600FS or a older carbed Gixxer or Zx7R, (I really like those). I am excited to get stuck in taking everything off and get new discs /pads, exhaust, wheel bearings / fulll valve services and some major servicing/renewing and anything that needs to make it gleam. Your general maintenance guides are really nicely done. Keep up the good work... I'd love for you to do a P5 zx7r or a CBR900 bug eyes and do all the bits up on one... I really enjoyed your Scrambler upgrade series. If you haven't already done one would you have a look into doing a bulb to full LED indicators and lights vid on kit a wiring principles?

have you got a vid about removing rusted header nust/bolts ?

Gt video again bet penny can't wait to get out on it. Looking forward to getting back to the project though....spring is deffo coming!! Time for me to get the Z1000 out from winter hibernation.👍🏻

Love to see your front up-side-down shock upgrade video. I am thinking of doing the same on my 2016 Moto Guzzi V7 Stornello. Don't know what yellow shocks I should install(Kawasaki?)

Hello. I've noticed you are fan of YSS suspension :). Can you tell me if you compared YSS with other aftermarket suspensions? Like Hagon or Hyperpro? I'm about order suspension upgrade for my bike, because mine is old and I can't even setup proper SAG, and I'm looking for good replacement. YSS, Hagon and Hyperpro are about same price for my bike and I can't really find any good revives about this products.

Hi Del new subscriber here I just want to ask about adjusting the nitrogen gas. would it possible that could make my shock softer ... i have yss gold series

Another brilliant video, I’d love to go for a pint with you haha

Another masterpiece there, mate. Please do the front suspension as part of this series as forks etc. is right at the beginning of my 'uncomfortable zone' and I believe with your treatment of the subject that I'll gain the confidence to retry them myself one day. As usual, your work is very much appreciated.

Great video as always. I have a 2015 scrambler and have tried a couple different models of shocks including 2 pairs of ohlins, one of them piggy backs. I had them adjusted at 2 different suspension shops and they were so harsh. Im 195lbs and havea hard time finding suspensions that have more travel than stock. Our roads here are terrible and 4” of travel just doesnt cut it however its adjusted (either too stiff or it bottoms out). Works suspension used to make a 6” travel kit front and back but seems like they stopped doing it. My best advice, after spending thousands on shocks it to know what it is you are trying to upgrade and if that shock will address it (height, handling, damping, adjustability, comfort...etc). I ended up putting my stock shocks back on until I find something better, they are more comfortable than the ohlins...

I guess im buying yss shocks for my hawk gt, and hornet 600. You convinced me with 'doing your own maintenance will save you as much as they cost'... You legend you😎

is that the RC302-370T-20?

hey. can you advise if the Tech shocks will fit an iron 883. if so can you recommend where to pick some up..... thanks in advanse...

(p) Nice video Dell, with good theory part. just one more question: Why manufacture dont put better shocks on this bike? Is it because of people who want use it on gravel?

The background music is really annoying

Great shocks. What tyres are you using. I have a T120 and hate the stock. Thanks again for your support

usd fork swap in the future would be awesome to watch :)

Thanks for the guidance - I am going to order the shocks YSS for my Bonneville 2008...

Hi Del, would you like to sell the tec shocks you are about to remove ? Cheers really good vids all of them ,many thanks Philip

This video is the confirmation I was looking for on the TEC shocks, thanks. Just waiting for George to get back to me about ordering.

I was in doubt about the Ohlins or YSS for my Thunderbird 1600, I will try the YSS...

so recap: the tyres are lethal, the shocks are garbage the suspension and spokes rust while you look at them but really its not a bad bike!

Brilliant mate ...as always well explained and educational too. Have you a Facebook page too ?

Put this stuff on a DVD with an "episode section" for each lesson. I'd buy it. And a one for my mate too.

Did you ever review the YSS rear shocks? Were they worth the expense? Was there an improvement over the TECH shocks?

Hi Delboy (sorry, don't know your name), I'm the chap with CB1300 and if you remember we coincidentally met at Muderford Quay while you're sitting outside of the cafe - Nice talking to you. I came across this video while looking for YSS shocks reviews. My YSS G-series have started leaking in less than a year and I'm now in the process of claiming. I thought this might be useful for this video. I initially spotted some greasy residue on the shock shafts, but now I can see oil collecting on the lower mount. Let's see how well YSS will deal with my warranty case - I'll share my experience here. Thanks again for all your time and efforts.

Hi Del - quick question are the top and bottom lugs (or spigots) standard diameters across all models? I was wondering if after market shocks for the current Street-Twin will be an easy fit on a 2015 865 T100. The length looks a good match. Cheers.

I have the same suspention but been trying for hours cant get the settings right , would you please help me get the best setting for the softest on bumpy roads I live in a town full of bombs, I'm weighing 165 pound and preload would help 2 I have it on the 3rd screw from top

Bonjour Del from Switzerland. And Penny of course for the great camera work! I also found your site by chance after buying a 2008 Bonneville 2 days ago and cannot stop watching your videos… Certainly not a mechanic but handy guy nonetheless and your videos make me want to upgrade that Bonnie. You should do physical classes where people could bring their bikes and do a job over one day or two with your supervision and guidance…I would certainly come over to the UK again ! You are an excellent teacher and communicator. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and little hints so efficiently. Philippe

Hi Del not sure there is a word threadage just thought I'd mention it for a laugh though I'm not sure I spelt (I'd) properly just thought I'd be picky as other guys are, though I usually call them dicks. I think you should mention to use the right type of thread lock as of course you know there are many types, some will give the screw a slight resistance when screwing it out (just like the most awkward screw to get at usually is without thread lock 1/4 turn at a time and about 3" of thread, 90 deg and 75mm for the metric people) some thread locks are so strong they can destroy threads on removal of the screw especially when used in aluminium and many in-between, you possibly have mentioned this in a previous video I haven't yet seen. Shame on me. Keep up the good work.

This series on truimph is awsum

Hi there Del and Penny. Cannot say how much I appreciate your videos. They are spot on with now questions open. Sorry to see this vet only now. I bought the TEC reach shocks just over a year ago. The road conditions here in Colombia are as you described it. Riding on what is left of the road many tines. My rear right shock bent and broke and the guys from TEC USA where very kind and send me a replacement although the one year guarantee was gone. Now, actually today, I fitted the new TEC rear shocks. Seeing now the YSS suspension,,,,well,, too late. Anyway, its a good recommendation for the next time. How does Penny rate her new YSS shocks ? Ride safe, Ber