Hi Guys, just been reading the comments regarding Tec versus Hagon. It's all well saying Tec aren't up to the mark but what do you expect for the price. Any shock is an improvement over the rubbish Triumph fit and that includes the forks. For my own Bonnie I've fitted Tec progressive springs which are a fantastic improvement but now highlight the poor damping. YSS emulators are next to be fitted. On the rear I have Maxton shocks now they are quality and they look right as well. My only problem is having to explain to my wife why a new bike needs so much doing to it. Oh and as for the seat try a AirHawk pad, all day comfort.
I think Robster is right in much of what he has said. The main issue on these bikes is the poor standard equipment fitted and any upgrade such as TEC parts will be a massive improvement. You do get what you pay for (I had some Ikon shocks (£275) on a Bonnie SE which I swapped over for Ohlins (£500) and there was a massive difference) so premium brands such a Maxton, Ohlins etc are better.
I dont think the OEM shocks are a particularly poor standard, its just that they are not sprung correctly for an average weight rider. Good reports for TEC ie biglad / Mr Toad Bad reports for TEC ie Tigcraft / Half Ton Economising on something as important as the shocks is not something I would take a chance on. One life, you takes your chance.
I recently bought a tec tail tidy and it just wouldn't fit so sent it back and bought one from pjglassfibre which went on no problem straight away. George did try to help and gave me a refund no problem. His customer service was second to none however the part wasn't. I probably wont be buying anything from tec again and defo not something as important as a shock.
I have the tec adjustable shocks on my 2010 SE and I love them.The difference is huge, but then again so am I. lol. I also bought the tail tidy which fit perfectly and I now have the footpegs and gear and brake levers. I cannot complain about the Tec stuff as up til now I have never had a problem with their gear. Just ordered the 2-2 sprint exhaust as its now back in stock. Looks as though im on a commission from them but thats not the case, just have not had the issues that some of you guys have had.
I went along to the Peterborough TOC Bike Show at the Talbot Inn, Stilton yesterday. Spoke to several Triumph Bonneville owners there. Out of a random sample of about a dozen bikes, who had come 5 to 25 miles; About half using OEM suspension, with varying reports. Then again, East Anglia's wide, windswept main roads, frequent roundabouts and long, straight A roads are not particularly fast (especially on sunny Bank Holidays) and not exactly the greatest challenge to suspension. One Thruxton with the USD forks and gas rear units, reckoned very good by the owner. The rest were half-and-half between Ikon (Koni, as was, from Norman Hyde) and Hagons of various descriptions. Generally reckoned to be a worthwhile upgrade. Right now, I'm still experimenting with the settings on my OEM units. I'm a big lad (110kg) and changing them to mid-setting has definitely improved the ride, and accentuated the thin seat. I'll see what I think when the weather changes... Hagon shocks, Hagon progressive springs and Ricor Intiminators certainly tamed the handling on my 1992 XL Sportster. Avon Cobras suited it, but I suspect that Road Riders would be better on the Triumph, which doesn't have the same "flat track bike" quality the Sportster has (I don't mean that as a compliment, by the way. The Sportster is twitchy, definitely wants pushing into corners, and lacks straightline stability - especially in crosswinds)
