Featured Newby From Yorkshire

OK, I'm not sure this is posted in the right section but here goes..
I have a question for any suspension gurus out there.
Here is a pic of my rear end OOER!

This is how I bought the bike and I haven't messed with the suspension at all.
Am I correct in thinking that there is no pre-load on this? And if so, should there be? I am not very heavy (65kg ish).
The bike does seem to be fairly low which suits my short legs.
I am now getting used to the feel of it and I've been out today giving it some beans. It does seem to turn in OK but I think I noticed a bit of front end wobble on higher speed bends. It was quite windy though.
Also, can anyone tell what make the shocks are? I can't find any marking on them.
Cheers
Paul

 

Thanks.
Yes, I've had it confirmed by the previous owner. They are TEC, he fitted them last year.
If I'm being honest with myself, I don't really like the look of them. They are cheap and they look cheap, although they do an adequate suspension job.
I think I will be looking out for some mid range Hagons.
Paul

 

So, I have been in Stratford the past couple of days and I was fortunate to drop on what I assume is the regular Wednesday evening meet.
There were some VERY nice bikes turned up, here's a few pics which may be of interest to some of you guys....








And a lovely Thruxton R

 

I have been busy with a few small mods recently.
The TEC shocks have gone, replaced with some Hagon road shocks. I didn't want or need too much adjustment and I really like the look of these, they go nicely with the black frame.
No pillions for me either, so have deleted the rear footpegs.







Oh, and a nice Dart flyscreen

 

That feeling you get when you think you've hit the jackpot with an ebay purchase
I was the only bidder on these, they're like new!!

 

And now they're on the bike
Sounds awesome, like a 'proper' bike should. Not too loud on tickover but a nice rasp with a deep 'boomy' growl when revved. Lovely
I've also got some nice bits on the way from TTP

 

Box of goodies waiting for me when I got home.
That's my weekend job sorted

 

Summat that's been bugging me a bit since I got the bike, IT'S NOT A PIGGIN HONDA!

A visit to the supplying dealership and I got this.

Much better and this is where the bike originally came from.
It's the small things....

 

I like trivia
I just think it looks much better displaying a Triumph dealer plate rather than Honda.
So....I've just come in from the garage after doing a bit of tinkering.
Removed air box baffle plate (that was a right faff)!
Fitted TTP Breathe air inlet and DNA filter (easy job).
Removed carbs and fitted jets and needle shims.
Everything put back together and Ronnie started up like a good un
Just need to go out for a test ride to see if he needs any tweaking. Hopefully it won't chuck it down all weekend.
I have bought the TTP fire starter ignition module but I will hold back on fitting that. I want to see how he goes with the breathing mods and then see what difference it makes.

 

Decent weather today so I managed a get a ride out to Squire's to test the airflow and exhaust mods...

I am getting some overrun popping but I think I can live with that, the increase in power and torque is very noticeable but the main advantage I think is the gorgeous retro twin exhaust noise.

 

Hi Martin, lovely bike. Your garage looks OK too

So I got a decent ride out yesterday and bloomin' eck is there a difference in performance!
I have read several reviews about the TTP stage 1 mods and people reporting how it feels like they have a new bike etc. Well I can confirm this.
The bike was running well before but now it just feels so much better (I suppose the lovely exhaust noise has a lot to do with this as well).
I guess the power and torque figures are now not far from my Ducati M797 but there is a big difference in the way it feels. The Duc seems to level out after 5-6k rpm but the Bonnie just keeps on pulling all the way up the revs.
And although the handling is definitely better with the Hagon rear shocks and front progressive springs, I know it's not a sports bike and I accept its limitations in that department.
I'm a bit miffed now the weather's turning a bit crap so my rides will be limited.

 

Martin, to translate the Klingon...
It basically means the bike can breathe a lot easier and make the power which it is capable of

 

So I went in the garage and caught Ronnie with his top off and trousers down.


But seriously, having struggled a bit to remove the carbs first time, I realised that by undoing the 4 Torx fasteners for the rear mudguard, it will sit on the back wheel. Remove the 6mm bolt holding the rear brake master cylinder to clear the frame, then the airbox can easily be moved back by about 60mm...easily enough to get the carbs out without wrestling with the rubber intake ducts (as suggested by Mr Haynes).
I'm a doing this cos I have not got the jetting quite right yet. I am awaiting delivery of some larger main jets.
Anyone thinking of doing upgrades but afraid of removing the carbs...don't be. It's a doddle. In my opinion the hardest bit was disconnecting the throttle cables.