Bonneville Handling Issues

Fit better rear shocks and a steering damper should sort her out

 

Before I did anything else I would put a new set of Avon Roadriders on 'er and see how the handling is then.

 

I have suggested Michelin Pilot Activ tyres but a set of Hagen progressives up front and their basic rear shocks will transform pogoing, wallowing and overall comfort when you stretch the OEM chassis components. The
The budget in invariably matters but old tyres maybe MUST be replaced first

 

What Callumity said
I have fitted the basic Hagon rear shocks (I think they were less than 140 quid for the pair) and Hagon progressives at the front (95 quid delivered IIRC).
My T100 now rides and handles just about as good as that chassis can do.

 

I tend to the view that a 2004 bike is not worth throwing silly money at as it will never repay the expense. You don’t ride a Bonnie for its brilliant, razor sharp handling in the first place......
So while I don’t dispute the superiority of emulators it does boil down to what you are prepared to afford. Progressive springs simply soften up the first inch of travel on poor road surfaces but linear springs are better for pure handling.....but a standard Bonnie’s biggest handling deficiencies are at the back. The 19” front wheel slows the steering down anyway and fork adjustment makes for very limited difference to trail.
The best you can do is make informed choices according to your own priorities and wallet. I would put the seat quite high up my list!

 

TOpcat
I did all this on my 2010 bonnie and got the seat padded. It handles a dream even to confident I feel. but is a pleasure to ride. The brakes yes I feel are a bit wanting. The front Hagon progressive I feel does take most of the bumps and controls them and returns nice and controlled. But if in dough then phone Hagon they work wonders and give valuable advice and will do their utmost to give you what you ask for. Also there is bar risers out there try ebay.
Ride Safe
Joe.

 

TOpcat
Nothing wrong with that. You have to do what's good for you and you will get there.
Stay Safe
Joe

 

Bonneville's are left wanting in the suspension and brakes department, I have two bonnies at the moment "2001 and 2008".
The 2001 model has new avon tyres, hagon suspension front and rear and sinted metal brake pads, it's a pleasure to ride in every way
The 2008 model has Bridgestone tyres, Tec suspension front and rear and standard brake pads, it's not in the same league as the 2001 in any way.

 

If not already covered in the thread, bar riser lift the bars about an Inch .and you don't have to worry about changong brake pipes and cables. Made the whole bike feel nicer and relaxed when I fitted mine. And only took 10 minutes...

 

Simple Yes. You can call Hagon tell them what you want how you want to ride all the weights and conditions and they will build you a shock around your needs. AND get those Avon's on there and see how it goes. The raising the bars I was thinking about that aswel.
Ride Safe
Joe.

 

The USA hagon dealer is a few miles from my home, they hooked me up. I dropped my Bonneville down around 25mm in the rear and got some stiffer springs. The front forks, I put progressive springs in them along with 20 wt fork oil.

Some would say it's stiff, but as an old off-roader, I like'm stiff.