Speed Twin Front Forks

The speed twin is quite a quick bike for its old fashioned suspension!
Maybe you need to brake more gently. Otherwise maybe get the oil
changed for a thicker grade (old skool) or get a suspension expert on it.
I test rode a Speed Twin for a couple of hours round north Wales and found it to be underdamped but not too bad. Probably worth checking the front end is secure
by holding the wheel between your knees and moving the bars side to side (not while riding of course ) Maybe just the "character" of the bike if ridden harder than
it wants. I would try braking a little earlier an progressively and see if it helps.
BTW _ am about 12 1/2 stone - if you are a lot heavier maybe you need stronger springs too ?

 

I mentioned this after my first test ride and it's down to the basic fork internals being overwhelmed by the fantastick brake set up, also if you trailbrake into bends the uncontrolled rebound will cause the front tyre to slip away. I have looked into what's available and it's not much at the moment, you could fit fork emulators to help but the end result is a halfway house as you spend ages fitting and removing them trying to set them up with a small gain but most people will be pleased with or like me go for the two cartridge set up giving bump and rebound in either leg. I believe Matris have a kit already and i am waiting to see what Ohlins come up with. The YSS rears have made a huge improvement to the rear

 

I don’t think it’s very good of Triumph to offer this bike with no adjustment at all on the front suspension, surely it could have had at least preload and rebound damping, something that could be altered to better suit people’s weight and riding style, and still been competitive on price? I got rid of an MT09 for that reason, shite suspension, great engine but it tied itself in knots just going up the drop kerb out side YM manor.
Or are we going to get a Speed Twin R, with USD forks like the Thruxton R? Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

 

Those YSS units certainly don't look out of place

 

I have read a lot about the new Speed Twin since it came out. I love the look of the bike and am not knocking it at all, but I do think it's sad that with a bike with a premium price tag has to be" fixed" so soon. Nobody seems to be happy with the suspension at all!

 

I have been looking to upgrade the suspension too and you can fit a cartridge kit from Öhlins that was developed for the Thruxton.
The Nix 22 FKS front fork cartridge and the Öhlins STX36 dampers have been fitted to few bikes now. For example, this company in the USA supply them.

https://www.ajcyclesny.com/?make=35&model=285&category=34&post_type=product&action=vpf-search

Also see here;
https://www.thetriumphforum.com/threads/fox-triumph-rear-shocks-on-t120.20149/#post-323901

 

I think the only people that are going to be happy with the stock suspension are those whose weight and riding style is the same that the suspension was set up for. It’s not going to be many of us at all if we represent a typical cross section of humanity. Perusing the numerous suspension discussions across various forums it would appear anyone over 200lbs will be spending money.

 

Yeah, I'm 70kg, about 160lbs I think, plus riding gear so definitely sub-200lbs. I put another 160lbs of son on the back on Thursday whilst still on the softest preload and I actually felt the arm swing as it were.

 

Most people on here last saw 70kgs about 30 years ago, or as the numbers swung passed on its way towards the 100 mark

 

As Colin Chapman famously said, "Adding power makes you faster on the straights. Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."

 

So the speed twin suspension debate continues....

 

K-Tech Tracker front cartridge kit for the street twin fits the Speed twin, I'm having it installed and the Razor rear shocks later this month

 

Any more info on the cartridge kit ?

 

What would you like to know? I've been chatting with Chris at K-Tech, they bought some Speed twin forks in to take apart and measure and he said it's the same as the Street twin. This is the part number for the cartridge kit that will fit the Speed Twin and I quote directly from his email to me

The part number for these is 120-016-250-018 and we would recommend the 35-340-85 springs to go with them.

 

That's good info ta, thinking of a kit for my Speed but not decided yet. Keep us up to date please.

 

That’s triumph for you over priced with lots of faults. You think they would take into account all riders sizes and needs if charging top dollar. But they do look bloody nice lol

 

Hi Vanguard, I'm thinking of fitting this type of suspension to my 865 thruxton. would you mind telling me how you are finding it?
Thanks

 

Hi Vanguard,

Did you get the K Tech set up fitted in the end? How is it? Was the front fork fitting a straight swap as over heard some options need some work to the forks (Ohlins Nixx for example).

Thanks