It's been so long I'm looking on it as a bit of a barn find! Was clearing a few bits and pieces out in one of the barns and the s3x was just sat there looking a bit sad for it self, so I thought I owed it a bit of attention. Dragged it out into the sunshine, gave it a wash down, polish and lube. A pleasant couple of hours. Just made me want to get out in it, but the roads that lead to the farm are covered in a couple inches of assorted shite & mud. Nice to know it's tucked away clean & ready to go.
After a bit of an unsatisfying experience with a first set of rear shocks from TEC, George was super helpful and traded them for softer springs (I tend to ride solo and am not particularly heavy). I also took the opportunity and got longer shocks, as I am 6ft tall. The new ones certainly do the trick, although I still believe that the upgrade on the front to progressive springs makes a much bigger difference. The change in height is a godsend, however. The Bonnie feels like a new bike, far more adequate for me. I do have a (first world) problem now, however: as you can see on the photo, my central stand no longer lifts the rear wheel off the ground! Nothing that a plank of wood won't solve, but I'm wondering if anyone has had this problem.
I did, actually. The instructions claim they can be mounted in any way, which makes sense - it's just gas under pressure there, it doesn't really matter which way they're facing. I've tried all positions, and seem to like this one - shows off a bit more of the rear wheel (yes I know I need to tidy up that rear fender then, and get shorter pipes, but it's all a work in progress!). I'm giving this position a go, I can always swap them around at any stage anyway, it's a 10min job.
I like your answer and it is your choice but be prepared for people telling you they are the wrong way round.
I didn't actually go on the bike because I had my grandsons with me, but anyone looking for a cracking day out, I visited the National Coal Mining Museum near Wakefield yesterday. £3 per person to go on the 1 hour underground tour which is led by ex miners with that brilliant 'lads' sense of humour. Keep your brass fob and it admits you free for life, no charge for the grounds which are marvellous in themselves with exhibitions, steam engine room etc. etc. If you have not been put it on your list, absolutely brilliant! Oh! and my grandsons loved it too!
Some things don't change ! Remember having a lot of discussions about which way was the correct for the Marzocchi shocks on my GS1000 about 30 odd years ago
Collected my ex-demo Tiger 800 from Pure Triumph this morning, an met up with Privateer there with his Street Twin. Later on rode it over to Northampton the long way round with figwold. I guess I shouldn't embarrass him by mentioning that we were visiting the BMW dealer there so he could sit on a few and arrange test rides on some with a view to his second bike, so I won't mention it.
I'd like to have done something on my Triumph today, but working away, so I did the next best thing and ordered a new oem alloy chain guard, from the factory online shop ;-) Something else to get delivered and wind up the missus.
I wouldn't mention it either Rich in case it affects my thought process ...or SWMBO finds out ahead of time (I'm assuming it's pretty much impossible to hide it for ever but if anyone has any ideas I'm all ears).
Bloody cold today but the roads were dry so worth getting the Bonnie out. Lunch for one at The Haven after a good run through Hampshire and into Wiltshire.
