Nice video mate….its great to see how much you have taken to that bike, its a journey when you evolve the stock machine into your very personal ride. There so much more to just riding, becoming true best friends with your bike, understanding it, giving you the ability to really push it, and get the very best performance from it. Motorcycling is just an incredible journey!
Thanks Adam, it’s certainly a love affair with this bike. Looking forward to our first real trip to the IOM TT then in August another Europe trip this year on the Bonny.
A good modification and well executed, I changed the rear shocks for YSS, far better than standard fit and adjustable for preload and rebound, front forks benefitted using YSS progressive springs with emulators and external preload adjustment, all of this on my 2016 Triumph Speedmaster, took a few attempts setting up but now so much better, well worth the time and expense. All the best and ride safe.
Hi Derek, definitely the first mod on any bike really, if the suspension isn’t up to the job. Even when it is as on my MT10SP with the electronic Ohlins I had it set up by a professional and made a huge difference. Thanks Nick
Looks like the perfect mod. I did Race Tech springs in my SV650 and also my GS500E years ago, and it was like a different bike. I weight about what you do, and many bikes don't come set up well for us. I had 3 other bikes with adjustable suspension that did work well enough though. Hard to see why any company wouldn't put another $10 into the bike and include preload adjusters at a minimum. It's not as if they have a more premium model that does have adjustable suspension that they're trying to sell us. This is the top Bonneville.
I had the exact same problem with a Mk1 Suzuki 1200 Bandit. Very unsettled in bends & diving heavily under braking. Swapped the springs (& the rear shock actually) & it rode like GSXR 1000. Transformed the bike.
Loved the Mk1 Bandit 😉 I think now after many years of bikes that suspension mods should be the first one to do. Let’s face it even new out of the showroom bikes are not set up for the new owners weight, actually most bikes not capable of it and some need replacement parts to rectify this. I think showroom and service guys should as a courtesy at least set the rider up if buying a new bike. Problem is on some they would have to them admit that the stock bike isn’t up to the task.
Never really noticed the forks - it’s the rear shock and the factory fitted tyres that bothers me. Will be replacing both asap. Good tip though. I’ll give that a go soon too. Thanks so much
Hi Rupert 👋 I’m 90kg and have the rear shocks on two notches of preload and find them ok in most situations riding hard. It was just the front that was unsettled and now perfect with the new springs
Some good information. I have a T120 DGR edition bike on its way here in the US. Watching videos to learn how the Bonneville is and any little tips or tricks that may be helpful. I currently have an ‘18 Street Triple and a HD Sport Glide. I am now a subscriber and looking forward to your views on the bike. Cheers
I had my fork springs changed to k-tech.huge improvement over the triumph ones,the suspension guy put different brand of oil in one leg to the other as the forks have only damping in one leg.
Just installed in a 2024 T120. I received the kit from Tec that included progressive springs and white plastic spacers, but no washers. Did your kit come with washers? Perhaps Tec changed the product to not need washers between the progressive springs and the new white plastic spacers. Wondering if some knows.
@ Thanks for the reply! Only had one washer in the left tube between the original white plastic spacer and the metal spacer. I sent a query to Tec asking if it is necessary to have a washer between the progressive springs and the white plastic spacers provided in the kit. Right now the white spacer is sitting directly on top of the spring in both tubes. Will see if I get a reply. Thanks again!
Hello, my t120 2020 needs to replace the two front forks. I understand that there is a cartridge on the only right side or one piece in the part list book. When ordering two front forks, are there any differences between the right and left forks, and are the forks of different years other models fork compatible my t120 2020 thank you
Thank you for this: it is something I have been considering, and would be happy to do myself. However, my criticism of the ride/front forks (I am 6'4" and 100kg) is that I find them, not too soft, but almost too hard and "excitable" on poorer roads, if that make sense....they just seem to hammer over the surface. Do people feel that this mod. would still be appropriate?
Hi Laurie, so the purpose of progressive springs is that the tightly wound coil section soaks up the bumps without hammering the rider. The issue is with the stock ones is the coils are all the same so what the road throws at you you feel through the bike. The progressive springs take some of this out also less dive under braking and into corners. There really is a big difference in the progressive ones over stock
@@lauriebloggs8391 By all means do what is right for you. I’m 74kg and under heavy braking or hitting a pot hole or whatever, the stock front springs do indeed bottom quite easily. Haven’t done my front as yet as I’m skint. A year ago I did the rear suspension installed YSS-gTop. When I’m financial I’ll either install Ohlins or YSS in the front. Cheers.
@@johnmartin7158 Thank you. I haven't bought them yet, but I will indeed put progressive springs in the forks, probably from TecBike Parts very shortly.... 🙂
I have a Bonnie 865 "basic" (not the t100) from 2012 and find the suspension to be too harsh. I thought the progressive springs would help make the front more "comfortable" on bumps, but here it seems that the mod has been made for the opposite reason: the bike was soft and rider wanted it firmer. So I am confused. Can someone help explain? Incidentally I am 85 kg, 182cm
The progressive fork springs I fitted help with the bumps not too harsh and the rest of the spring being longer helps with my weight 90kg, I find the ones I fitted a big improvement over stock
I'm wondering if anyone has had success with converting the tubed wheels of the T120 to tubeless? As far as I can see the most economical solution is to get a tubeless kit and do it yourself, or get a mechanic to do it. The most extreme solution seems to be getting new tubeless rims, but has anyone sourced rims which would fit the T120? Cheers
Nice easy looking job Nick and well worth doing by the sounds of it . I have been told that getting your suspension set up for yourself is well worth doing have you had anything done on the SP10 , I am thinking of having mine looked at this season never have before so should be interesting to see what can be done .👌👍
Hi bud 👋 yes it’s worth doing and had my mt10 done not soon after I got her. A guy who used to set up suspension at track for race teams did mine and instantly noticeable on first ride, way better
heya, thanks for the video. I noticed that the SW Motech bag looks different from when you first set it up (ua-cam.com/video/CIR92XdGyC4/v-deo.html), a little higher placed and smaller bag ...? Am I seeing right ? I have a ST 900 and would like to install the 13,5L version, as it seems easy to attach/remove and looks good. I'd appreciate your feedback :)
Hi 👋 yes so i have installed the 13.5lt bags, in the later you see a little higher only at the bottom as i bought a right hand side 9lt version for daily rides to carry my camera gear. So i have 2 x 13.5lt bags for tours and 1 x 9lt version right side for daily.
great! I'm still figuring out if they'd go well - read "safe" - with the upward pointing pipes of the ST 900. They do look nice and seem handy. Thanks once again @@MOTOUK1
Nice video mate….its great to see how much you have taken to that bike, its a journey when you evolve the stock machine into your very personal ride. There so much more to just riding, becoming true best friends with your bike, understanding it, giving you the ability to really push it, and get the very best performance from it. Motorcycling is just an incredible journey!
Thanks Adam, it’s certainly a love affair with this bike. Looking forward to our first real trip to the IOM TT then in August another Europe trip this year on the Bonny.
@@MOTOUK1 Great video want to do this to my T120, do you get the extra washer with the springs plz?
@@SEANO1810all comes with kit
@@MOTOUK1 thanks
Thank you for making a video and sticking to the subject at hand and not trying to be clever/witty.
Your welcome 🙏
What a really excellent clear and concise video even I could follow those instructions! Thanks for sharing 👍👍
A good modification and well executed, I changed the rear shocks for YSS, far better than standard fit and adjustable for preload and rebound, front forks benefitted using YSS progressive springs with emulators and external preload adjustment, all of this on my 2016 Triumph Speedmaster, took a few attempts setting up but now so much better, well worth the time and expense. All the best and ride safe.
Hi Derek, definitely the first mod on any bike really, if the suspension isn’t up to the job. Even when it is as on my MT10SP with the electronic Ohlins I had it set up by a professional and made a huge difference. Thanks Nick
@@MOTOUK1 Nick did you sort your issue with riding wearing glasses, did you try Fat Skeletons solution?
@@derekholme6922 no never tried, now it’s spring 😂
well done, nice to see a surgeon at work, just in time for some promised warmer weather toward the bank holiday.
Haha thanks David, still need to grab that coffee. So busy atm though
I followed this and had success. Thanks vm
Looks like the perfect mod. I did Race Tech springs in my SV650 and also my GS500E years ago, and it was like a different bike. I weight about what you do, and many bikes don't come set up well for us. I had 3 other bikes with adjustable suspension that did work well enough though. Hard to see why any company wouldn't put another $10 into the bike and include preload adjusters at a minimum. It's not as if they have a more premium model that does have adjustable suspension that they're trying to sell us. This is the top Bonneville.
Agree for a little more money I wish they would put adjustment in the suspension. 👍
Such a worthwhile upgrade. I put the preload adjusters on mine and haven't felt the need to touch them since installing them.
yes very happy with them Matt, really feels a lot better not on the front end
Really appreciate the video. Thank you.
Your welcome 🙏 👍
Sounds like a good swap. If it improves the ride, braking and overall handling must be good. 👍
I had the exact same problem with a Mk1 Suzuki 1200 Bandit. Very unsettled in bends & diving heavily under braking. Swapped the springs (& the rear shock actually) & it rode like GSXR 1000. Transformed the bike.
Loved the Mk1 Bandit 😉 I think now after many years of bikes that suspension mods should be the first one to do. Let’s face it even new out of the showroom bikes are not set up for the new owners weight, actually most bikes not capable of it and some need replacement parts to rectify this. I think showroom and service guys should as a courtesy at least set the rider up if buying a new bike. Problem is on some they would have to them admit that the stock bike isn’t up to the task.
Appreciate the info. I have an interceptor 650 and love the style of these bikes.
Hi ADV Mike 👋 have the interceptor atm for testing 👍
night and day difference by the looks. never thought about changing fork springs on my bonnie. will have to look into them now. excellent video.
Great demonstration. Will be a good reference as looking to upgrade to a T120. 👍
Cheers 🍻
Another great video Nick…I have a lot of Tec stuff on the Interceptor….they’re a great northern company well worth supporting 👍🏻
Thanks 🙏 yes love little British companies that know our good bike parts
Never really noticed the forks - it’s the rear shock and the factory fitted tyres that bothers me. Will be replacing both asap. Good tip though. I’ll give that a go soon too. Thanks so much
Hi Rupert 👋 I’m 90kg and have the rear shocks on two notches of preload and find them ok in most situations riding hard. It was just the front that was unsettled and now perfect with the new springs
Some good information. I have a T120 DGR edition bike on its way here in the US. Watching videos to learn how the Bonneville is and any little tips or tricks that may be helpful. I currently have an ‘18 Street Triple and a HD Sport Glide. I am now a subscriber and looking forward to your views on the bike. Cheers
Hi and thanks for the sub, I will be doing a 6 month owner review in a couple weeks stay tuned 👍
I had my fork springs changed to k-tech.huge improvement over the triumph ones,the suspension guy put different brand of oil in one leg to the other as the forks have only damping in one leg.
Interesting to hear re the oil, to balance up.
Thanks for the info, I’ve been debating that same modification to my T120 albeit I have 3500 miles on mine.
Hi Michael, 👋 very worth it for me, easy to do and not a huge cost but huge rewards. 👍
Just installed in a 2024 T120. I received the kit from Tec that included progressive springs and white plastic spacers, but no washers. Did your kit come with washers? Perhaps Tec changed the product to not need washers between the progressive springs and the new white plastic spacers. Wondering if some knows.
Washers are used from originals you take out. Had to watch my own video back to check as it’s been a while 🤣
@ Thanks for the reply! Only had one washer in the left tube between the original white plastic spacer and the metal spacer. I sent a query to Tec asking if it is necessary to have a washer between the progressive springs and the white plastic spacers provided in the kit. Right now the white spacer is sitting directly on top of the spring in both tubes. Will see if I get a reply. Thanks again!
TEC do not ship to the U.S.?
Ask them not sure
Just gonna ask about the oil ,great channel.
Cheers 🍻
Hello, my t120 2020 needs to replace the two front forks. I understand that there is a cartridge on the only right side or one piece in the part list book. When ordering two front forks, are there any differences between the right and left forks, and are the forks of different years other models fork compatible my t120 2020 thank you
I wish I could answer help but I do t have an idea on the 2020 T120 sorry
@@MOTOUK1 okey thanks reply
Thank you for this: it is something I have been considering, and would be happy to do myself. However, my criticism of the ride/front forks (I am 6'4" and 100kg) is that I find them, not too soft, but almost too hard and "excitable" on poorer roads, if that make sense....they just seem to hammer over the surface. Do people feel that this mod. would still be appropriate?
Hi Laurie, so the purpose of progressive springs is that the tightly wound coil section soaks up the bumps without hammering the rider. The issue is with the stock ones is the coils are all the same so what the road throws at you you feel through the bike. The progressive springs take some of this out also less dive under braking and into corners. There really is a big difference in the progressive ones over stock
@@MOTOUK1 Thank you very much for this response. I think on the basis of all this, I need to get some ordered 🙂 !!
@@lauriebloggs8391 By all means do what is right for you. I’m 74kg and under heavy braking or hitting a pot hole or whatever, the stock front springs do indeed bottom quite easily. Haven’t done my front as yet as I’m skint.
A year ago I did the rear suspension installed YSS-gTop. When I’m financial I’ll either install Ohlins or YSS in the front.
Cheers.
@@johnmartin7158 Thank you. I haven't bought them yet, but I will indeed put progressive springs in the forks, probably from TecBike Parts very shortly.... 🙂
....which I've just done............ 😲
I have a Bonnie 865 "basic" (not the t100) from 2012 and find the suspension to be too harsh. I thought the progressive springs would help make the front more "comfortable" on bumps, but here it seems that the mod has been made for the opposite reason: the bike was soft and rider wanted it firmer. So I am confused.
Can someone help explain? Incidentally I am 85 kg, 182cm
The progressive fork springs I fitted help with the bumps not too harsh and the rest of the spring being longer helps with my weight 90kg, I find the ones I fitted a big improvement over stock
@@MOTOUK1 thank you!
nick...only on one side (right) is a damper in the forks?
Yes correct the right fork
I'm wondering if anyone has had success with converting the tubed wheels of the T120 to tubeless? As far as I can see the most economical solution is to get a tubeless kit and do it yourself, or get a mechanic to do it. The most extreme solution seems to be getting new tubeless rims, but has anyone sourced rims which would fit the T120? Cheers
I think the kits look ok, would rather keep my rims tbh as I like them. I know ManCaveMoto Tony got new rims for his interceptor from a U.K. company
Its just a water can, nothing to worry :D
Nice easy looking job Nick and well worth doing by the sounds of it . I have been told that getting your suspension set up for yourself is well worth doing have you had anything done on the SP10 , I am thinking of having mine looked at this season never have before so should be interesting to see what can be done .👌👍
Hi bud 👋 yes it’s worth doing and had my mt10 done not soon after I got her. A guy who used to set up suspension at track for race teams did mine and instantly noticeable on first ride, way better
Pre load sets sag ie ride height, nothing else.
Yep your correct
Sorry, I'm confused. When you say you "reached out" to Tec Bike Parts, does that mean they were a freebie?
No all paid for
@@MOTOUK1 thanks. I’m always suspicious of that phrase!
heya, thanks for the video. I noticed that the SW Motech bag looks different from when you first set it up (ua-cam.com/video/CIR92XdGyC4/v-deo.html), a little higher placed and smaller bag ...? Am I seeing right ? I have a ST 900 and would like to install the 13,5L version, as it seems easy to attach/remove and looks good. I'd appreciate your feedback :)
Hi 👋 yes so i have installed the 13.5lt bags, in the later you see a little higher only at the bottom as i bought a right hand side 9lt version for daily rides to carry my camera gear. So i have 2 x 13.5lt bags for tours and 1 x 9lt version right side for daily.
great! I'm still figuring out if they'd go well - read "safe" - with the upward pointing pipes of the ST 900. They do look nice and seem handy. Thanks once again @@MOTOUK1