I weigh 125kg, My new 2024 Triumph Bobber is geared high and the shock is non-adjustable! The ride is hard and deep bumps bottom out the OEM shock. I learned much from your video! I changed the mono shock with a YSS adjustable (preload and rebound). The shock length is the same as the original.
Interesting video Chris. I too suffer from lower back issues. What sorted things out for me was a custom built seat. The oem comfort seat (that my 2021 Speedmaster came with) hurt me after 2 hours of riding. i bought a standard Speedmaster seat of ebay gor £40 and had a local upholsterer trim it up for me. His fees were £120. The seat is superb, much more forgiving (for me at least) than the oem offerings. For £160 this helped me a lot when it came to lower back pain.... Good luck with the upgrades.... Craig
Morning Craig - thank you for saying my video is 'interesting': that's what I always aim for! In a previous video I also describe the seat change: for me, I went with Russell Cycle Products in America. They're costly - about £900 - but I also need a back rest, as well as a comfy seat. I had to get some jigery-pokery done, but it's working well for me now. Like you, Triumph's 'Comfort Seat' wasn't comfortable enough. (But, did you ever sit on the old seat? Or the Bobber seat? Wow, they hurt!) Cheers, Chris
As a 2017 bobber owner, I too found the rear shock awful... Triumph only offered a Fox replacement, which if you look on the net, showed a rash of failures. I called Hagon and they sold me a rear shock for the bike, that cost £400 and its way better than stock, built to my weight (14 stones fully kitted) and adjustable for preload and damping, I can live with the 41mm forks as they are (and for Triumph stock items,)are really not that bad.
Afternoon Aitch (pron. 'H'?) - the stock rear shock isn't so special is it? I had no idea the Fox shocks were flakey - thanks for the heads-up. I assume the Hagon shock is top-dog? I think I'd like to get Hagon fork springs too, but again, the video isn't called 'I can't afford' it for nothing! Cheers, Chris
If you are into a Bobber style look, maybe install a spring seat. Decouples your butt from the bike with an inch or two of extra spring. Not sure if it is enough for your needs but at least it makes your bike look amazing. 😎
Afternoon Zeus - yes, I've often thought about a springer ('pogo') seat. There's a UA-camr called 'The Bobber Vlog' (& website) who did this mod - designed a linkage and everything. I think it's a bit of a convoluted way for me to go, but it would look good - and, I've only ever sat on a springer seat once (a Harley Springer, fittingly) - and it was lovely! Cheers, Chris
It seems to me that the last design feature that manufacturers consider is rider comfort. I’d love a comfortable ride, without bump shock going up my spine, and my lower region delicate parts.
Hi again David, at the risk of displaying my faulty psyche again, I too seek comfort first and foremost. Still, my delicate (and diminutive) parts don't get effected much. Cheers, Chris
I am 65, 5'7", 155 pounds, and I own a 2022 Speedmaster. I have absolutely no complaints about either the seat (which I love,) or the suspension system that's on it. This is one of the most comfortable cruisers I have ever ridden, and I've taken this bike on long distance rides and can sit comfortably in the seat for 5-6 hours, no problem. If you will be changing out to the current system from the 2018 one, I think it's very well worth it.
Morning Rabukan. I'm very pleased you're riding a Speedmaster - and that you're 65. (Jealous that you're 11 stone/155lbs though...) It might be that you're in much better shape than me, at 15 stone/210lbs, so the standard seat would be better: good on ya'! My Speedmaster is also the 2022 model, but the 'comfort seat' just isn't comfy enough for me, so I have a Russell Cycle Products re-upholstered seat & backrest. I can manage, probably, about 2 hours before I start to ache (in the bottom), but the tank is nearly empty by then so it works okay for me. Cheers, Chris
@@chrisoftheot6272 Hi Chris. I'm sure it's the height and weight that makes the difference. I do think this bike is built for riders more my height. As perfect as it is for me, it might be a little cramped for taller and heavier people. I am in very good shape for my age, but I do think it's the perfect size bike for anyone built like me. Triumph should consider building another model with a some slightly different specs for people more your size (or figure out a way to make it more adjustable.) Then it would be the perfect bike for all riders.
@@rabukan5842 Hi Rab (if I can call you that). I see your point about the size issue - bike and rider. The is a video about a gent who's 6'5" with Speedmaster, and he's quite happy with it. I'm 5'11" - or used to be! - but I changed the forward footrests to even further forward, for more leg room. (This was for my knees, not so much height.) I think the Speedmaster is close to perfect. Although I 'require' thousands to be spent to make it pukka-perfect, I'm fastidious when it comes to riding comfort as I like to do lots of miles. I think, between the Bobber and the Speedmaster, the bike can work for all sizes and ages. Cheers, Chris
@@chrisoftheot6272 I remember Old Man's review of the Speedmaster and at first he said he thought it was meant for riders under 6' (I think he's like 6'3",) but then he did another review and changed his opinion, and like you he said it was the best Triumph. For me, it's the perfect bike :) Cheers.
Ah! Ol' Man (Darcy) - I'd forgotten where I saw that. Yes, he did change his mind, which is as it should be. 😉 So, 6' 3", not 5". Still pretty high-up. Yip - the Speedmaster is a fab bit of kit. Cheers, Chris
You say you're not going to attempt any DIY mechanics, but you have to. An investment of £20 for a Haynes manual will be a life changing step forward. You cannot be more cackhanded than me, but I changed the front and rear suspension on my Suzuki 750 four without any problems. Remember though, that raising the height makes the side stand useless.
Morning Spartacus - thanks for the comment. I spent £5 for a month of the Triumph technical gubbins, and downloaded as many pages as I could. It is helpful, but I am still not doing any more spanner-stuff: not only do I hate it, I am rubbish at it. (in terms of mental health, it's hugely detrimental for me, so I shall now take it to the dealer and accept the financial hit. But don't tell Anna I said that...) If you changed the forks on your Suzuki: you're a brave fella': well done! I had completely forgotten about the side stand! Thanks for the heads-up. From memory, I put nearly an inch (22.5mm) on my Sportster rear and just lived with the extra lean: it wasn't much. I think the vertical increase for the Speedmaster, with 20mm of extra rear suspension, would only increase height by about 10mm: nothing to worry about... I hope! One day... Cheers, Chris
I still have the original suspension on my Sportster as well as my BMW 600/6. I just putt around no peg scraping l am too cheap and too slow to get speeding tickets. I have had my Triumph Tr-6 with a hard tail and magneto for 40 years.I have a srung solo seat on the bike. No worries.😂
Hi Frank - I continue to be amazed at the longevity of your rides. You, and they, are very impressive! Still, a hard tail and magneto? For 40 years? You must be a man of steel indeed! Cheers mate, Chris
I bought a Indian scout bobber spent a lot of money in rear shocks seats etc...couldn't ride more than 100km straight, sold it, basically this bikes is for short ride commute in the city that's it..beautiful but limited use.
Morning Marc - I've never ridden the Scout, but I have enjoyed sitting on them at the Bike Show here in Blighty. I've heard that the rear suspension, in particular, is way too short - so painful over bumps - which is just like Sportsters. Getting longer shocks (not 'better', or more expensive) is bound to help, but would it spoil the lines of the Scout which, as you say, is particularly beautiful. I think I'd live with the raised rear-end 'cos the bike is so gorgeous. Shame you had to sell it Marc - but you gotta be comfy. Cheers, Chris
@@chrisoftheot6272 we are moving to Europe and now I`m very in to a Speedmaster...just came back to your video...my wife rides with me she thinks speedmaster is gorgeous and the pillion position looks good , but the suspension as you show in this video doesn`t help, did you updrade it?
Afternoon Marc - wow, a move from NZ to Europe? That's a huge change! Good luck with all that, I'm sure it'll be wildly complicated... God's speed to ya'. I am jealous that your wife rides with you. You are a fortunate fellow indeed. Good on her. If she's going to pillion I'd warn her LOUDLY that the rear seat is rubbish: small and not supportive. I'd recommend an upgrade, which will probably have to be custom made as I don't know of one. I never have upgraded the suspension, but I would really like to. It needs more travel; I'd guess at an inch or so (25mm?), which would raise the rear, but a price well worth paying. And if you're going to ride two-up, oh, you'll have to do something there! Still, the bike is great but, like all bikes, it needs a tweak. Best of luck with the move (I don't envy you that at all!). Cheers Marc, Chris
@chrisoftheot6272 lol! I know Europe is not heaven right now, so here neither, but we never live up there will be a great experience, I'm looking for to get a Triumph but I'll probably get first a Tracer gt ,the one I had here for long trips, the triumph is the bike to ride around town, keep it always clean and in the leaving room when not riding...cheers!
Evening - you're right that this is a 'needed gift from me to me', and when I can, I'll get a new shock from Dave. For now, I shall continue to dream of 'smiling every time I glide over a bump'! Cheers mate, Chris
i bought myself a 2022 indian december last year it got stolen no insurance so now im saving up for another bike but by all the trouble youve had on your truimph im put off think i will buy a harley or if im plush buy a indian chief but i owned older truimphs and none were any good for reliability including my bsas
Afternoon Ian - sorry to hear about your Indian being stolen: that's awful. As I've said to many others who (suddenly?) doubt Triumph: you mustn't judge the company on my bad experience. I still love my Speedmaster, and I do feel Triumph (Hinkley) and Bridge in Exeter are woking hard on my behalf. Not that Triumph has anything to compete with an Indian Chief these days - shame about the Thunderbird. I hope you get something sorted Ian. Cheers, Chris
@@chrisoftheot6272 the scout isnt a common bike here but the police only emailed me saying they cant find it but let them know if i come across it oh right im going to suddenly find it on the road it be in 2thousand parts by now
Dumb ass. You should have had insurance on such a expensive motorcycle. I have had my Triumph Tr-6 with a hard tail and magneto for 40 years. Reliable and dependable transportation as l commuted on the bike for 20 years.
You have painted yourself into a corner. You complain that the suspension is bottoming out and topping out, yet you want softer suspension. Assuming your preload isn't turned way up, stiffer springs would cure the bottoming and topping out, but would make for a harsher ride, which you don't want. Variable spring rate is a possible solution. Us control system engineers get very upset with non-linear systems, but I don't suppose you care. You haven't mentioned damping at all. Apparently, your forks are non-adjustable. You still have the problems that stiffening up the damping, makes for a harsher ride. You can adjust damping by changing the amount of fork oil in the tubes (don't blow out the seals) and changing the weight of the fork oil. Worth a chat with a mechanic. Nice bike!
Morning Camgere - thanks for the comment, and complimenting my bike. 'Tiz loverly, innit? Well, I'm not 'in a corner' as all I need is a little extra suspension length - 20mm/.75" of extra travel will be fine on the rear monoshock. But, as Wizard Dave says, also getting the right spring and damper strength will make all the difference 'across the whole range of travel'. However, stiffer springs won't help the bottoming out, unless they're virtually solid. Longer suspension will allow more travel, therefore softer springs and no bottoming/topping. If I have the money, I'll not worry about longer fork springs as just better springs & (as you say) different fork oil will help hugely. (It did on my Sportster.) Also, longer springs would need longer tubes, which is even more expense. Either way, I'm confident I'll manage without going longer at the front. I could, of course, lose weight, but I've already lost about 4 stone (50lbs+), and losing more is hard! Cheers, Chris
I weigh 125kg, My new 2024 Triumph Bobber is geared high and the shock is non-adjustable! The ride is hard and deep bumps bottom out the OEM shock. I learned much from your video! I changed the mono shock with a YSS adjustable (preload and rebound). The shock length is the same as the original.
Many thanks for saying nice things about my video. :-) Does the YSS make any real difference, or do you still need a longer shock?
Cheers,
Chris
Interesting video Chris.
I too suffer from lower back issues. What sorted things out for me was a custom built seat. The oem comfort seat (that my 2021 Speedmaster came with) hurt me after 2 hours of riding.
i bought a standard Speedmaster seat of ebay gor £40 and had a local upholsterer trim it up for me.
His fees were £120.
The seat is superb, much more forgiving (for me at least) than the oem offerings.
For £160 this helped me a lot when it came to lower back pain....
Good luck with the upgrades....
Craig
Morning Craig - thank you for saying my video is 'interesting': that's what I always aim for!
In a previous video I also describe the seat change: for me, I went with Russell Cycle Products in America. They're costly - about £900 - but I also need a back rest, as well as a comfy seat. I had to get some jigery-pokery done, but it's working well for me now. Like you, Triumph's 'Comfort Seat' wasn't comfortable enough. (But, did you ever sit on the old seat? Or the Bobber seat? Wow, they hurt!)
Cheers,
Chris
As a 2017 bobber owner, I too found the rear shock awful... Triumph only offered a Fox replacement, which if you look on the net, showed a rash of failures.
I called Hagon and they sold me a rear shock for the bike, that cost £400 and its way better than stock, built to my weight (14 stones fully kitted) and adjustable for preload and damping, I can live with the 41mm forks as they are (and for Triumph stock items,)are really not that bad.
Afternoon Aitch (pron. 'H'?) - the stock rear shock isn't so special is it? I had no idea the Fox shocks were flakey - thanks for the heads-up.
I assume the Hagon shock is top-dog? I think I'd like to get Hagon fork springs too, but again, the video isn't called 'I can't afford' it for nothing!
Cheers,
Chris
If you are into a Bobber style look, maybe install a spring seat. Decouples your butt from the bike with an inch or two of extra spring. Not sure if it is enough for your needs but at least it makes your bike look amazing. 😎
Afternoon Zeus - yes, I've often thought about a springer ('pogo') seat. There's a UA-camr called 'The Bobber Vlog' (& website) who did this mod - designed a linkage and everything. I think it's a bit of a convoluted way for me to go, but it would look good - and, I've only ever sat on a springer seat once (a Harley Springer, fittingly) - and it was lovely!
Cheers,
Chris
It seems to me that the last design feature that manufacturers consider is rider comfort. I’d love a comfortable ride, without bump shock going up my spine, and my lower region delicate parts.
Hi again David, at the risk of displaying my faulty psyche again, I too seek comfort first and foremost. Still, my delicate (and diminutive) parts don't get effected much.
Cheers,
Chris
I am 65, 5'7", 155 pounds, and I own a 2022 Speedmaster. I have absolutely no complaints about either the seat (which I love,) or the suspension system that's on it. This is one of the most comfortable cruisers I have ever ridden, and I've taken this bike on long distance rides and can sit comfortably in the seat for 5-6 hours, no problem. If you will be changing out to the current system from the 2018 one, I think it's very well worth it.
Morning Rabukan. I'm very pleased you're riding a Speedmaster - and that you're 65. (Jealous that you're 11 stone/155lbs though...) It might be that you're in much better shape than me, at 15 stone/210lbs, so the standard seat would be better: good on ya'!
My Speedmaster is also the 2022 model, but the 'comfort seat' just isn't comfy enough for me, so I have a Russell Cycle Products re-upholstered seat & backrest. I can manage, probably, about 2 hours before I start to ache (in the bottom), but the tank is nearly empty by then so it works okay for me.
Cheers,
Chris
@@chrisoftheot6272 Hi Chris. I'm sure it's the height and weight that makes the difference. I do think this bike is built for riders more my height. As perfect as it is for me, it might be a little cramped for taller and heavier people. I am in very good shape for my age, but I do think it's the perfect size bike for anyone built like me. Triumph should consider building another model with a some slightly different specs for people more your size (or figure out a way to make it more adjustable.) Then it would be the perfect bike for all riders.
@@rabukan5842 Hi Rab (if I can call you that).
I see your point about the size issue - bike and rider. The is a video about a gent who's 6'5" with Speedmaster, and he's quite happy with it. I'm 5'11" - or used to be! - but I changed the forward footrests to even further forward, for more leg room. (This was for my knees, not so much height.)
I think the Speedmaster is close to perfect. Although I 'require' thousands to be spent to make it pukka-perfect, I'm fastidious when it comes to riding comfort as I like to do lots of miles. I think, between the Bobber and the Speedmaster, the bike can work for all sizes and ages.
Cheers,
Chris
@@chrisoftheot6272 I remember Old Man's review of the Speedmaster and at first he said he thought it was meant for riders under 6' (I think he's like 6'3",) but then he did another review and changed his opinion, and like you he said it was the best Triumph. For me, it's the perfect bike :) Cheers.
Ah! Ol' Man (Darcy) - I'd forgotten where I saw that. Yes, he did change his mind, which is as it should be. 😉 So, 6' 3", not 5". Still pretty high-up. Yip - the Speedmaster is a fab bit of kit.
Cheers,
Chris
You say you're not going to attempt any DIY mechanics, but you have to. An investment of £20 for a Haynes manual will be a life changing step forward. You cannot be more cackhanded than me, but I changed the front and rear suspension on my Suzuki 750 four without any problems. Remember though, that raising the height makes the side stand useless.
Morning Spartacus - thanks for the comment.
I spent £5 for a month of the Triumph technical gubbins, and downloaded as many pages as I could. It is helpful, but I am still not doing any more spanner-stuff: not only do I hate it, I am rubbish at it. (in terms of mental health, it's hugely detrimental for me, so I shall now take it to the dealer and accept the financial hit. But don't tell Anna I said that...) If you changed the forks on your Suzuki: you're a brave fella': well done!
I had completely forgotten about the side stand! Thanks for the heads-up. From memory, I put nearly an inch (22.5mm) on my Sportster rear and just lived with the extra lean: it wasn't much. I think the vertical increase for the Speedmaster, with 20mm of extra rear suspension, would only increase height by about 10mm: nothing to worry about... I hope!
One day...
Cheers,
Chris
Do you have a link to where I can buy this Haynes manual you speak of?
I still have the original suspension on my Sportster as well as my BMW 600/6. I just putt around no peg scraping l am too cheap and too slow to get speeding tickets. I have had my Triumph Tr-6 with a hard tail and magneto for 40 years.I have a srung solo seat on the bike. No worries.😂
Hi Frank - I continue to be amazed at the longevity of your rides. You, and they, are very impressive! Still, a hard tail and magneto? For 40 years? You must be a man of steel indeed!
Cheers mate,
Chris
I bought a Indian scout bobber spent a lot of money in rear shocks seats etc...couldn't ride more than 100km straight, sold it, basically this bikes is for short ride commute in the city that's it..beautiful but limited use.
Morning Marc - I've never ridden the Scout, but I have enjoyed sitting on them at the Bike Show here in Blighty. I've heard that the rear suspension, in particular, is way too short - so painful over bumps - which is just like Sportsters.
Getting longer shocks (not 'better', or more expensive) is bound to help, but would it spoil the lines of the Scout which, as you say, is particularly beautiful. I think I'd live with the raised rear-end 'cos the bike is so gorgeous.
Shame you had to sell it Marc - but you gotta be comfy.
Cheers,
Chris
@@chrisoftheot6272 we are moving to Europe and now I`m very in to a Speedmaster...just came back to your video...my wife rides with me she thinks speedmaster is gorgeous and the pillion position looks good , but the suspension as you show in this video doesn`t help, did you updrade it?
Afternoon Marc - wow, a move from NZ to Europe? That's a huge change! Good luck with all that, I'm sure it'll be wildly complicated... God's speed to ya'.
I am jealous that your wife rides with you. You are a fortunate fellow indeed. Good on her. If she's going to pillion I'd warn her LOUDLY that the rear seat is rubbish: small and not supportive. I'd recommend an upgrade, which will probably have to be custom made as I don't know of one.
I never have upgraded the suspension, but I would really like to. It needs more travel; I'd guess at an inch or so (25mm?), which would raise the rear, but a price well worth paying. And if you're going to ride two-up, oh, you'll have to do something there!
Still, the bike is great but, like all bikes, it needs a tweak.
Best of luck with the move (I don't envy you that at all!).
Cheers Marc,
Chris
@chrisoftheot6272 lol! I know Europe is not heaven right now, so here neither, but we never live up there will be a great experience, I'm looking for to get a Triumph but I'll probably get first a Tracer gt ,the one I had here for long trips, the triumph is the bike to ride around town, keep it always clean and in the leaving room when not riding...cheers!
Love your videos and titles.
Thank you Viktor. 😃
Cheers,
Chris
This really sounds like a needed ‘gift’ from you to you: yes, a £1,000 is a lot, but it will bring a smile every time you glide over a bump.
Evening - you're right that this is a 'needed gift from me to me', and when I can, I'll get a new shock from Dave. For now, I shall continue to dream of 'smiling every time I glide over a bump'!
Cheers mate,
Chris
i bought myself a 2022 indian december last year it got stolen no insurance so now im saving up for another bike but by all the trouble youve had on your truimph im put off think i will buy a harley or if im plush buy a indian chief but i owned older truimphs and none were any good for reliability including my bsas
Afternoon Ian - sorry to hear about your Indian being stolen: that's awful.
As I've said to many others who (suddenly?) doubt Triumph: you mustn't judge the company on my bad experience. I still love my Speedmaster, and I do feel Triumph (Hinkley) and Bridge in Exeter are woking hard on my behalf.
Not that Triumph has anything to compete with an Indian Chief these days - shame about the Thunderbird.
I hope you get something sorted Ian.
Cheers,
Chris
@@chrisoftheot6272 the scout isnt a common bike here but the police only emailed me saying they cant find it but let them know if i come across it oh right im going to suddenly find it on the road it be in 2thousand parts by now
You may be right Ian - dreadful reality for you to have to live with. I hope you do better in the future mate.
Cheers,
Chris
Dumb ass. You should have had insurance on such a expensive motorcycle. I have had my Triumph Tr-6 with a hard tail and magneto for 40 years. Reliable and dependable transportation as l commuted on the bike for 20 years.
1k isn’t bad for complete suspension lol
Hi Joe - yes, lots of things are good value at a grand: but if you haven't got a grand, it's still too expensive. What a tough life!
Cheers,
Chris
You have painted yourself into a corner. You complain that the suspension is bottoming out and topping out, yet you want softer suspension. Assuming your preload isn't turned way up, stiffer springs would cure the bottoming and topping out, but would make for a harsher ride, which you don't want. Variable spring rate is a possible solution. Us control system engineers get very upset with non-linear systems, but I don't suppose you care. You haven't mentioned damping at all. Apparently, your forks are non-adjustable. You still have the problems that stiffening up the damping, makes for a harsher ride. You can adjust damping by changing the amount of fork oil in the tubes (don't blow out the seals) and changing the weight of the fork oil. Worth a chat with a mechanic. Nice bike!
Morning Camgere - thanks for the comment, and complimenting my bike. 'Tiz loverly, innit?
Well, I'm not 'in a corner' as all I need is a little extra suspension length - 20mm/.75" of extra travel will be fine on the rear monoshock. But, as Wizard Dave says, also getting the right spring and damper strength will make all the difference 'across the whole range of travel'. However, stiffer springs won't help the bottoming out, unless they're virtually solid. Longer suspension will allow more travel, therefore softer springs and no bottoming/topping.
If I have the money, I'll not worry about longer fork springs as just better springs & (as you say) different fork oil will help hugely. (It did on my Sportster.) Also, longer springs would need longer tubes, which is even more expense. Either way, I'm confident I'll manage without going longer at the front.
I could, of course, lose weight, but I've already lost about 4 stone (50lbs+), and losing more is hard!
Cheers,
Chris