Video: Triumph Speedmaster takes on rivals
- Thread starter DirtRider
- Start date
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Interesting review. All three testers rated the Kawaski VN900 as the best overall. All three liked the T-Bird's engine; but did not like the T-Bird's suspension. That is in keeping with what I found with the Bonneville and Bonneville T100. The stock suspension is adequate; but only mediocre. Upgraded suspension makes them much better bikes in handling and comfort.
Uhhh.....don't you mean speedmaster?
Seriously....the Tbird's suspension is made by showa and i feel no need to upgrade it even tho i ride hard in the twisties quite often. My speedmasters suspension however did benefit a lot from upgrades.
Funny I have not had any issue with my suspension and never thought of even changing it
Probably because you have more sense than me when riding twisties. It's a wonder i'm not dead yet, but part of that "luck" may be the suspension i put on my speedy. If you got progressive springs and rears you'd like the better ride even if you don't ride as foolishly as I do, tho it was rather expensive.
I think I just adapt to what ever I am riding and ride it in those limits. Also I always ride two up so I need to consider that as well
Knowing what I know about Sportsters, it's funny they picked on the Speedmasters suspension. The Sporty didn't even compare really in that department and 2 up really showed it up more.
I agree. I have never liked riding a Sportster especially two up.
Dave I am with you and I am two up as well, I just don't understand it at all
In my opinion based on my experience with the T100, it is not that the stock suspension is bad; it is not. The stock suspension is just mediocre; it is adequate. It does the job. One does not realize how much better it can be until one upgrades or rides a T100 with upgraded suspension. It like riding a different bike. The handling is noticeably better; this does not mean the bike did not handle well with the stock suspension. The ride is also less jarring and harsh. Those with any sort of back problem will notice this aspect in a hurry. I now have close to 70,000 miles on two T100's with upgraded suspension. The upgrades, to me, are well worth the cost. I suspect this same thing applies to to the Speedmaster. I have not ridden a Speedmaster enough to really put it through its paces. I was pleased with the handling when I rode Sheryl's Speedy. But I bet an upgrade would offer the same improvement ZZI got with upgrading the Bonnie suspension.
I suppose it would be an improvement but so far I just have not seen the need to do it I suppose
Thats exactly it.....they can indeed be improved upon, but the question is whether the rider needs or wants that. I do push my bikes fairly hard in the twisties. I'm not proud of that and i know it's foolish if you go too far, (tho i do try and ride within my and the bike's limits) but it does reveal any weakness' in your suspension. Dave, you ride 2 up most of the time so of course you wouldn't be foolish enough to risk your wife and therefore you aren't going to notice it. Although i do think the 440's are a improvement in smoothness i believe you'd appreciate, but after a while once used to that you'd likely feel it was too much $ for that bit of smoothness. The one thing i DO think anyone would appriciate is the progressive front springs, as the stock ones dive like crazy even braking not too hard. At i think it was $75 i would recommend anyone with a speedy or america to do that. (unless they have improved that since mine and yours is newer and improved)
the Tbird suspension is more than adequate, and i'm awful glad of that because with what i have spent on accessories i can't afford better suspension ! I would love to upgrade it tho. I just can't justify it because the improvement while i'm sure nice, isn't going to be enough for the money.
the Tbird suspension is more than adequate, and i'm awful glad of that because with what i have spent on accessories i can't afford better suspension !
I would love to upgrade it tho. I just can't justify it because the improvement while i'm sure nice, isn't going to be enough for the money.
Yes riding two up has put the break on a bit of my riding style but that is also ok as I still enjoy the riding just as much
Staying within yours and the bikes limits is the only way to go as far as i'm concerned, pass either of them and your putting not only yourself but others at risk.
Spent most of the weekend 2 up and had a blast, easily more comfortable than we would of been on the sportster.
Spent most of the weekend 2 up and had a blast, easily more comfortable than we would of been on the sportster.
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Glad it's working out with that new seat Mal 
Glad it's working out with that new seat Mal
Ha, weekends over. Bags are off and original seat back on
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Ha, weekends over. Bags are off and original seat back on
will look even better as a solo.
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