2007 Bonneville T100 - Low Profile Seat Options?

[Deadeye Dick]

Fabulous! Congrats!

Now my question is, what kind of spanner do I need to get so I can adjust the preload? The set I bought didn't come with one in the box. When I dig around online I'm having trouble find good information on what size and make is a good investment. It looks like I can get a set for around $15 and I've seen adjustable ones for around $10. Thoughts?

 

[sikatri]

Now my question is, what kind of spanner do I need to get so I can adjust the preload? The set I bought didn't come with one in the box. When I dig around online I'm having trouble find good information on what size and make is a good investment. It looks like I can get a set for around $15 and I've seen adjustable ones for around $10. Thoughts?

Show us what the adjuster looks like. I have no idea.

 

[atomsplitter]

Here's a link for the Progressive spanner head that attaches to a 3/8" Drive Ratcher: You use it to step the spring up or down in steps (5 steps on the 412)

https://www.amazon.com/Progressive-...059f4c4609db35249abece9daf327548&gad_source=1

 

[atomsplitter]

Just installed my new 12.5" Progressive 412 shocks and it worked like a charm. I can get both feet flat on the ground now. Outstanding! I was able to pickup the pair you shared a link to on eBay. With a coupon I was able to get them both for $268.70 (including shipping). It was a heck of a bargain and I'm completely satisfied with the end result.

Between my Haynes Service and Repair Manual, the instructions that came with the shocks and this video (
View: https://youtu.be/F5krKmTUlk0?si=oEPYDRr3oxtllJeN
) I was able to swap out the old shocks for the new ones in just minutes. The video, technically, demonstrates shock replacements on a Harley but practically everything else is identical to the Triumph, plus the guy leading the tutorial has several helpful tips that transcend motorcycle makers.

Thanks again for the great advice and insights!

Ride safe!

Don't forget to lower the forks in the triple tree some (if possible). The lower back end changes the rake angle and lengthens the trail measurement. To keep the steering geometry commensurate with the OEM trail values the forks need to be raised in the triple tree about 10mm.

Here's a video that should help.

View: https://youtu.be/Q4lJY9TmVtg

 

[Deadeye Dick]

Show us what the adjuster looks like. I have no idea.

 

[sikatri]

View attachment 58079

E-bay has a bunch for sale.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=motorcycle+shock+spanner+wrench&_sop=12
The link atomsplitter gave ought to be good too. I must admit I’ve never fooled around with mine.

 

[atomsplitter]

A standard spanner will get that or spend the $17.19 for the Progressive spanner on Amazon. I have a set of spanners (Amazon) I use on my bikes.

First just ride about 50 to 100 miles at the current setting. That will work the shock through most of its stroke and ensure the internals are working properly. After that raise it 1 click for every 100 pounds you put on the seat. That is an initial setting. Ride another 100 miles and measure your static sag (how much travel you take up when you sit on the bike). If you have about 25 to 30mm of sag you're good. If not go up or down 1 click until you have that much sag. your rear suspension is now set.

 

[sikatri]

A standard spanner will get that or spend the $17.19 for the Progressive spanner on Amazon. I have a set of spanners (Amazon) I use on my bikes.

First just ride about 50 to 100 miles at the current setting. That will work the shock through most of its stroke and ensure the internals are working properly. After that raise it 1 click for every 100 pounds you put on the seat. That is an initial setting. Ride another 100 miles and measure your static sag (how much travel you take up when you sit on the bike). If you have about 25 to 30mm of sag you're good. If not go up or down 1 click until you have that much sag. your rear suspension is now set.

I haven’t done adjustments on mine. Partly because I lack a bit of experience on how the shock is supposed to feel. The bike handles fine as far as I can tell. Now to my question, how do you measure while sitting on the bike?

 

[atomsplitter]

I haven’t done adjustments on mine. Partly because I lack a bit of experience on how the shock is supposed to feel. The bike handles fine as far as I can tell. Now to my question, how do you measure while sitting on the bike?

It's easiest if you have a buddy help you. Take a yard stick and while holding the bike up off the side stand vertically, with the yard stick on the ground and verical against the bike, mark the stick where the bottom of the seat frame rail is or any convenient point you like (like bottom of the seat). Then sit on the bike and measure again at the same point. If it goes over 30mm increase preload until it's <30mm and then take it for a ride. Here's a video to get you started. Also can you take a picture of your current shock setting so I have a clue as to what you're dealing with. The Ohlins on my R has only three positions, so very limited adjustability.


View: https://youtu.be/MCQE2wJnwh8

 

[Deadeye Dick]

E-bay has a bunch for sale.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=motorcycle+shock+spanner+wrench&_sop=12
The link atomsplitter gave ought to be good too. I must admit I’ve never fooled around with mine.
View attachment 58080

Thanks so much!

 

[atomsplitter]

Thanks so much!

One thing you want to do before cranking on the adjuster collar is spray some WD-40 on the adjuster collar and stop so it's clean and lubricated before you start. There's nothing more distressing (or sphincter puckering) than hearing the crunching of dirt and grit on metal as you turn that collar.

 

[Deadeye Dick]

One thing you want to do before cranking on the adjuster collar is spray some WD-40 on the adjuster collar and stop so it's clean and lubricated before you start. There's nothing more distressing (or sphincter puckering) than hearing the crunching of dirt on and grit on metal as you turn that collar.

Great recommendation! Thanks!