Inexpensive Bonneville Upgrade

[Dschief]

I have been doing some modifications to the 2005 790 Bonneville I bought last summer.

The first thing I noticed about this bike was the harshness of the stock susupension, especially compared to my Thruxton. I realise these bikes have the same frame, save for the geometry difference due to the length of the rear shocks. I considered after-market shocks, but the price on the majority of them seems rather high.

On a hunch, I bought a set of low mileage Scrambler shocks (which are the same length as Thruxton shocks) from Ebay for about $75 US, and installed them on the Bonneville. This modification alone has transformed the bikes ride to much smoother and compliant, and I would imagine 2 up should be much better too thanks to the extra travel afforded by the longer shocks. The steering is also a bit quicker too thanks to the small change in the steering head angle (rake). The only downside I have found (so far) is the center stand needs to be lengthened a bit.

The great thing about this mod is you can put the old shocks back on in short order if you don't like it, but so far I have no regrets.

 

[gumpt1oo]

Yes it is amazing the difference an extra inch makes! (where I have heard that before? :ya2
I put some Thruxton length Hagon shocks on my T100, and it transformed the bike completely! :y115:

 

[CarlS]

Thanks for the info. I need to replace the rear shocks on mine. I have already reworked the front shocks.

 

[Dschief]

Here's a pic of the bike with the new shocks mounted.

Here's the before pic. Of course the rear fender makes a difference to the profile, but you can definitely see more light over the rear tire.

 

[CarlS]

That is a big difference. Thanks for the pic. :y115:

 

[miller7346]

What year was the Scrambler rear shocks your put on your '05 Bonnie?
Ronnie

 

[Dschief]

I believe they were from a 2006 Scrambler.

 

[Dschief]

Here's what it looks like today. I like to think of it as a more civilized Thruxton, as in easier to ride long distances.

 

[CarlS]

It looks really good, Dave. That is a great idea.

 

[miller7346]

Carl or anyone with ideas:

My last post was concerned with the prospect of getting short, flat handlebars to replace my stock on my 2004 black bonneville. I wanted to be able to be a little lower so my newly installed Roadster windshield would cover more of my face. I decided not to change the bars because I didn't like the looks of the flat bars and a note from one reply that the short bars might put a strain on my back because I'm 6' 4". Last week I read a RAT thread where you could change to Progressive 412 eleven and one half inch rear shocks and put on a new SE seat which is about an inch shorter than on 2001-2007 bonnies. This I suppose would drop me about 2" which should do the trick. My only caveat was from another thread that indicated I would have to adapt my standard kickstand if I made the mods. Any opinions? Also, cheapest new 412 shocks I found were $200 and same for a SE seat. I looked on ebay and no used shocks or seats were listed. Any leads?
Ronnie

 

[CarlS]

If you lower the seat height, wouldn't that make your legs more cramped? I know that for distance riding, I would not want my seat any lower at all and I am 5'11.5" with a 32' inseam.

 

[miller7346]

Good point Carl. I don't have that problem because I don't use the standard foot pegs on my bike- except for the left one when I'm shifting. After talking with you about pegs in an earlier thread, I "jury rigged" some- oh, my gosh- harley pegs on the front of the frame where the plate with the four bolts ties the frame together. I use a 6" bolt with the peg and clasp and about twelve 1/2" chrome nuts to keep it tight. It works really well and my legs don't cramp. I'm going to post some pics soon so you can see it.
Thanks for the response,
Ronnie

 

[CarlS]

Very good. I have a highway bar that bolts exactly where you are talking about. I would like to see what you have done because I need to put some pegs on Mae Lynes' Bonnie.

 

[rodhotter]

good lookin bike!! as much as i love looks of the thrux i don't think my bod would appreciate the stock riding position of one