I am not a tall raider, 5 foot 7 inch, and although my feet touch completely on both sides, I would like to lower my T120 so I have some extra margin of extension. I am thinking of buying some Hagon shocks and lower my bike 30MM. Two questions, in what way does it affect handling, and two, can I do this without installing shorter fork springs? I am not a perfectionist, so if the changes to handling are minimal, I am certainly OK with making the trade of diminished handling for a shorter seat height.
Lowering Rear Shocks On Bonneville T120
- Thread starter Saigonboy
- Start date
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Hello,
I have the same problem in that I am only 5’ 3”. I purchased 30mm lowering shocks from TecBikeparts USA. ( As a nubbie I didn’t want to spend big $ till I learned more.) for the front I simply loosened the triple tree clamps and moved the fork struts up 30mm to match the rear. This kept the front rake angle stock. As to the effect on handling, I don't have enough experience (just 7500 miles total) to make a qualified comment. Lowering the front was simple!
Craig
I have the same problem in that I am only 5’ 3”. I purchased 30mm lowering shocks from TecBikeparts USA. ( As a nubbie I didn’t want to spend big $ till I learned more.) for the front I simply loosened the triple tree clamps and moved the fork struts up 30mm to match the rear. This kept the front rake angle stock. As to the effect on handling, I don't have enough experience (just 7500 miles total) to make a qualified comment. Lowering the front was simple!
Craig
Thanks for the feed back. Is your bike a T100 or T120 and what year model please? Also, how has the length of the side stand been affected? Did you need to alter the length of the side side stand ? Thanks so much !!
Did the lowered posture of your bike also require altering the length of the side kick stand? Thanks so much !
Fleetway
Member
Yes, I took 1/2” off it but probable could have done with a bit more. You don’t have to remove the cradle to get it off as per the manual, just the Lh exhaust pipe.
Update. I installed the Hagon rear shocks that were 20MM ( .8 inch ) shorter that standard shocks. To my surprise the side stand still has a nice lean to it and I do not think I will have to cut any length off it. The center stand does take a bit more effort to get the bike up on it, but nothing a 5'7'' 175 pound, 68 year old man of average strength cannot handle. My feet touched solidly before the Hagons were installed, but they were right next to the engine. Now I can plant my feet about 5 inches out away from the engine case, where before my calfs were touching the sides of the engine. I did not change the front shock springs. All in all I am pleased with the results and releived I will not have to alter the side stand or center stand. Saigonboy
Sounds like you hit the right combination 
"Also short leg" Looking for to lower & update the suspension; Triumph Bonneville T100 2015 19” wheel.
I have been sugested:
TEC : Progressive Fork spring kit & adjuster. For 19” wheel. OK "Found on U/S site"
TEC: LOWERING All alloy gas shocks Bonneville/Bonneville SE & T100 ;
5 x Way Adjustable Damping/Adjustable length feature; 310mm to 345mm " (tool+spacers)
Can't find the exact match on U/S site, skeptic i checked & found on U/K site.
To clarified , I Texted every address On u/s site also called few times to make sure i get the right shocks , no answers,
U/k answered right away, and sugested that they might be short of personnel or very busy.
I amp puzzled:
We live in Montreal Canada , my son ordered pipes for street twin 2019 (tec u/s) it was quick & no issued.
I have been sugested:
TEC : Progressive Fork spring kit & adjuster. For 19” wheel. OK "Found on U/S site"
TEC: LOWERING All alloy gas shocks Bonneville/Bonneville SE & T100 ;
5 x Way Adjustable Damping/Adjustable length feature; 310mm to 345mm " (tool+spacers)
Can't find the exact match on U/S site, skeptic i checked & found on U/K site.
To clarified , I Texted every address On u/s site also called few times to make sure i get the right shocks , no answers,
U/k answered right away, and sugested that they might be short of personnel or very busy.
I amp puzzled:
We live in Montreal Canada , my son ordered pipes for street twin 2019 (tec u/s) it was quick & no issued.
Good luck Denis. If you lower the rear shocks much more than 20MM, you will probably need to shorten the side kick stand to maintain a proper lean. With a shorter seat height, it will also be harder to place the bike on the center stand, so you might have to shave a little off the center stand too. The Hagon rear shocks I installed are designed for my weight. Since I weigh 175 pounds, I am probably a little lighter than the typical 6 footer that the factory shocks are designed for. My point is, by also designing the rear shocks for my weight, I think that also additionally lowers my seat height, as standard factory shocks are probably tailored for heavier riders and my 175 pounds did not cause them to lower much when I saddled up. The shocks I installed are 20MM shorter, and when I sit on the bike, since the shocks are designed for my weight, the bike lowers a bit more. The shocks I installed probably lowered my seat height by a good inch.
