You are right; most anything will be an improvement. And you will quickly get used to whatever you settle on.
Rear Shock suggestions for EFI T100
- Thread starter chadtx
- Start date
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Is there anything new in the always controversial "Which shock should I buy?" thread?
I bought my 09 T100 last fall and am already planning on some suspension mods to make her a better sport tourer. I know I will be insalling Ricor Intiminators in the forks and am still undecided which shock to go with.
I am about 190 give or take 2-3 on any given day. Plus gear is another 10-15 lbs. Plus Leather Lyke Saddle bags which will be on 90% of the time. I hear the Progressive HD 440's are stiff. Would the standard version be about right for this set up?
Anyone using the Ohlins 36E non piggyback shocks? I have Ohlins F & R on my Beemer and love them. Also had them on previous bikes. Always had good experience with them, but am alwasy open to try something new or different.
How about the Hagon Nitros?
I wouldn't mind hearing from folks who have put some years and miles on these shocks and can give us a long term report. Would you buy them again? Something else? Please tell us why so we may choose out own shocks wisely .
Thanks,
Rick G
I bought my 09 T100 last fall and am already planning on some suspension mods to make her a better sport tourer. I know I will be insalling Ricor Intiminators in the forks and am still undecided which shock to go with.
I am about 190 give or take 2-3 on any given day. Plus gear is another 10-15 lbs. Plus Leather Lyke Saddle bags which will be on 90% of the time. I hear the Progressive HD 440's are stiff. Would the standard version be about right for this set up?
Anyone using the Ohlins 36E non piggyback shocks? I have Ohlins F & R on my Beemer and love them. Also had them on previous bikes. Always had good experience with them, but am alwasy open to try something new or different.
How about the Hagon Nitros?
I wouldn't mind hearing from folks who have put some years and miles on these shocks and can give us a long term report. Would you buy them again? Something else? Please tell us why so we may choose out own shocks wisely .
Thanks,
Rick G
Looking forward to your report. 
Got the Ohlins installed a couple of weeks ago and along with the Intiminators in the forks, the ride quality has been vastly improved! Bumps, potholes and frost heaves are no longer the "shocking" events they used to be. Handling has also been improved as well as reduce fork dive. All of this has made my Bonnie more comfortable and a better tourer which is what I wanted it to be.
Rick G
Rick G
Dschief
Member
Sorry for coming to the party so late, but I have not been on here for a very long time. My job has had me running too much these last few years!
As stated above, any shock is an improvement over the stock Bonneville/T100 shocks. That being said, I did a very inexpensive mod on my '05 Bonneville, which I documented in another post several years ago. Stock Thruxton/Scrambler shocks are longer, with more travel, than the stock boingers, and can be had for little $'s thanks to places like Ebay, etc. And, as stated in a previous post in this thread, the longer shocks will also quicken the handling. Notice I didn't say improve the handling? Some people prefer the more stable stock geometry. I love corner carving, and I'll give up a little stability for some intuitive handling.
As stated above, any shock is an improvement over the stock Bonneville/T100 shocks. That being said, I did a very inexpensive mod on my '05 Bonneville, which I documented in another post several years ago. Stock Thruxton/Scrambler shocks are longer, with more travel, than the stock boingers, and can be had for little $'s thanks to places like Ebay, etc. And, as stated in a previous post in this thread, the longer shocks will also quicken the handling. Notice I didn't say improve the handling? Some people prefer the more stable stock geometry. I love corner carving, and I'll give up a little stability for some intuitive handling.
chadtx
Well-Known Member
Hello, everyone! Its been awhile though I lurk from time to time. I still have not pulled the trigger on a rear shock upgrade. I would like to do it soon though. I am seduced by the Ohlin 36E and Hagon Nitros because of their price and, thus, higher quality. I like to get the best I can afford. However, after reading a bit more I am thinking this would be overkill for my riding style and ability.
I am NOT a sport, aggressive rider. At 6'2", 185lbs, I am a commuter, cruiser, weekend tourer. I want comfort over sport suspension for lots of hard riding and twisties. Thus, I am thinking I could get away with spending less money for some of the more reasonably priced rear shocks (Progressive 412s, Hagon 2810, Ikon, etc).
Most say any new shocks will be an improvement but I want the best that I can afford and fits my riding style while not breaking the bank or spending more than I need to for performance I won't take advantage of.
Thoughts?
I am NOT a sport, aggressive rider. At 6'2", 185lbs, I am a commuter, cruiser, weekend tourer. I want comfort over sport suspension for lots of hard riding and twisties. Thus, I am thinking I could get away with spending less money for some of the more reasonably priced rear shocks (Progressive 412s, Hagon 2810, Ikon, etc).
Most say any new shocks will be an improvement but I want the best that I can afford and fits my riding style while not breaking the bank or spending more than I need to for performance I won't take advantage of.
Thoughts?
I know that CarlS has Ikon on his bike, and they are working well for him.
I'm a rider much like yourself.
After doing some research and forum surfing, I think those will be my choice too.
I'm a rider much like yourself.
After doing some research and forum surfing, I think those will be my choice too.
chadtx
Well-Known Member
Thanks, Rocky. Sounds like we are on same page. No reason to break the bank if I can get the performance I need for less money. That way I can spend it on other upgrades! I am leaning toward the progressive 412s because I like the look and style of them.
Any decent upgrade will make a world of difference and you will be pleased. Adding Progressive springs to the front made mine a different bike.
miller7346
Member
I put Progressive Springs and Shocks on my 2004 Bonneville and as Carl states, it rides like a different bike. I highly recomment Progressive because of their quality and cost.
Ronnie M
Ronnie M
Very good, I think that you are going to like them.
chadtx
Well-Known Member
Installed the Ohlin s36e rear shocks on my 2011 Bonny T100. As everyone said, it makes a huge difference. The horribly bumpy Tulsa roads are a perfect place for comparison. I rode my stock shocks around for awhile and then replaced them with the Ohlins and rode the same track. Wowza! what a difference! I feel much more planted on the street and through turns, and bumps/shock were greatly reduced. I rode with a passenger without modifying the spring preload and it was still pleasant. I don't see a need to alter it unless I'm carrying the passenger for an extended time and a lot of luggage. Glad I finally pulled the trigger. Oh, and I like how they look as well.
Chad
Chad
good news
makes you feel pleased ya spent the money when its a definite improvement.
makes you feel pleased ya spent the money when its a definite improvement.
Very good, Chad. Thanks for the report. They do, indeed, transform the bike.
