Hi, the rear shock absorber on my 2001 Thunderbird 900 Triple has just failed after only 7000 mls. There are videos on Youtube showing how to dismantle and repair. Does anyone know where I can buy a new seals kit in the UK, and is it a straightforward job not needing special tools? Thanks.
Thunderbird 900 Rear Shock
- Thread starter RayHandy
- Start date
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Will have to leave this one to our UK members.
Ray, I had problems with the original rear shock on my 1996 Thunderbird and there are NO sources for rebuild parts here in the USA. Aftermarket units cost at minimum $500+ US dollars, up to $1200 or more. I found a lot of talk on Triumph enthusiast sites about swapping to various Kawasaki units, (see conversation about this below). After much experimentation, I am very happy with the 1994 thru 1997 Kaw ZX9 rear shock, the one with the remote reservoir on a hose. Cost $45 used off Ebay. Some, but not all parts are available; nitrogen bladder, some of the seals, etc., from RaceTech, USA. Most likely needed parts, (if any), are usually the bladder and the dust seal. Cost; bladder is about $20. Dirt bike shop refilled nitrogen for $20. The overall length is close to Triumph. "Dog bone" links to adjust rear ride height are popular with drag racers and can be found used for $20 or so. The original Kaw bracket can even be used on the Thunderbird. Setting "sag" is key to set-up and some experimentation with sag, rebound and compression settings will need to done, but it worked for me and I'm very pleased with the results so far. I may go with a different rear spring, but otherwise all is good for about $100 investment
Took first long ride on my '96 Thunderbird with a passenger/pillion since I swapped the stock shock for the Kaw ZX9 unit. Did about 150 miles with my daughter on the back. VAST improvement!!! She weighs right about 100lbs. Setting proper "sag" is key! Ray, my advice is don't waste your time with the stock shock, it's just not worth your time or money. See the thread here detailing the swap to a used Kaw ZX9 shock
