New Speedmaster owner getting fillings shaken out

unionfan · Aug 8, 2014

Hi all, my first foray into the cruiser world is my lovely (in my opinion) matte grey Speedmaster that we picked up new in June. But... I'm used to riding sports bikes and other Japanese machines and I have to say that the Triumph does not absorb anything like the bumps of any of my previous bikes or the Yamaha FZ1 with which it shares the garage. The owners manual says I can adjust the rear spring pre-load for a softer ride but is there anything else we can think about?

My wife is struggling as a pillion and she is an unbelievably great passenger on every other bike we've had and even I've bitten my tongue more than once as the bike struggles with even small potholes or bumps.

And I don't even know, given that of 5 settings the manual says choose 5 for carrying a pillion (2 is standard) whether I should be changing the settings every time we change from riding 1 or 2 up?

Your wisdom much appreciated in advance, thank you.
KB

Harvey865 · Aug 8, 2014

Really, yes you should adjust the settings for solo & two up riding. The suspension is a bit harsh on the America/Speedmaster although it doesn't really bother me. I avoid the potholes & try to find the smoothest route.

I believe somebody on the Triumph Cruisers fb page contacted tec bike parts regarding shock absorbers for the America/Speedmaster & they are in the design stage. The most common upgrade seems to be shocks from Progressive, i believe the 412 is the cheapest of their range & are available in a variety of lengths. Alternatively, the Hagon Classic range is more affordable & also receives some very good write ups.

If you are on fb, try visiting & joining the groups below, there is a wealth of knowledge on there mate...

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Triumph.Cruisers/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2391958308/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/107594561037/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/124231687746774/

folkbloke · Aug 9, 2014

I have to say that adjusting the shocks on my America makes no difference at all!

They are a little harsh without a doubt and when I first got the bike I was thinking of uprating them but after a year and 12k miles I think I've got used to them :wink:

One thing I found useful on longer trips was an Airhawk which cushions the worst of the bumps. They are very expensive but there are cheaper versions.

unionfan · Aug 9, 2014

Thanks for the suggestions folks, useful ideas for me to follow up

chrispy · Aug 17, 2014

Hi Unionfan, I have a 2005 speedmaster and my Mrs has no worries but have you looked at different seats as well I changed the gunslinger for individual seat and it did help with the comfort gel seats a great , hope this helps :upyeah: