In my own searching, I found so little, so I thought I'd chime in. I went with these over all the other options because Fox and Triumph don't mess around, because they're not that expensive (see Ohlins), because they look cool (IMHO), and because I don't need 3-way adjustability. The bike is completely transformed from one that made me worry in corners to one that makes me smile as I ease through them. Seriously, these shocks take all the truck out of the 120, and I no longer wonder if I should have opted for the Speed Twin or a Bonnie 100. The nimbleness is there, and the rear tire is just locked to the pavement. I'm riding just 10 clicks back, and it's stiffer by a loooong shot, but way more comfy at the same time. In corners, I'm completely done countersteering unless I want to muscle a turn, and over bumpy stuff my only complaint is the front end. Can't recommend them enough for T120 riders. If you're considering a different bike due to handling, then try these first. Anyone near the Hudson Valley who wants to check them out, just let me know. Lastly, I haven't played with settings since the initial setup for my weight, and I'll probably do so for long days on the highway (trip coming up). Crappy pic attached. Hope this helps some folks who have been looking for more feedback on the Fox. Allen
Go a steep further and fit a cartridge kit in the front. I chose Ohlins due to availability at the time but both Matris and Andreani have kits available now. My T100 is a dream to ride now, I chose Nitron for the rear and got the spring matched to my weight. Compressiond rebound adjustment is combined on the wheel at the bottom of the unit.
I'm all over it! Thanks for the recommendations. If you were buying the front units now, would you opt for something besides Ohlins? Thanks!
In all honesty I can only appraise the Ohlins as I have them. Yes, they are as good as you would hope them to be and yes I'd buy them again. They're hard to spot on the bike as they match well and look original. That said, I imagine the other options are a solid choice, the OE setup is a long way below any cartridge setup. If you chose to shop with budget in mind I don't imagine you'll be disappointed with any option.
Hi Flash, I've been looking at the Ohlins cartridge kit and for something better on the rear of my Speed Twin although I've only done 500 miles on it. I'm also in Hampshire and wondered if you could let me know were you got your upgrades from, who fitted it all and did the set up? Cheers, Simon
Hi Simon, Steve Jordan Motorcycles sourced the parts and did the work for me. Here you go: link If you contact them you'll probably be speaking to Charlotte, let her know Ashley referred you. They did my T100 suspension and custom mapped my Thruxton R. We had loads of phone dialogue, I'd hope she remembers me!
As an aside, I think a suspension upgrade like I have on the T100 would be a great upgrade on a bike like that.
Thanks Flash, I went there once to get some BiTubo dampers rebuilt so I know exactly who you mean. That's brilliant thank you. I remember Charlotte I think. There has been some mention in the press that Triumph may well bring out a Speed Twin R model sometime with the Öhlins fitted, like the Thruxton R. It makes sense that the current model has room for improvement, so I'm keen to try it asap.
Hi Simon, did you change the Spring Cartridges on your Speed Twin as i am thinking about changing mine. Cheers Ady.
Hi Ady, My bike is off to Steve Jordan's this coming week actually. I won't be able to report back for a couple of weeks though. I won't be able to ride it straight away though and then I'll want to try a few different settings to be able to report back. Can't wait.
Definitely Nitron's R3 twin rear shocks and still discussing the front so don't know yet. The more I ride the bike though the more I'm getting used to the stock suspension, which is fine really, but it's been good to hear that everyone who has upgraded their suspension is glad they did. I'm aiming for a Speed Twin R before they bring one out I suppose. The last bike I had was a Multistrada with the electronic Ohlins and I don't remember ever thinking that it struggled occaisionally with British roads (or the bits of tarmac between the potholes). I think Triumph have got it right though as it still has that element of a classic feel which it should. I just want to put a more sophisticated link between the good tyres and that great engine.
I have changed my rear Shocks to Ohlins from a Thruxton R. The Ride is much better now , i found the standard shocks ok on nice smooth tarmac but i didn't like the feedback on normal road riding (british roads). The Ohlins have definitely improved the ride Quality i just have to get the front end sorted and am unsure of which front end cartridges to use. it will be good to hear what you decide on. Cheers Ady.
Hi Ady, I've just posted a thread on the Nitron shocks and now forks that I am very excited to have. And I haven't ridden it yet, can't wait and it looks like it's going rain for a week! So if you haven't decided on the cartridges yet, do have a look at the Nitrons.
