Hello I have an ST1050, its an 08, with ABS, heated grips and 23k miles. The bike is new to me, and whilst I have ridden a few miles on two wheels I know nothing about ST's in general and even less about this one (bought cheaply without history) Suspension: It feels to me like the despite the low miles, it could really do with a forks service and a new rear shock. What do people tend to use in terms of spring rates and rear shock upgrades? is the original any good in which case I will get it serviced, or I am better of sourcing an aftermarket item? Other bits: this was very much an impulse purchase, so I know precious little. I want to stick fresh oil and filter in it and will need to work out what sort of servicing may be due on it. I don't even know what the intervals may be for the cam chain. it is chain driven right? Is there an online copy of the owners manual and or workshop manual somewhere? Lastly, I live in the Coventry area, does anyone have any recommendations for mechanics?
I have a GT I would start by retuning your forks and shocks to "factory settings" the forks are 3 rings showing on the rebound adjuster on top of the forks same both sides If the bikes are the same ( and they are nearly identical) then the rear shock has a flat head screw on the bottom on the left and I know the pre load is different I have a knob on the right at the top. I dont have the paperwork here Ill get it soon. Get a manual. If you have no service history then service it My suspension was way off and when I got it set + the sag, it made a big difference, I just change the fork oil and this sorted out the dip at first front brake application.I would suggest fork oil,is goosed until proven otherwise http://www.bowl-of-mice.co.uk/ServiceJobs.html http://www.triumphrat.net/sprint-forum/54497-fork-oil-increasing-viscosity-and-oil-level.html http://www.worldoftriumph.com/triumph-motorcycle-parts.html https://www.manualslib.com/manual/809508/Triumph-Sprint-St.html?page=92
I have read your thread with great interest actually. From what I read, there is a fairly important weight difference between the two bikes , and the GT has a longer wheelbase. So its likely we will see some differences on the suspension set up. Point taken on the returning to standard before doing anything else though. And the user manual. In my experience, spending a few quid on suspension has always proved money well spent, especially as I tend to buy cheap, older bikes.
Major Service is at 12/24k main dealer price 650-800£ to do right. Lots to be done inc susp and hub shock upgrade is YSS. Best mechanic is Clive Wood in Swineshead Lincs. about 1.5 hr ride Clive can also supply the shock. Google to see recommendations or fb" Clive Wood Triumph" 07752477738
I looked the guy up, and he does indeed attract glowing recommendations from clients all over the UK!
Wow... So I have been to see Mr Wood... and am I glad I did! The first thing I hadn't grasped was that the single sided swingarm requires special care, compared with a regular design. Because, these maintenance operations are fairly specific, a lot of people, and workshops wont bother doing it, sometimes despite the fact they have charged for it. The ST tends to be the workhorse of the triumph range accumulating miles throughout the winter on salty roads, where a Daytona 675, 955 or a Triple tends to live a cosseted garage life only coming out in dry weather. Predictably these tend to then fail, but the design of the swingarm means their removal becomes very tricky and can often lead to irremediable damage to the swingarm. Putting your bike on its centre stand and moving the back wheel by hand will instantly show play and, according to Clive a very scary number of ST's on the road are being ridden on seized or collapsed bearing. He had told me about it before he'd seen my bike and was able to demonstrate it straight away! Anyways, check your rear wheel for play! about a millimetre is normal, apparently. Cheers T552 for pointing me in Clive's direction. Top chap, lives and breathes Triumph, a fountain of knowledge and was more than happy to have me sat nearby whilst he was explaining what he was doing, how and why he was doing it. I cant say I have enjoyed the ride there and back, but I doubt anyone else would have imparted so much knowledge... Anyone with a Triumph should know this guy.
I am glad you went to see Clive. As you say he is more than happy to pass on to you his knowledge (which is vast when it comes to triumph). In my opinion one of the very best triumph techs in the UK. Many use a Clive Wood stamp in their service history as a plus point come sale time. His reputation is beyond reproach.
Hi Djuwenda, glad you got your bike sorted and thanks for posting the pics of the suspension but what exactly did you have done. You seem to show the linkage dismantled and pretty grim looking bearings but which pin is the second pic showing, is that the main swing arm pivot pin? Did Clive take the swing arm out and service all the bearings and did you have any work done on the eccentric hub. I plan to check the bearings in the linkage on my S3 but upon checking the chain tension recently the hub rotates freely. Cheers.
I believe that pin is part of the suspension bearing. hope my terminology is correct here. Clive wanted to go to also service the main swingarm bearing, but I didnt give him enough time to do so. The eccentric adjuster turned out not be seized, a rarity apparently, so "we" did not need to take it apart. I am told these are a complete bar steward if not serviced according to schedule attached is a picture of Clive's demonstration swingarm, normally used to point bits out and teach maintenance
