Seems my rear shock has had it. I'm noticing a 'slap' from the back end. Been like that for quite a while,but has got worse recently. Triumph want £571 for a replacement!! :icon_eek: I've seen this make on eBay for £264. Anyone familiar with this make?
(Mmm, you did have Sin on the back at Rhayader :icon_wink:) Have you checked the swingarm/suspension bearings? I would be tempted to give it a wide berth TP, I found a seller on ebay who will completely rebuild the OEM one for £265ish... you can send him the old unit first, or instead he charges a deposit until he gets one back, I posted it somewhere on here, but can't find it now.
I'd put money on that being an "Asian" budget item judging by the cylinder construction. For that money a Hagon is probably a better bet and they are pretty good with warranties as I can vouch for.
Also I'm less than 76kg straight out of the shower :icon_razz:
Quote from: JayDub on October 27, 2015, 02:30:35 PM
(Mmm, you did have Sin on the back at Rhayader :icon_wink:) Have you checked the swingarm/suspension bearings? I would be tempted to give it a wide berth TP, I found a seller on ebay who will completely rebuild the OEM one for £265ish... you can send him the old unit first, or instead he charges a deposit until he gets one back, I posted it somewhere on here, but can't find it now.
DIY. It's relatively straight forward. I posted a how too a few years back. It's somewhere in here (I'll go take a look)
EDIT. It's in the sticky
Why not try the cheapest fix first? Recharge the Nitrogen reservoir to 100~125 PSI. Next, the suspension & swing arm needle bearings (& seals). You should renew them if putting in a new shock anyways.
Re charge with Nitrogen,specialist job??
I wonder if Argon would work, know anyone with a TIG kit or a pub landlord?
Quote from: Sin_Tiger on November 03, 2015, 12:39:07 AM
I wonder if Argon would work, know anyone with a TIG kit or a pub landlord?
i think pubs use co2
Quote from: Sin_Tiger on November 03, 2015, 12:39:07 AM
I wonder if Argon would work, know anyone with a TIG kit or a pub landlord?
You stirring the pot Sin? :ImaPoser You know good old moisture free air does the trick too. Too much faffing about with Nitrogen. What were the benefits of nitrogen :^_^ Doesn't expand on temp change or heat up under pressure? Something like that. Nitrogen also doesn't froth the oil. But as the nitrogen is in a bladder in the oil reserve I just pump in good old air to 9 instead of 10 bar and the job is a goodun. It's not like I enter the tigger to track day events and I've yet to discern any difference on the suspension which imho is never going to wow anybody on a stock steamer anyway.
Quote from: ram33 on November 03, 2015, 12:46:59 PM
i think pubs use co2
And Nitrogen too - its prevents oxidisation but imitates traditional cask ale.
Or use nitrous oxide... then you'd be laughing! :icon_rolleyes:
Quote from: BruKen on November 03, 2015, 02:57:38 PM
You stirring the pot Sin? :ImaPoser You know good old moisture free air does the trick too. Too much faffing about with Nitrogen. What were the benefits of nitrogen :^_^ Doesn't expand on temp change or heat up under pressure? Something like that. Nitrogen also doesn't froth the oil. But as the nitrogen is in a bladder in the oil reserve I just pump in good old air to 9 instead of 10 bar and the job is a goodun. It's not like I enter the tigger to track day events and I've yet to discern any difference on the suspension which imho is never going to wow anybody on a stock steamer anyway.
Nitrogen doesn't cause corrosion? Anyway,not had a look close up at existing shock,but can it be with air? Think I've seen that done on YouTube?
Quote from: BruKen on November 03, 2015, 02:57:38 PM
You stirring the pot Sin?
Nope, 9 bar of air has got to be better than 0 bar of N2 :thumbsup
There's a thread on advrider started where guys are using bacon grease in their shocks.
They have been using forks with bacon for years.
First reports are if you can handle the sizzle and popping at first it makes the ride out smooooooth.
When I am doing a bunch of testing on a shock, I use a small mountain bike hand pump and plain air. The only benefits of N is the fact it is 100% dry and that it comes in a nice bottle with 2500psi in it that makes it really easy to fill shocks. Air works just fine and no one will know the difference. If you live somewhere very humid, having dry N is nice.
Yes, just recharging your shock will help the ride. But I guarantee you that your shock oil is beyond dead by now. Shock oil (and fork oil) has a limited life span. It does a tremendous amount of work even while putting around town and there is not much in there to do it. It needs to be changed regularly. I tell my customers that if they want their suspensions to last a good long time service it at 2 year intervals or 25k miles. I just did a 955i Tiger's forks that only had 12k miles on them and the fluid was horrible. I service my forks yearly and my shock every other year.
We get all paranoid about our engine oil. We should change the brake fluid at least every two years.
So that makes perfect sense to me :thumbsup
ive got a spare came off a 1997.35.000 miler £40 pick up or £50 posted. :thumbsup
Quote from: Sasquatch on November 06, 2015, 04:22:56 PM
When I am doing a bunch of testing on a shock, I use a small mountain bike hand pump and plain air. The only benefits of N is the fact it is 100% dry and that it comes in a nice bottle with 2500psi in it that makes it really easy to fill shocks. Air works just fine and no one will know the difference. If you live somewhere very humid, having dry N is nice.
Yes, just recharging your shock will help the ride. But I guarantee you that your shock oil is beyond dead by now. Shock oil (and fork oil) has a limited life span. It does a tremendous amount of work even while putting around town and there is not much in there to do it. It needs to be changed regularly. I tell my customers that if they want their suspensions to last a good long time service it at 2 year intervals or 25k miles. I just did a 955i Tiger's forks that only had 12k miles on them and the fluid was horrible. I service my forks yearly and my shock every other year.
Absolutely. I do mine annually with the annual service which is probably a bit overkill, but then I am a garage addict. Certainly every 3 years as a minimum. Those that don't will be amazed at the difference when they do.
Quote from: threepot on November 02, 2015, 11:19:07 PM
Re charge with Nitrogen,specialist job??
Any tire shop that offers Nitrogen fills on their installs or repairs. Supposed to leak less, as no Oxygen (smaller molecule) in the gas. Quite common here on the Wet Coast
Quote from: threepot on November 02, 2015, 11:19:07 PM
Re charge with Nitrogen, specialist job??
Most large tire shops here use it, as the N2 molecule is much larger that the O2 in our compressed air mix. Less likely to leak through pores or scratched rims. 100~125 psi is easily attainable with their tanked Nitrogen supply. Much cheaper than the laughing gas or Argon that's used for MIG welding.
Should be free or nearly so.
Sasquatch does a business rebuilding shocks. He did mine a couple years back for about half of those £265 quotes, plus postage. Try connecting with him ... http://sasquatchrider.blogspot.ca
Quote from: fishnbiker on December 07, 2015, 11:05:25 PM
Most large tire shops here use it, as the N2 molecule is much larger that the O2 in our compressed air mix. Less likely to leak through pores or scratched rims. 100~125 psi is easily attainable with their tanked Nitrogen supply. Much cheaper than the laughing gas or Argon that's used for MIG welding.
Should be free or nearly so.
Sasquatch does a business rebuilding shocks. He did mine a couple years back for about half of those £265 quotes, plus postage. Try connecting with him ... http://sasquatchrider.blogspot.ca
Here is my website: www.adventurepowersports.us
BTW, the air you breathe is 78% nitrogen. Charging extra to fill your tires with N is just another profit builder. Other than being absolutely free of moisture, you will NEVER see any benefit of N over just compressed air. No difference in temperature, no noticeable difference in pressure loss, no difference in expansion with temp, but it does make your wallet lighter, thus a better power to weight ratio....... :ImaPoser
YSS shock finally arrived. For a 'mid' priced unit,I'm quite impressed with it. £239 delivered. And 2 yr warranty. Hope to have it fitted before July meet! :icon_wink:
Started to fit new shock today,but bearing and sleeve need replacing. Does anyone know what bearing fits? I'm sure I can source one cheaper than what Triumph want? Thanks.
Just searched, NTN HK2020?
quick fix?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131637884463 ( think its the same/will fit)
Or
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Triumph-Tiger-885-900-Carb-1996-Suspension-Drag-Link-Drop-Links-/331829608853
Thanks Phil..that should fit yes??
check edit
Repair kit is same
http://www.triumphparts.gbr.cc/index.php/2/190160/
Just bought the t'bird one. Thanks again :thumbsup.
Yeah Id jump on that above you get all the bearings and sleeves in one, ahh, you have, good find
I think the difference may be lack of grease points, but as a short term fixup, I nearly bought it myself. Hope its ok. Bet its better than your current one....
Calmoto shows the same part number for TBird and Tiger item :thumbsup
http://triumphparts.calmoto.com/p/Triumph_1996_Thunderbird885/Drag-link/43470072/2059300-T0301.html (http://triumphparts.calmoto.com/p/Triumph_1996_Thunderbird885/Drag-link/43470072/2059300-T0301.html)
click the Fitment/Applications tab then click Show More
Quote from: London_Phil on May 02, 2016, 04:39:34 PM
I think the difference may be lack of grease points, but as a short term fixup, I nearly bought it myself. Hope its ok. Bet its better than your current one....
Part came,and fitted Saturday.(thanks again Phil). It was in excellent condition. And has same grease points. Didn't take long to fit everything back. Although I was nearly put out of action after the bike fell on me! Just a slight injury to my hand,and a broken rear indicator :icon_rolleyes: But it has totally transformed the bike! I thought it handled OK before,but it tracks a lovely line in corners now,and handles rough tarmac nicely. :thumbsup
New abba stand next! These 'old 'Hinckley buses are tough as 'old boots'! Thats the 2nd time my tiger has fallen over,and last year my Super3 decided to have a lie down on the garage floor! :icon_wink:
Just as well that the owner's pretty tough also :nap
Hi guys,
I'm dealing with the same thing on my bike. It passed all MOT checks (which where thoroughly covered) but it failed on the rear tire and the rear shock is leaking.
With the price of a good new rear shock is it worth getting mine renovated?
Quote from: threepot on April 28, 2016, 01:34:51 PM
YSS shock finally arrived. For a 'mid' priced unit,I'm quite impressed with it. £239 delivered. And 2 yr warranty. Hope to have it fitted before July meet! :icon_wink:
Hi Threepot,
Where did you buy this one from please?
Is the shock fairly easy to replace?
It seems so?
:ear
http://www.bike-revival.co.uk/page1.html
Only been on a couple of weeks,but I'm very happy with it. Hagon also do a replacement,although a little more cost.
It's not difficult to replace. Securely supporting the bike..or not as in my case :icon_rolleyes: is important!! I used a paddock stand at the rear,and jacked under the bash plate. If you can tie the handlebars from a joist,all the better. Or use an abba stand? I would strongly recommend removing the bottom link to inspect. And be prepared to renew bearings?? One of the link bolts pulls up against the exhaust. I managed to prise it away just enough to remove.
I found it easy to put the link back in when the bike was on its side! :icon_wink:
Quote from: threepot on May 16, 2016, 11:32:17 PM
http://www.bike-revival.co.uk/page1.html
Only been on a couple of weeks,but I'm very happy with it. Hagon also do a replacement,although a little more cost.
It's not difficult to replace. Securely supporting the bike..or not as in my case :icon_rolleyes: is important!! I used a paddock stand at the rear,and jacked under the bash plate. If you can tie the handlebars from a joist,all the better. Or use an abba stand? I would strongly recommend removing the bottom link to inspect. And be prepared to renew bearings?? One of the link bolts pulls up against the exhaust. I managed to prise it away just enough to remove.
I found it easy to put the link back in when the bike was on its side! :icon_wink:
Hi Threepot,
Great post thank you. From looking at the site I can't distinguish which shock
I'm after?
I'm tempted to replace this my self. I love the sound of the challenge.
I'd have to tie the bike up to the rafters of my garage and wedge up under engine with blocks of wood ! Ha ha !! Once when secure then get to work.
Z series. Check availability though,I had to wait 3weeks after initially being told 3 days! They are listed on eBay. But again,check delivery!
Quote from: threepot on May 17, 2016, 05:57:29 AM
Z series. Check availability though,I had to wait 3weeks after initially being told 3 days! They are listed on eBay. But again,check delivery!
Hi Threepot,
There are actually varies alternatives in the 'Z' range. Do you know the full product code of the one you bought?
Cheers,
Dan
:notworthy
Temporary Fix?
Fit it, then rebuild your original?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/351722947733
Quote from: London_Phil on May 17, 2016, 07:46:39 PM
Temporary Fix?
Fit it, then rebuild your original?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/351722947733
Even the auction title says it's "grubby". :*&*
Nice one! :thumbsup
:thumbsup
Try http://www.bike-revival.co.uk
Or http://firefoxracing.co.uk
Quote from: JoeDirt on May 17, 2016, 07:48:50 PM
Even the auction title says it's "grubby". :*&*
Nice one! :thumbsup
Grubby's better than failed.......
Quote from: London_Phil on May 17, 2016, 10:30:47 PM
Grubby's better than failed.......
Hi Phil,
I totally agree.
Also I'm totally up for renovating the shock I have now. I don't need the bike unless I go away so I could go right ahead and renovate it but I find it hard to gage quite how difficult it would be?
Also the re-pressurising, isn't that a specialist job?
I did mine recently. Its a bit messy, but only complicated if your not too mechanically minded. I would not compare myself to the likes of Sasquatch, and I used ATF oil, but my spare is working fine.
Quote from: London_Phil on May 19, 2016, 12:05:19 AM
I did mine recently. Its a bit messy, but only complicated if your not too mechanically minded. I would not compare myself to the likes of Sasquatch, and I used ATF oil, but my spare is working fine.
Hi Phil,
My cash opportunities haven't come through so I'm really
Stuck.
I'm mechanically minded to a point and good at applying my self. I've restored starter motors, taken carbs apart and replaced components as well as other minor bike repairs. With this level of experience do you reckon I'd manage it?
If I renovate it what parts would I need?
I'm looking to just get my bike past its MOT for now which it failed due to the current rear shock leaking.
What kind of mileage would I get out of second hand one like this?
Quote from: London_Phil on May 19, 2016, 12:05:19 AM
I did mine recently. Its a bit messy, but only complicated if your not too mechanically minded. I would not compare myself to the likes of Sasquatch, and I used ATF oil, but my spare is working fine.
Hi Phil,
I'm mechanically minded to a point and good
At applying my self. I've restored starter motors, taken carbs apart and replaced components as well as other minor bike repairs. With this level of experience do you reckon I'd manage it?
If I renovate it what parts would I need?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/182072305339
Would it be that difficult for me to refurbish my original one?
:icon_scratch:
Quote from: Danwarb on May 21, 2016, 12:57:34 AM
Hi Phil,
My cash opportunities haven't come through so I'm really
Stuck.
I'm mechanically minded to a point and good at applying my self. I've restored starter motors, taken carbs apart and replaced components as well as other minor bike repairs. With this level of experience do you reckon I'd manage it?
If I renovate it what parts would I need?
You've had Triumphs before then?? :augie
Only joking! I love them. Wouldn't have any other make! :thumbsup
Tools are most likely to be your biggest obstacle, at least proper ones that won't damage bits or hurt you
Thanks Sin.
That makes it clear for me.
Have any of you got a spare rear shock I can buy off you?
:bowdown
I bought a shock sealhead repair kit and a bump stop, from K-Tech Suspension Ltd, for less than £40, the bladder was ok, and I refilled mine with ATF and air, not suspension fluid and nitrogen. May not be everyones choice, but so far it has been hugely improved, and hasn't yet exploded..
If your in no rush, strip yours out and refurb it.
I must say that Showa branded one on ebay ( later bikes, older are generally KYB) for less than £33 delivered looks like a good quick fix, If I didn't already have a spare, which is actually my original as the spare is fitted now, I'd buy it.
( Sorry cannot sell to you as the one fitted has a seized rebound adjuster, and I damaged the replacement trying to rush to fit it, so I need to refurb my orig now.)
Quote from: London_Phil on May 22, 2016, 02:58:14 PM
I bought a shock sealhead repair kit and a bump stop, from K-Tech Suspension Ltd, for less than £40, the bladder was ok, and I refilled mine with ATF and air, not suspension fluid and nitrogen. May not be everyones choice, but so far it has been hugely improved, and hasn't yet exploded..
If your in no rush, strip yours out and refurb it.
I must say that Showa branded one on ebay (later bikes, older are generally KYB) for less than £33 delivered looks like a good quick fix, If I didn't already have a spare, which is actually my original as the spare is fitted now, I'd buy it.
( Sorry cannot sell to you as the one fitted has a seized rebound adjuster, and I damaged the replacement trying to rush to fit it, so I need to refurb my orig now.)
Hi Phil,
Thanks for your posts.
Can you give me a link to this Showa branded shock on Ebay for £33 that would fit a Steamer?
I'll then fit this one and look at refurbishing the original.
:ear
Quote from: London_Phil on May 17, 2016, 07:46:39 PM
Temporary Fix?
Fit it, then rebuild your original?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/351722947733
Quote from: London_Phil on May 22, 2016, 09:53:29 PM
Hi Phil,
I'm hoping to find a rear shock with out the second compression chamber to make it a bit easier to fit. I'm not ruling this one one but I don't think I'd receive this one in time to go away this Friday.
Can you give me link to the alternative Showa shock on Ebay please?
TBH if your in far enough to get the shock out, the remote reservoir is a few extra moments work.
Search for Tiger rear shock on Ebay, and remember ONLY Steamer specific ones fit, as they have forked lower mount.
Even though the Thunderbird drag link is the same, the shock is side mounted.
I really would swap the existing one for a raggedy one that gets you an MOT, if thats all thats holding you back.
Threepot fitted an after market one, and seems happy, but its something like 8 times the price of the Ebay one.
Can't make the decision for you, doing mine was not difficult, its really a personal thing.
BTW did you get my tank insert?
Regards
Phil
Quote from: London_Phil on May 23, 2016, 03:17:14 PM
TBH if your in far enough to get the shock out, the remote reservoir is a few extra moments work.
Search for Tiger rear shock on Ebay, and remember ONLY Steamer specific ones fit, as they have forked lower mount.
Even though the Thunderbird drag link is the same, the shock is side mounted.
I really would swap the existing one for a raggedy one that gets you an MOT, if thats all thats holding you back.
Threepot fitted an after market one, and seems happy, but its something like 8 times the price of the Ebay one.
Can't make the decision for you, doing mine was not difficult, its really a personal thing.
BTW did you get my tank insert?
Regards
Phil
Phil your such a star.
I'm clear now and have bought this grubby one off Ebay with the remote reservoir. Thank you.
:qgaraduate
I'm happy I now understand that these Tiger rear shocks have a 'forked' end to them. The YSS shocks don't seem to have this so don't get how they fit?
I'm now looking forward to the challenge of fitting this mucky one to get my tiger through the MOT before I ride out for a festival. I also look forward to then renovating my original shock, cleaning it up, replacing the warn parts as you mention and also respraying the spring in bright red before assembling it all.
The only bit I'm not clear about is filling it with new dry air / gas and new oil but I'll get to that I'm some point I'm sure.
:rfl
Now to work out how I'm going to get my bike safely supported (tied up to the rafters in my garage and wedged up with timber) then remove the old shock and wait eagerly for the postman.
:thumbsup
Nobody move . . . I've got a great idea !
:rfl
I've undone the top bolt of the shock and I've noticed the bike dropped and the frame of the bike is now resting on top of the shock.
I'm in a bit of trouble right? When I undo the lower bolt this bike is just going to lower even further, those nylon ropes are going to stretch, probably snap then the bikes going to roll off the chunks of wood I've got under the bash plate and likely fall right !!?
What would you do?
:ear
I'd recommend putting the bolt back, and look to get some more suitable stands/supports.
You should remove the tank too, but I think you will need to have a more reliable method of supporting the bike.
Car jack and wood block under engine at the very least.
Before I had the centre stand, I put axle stands under the front pegs after jacking the rear wheel clear to remove the drag link.
As you can see you will need to do some manual re aligning by levering the back wheel. You need to ensure you bike is stable before it all goes nasty.
I think you have a bit of a Health and Safety issue there, tbh
Can you tie the handlebars to a joist? Place a jack under the rear wheel? I did mine with a paddock stand at the rear,and a jack under the bash plate. As you Jack it up,the link arms align.
Quote from: London_Phil on May 23, 2016, 11:18:21 PM
I'd recommend putting the bolt back, and look to get some more suitable stands/supports.
You should remove the tank too, but I think you will need to have a more reliable method of supporting the bike.
Car jack and wood block under engine at the very least.
Before I had the centre stand, I put axle stands under the front pegs after jacking the rear wheel clear to remove the drag link.
As you can see you will need to do some manual re aligning by levering the back wheel. You need to ensure you bike is stable before it all goes nasty.
I think you have a bit of a Health and Safety issue there, tbh
Threepot, Phil,
Amazing replies thank you.
:bowdown
I've now securely jacked the bike up and using a chunk of wood and plank wedged under the side stand I'm able to keep the bike safe from tipping.
This is where I'm at now . . .
I had to jack the bike up until the rear wheel was clear of the ground to get the old shock out.
Now I can't get the new shock in, it's slightly longer than the previous but only slightly.
What would you guys suggest?
:icon_study:
Is the Jack preventing the link from lowering? Try it under the bash plate? I would recommend removing that link,and inspecting the bearings etc. Easy to re grease every thing then if its all ok.
Quote from: threepot on May 24, 2016, 11:41:18 PM
Is the Jack preventing the link from lowering? Try it under the bash plate? I would recommend removing that link,and inspecting the bearings etc. Easy to re grease every thing then if its all ok.
I'VE DONE IT !
Thanks Threepot !
I raised the bike from under the engine block. Then I used a crow bar to gently lever the shock in to place and fiddled the bolts back in before tightening. The links all seem fine and where still seemingly newly greased. My Tiger has only done 11,000 miles which also means the shock I've removed is well worth renovating so I'm looking forward to doing that before replacing it again.
The temporary shock I bought is rusty but the rear suspension it now gives is much firmer so I'm sure my Tiger will now pass it's MOT (with the new tyre being fitted) and it'll get me away to the festival !!!
I'm SO chuffed !!
Thank you to all of you !
:*
Dan,
You heading my way for this festival?
Just fitted a Hagon rear shock to mine , I have heard of top yoke failure on these but comparing it with the original it's the same size and fittings I can only presume that they have been fitted incorrectly , Anyone else had similar problems ?
I grabbed a second hand Hagon off ebay a couple of years back that was in great condition, didn't look like it'd done much work. They listed it under the part number, not what bike it was for, got for £50........ bargain
It's been fine.
Have a Hagon under mine. Works great.