Maxton Suspension

[Bluepete]

So when I bought the Tiger, I thought I was buying into a higher class of motorcycle than the budget SV.

On my old bike, I changed the rear shock for a GSXR1000 unit and loved it, then upgraded the fork with Hyperpro progressive springs and good oil and loved that too. It went 'round corners well, was comfy and I was happy.

The Tiger arrived and I vcarried on riding around corners fast, enjoying the power and comfort of the machine.

However, I was never happy with the bouncy bits and having NO knowlege of adjusting bouncy bits (other than thrutching an itch) I went with the setting recommended in the book that came with the bike.

Since doing the advanced course last year, the issue with suspension has been niggling even more, so I started reading around the interwebs and I am shocked to find that the suspension on my Tiger is considered to be utter poo!

I'm keeping this bike for ever, I love it to bits, but I can see that an upgrade is required to the suspension.

So the interweb was consulted again, and the name Maxton keeps coming up as a very, very good company. I think Luckypants had his old VFR fettled by them and there was nothing wrong with that bike's handling!

Maxton aren't far from me and I don't start work until 3.00pm, so out into the sun I toddled, analysing every corner to try and figure out what I didn't like about the Tiger's suspension.

The business is in a newly built unit, right in the middle of feck all! I rode straight past, despite Homer telling me I was there... (better oberservation required :rolleyes:)

Very welcoming, lots of parts to dribble over and a factory tour all offered and gladly accepted. They make everything apart from the springs. The CNC machine was busy onsome new ZX10R shock parts - fascinating stuff. There were shocks ready for packing off to some race teams and a very beaten up TT bike on a lift getting some TLC!

Then I had a chat with Richard Adams, the man in charge of research and development who I knows what he is talking about. He's a really pleasent chap, happy to chat and explain what's what with my Tiger in simple terms, which I needed!

It turns out that the issue is mostly with the rear shock being sprung for a rider who is about nine stone wet through! He got out the screwdriver and twiddled adjusters right there and then, explaining that he had done many, many Tigers, so knew what was needed.

Then we got chatting about how to improve things. Firstly, we talked about re-springing the original shock, but with the limited adjustment available, it won't really help.

So, and I hope Mrs BP doesn't read this, I'm saving up the £400 for a bespoke rear shock. They will weigh me (industrial strength scales, obviously) chat about riding style and so on, then build me my own shock!

I'll fit it, then I can go visit and have final adjustments done.

Once the rear is sorted, the front fork can deal a lot better with it's limitations. They do make a complete cartridge kit for the Tiger, but at another £500, I'll never afford it. To be honest, Richard doubts it's really needed, which is a suprising attitude, considering he talked me out of a possible sale, but I appreciated the honesty.

So, piggy bank raiding, savings draining and begging to start ASAP!

Pete ;)

PS, I'm late for work now!

[hardhat_harry]

I always enjoy popping into Maxton, very helpful people who will sell you what you need, no more, no less.

[Scoobs]

Can they do it in any other colour than purple?

[Luckypants]

Always found them very helpful, if a bit slow making stuff. :D

[Amplimator]

Can they do it in any other colour than purple?

I have heard that if you ask them nicely they will give you a different colour spring.

[yorkie_chris]

Cool workmanship, shame some of their tackle is/was a right bugger to adjust and work on. Maybe modern stuff is better, I have only worked on one oil boiler shock of theirs.

[Bluepete]

Chris,

The shock, once fitted is as easy to adjust as the standard fit unit. It's serviceable and re-buildable (not by me - I'm not fettlin' fings I can't fiix!)

A shock service isn't expensive, once ever few years I can stand the cost.

Pete ;)

[tonyt]

I've got a Maxton front end conversion .... 100% better than the Suzuki OE rubbish... Hagon out back tho and all good...:D

[tom_d]

This is very interesting as I am a large chap and picking up a 07 Tiger tomorrow (very excited about that!)

Will have to add it to the (long) list of stuff I want to get. Better start saving hard.

[maviczap]

£400 sounds cheap for a bespoke rear shock, I'll not tell Mrs BP :-D

[Bluefish]

pete did they say how long the origional shock should last, only mine has done 18k now 08 plate, and with both of us on it, well let's just say we eat pies lol, i'm guessing the answer is i too need a new shock, but that would be at the bottom of long list of things to pay for :(

[Bluefish]

£400 sounds cheap for a bespoke rear shock, I'll not tell Mrs BP :-D
that's good, get us one as well then will you ;)

[STRAMASHER]

Maxton? For a bit of balance...

I waited months (ordered begining Feb, delivered May) + loads of phone calls for my shocks and the springs were way wrong from what I had asked. The racing folks take priority I'm afraid. Staying close to them may well be to your advantage, a face to deal with etc.

Lot of money for me but still regarded as budget. You get what you pay for.

Triumph sell ohlins replacement shock as an official accessory. Does not say much about the originals. Might have a wee sit down before you look and see the price. Hydraulic pre-load adjuster tho'. Lovely.

[Davies]

Another vote for them here too and I'll be going back for my second shock from them very soon to sort out the rear on the R1. Every time I've spoken to them they have given sound advice :thumbsup:

Bluepete, remember to add on the VAT mate ;)

[yorkie_chris]

Chris,

The shock, once fitted is as easy to adjust as the standard fit unit. It's serviceable and re-buildable (not by me - I'm not fettlin' fings I can't fiix!)

A shock service isn't expensive, once ever few years I can stand the cost.

Pete ;)

Does it have high speed comp? One I was buggering about with had HSC adjuster that you had to sneak up under bottom bolt to get to. Pain in the *rse and not really possible with the shock fitted.

[AndyBrad]

would like a new rear shock just because there shiny. is there anyway you can rebuild a standard item? seals are not an issue but i dont know how you would pressurise it etc?

[yorkie_chris]

Just a schrader valve you fill with nitrogen, you could use dry air too, only reason for nitrogen is it is cheap and dry.

However valving in standard items is very basic, sometimes the inner of tube aren't coated so the oil gets immediately contaminated.

[Lozzo]

Always found them very helpful, if a bit slow making stuff. :D

Helpful - yes, slow - no.

I sent my CBR600 Maxton shock back for a rebuild and respring to suit my weight, it came back in 9 days looking like new with a bill of only 170 quid. I bought the shock on ebay for 75 - new price is nearly 700 quid.

My GSXR1000 had a Maxton shock in it, I got the same level of service when I sent that back for the same thing, which prompted me to go looking for a Maxton for the CBR.

Definitely one of the better bike related companies around and I recommend them to anyone.

[Bluefish]

Triumph sell ohlins replacement shock as an official accessory. Does not say much about the originals. Might have a wee sit down before you look and see the price. Hydraulic pre-load adjuster tho'. Lovely.
Thanks for that, will go have a look, sorry mean heart attack, lol.

[Bluepete]

Thanks for that, will go have a look, sorry mean heart attack, lol.


Call the ambulance, it's £865!

Pete ;)

[orose]

I wouldn't just sit down, I'd dial two 9s if I were you... the speed triple one is insane pricing

[Bluefish]

lol, could only find it offered in dollers = 1080, wonder if i strap a cushion to the seat, ;)

[orose]

Thats a blessing - the S3 one seems to be a minimum of $1200

[Berlin]

Ah! So thats how you gte some service at Maxton! You ahve to visit personally. With all that chatting going on, no wonder they NEVER answer the phone or get back to you :)

Quality excellent, customer service... Ring Ring...... Ring Ring..... Ring Ring....Ring Ring....

[Electro]

I picked my new front springs up from Maxton last week. I was running late, they shut at 5 and i rang them to say i wouldn`t make it till 5.15. They stayed open for me and gave me a walkround of the workshop. I told them at 6pm that i would leave so they could lock up and go home lol, i like businesses like that :)

[Luckypants]

Pete, when are you likely to order this up? I think Maxton on Big Red is called for - kit I already have is staying on the Silver VFR for prospective purchaser. I'd like to talk to them in person so could link up with a ride with you?

[hardhat_harry]

+1 for maxton. They talked me through the whole set of converting a set of Steely forks from old type to new inc springs, airgap etc. They are more of a face to face place though but its a nice ride down there coz they are in the middle of nowhere.

[AndyBrad]

Call the ambulance, it's £865!

Pete ;)

how come its got to that from 400 quid?

[Bluepete]

how come its got to that from 400 quid?

That's the cost of the Ohlins part from Triumph.

Mike,

I'm going next week, probably Thursday or Friday. Off both days, so either or.

Were they in the old chapel or the new unit when you went last time?

Pete ;)

[AndyBrad]

ah right, ask em how much it would be for a speed four rear shock if you get the chance :)

[Luckypants]

Mike,

I'm going next week, probably Thursday or Friday. Off both days, so either or.

Were they in the old chapel or the new unit when you went last time?

Pete ;)

Hmmm might be a good use of my last day holiday for this vacation year... I never visited them last time just phone / email. They had just moved, so that contributed to the delay as they were catching up. I'm thinking a visit may short circuit the delays I was beset with last time.

You ordering the shock or picking it up?

[Bluepete]

I'm meeting with the R&D guy for a chat, a weigh-in and another drool at the factory!

I'll be ordering the shock this time, also collecting it to fit myself, saving £100.

Pete ;)

[Luckypants]

How did it go Pete? Why were you meeting the R&D guy? When will you have your new bling? :cool:

On a side note, I was missing the maxton suspendies on the VFR this weekend. Ran out of damping on the A483, leading to a gentle bob at the rear... The forks are also extending too rapidly powering out of bends, so the bike wants to run wide... may be trip there soon. :(

[Bluepete]

Visited last Friday, the chat with the R&D guy was to get weighed, have a chat about riding style and so on.

Should be ready three weeks after the visit, so might be on before the Brewery ride!

I've got to make a stand for the bike to fit the shock, the rear sub frame has to come off to get the old shock out. Luckily, the centre stand mounting points make for a good jacking point.

Anyone want a Tiger shock, only 7000 miles on it?

Pete ;)

[Dicky Ticker]

Can somebody enlighten me on this --Triumph have shocks which are either rebuild-able as per or can be rebuilt with different springs ,oil and modifications to tubes,almost anything in fact. The Tiger is a bike with a certain degree of off-road potential so by fitting road suspension you eliminate or reduce the off-road capability.
If this is being done to improve the road riding capability why not buy a road bike to begin with unless it is because you like the style of bike and just want a better road bias
I am not trying to be argumentative and can fully understand wanting to improve suspension.I have just had mine reworked by MCP but on a road tourer to improve the road touring capability------its the Triumph Tiger bit that puzzles me and not just having all the original suspension reworked for about £4-500
The Tiger is a terrific bike for touring and possibly why the new 800 has two guises,one being more road orientated

[Teejayexc]

Triumph have shocks which are either rebuild-able as per or can be rebuilt with different springs ,oil and modifications to tubes,almost anything in fact.




Where's that come from?

The Street Triple certainly doesn't - it's about as good as the stock SV one.

[orose]

My understanding is that the 1050 tiger is an off-roader in looks only, so you're not compromising on any abilities that Triumph haven't done so before by improving on the road manners...

[yorkie_chris]

I actually really like off roady bikes on the road, big and high to see over stuff, lots of travel to soak up our lovely pothole free roads etc.

Regarding the suspension, stock stuff has certain limitations in the design which cannot be addressed. Take stock showa stuff, it might be rebuildable as is the majority of stuff out there, some stuff can even be modified to make it rebuildable. But you're never going to get the same compression control as say a WP or an ohlins has... the valve won't fit in the space provided.


Also I have abandoned all hope of keeping up with bluepete.

[Bluepete]

DT,

For me, the reason for buying the Tiger was the size, engine and ergonomics of the machine. It is tall, like me, and upright in it's riding position, allowing a really good view ahead with no pressure on the wrists.

I didn't buy it with any intention to off road, the bike isn't designed for that and the literature it came with specifically warns agaist it.

As for upgrading the suspension, it's a bike I'm going to be keeping for a long time and I have found I am riding beyond the limits of what the shock can do. Its far too soft and cannot be altered in any meaningful way to make it more effective.

Maxton shocks are as easy to service as Ohlins but are somewhat cheaper. Plus, they are local to me and have a superb reputation.

Pete ;)

[yorkie_chris]

Maxton shocks are as easy to service as Ohlins

Hmmmm, their past performances are certainly not, maybe new stuff is better.

[Dicky Ticker]

Now enlightened-:D-------I do agree that MOST standard suspension set-ups have room for improvement and the degree of improvement required depends on the riders capability as otherwise it can be a waste of money.
I can not ride my bike to its maximum capability so for me it would be a waste to spend £1000 having the suspension changed when I can have the existing suspension rebuilt and fettled for £4-500,which is adequate for me.It would be nice to be able to afford it as any improvement especially the best is good but my pocket dictates as does the value of the bike I would be spending the money on.

[Bluepete]

Just back from collecting my new shiny, shiny!

In the style of Selma and Patty Bouvier after seeing Macgyver naked in their bed;

Oooohhh, ooohhhh, mmmmmmmmmm!

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk24/conker51/P1040063.jpg


http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk24/conker51/P1040064.jpg


http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk24/conker51/P1040065.jpg


http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk24/conker51/P1040066.jpg



The quality is very good, it's been set up for me, all I have to do is fit it!

Shame I have to go to work in five minutes...

Pete ;)

[AndyBrad]

ooooh

[Dicky Ticker]

Little bit of protection for the threads perhaps----------nice

[yorkie_chris]

That rebound adjuster looks a right pain in the tits to get at. Let me know what it's like when fitted.
Very shiny :)

Now enlightened-:D-------I do agree that MOST standard suspension set-ups have room for improvement and the degree of improvement required depends on the riders capability as otherwise it can be a waste of money.
I can not ride my bike to its maximum capability so for me it would be a waste to spend £1000 having the suspension changed when I can have the existing suspension rebuilt and fettled for £4-500,which is adequate for me.It would be nice to be able to afford it as any improvement especially the best is good but my pocket dictates as does the value of the bike I would be spending the money on.

I'd argue that if you keep the level of ability the same, but improve the chassis, it results in going faster.

"Value of the bike" is relative, my SV is worth about 50p being that it's a multiply crashed, high mileage, write off. But to me it is very valuable 'cos it's a right laugh and does what I want. The monetary value of the starting bike would not affect this for me.
If I was going to have the POS XJ900 as a sole bike then I'd spend the same on suspension as I have on SV and wring the best out of it's aged bones.

[Luckypants]

That rebound adjuster looks a right pain in the tits to get at. Let me know what it's like when fitted.
Very shiny :)

It's impossible to access on the VFR, but Maxton do a good job of setting it 'right'. I've never felt that the the bike is over / under damped but that may be due to a lack of finesse on my part. I prefer to think Maxton got it right though [-o<

[Bluepete]

That rebound adjuster looks a right pain in the tits to get at. Let me know what it's like when fitted.

you should see where the compression adjuster is! It's a shock out, spring off job to change!

Pete ;)

[yorkie_chris]

Same as old ones then. Interesting sort of adjuster but I'd take penskes effort any day. I can adjust my high or low speed while on the move, no better way to figure out what's doing what.

[-Ralph-]

I can adjust my high or low speed while on the move, no better way to figure out what's doing what.

Hmmm, that idea I do like, feel there and then what your adjustment is doing.

[Dicky Ticker]

I appreciate that each person has their own preference and circumstance dictating their purchase but if money was no object I would prefer a full top grade Ohlins system,front and rear,but I can't so like many I have to make the best of what I have. YC makes a good comment about the ease of adjustment on the rear suspension.Roll on the day when I could afford to have the ideal custom bike built.

[AndyBrad]

you should see where the compression adjuster is! It's a shock out, spring off job to change!

Pete ;)

thats a bit silly isnt it?

[Bluepete]

thats a bit silly isnt it?

Yes it is.

It took me just an hour to fit, the hardest part was getting the old one out. I had to buy a trolley jack to lift the bike, the one from my car is poo.

Looks good in the frame, the adjuster for the tension on the spring is very easy to adjust with the bespoke tool, Chris, the rebound doodad is also very easily accessible.

Shame I'm at work in an hour, no chance to play :(

Pete ;)

[dyzio]

It's impossible to access on the VFR, but Maxton do a good job of setting it 'right'. I've never felt that the the bike is over / under damped but that may be due to a lack of finesse on my part. I prefer to think Maxton got it right though [-o<

Slight resurrection and derail here: how is it possible to set the shock up based on a chat with the customer?
I take it's the same with forks?

[yorkie_chris]

Guesswork and experience.

[Dicky Ticker]

Not Maxton but our man down here does all the work sets it up ,test rides it then asks you what type of riding you want it set on,resets for you and then you test ride it. I actually test rode mine three times before it was to my liking with written settings for when the hard luggage is fitted,or carrying a pillion. As YC stated these people do it day in day out and it is the experience they have that makes it worth the effort and cost.

[dyzio]

I was more interested how can they get it right without having the bike there - like Luckypants previously said, and as Pete's shock arrived. I'm assuming they didn't touch the adjusters after fitting, just went with what Maxton set them to.

[Lozzo]

you should see where the compression adjuster is! It's a shock out, spring off job to change!

Pete ;)

Mine isn't. High speed compression damping adjustment is made by turning the knurled nob on the remote resevoir, low speed compression by adjusting a screw in the centre of that nob. Rebound damping is in the same place as yours at the bottom of the shock by using a 3mm diameter rod.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2685/4058703583_23f34e415b_z.jpg

Not bad for £245 all in, rebuilt internally and resprung to suit me, eh?

[-Ralph-]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2685/4058703583_23f34e415b_z.jpg

I don't think they gave you enough scope for preload adjustment. :rolleyes:

;)