2009 TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE
MSRP: $7699
Caretaker: TRESTICK
Measurements: 5'5"/30" Inseam
Odometer: 6285
Miles This Cycle: 1125
First up for the Bonneville was a fresh set of tires, after a flat cut the lifespan of the originals short. After researching the Triumph forums, I went with Avon Roadriders. They should provide a good balance of grip and durability and so far, I'm pretty happy with them.
The biggest change on the Bonnie this cycle, though, is brand new suspension bits. I expected an improvement but the change is amazing. I don't think I can ever go back to stock equipment. I'm bigger than average and the Bonneville has a budget stock suspension set-up. When the pace increases in the canyons, I can have problems with the rear squatting. To solve the Bonnie's issues, I put myself in the very capable hands of Race Tech Suspension.
Don't let the name fool you-Race Tech has suspension parts for any kind of bike. They recommended heavier springs and their Gold Valve Cartridge Emulators for the Bonneville's front and their new G3-S shocks out back. The shocks are custom built in the USA and set up for the individual rider. This is the first time I've ridden a bike set up specifically for me and I'm thrilled with it. The G3-S shocks have a massive range of adjustments-high and low speed compression and rebound. Now I just have to figure out how to make those adjustments on my own.
2009 SUZUKI BOULEVARD C50
MSRP: $7799
Caretaker: Masker
Measurements: 5'5"/175 lbs./28" Inseam
Odometer: 1903
Miles THIS CYCLE: 621
| MODIFICATIONS |
| BARON CUSTOM ACCESSORIES |
| SIDE MOUNT LICENSE |
$160 |
| SIDE MOUNT LICENSE BRACKET |
$70 |
| MASTER CYLINDER COVER |
$30 |
| WWW.BARONCUSTOM.COM |
| (714) 274-4065 |
Before we could pull the rear fender off the C50, we needed someplace new for the license plate and run/brake light. I was all for using duct tape, but some people find that distasteful so I hit up Baron Custom Accessories. When they saw I was taking the bike in a Mad Max direction, they kicked in their black anodized Master Cylinder Covers to help me de-bling the bars.
Both changes helped stylistically. You've got to admit, the stock rear fender takes 'cluttered' to Def Con 2. By relocating the license plate and tail/brake light in one move, I've toned that ugliness down. Mounting the side mount license plate took about an hour and a half. The bracket bolts up directly to the frame with no problem. Wiring the Cateye light is what eats up most of the time on this install, though it was pretty painless.
Once the new plate/light combo was on the bike, I turned the key. Baron's new light is bright and I'm happy with it. I also took a good look under the fender while it was on the lift. We didn't lose any weight this month because the side mount unit weighs two pounds more than the plastic plate holder. Judging by what I saw under the skirt, though, we'll probably make that up when all the ugly infrastructure under the fender comes off in the next issue.