Triumph Bonneville T120, seriously Worthwhile progressive fork spring upgrade by, TEC bike parts

Full review and how to fit the front suspension upgrade on the Bonneville By TEC bike parts! A very worthwhile modification!
Product link. shop.tecbikeparts.com/product...
Patreon. / stuartfillingham

[@biker1581]

Stuart, yours are probably the most useful videos on T120 for an average Joe, here, across the pond, real honest reviews and how to video!!!!

[@iannightingale3363]

cracking one about the coat hanger Stuart 😭😭👍🏻

[@stuartfillingham]

Thanks Ian and thanks for watching!

[@marcr660907]

A forking good yarn, had me hanging on every word. Definitely a great upgrade to the Bonneville, my older T100 was transformed. As you correcting stated, not all riders are the same weight, I’ve upgraded most of my bikes’ suspensions to suit me as a rider, and never once regretted doing it.

[@stuartfillingham]

Thank you marc and thanks for stopping by!

[@bobstevens9040]

You make great videos Stuart. I don't even have a Triumph but I love watching them.

[@stuartfillingham]

Thank you Bob! perhaps you should buy one!!!!

[@peterjohnson6852]

Done the upgrade very pleased with results thanks Stuart.

[@JohnCunningham-sy5ug]

Interesting video. I own a 2011 thruxton and fork legs where identical. Good to know there is a difference. Yes progressive fork springs are an upgrade that most riders will enjoy.

[@ethereal_synapse]

I know this video is a bit old, but I just picked up my 2023 t120 and thanks to this demonstration I know exactly what I’ll be doing for the first modification.

[@pistolpete6321]

Just did this upgrade to my T120 and it’s a noticeable change/improvement!

[@daveshegedin2576]

CH 01 ....love it. Another brilliant video . Thanks Stuart .😊 👍

[@mattcc6603]

Love the shot of the bike, head-on, with the headers outside the forks, dart screen, all symmetrical and gorgeous. Big thumbs up to progressives up front as a relatively cheap upgrade, given the return in improved handling.

[@jjnewman65]

Boom 💥 These puppies are now waiting to be fitted to my Bonnie Black T100 along with my Hagon rear shocks Stuart. Many thanks for your help. Happy smooth riding 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🙏🏻🇬🇧

[@iainian]

Hello Stuart. I've done the upgrade as mentioned in your video. However I wish I found your channel before I did the job. Very well explained and executed!!

[@stuartfillingham]

Thank you Iain and thank you for watching sir!

[@kenwhite-vq1ov]

Cheers Stu, just fitted the Hagon Shocks to my T120. Will be doing the front forks in the next couple of weeks.

[@Ron-ec4pf]

Thanks, I just did this upgrade. Feels like I'm floating, major difference.

[@stuartfillingham]

Your welcome Ron. Enjoy!

[@sandygoodall123]

Excellent as usual, Stuart. Thanks!

[@stuartfillingham]

Thanks Sandy!

[@gdevender]

I just upgraded to these springs and the it made a huge difference.

[@Dave-in-France]

Another excellent video Stuart. I've been using tecbikeparts for about 5 years now on my 2010 T100 for a variety of parts and more recently on my Tracer 700 for a new exhaust system and they've always been great to deal with and quality parts.

[@stuartfillingham]

Thats good to know Dave and how do the parts stand the test of time?

[@ianseddon9347]

Dramatic - I’ll buy some! Thanks Stuart

[@christopherberry8477]

Its awesome to know that I will have a video library to refer to when I purchase my T120!

[@stuartfillingham]

I like your thinking Chris! that is partly my aim hope they come in handy! thanks for watching!

[@gregsydney6156]

Very informative, well done, also hilarious. Loved it 👍

[@djt6753]

Looks like I can really do this now...thanks Mate!

[@josephphillips188]

Great video great mod Thanks Uncle Stu!

[@stuartfillingham]

Your very welcome Joe, thanks for watching!

[@ronhipwell5543]

Don’t yet own a Triumph, but am researching and hope to get one n the next 12 months. Lovely video, thank you! Subscribed in the U.S!

[@yorkshireteaahhhnice1417]

Just a little tip put some tape round the nut to prevent the socket marking the soft aluminium 👌🏻

[@stuartfillingham7011]

Cafe Racer hey mr racer thanks for that i did try that initially but the socket cut straight through it which is why i siggested a piece of cloth. It might just have been that my socket was a little tight. So it may still work for others!

[@Kito66j1]

Awesome as usual. Now that the weather is starting to cool down, I finally used the grip warmers. They get pretty warm!! I love my T120 and don’t see myself getting another bike anytime soon. This bike is sexy, classic, and a great alternative to the Harley’s. I definitely get a different type of look when rolling around town than the other speedsters do. Love it. This latest upgrade to your bike has me convinced because my wife enjoys being my passenger and I must certainly do feel all the bumps of the road a great deal. Will be looking into it myself.

[@stuartfillingham]

I'm glad your enjoying the bike sir and I fully agree with you! let me know how you get on with those upgrades!

[@flyinggyros9745]

Stuart I haven't purchased my new Bonneville T120 yet but when I do your videos certainly put me in the right direction for which mods to do first and then in what order. I did have the opportunity to test ride a T120 two weeks ago. I was very impressed. I'm headed to take another look this week with my adult son. Thanks so much for your dedication to the T120 and the vids you put out.

[@stuartfillingham]

Your very welcome sir! hope you enjoy you second test ride, make sure you drive a hard bargain! thanks for watching!

[@BATMAN777888]

I’m a new subscriber to your channel. Loving your informative videos and you have a fantastic sense of humour :) I’m looking to get a T120 Bonnie Black. Ive learning so much about living with it with your help. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@gregk.1831]

Good info and your humor gave me a good laugh. Thanks again.

[@stuartfillingham]

your welcome Greg, thanks for watching.

[@ArizonaRE]

This is great news! TEC makes fantastic stuff, even their video showing the shortcuts for installing their X pipe is just top notch. Thanks for sharing, I'm able to see this bike in my garage within the next year or so and these mods are great information B-)

[@stuartfillingham]

Thank you sir! I hope you wont be selling the bullet! those two bikes would look great together in your garage. and yes tec do makes some very worthwhile mods and realistic prices!

[@ArizonaRE]

Oh no, the Enfield is always staying, as is the camping rig, my Tiger. The Bonneville and the Scrambler are always up for an upgrade though ;-)

[@stuartfillingham]

glad to hear it sir, have always fancied a Royal Enfield myself, I will get one, one day!

[@1shoe]

Just now getting around to doing this project yesterday 08/02/2018. The fork springs were getting so bad, that triggered me into getting with the upgrade. I must say, one of the best investments in time and money ever! After a 120 mile test run today, I'm amazed at the improvement. Thanks again for video and upgrade info.

[@eddug4350]

Delane, is there an improvement in handling and cornering for you with this upgrade?

[@sterlingross9133]

Thanks for the video , your compasions and instruction is appeciated .

[@phillippayne8170]

Great vid Stuart great sense of humour 😂👍

[@anthonybahrawy5183]

Once again a really good video Stuart as I said before tec do some really good stuff at good prices as well

[@stuartfillingham]

I fully agree with you Anthony! and they are a nice bunch of people to deal with too! Thanks for stopping by!

[@TheBruteOne]

That special front fork tool, brilliant! :-)

[@MrToonfish]

@6:30 love the story of that tool, the Coat Hanger 01, that's typical nonsense British humour and I really love it, sincerely you made my day with this. Big fan of the Monty Python here. Cheers from Belgium.

[@MrLazowsky]

Yes! i have the same springs in my T120. They are indeed a worthwhile upgrade! I wish i had this video for reference back when i installed them. it was quite a painful affair of trial and error. (as my poor deformed aluminium caps can testify ) Kudos for making this video. i'm a big fan :)

[@stuartfillingham]

I Know what you mean I ended up having to use those instruction things! thank you sir and thanks for watching!

[@Malcarper]

Another great video Stuart. Would be interesting, if you can fit a damper to the other fork, to see what's involved to replace it and if it improves on the suspension upgrade even more.

[@stuartfillingham]

May well do that in the distant future but I'm happy with her for now. maybe later next year finances permitting!

[@ballaservices9275]

You should sell that special tool technology, Stuart. I'm sure the other half won't notice if all her hangers suddenly disappear!!!

[@stanleyknife1967]

Great video. You are a special tool!

[@JohnWatsonGolfPro]

Just fitted these thanks again 👊🏻

[@JohnWatsonGolfPro]

Do you still have the British custom end billets fitted to you t120?

[@paulongley2033]

Hi Stuart I have had the same problem with my t100 ,now I know why! Only one cartridge, tight B××××××s and as you said a premium bike . Had a look at Ted parts and springs on the way. Please keep up the good work and I will up grade the rear shocks to the ones on your t120. Also been biking four over 36 years may it continue . All the best . paul

[@stuartfillingham]

Hi Paul the spring kit for the T100 is listed as a separate kit I think so you may find its a different set up. let me know, I would be interested to find out!

[@floreoma]

The 6:30 mark instructions are gold!

[@John-hi2yi]

Another great video, and very funny.

[@pierremartin9048]

Great vid/coaching

[@1shoe]

Great job Mr. Stuart...!

[@stuartfillingham]

thank you sir!

[@1shoe]

I will definitely be ordering one for my T-120, it needs some help!

[@stuartfillingham]

yes they all do! good choice sir!

[@HepcatHarley]

I wouldn't have disposed of the pizza slice so nonchalantly. A very good upgrade though Stuart and explained in a way that even I could understand. :)

[@stuartfillingham]

dont worry i retrieved it after filming!

[@paulongley2033]

Hi Stuart Thanks for your reply , will let you know along with the K&N air filter. At the moment paying out on a Restoration ,my 1977 Honda cb 400/4 . Its all money . Regards . Paul

[@stuartfillingham]

sounds interesting! good luck with it!

[@FredWilbury]

Like the spring remover 😉..... just wondered wether spring and rear upgrade on my speed twin would , the jarring from the suspension especially the rear is unbelievably harsh.... I thought my shoulders and head had left my body .... another great vid Stuart ..... thanks

[@bullthrush]

Things are getting better and better. :)) The plausible deniability made me chuckle. :))

[@stuartfillingham]

Thank you sir! and thanks for watching!

[@nnervous]

Just did mine on my 2020 T120 Diamond this afternoon and thanks to this video and a couple others it made this job a breeze. That said a couple things I have noticed. First is to loosen the top yoke pinch bolts (6mm) as I think it makes loosening fork caps easier. Mine came loose nicely. I don't know if I see that called out at all or enough. There is another video with a Speed Twin where the guy gave up because he couldn't loosen the cape, but never let off the pinch bolts. Perhaps not necessary but just a thought. Secondly, when disassembling the right side (damper rod side) I did not find a shim/washer between the spring and spacer. All other videos I see seem to have one. I have to check the parts diagrams but I reassembled without it. Mfg assembly oversight? Model year change? Not sure. Lastly, FWIW, a reasonable length of the correct I.D. clear vinyl tubing slid over the damper rod threads works as a nice extension that makes working over and retrieving the rod from the depths of the fork leg a painless process. This one wasn't bad but my previous BMW was mush fussier.

[@tinks43]

CH01 top stuff 🤣 I fitted these springs to my 2011 SE a vast improvement, 👍🏻

[@MmmChipotle]

Great video

[@fpvspin1605]

Great video Stuart, mate what are your thoughts on maybe purchasing another dampening rod and new fork cap for the other side of the forks whilst i'm doing this job?

[@twinphill900]

Very clever, funny and informative 👍

[@stuartfillingham]

thanks phil and thanks for watching!

[@cecilwilson5442]

My speed triple was the same and I changed springs to ktec and shock to wilbrers with hydraulic pre load adjuster it's what I wanted as like you said its budget for the masses but not for me 🤔🍀👍

[@hopgood007]

Hey Stuart, superb video as usual and I loved the narrative. Attempting the CH01 tool removal from my wife's arsenal would be suicidal - she knows when I've changed two tins beans in the kitchen. Fortunately I have some ex-MOD ones (serial no. MOD-CH01-Plastic-1 of) that will do the job. This will now be the first mod' on my T120 as we've discussed the front end performance on several occasions. Thankyou again sir - you are my go-to T120 library now! Oh and my waxoil arrived from Amazon at last so the bike will be getting a winter Fillingham this afternoon.

[@stuartfillingham]

LOL shame you were not in the army Paul you could have got some tuition from the commandos re obtaining a CH 01. let me know how you get on with it, and you know where I am if you get stuck! re the wax oil remember to warm it up in a bucket of water, and a few additional aerosol nozzles might come in handy in this cooler weather. any will fit!

[@hopgood007]

Cheers Stuart - will let you know how it goes but I have prepped as per your video so hopefully should be fine.

[@stuartfillingham]

good luck with it!

[@johnoleary9317]

Well. She noticed the clothes hanger. LoL. Great video.

[@phils2180]

I've just ordered pair of springs for my Street Scrambler so hoping they improve the disappointing standard setup. These forks are pretty basic and very easy to work on compared to a pair of high end, upside down forks on a Superbike. The SS is a lovely bike to ride and deserves better suspension.

[@sachinmali74]

What an amazing review presented so nicely that even an amateur like me was sufficiently informed and made aware of the fact that even an automobile needs to be cared for a lot to derive good value for money. Thanks again.

[@henryhartley9993]

Great video,

[@stuartfillingham]

Nice of you to say so Martin!

[@allangeering1682]

Very interesting upgrade - Is it possible to retro fit a second damping unit in the other leg ?

[@lencarter1460]

Always great videos! Keep’em coming 👍. Just hope you don’t go broke in the process. LOL!

[@ChadwickRider]

Thanks for outlining the process Stuart, very much appreciated!!! I will be doing this upgrade this month so this is going to come in so handy. I'm also going with the TEC Progressive fork spring kit (exactly the same), great suggestion. The kit is about $79 USD here in the states.

[@stuartfillingham]

Hey up Mr Rider! I concur with your decision sir, I think these offer the best value no nonsense upgrade on the market at the moment! let me know how you get on!

[@ChadwickRider]

Totally agree, will do mate.

[@fabiopunk1661]

one damper ONLY!? My god, the surprises with this bike are endless. I refrain to make more comments but .... shame shame shame!

[@olivierr5444]

Thanks for that great video, love also the jokes here and there. I have a 2020 street twin and wondering if Triumph went for that asymmetrical left/right set up too. Any idea?

[@kylenichol2419]

Hi Stuart...love your videos; they are VERY well done. I have a set of TEC front fork springs that I'm getting ready to install. One question...For the required tools, are you saying 40 mm spanner or 14 mm spanner? I'm assuming that you mean 14 mm. Thank you, sir.

[@sudhibk9]

Very well articulated.... Thanks. I own a T120 and was wondering if this would increase the ground clearance and give me a taller seat! I understand the rear suspension also would need attention. Requesting for your advise, to get a taller seating and ground clearance. This as I get cramps on long rides. I'm from Bangalore, India.

[@marcstephens6755]

Ha Ha nice video, I ordered new tyres (to be fitted tomorrow 1400) due to some scary twitching on the front on sharp right turns if dropping in quickly, Front tyre down to 2mm so needed it anyway. I also ordered Hagon rear shocks Monday as the build to my weight and tired of them bottoming out two up. but now I think I should maybe get the springs with the oil kit from them to. I didn't know about the cheapskate trick of only one cartridge in the r/h fork, seem like a engineer would not do that unless its a money saving exercise. Thanks for the video.

[@ap.cheetham]

Really well laid out instructions. I have just successfully installed the aforementioned springs to my T120 so we’ll see what difference they make. One question, does anyone have the torque settings for the fork caps?

[@alexc.3057]

22 Nm

[@granto6738]

Just puts me of Triumph totally

[@1000rhh]

Nice video, thanks for sharing. I am not sure if it matter which sides of the springs points up (force = reaction).

[@stuartfillingham7011]

As far as performance is concerned no, but, it will affect damping fluid displacement so tighter coils should go to the top.

[@batuonver5495]

Once again, I learnt something and will do immediately, probably this week:)...THANK YOU. A quick question: should I go for the whole set ( +load adjusters) or the fork springs alone would be sufficient? Best

[@tubisk8]

Great video! As always helpful! I'm looking some of these TEC parts for my Street Twin. I wonder which are your impressions after some months of use.

[@Botasequies]

jordi tobeña que tal van esos muelles? Mejora la Street? Saludos!

[@Shooting-Up]

Great vid cheers

[@stuartfillingham]

our very welcome sir, thanks for watching!

[@jamesmorrison5632]

Stewart to get the oil out of the front forks you could always go to a remote control airplane fuel line hose and stick it down in the tube long enough to go to the bottom of the tube and suck it out with a large syringe

[@keirmccartney5518]

Just carried out this upgrade. Very informative clip. Thank you. Shame Triumph charge a premium for a bike that needs both ends of the shocks sorting, great bike but come on - how much would better shocks cost the OEM

[@stuartfillingham]

Fully agree with you Keir. ridiculous penny pinching! thanks for watching!

[@WayneWoodruff]

Great video and the tip on the fork oil weight is really helpful. I was wondering where the fork drain nut was, now I know, there isn't one :-( I have been contemplating upgrading the rear shocks, but the front end seems in need of more attention so I will be undertaking a fork spring upgrade over the winter. Do you plan on reviewing fork braces or do you think they are unnecessary?

[@stuartfillingham]

Hi Wayne, not entirely sure about fork braces, yes I do think they will assist with handling, I may review some in the future but I have no immediate plans. It all depends on who starts to offer them for sale and the nature of their design. good look with the springs!

[@TheDervMan]

😂 instructions in a safe place 👍🏻. So funny.

[@stuartfillingham]

Thankyou Dervman and thanks for watching!

[@Butterfly07949]

Useful, interesting and funny.

[@petercollen7726]

Very inrteresting and informative Stuart. I can't believe the single damping rod how much must that save Triumph? I bought one of the early Trophies in 1991 but I would think long and hard about anot one.

[@stuartfillingham]

Yes its a cheap assed trick Peter! then they have the cheek to charge £10300 for it!

[@lawrenceford4795]

Really interesting and useful video. Thank you. Just wondering if Triumph have improved the fork spring recently, as my new T120 (2 week's old) feels pretty good on the front end. I'm a heavy rider (18.5 St) and so far so good. But if it's the same as previous versions, I suspect it will soften a lot after a couple of thousand miles and may then need upgrading to progressive fork springs. Any thoughts on this?

[@waynejohnson6102]

Which would you do first - the front springs or the rear shocks? Thanks!

[@hueybart]

Thanks Stuart and very timely as I just orderd the TEC suspension upgrade front and back (to Oz). I had read about the damper rod and wondered if anyone just got rid of it altogether? Also has anyone reading this set their TEC back shocks to hheight. If so, did it avdersely affect handling?

[@stuartfillingham]

Hi Huey, apparently Triumph do sell a damping cartridge for the left leg! I wonder why!?but I haven't heard of anyone removing it as I would imagine it would just make matters worse. ill leave others to comment on the question of height adjustment as I have Hagon nitros fitted which cant be adjusted for height. thanks for watching.

[@meligunicoliparoto1988]

lovely

[@CosmikDebriis]

Also... Regards the damper tube holding tool. Look in the garden shed, or a quick visit to Poundland and get some of that green plastic coated wire used for holding up plants etc (In case it's not immediately obvious I know nothing of gardening). Snip off about three foot of the wire (They even have their own handy snipper). Strip about four inches of the plastic coating with your thumbnail (Yes, you will damage your thumbnail), wind the exposed wire a few times around the threads on the damper rod and twist to secure. Leave the other end hanging out of the top of the fork. Obviously you will need to slide the various spacers and springs over the wire but it does make pulling the damper rod up much easier. Dispose of the used bit of wire responsibly. Check with your local council if it should go in recycling or general waste. Should only take about an hour or two waiting on the phone.

[@daveharriman2756]

I fitted progressive springs to my old T100, made a big difference. But one damper rod for both legs? I've re-built many a set of forks, some early ones with no dampers, some with shuttle valves, but I've never encountered that before, it doesn't make engineering sense. I wonder if another one can be fitted to the other fork leg? (with the correct top nut of course), good vid anyway, cheers, Dave

[@stuartfillingham]

Hi Dave I fully agree. the top nuts are the same so fitting a new one wouldn't be a problem and yes Triumph do apparently sell replacement cartridges! suitable for the left leg! thanks for watching sir!

[@trouty65]

Nice video bud ! Coat hanger wife won't notice PMSL superb ! ;-)

[@stuartfillingham]

Thanks Paul and thanks for watching mate!

[@kyotosal]

Find job. Thank you Sir...Sal : )

[@billbarrett6285]

Which panniers do you have on the bike in this video? They look to be of very nice quality. Does this spring kit work on the T100 as well?

[@rohitdaghe]

Hello Stuart. Have you tried TEC rear shocks? I know you have Hagon installed. Just asking out of curiosity. May be you can ask TEC to lend you one for comparison with Hagon and OEM shocks. As this video is sort of a good marketing of TEC parts, a future video on comparison between TEC vs OEM vs HAGON will give viewers a broad range of insight from an ardent motorcycle enthusiast.

[@stuartfillingham]

Hi Rohit, last time i checked they didn't have any available for the T120.

[@Rosakru]

I see you use the more modern fork spring removal tool.... I had only the older multi use type. I managed to just unwind the tool for use as the all important spring removal option and when finished, I managed to rewind it up and replace the tool into the wife's wardrobe. I'm sorry to say though, returning this tool to the wardrobe was not actually as stealthily accomplished as I hoped. Seems that just one day later someone noticed an oily smell and a ruined, oil stained blouse.... oops.

[@stuartfillingham7011]

Suan Pailom Coffee Roasting ah yes the older version did have its drawbacks!

[@triumphrider9796]

Brilliant use of the CH-01, sir! With the damper-rod fork on my older ('02) T100, I opted for Race-Tech Cartridge Emulators and springs; do the work yourself and it's not that expensive, utterly transforms the front-end feel (stock suspension was far too soft for my 190 pounds). Some time back I purchased a Pit Bull stand for the front (as I recall, originally for the purpose of installing Race-Tech products in my Daytona's fork); I highly recommend one for the occasions when you simply must remove the fork legs, or even for wheel removal. Takes only a few seconds to stably prop up the front with no wobble.

[@racheltaylor6578]

I’m thinking off doing this.The suspension on my Street Twin isn’t very good.

[@danilocapellan1316]

What’s your rear shocks brand? Wish one would you recommend, lam 6.2 feet tall, and would like to rise, my T120

[@Trialstire]

Hi Stuart, I'm on my 4th time watching your fork spring install and review video and noticed that you mentioned using TEC for the springs because you didn't have to change the fork oil. Do Hagon Fork Springs require the fork oil be changed to a lighter weight? I have recently purchased and eagerly await a set of Hagon 2810's and at the time plopped in a set of Fork Springs too (because it seemed like a good idea to bundle the parts). Either way - Keep up the great work!!

[@stuartfillingham]

Hello sir! the answer to that one is yes Hagon do recommend that you change to a lighter 5wt oil for the best results with their springs, but i dont think it mandatory, if you have already purchased them go ahead and fit them and see how they feel. they may be a little firm at first but either way they will be a huge improvement over the factory springs!

[@Trialstire]

Thanks much! Your Videos are helping me get my T120 sorted.

[@stuartfillingham]

No Problem, it is a lovely bike that just needs a little fettling!

[@BenjaminNicholson-mc5gw]

Hey! I have a question that you may be able to help with. I was replacing my headlight "ears" (brackets) without raising the front wheel and frame. This lead to the shock "sliding into itself" and now I am wondering what I can do to get it back out. Will supporting it allow me to pull it back up? Let me know here. Thanks!

[@billbarrett6285]

Stuart, can you please tell me why you decided on these springs instead of Hagon springs for front suspension? Was it because of a lighter fork oil with Hagon springs or another reason?

[@AmenMoto]

I might have to go get to business supplying those CH-01 tools for $45 for folks who aren’t comfortable fashioning one for themselves.

[@stuartfillingham]

You Shark! you don't secretly work for Triumph by any chance do you?

[@AbhiSR1986]

Hello Mr Stuart how much is the weight of both side ?

[@peterford9369]

As to front spring dampening, isn't the fork oil part of that process? But I guess pre spring compression doesn't leave to much room for heavy brake drive.