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Tech. Advice: Series 'B' / 'C' 500cc/1000cc Bikes
D Comet
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<blockquote data-quote="Tom Gaynor" data-source="post: 22178" data-attributes="member: 4034"><p>The Thornton shocks, which I've had now for four years on my C, are worlds apart from the Vin shocks which they replaced. They are also, professionally tested on a "shocks dyno", streets ahead of Armstrong and Koni. </p><p>There is a reason that Vin springs are so stiff, not unconnected with damping that, while state-of-the-art in 1949, was largely ineffective. Stiff springs to an extent do their own damping. I have Petteford springs, came with the bike. It can be bounced on its suspension. It handles very well. I still get the occasional "ouch" over bumps, but suspect that converting to a D seat would markedly reduce the ouch count. Softer springs would be even better, because what you need are soft springs and stiff damping. (Colin Chapman of Lotus thought the same.) Thornton provide one of these. I did try removing one front inner, which noticeably improved the compliance over bumps, but led to a weave, terrifying to onlookers, mildly disconcerting to the rider, on fast sweepers. Removing both inners was too much, but would have stopped the weave. </p><p>My big-bore Comet, now building, will use a Thornton coil-over rear unit, and a Thornton front, front springs yet to be determined, but the lightest I can get. I wouldn't countenance anything but Thornton dampers.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Tom Gaynor, post: 22178, member: 4034"] The Thornton shocks, which I've had now for four years on my C, are worlds apart from the Vin shocks which they replaced. They are also, professionally tested on a "shocks dyno", streets ahead of Armstrong and Koni. There is a reason that Vin springs are so stiff, not unconnected with damping that, while state-of-the-art in 1949, was largely ineffective. Stiff springs to an extent do their own damping. I have Petteford springs, came with the bike. It can be bounced on its suspension. It handles very well. I still get the occasional "ouch" over bumps, but suspect that converting to a D seat would markedly reduce the ouch count. Softer springs would be even better, because what you need are soft springs and stiff damping. (Colin Chapman of Lotus thought the same.) Thornton provide one of these. I did try removing one front inner, which noticeably improved the compliance over bumps, but led to a weave, terrifying to onlookers, mildly disconcerting to the rider, on fast sweepers. Removing both inners was too much, but would have stopped the weave. My big-bore Comet, now building, will use a Thornton coil-over rear unit, and a Thornton front, front springs yet to be determined, but the lightest I can get. I wouldn't countenance anything but Thornton dampers. [/QUOTE]
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Tech. Advice: Series 'B' / 'C' 500cc/1000cc Bikes
D Comet
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