Suspension Work

Getting some of the final loose ends rapped up on the bike getting it ready for racing next summer & got to make a decision on suspension.. Not wanting to go over $1K on reworking the stock forks & shock.. Having a hard time making a final decision on what to use & who to do it... The common mod delima..:eek: Like the sweedish gold of Ohlins but maybe a full Race Tech package but be better ?? MX-Tech / WP / Motostranto ?? Well - If you got any input on manufactures or shops - shoot it out here.. Thanks - Mike

Mike, I would just get it resprung and revalved for supermoto. That would run you about 600-700 bucks tops. And I think that is all you would need for a while. Most suspenion shops can do this for you, just tell them you want supermoto valving. Now, a lot of them want to shorten the forks...if it were me I wouldn't want that. right now I am still running stock mx suspension in my 450, but I want to get it done at some point for supermoto. I will probably use Traxxion or Factory Connection. I know both of them can do it. But if you call ask them about doing it without shortening the forks. let us know what you find out and how it turns out! chad

Depends on your weights, etc. I asked for a quote for my YZ250f, for my height and weight (73" tall @ 261 pounds). I was given a rough estimate of $750-825 for complete revalve, springs, etc from Factory Connection. I just sent Factory Connection an e-mail describing the type of riding I plan to do on what make/model/year bike and what my height/weight is. From there, they'll give you an estimate. I'll be sending my parts to them towards the end of January. I need the work to be done before I start riding because of how soft the suspension is. BTW, I'll be riding MX/trail. Not supermoto, so prices might vary.

Sent the guys at Race Tech / Factory Connection / WP / Ohlins & Traxxion a email looking for some info.. Let see how its pans out... sales@racetech.com info@traxxion.com sales@factoryconnection.com info@ohlinsusa.com

cool, interested to hear what they say.

First & Only message from the first day from (Winner of Customer Service Award) - Factory Connection.. _____________________________________________________________________________ Mike- We have some very good set ups for SM for the Yamaha's. We've actually done some testing with Doug Henry. I would recommend firmer spring in the rear. We build a firmer and more progessive setting into the fork and shock. We also add more rebound control to prevent a softer, wallowy feeling. We would not shorten.... if you do , the pegs drag more easily. You should have a much better controlled and predictable suspension and well as better balanced bike. $575-625 estimate. Current turn around time 1-2 working days. Thanks- Steve _______________________________ Sounds like they know there shit ?? Gonna get some better detail on whats getting done for valving... Was thinking that I should change Springs (stiffer) - Valving - Oil - in the front & rear...

Got another one... Mike, No problem. We have done several motard setups. Typically what we do is change the springs to work better with the rider's weight and intended use, revalve the cartridge to absorb bumps and control the spring and lower the bike just depending on the application 1-3". For a full build like this you are looking at $450. On the rear we are basically doing the same thing. New Spring, revalve, lowering and service. The rear shock rebuild/revalve will run $350. All we need to know when you send your forks and shock in is your weight and the type of riding you will be doing. Basically everything you have listed below. If you go to our website and complete the Online Order Form (http://www.traxxion.com/contact.shtml) that would be the most efficient method to proceed. There are also some shipping instructions should you need those. Let me know if you need anything else. Thanks! =========================== Champions Choose Traxxion... Mike Hardy Sales Manager Traxxion Dynamics, Inc. =========================== ___________________________________________________________ Sounds like they could get the job done but not Motard Experts....

Mike. looks like Factory Connection would be your best bet so far. I have factory connection on my 99 yz250 and LOVE IT!!! I need to get it redone, because I haven't touched it in about 2 years. Whenever I get a chance to do my 450 I think I will send it off to FC.

OHLINS I got the cash for this setup... http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/TL1000R/WR/Other%20Pics/FG561.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/TL1000R/WR/Other%20Pics/46prx_su506.jpg But need to save it...:mad: __________________________ Micheal, I apologize, but Ohlins USA does not modify the standard suspension for supermoto bikes (at least at this point). We sell supermoto, and MX forks, and shocks. They are ready to bolt on and go race and are easily tunable for racing. A complete fork, and shock for your motorcycle would cost around $3000...but your are replacing the std. suspension, so some racers purchase the ohlins, and sell the OEM suspension to make back some of there money. You might consider calling one of our authorized service centers; they all have experience modifying stock suspension for all types of riding. I have included a list of all the service centers throughout the United States. Please review the list, and contact one in your area. Thanks. David Behrend Ohlins USA, inc 828-692-4525

Heres a shop recommended to me from TT Tard section.. MB1 - Tell me this workover wouldnt be sweet.. http://www.mb1suspension.com/id25.html Prices start at $2200 http://www.mb1suspension.com/id3.html MB1Suspension@yahoo.com

Heres a shop recommended to me from TT Tard section.. MB1 - Tell me this workover wouldnt be sweet.. http://www.mb1suspension.com/id25.html Prices start at $2200 http://www.mb1suspension.com/id3.html MB1Suspension@yahoo.com suspension is just about like engine work...the more money you spend the better you get...with basically unlimited possibilities! That stuff looks really good!! I just have the problem with the money side of things, lol

MB1 Mike, For your Supermoto we would revalve and respring. It normally runs about $700-800 for this bike. Regards, Marty Martin MB1 Suspension _________________________ Still no Race Tech - I even sent them 2 different emails..... Sucks - I had the gold valves on my TL1000 & really liked them..

MB1 Mike, For your Supermoto we would revalve and respring. It normally runs about $700-800 for this bike. Regards, Marty Martin MB1 Suspension _________________________ Still no Race Tech - I even sent them 2 different emails..... Sucks - I had the gold valves on my TL1000 & really liked them.. See, told you it would be about 700 bucks, lol. All of them pretty much charge the same and from everyone I have talked to they always suggest the same too, revalve and respring.:lol I tell you what I am really interested to see how you like it when you get it done. I am still running on the stock setup for my 06 yz450. seems ok, but I am sure a revalve and respring would help it as well:yesnod

Ya Ya - Anyway.. My bike feels real soft & dives hard when on the front brakes... Adjusted it some which helped but think with some proper shit it would be insane.. Leaning toward MB1 as they have alot of positive feedback at Thumper Talk & got some extra cool coating options..

Ya Ya - Anyway.. My bike feels real soft & dives hard when on the front brakes... Adjusted it some which helped but think with some proper shit it would be insane.. Leaning toward MB1 as they have alot of positive feedback at Thumper Talk & got some extra cool coating options.. Yeah, mine may be valved a little different from yours since yours is WR but not much. I get some dive on the brakes as well...little more that I like. that MB1 stuff looks top notch! I don't think you can really go wrong with any of the ones you posted about. I think Factory Connection and the MB1 would be my favorite choices. I like Traxxion, but they seem a little behind on the supermoto stuff, but I am sure they would still do good work...I just don't want my stuff lowered at all. I have a set of forks up at Traxxion right not actually getting resprung and revalved.

I just don't want my stuff lowered at all. Being about 5 ft 8 - I may lower mine for better sure footed feel & add something like this to the pegs.. http://www.gravesport.com/cgi-bin/shopper?preadd=action&key=RS__400G Dont think this would fit on mine but it does fit yours.. Is the frame mount different on yours with the new alum frame ? _____________________________________ Good Fork Thread.. http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=431575

Being about 5 ft 8 - I may lower mine for better sure footed feel & add something like this to the pegs.. http://www.gravesport.com/cgi-bin/shopper?preadd=action&key=RS__400G Dont think this would fit on mine but it does fit yours.. Is the frame mount different on yours with the new alum frame ? _____________________________________ Good Fork Thread.. http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=431575 yeah, they should fit mine....but I haven't had any problem scraping pegs yet, hahahaaha. But I have only ridden my bike at one track too and it doesn't have a real good peg scraping turn.

Finally got in touch with Race Tech.. Yes I handle supermoto for Micky Dymond, Steve Drew, and Team Aprilla. We do quite a bit of supermoto suspension for customers. It will cost about $600 to $700 depending on what springs you need.. Toad ___________________ I was really wanting to go Race Tech as they are the only shop so far that has there own custom valving - The Gold Valve - Had them before & they are great.. The new G2-R.. http://www.racetech.com/shopping/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=7&subcat=4&cat=G2%2DR+Next+Generation+Gold+Valve&L2=Forks&L3=Fork+Valving&L4=G2%2DR+Next+Generation+Gold+Valve&showPage= http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/TL1000R/WR/Other%20Pics/g2L.jpg Just watched the vid Gambler posted with Micky racing & I want his tuner.. Getting some more info from them..

Forgot about Enzo - Lots of good words about them.. TITANIUM NITRIDE (TIN) COATINGS = $500 http://www.enzoracing.com/index.html info@enzoracing.com

GMD Computrack... http://www.computrackboston.com/default.htm

The winner = Race Tech $700 for everything - New springs F/B - G2-R Gold valve F/B - SM Tune.. Thats a good freaking deal.. $320 Gold Valves $220 Springs $540 - plus oil / etc - im pretty siked.. The kicker is I was talking to 2 different Race Tech guys & the other one told me $800 - $900.. :) * Sonnava Bitch - Ya know the stock shock has a Ti Spring ?? I dont wanna swap my Ti spring for a Steel one :(

The winner = Race Tech $700 for everything - New springs F/B - G2-R Gold valve F/B - SM Tune.. Thats a good freaking deal.. $320 Gold Valves $220 Springs $540 - plus oil / etc - im pretty siked.. The kicker is I was talking to 2 different Race Tech guys & the other one told me $800 - $900.. :) * Sonnava Bitch - Ya know the stock shock has a Ti Spring ?? I dont wanna swap my Ti spring for a Steel one :( I can't wait to see how it turns out! This is definately on my list to do...

My only prob that I just found out about the shock spring - I cant find what the spring rate is 5.5 ? This stock Ti spring costs over $400 so I really dont wanna lose it.. Im gonna ship this week then figure it out soon.

My only prob that I just found out about the shock spring - I cant find what the spring rate is 5.5 ? This stock Ti spring costs over $400 so I really dont wanna lose it.. Im gonna ship this week then figure it out soon. maybe you can just leave the stock spring in the back and just have them revalve it. If you sag is ok with the stock spring you don't need to change it anyway...

Wish I had good things to say about my transaction with Race Tech but it was a freaking nightmare... Went from outstanding service (before sent in) to a week wait for terrible responses.. Changed the deal & price that was worked w/ no notification to me.. FOOK THEM - Just a heads up...

Sorry to hear FOZZ. How bad did things go? Did they do the work, and if so have you had a chance to test it? Haven't had a chance to tear mine down yet to send out to Factory Connection. Of course, it's been damn near two weeks solid of well below zero temps. Bike can fookin' sit in the cold.. :no I've got a few things to get out of the way, then I'm puttin' money down on a new bike and will have it for when it's ridin' time. :thumbup

I just got it back this week but have not tested it yet - too damn cold... Once I had it sent in - tryed to see if they could do some additional things while the stuff was apart.. Numerous emails / phone messages with no response - started to think I was getting ripped off it was so bad.. Finally bitched on the phone & got transfered to a tech who told me it was done waiting for a week on payment.. So I was pissed but started to pay & it came to $600 not $700 - I was like whats up ?? They told me what they did & the springs where never changed.... WTF - Bitched some more - got the tech back on & he said the stock springs matched my weight ?? 190 - 200 with gear - Found that strange but there the experts right ? So I was like well the deal was $700 with springs so springs cost $220 so why is it $600 ? Battled on the phone & got it down to $550.. Week later get them back & go over the invoice & they didnt add the G2R valve that we agreed upon.. They put the standard gold valves in... Sent an email about how I was disappointed because that I was not informed of the changes before they were done.. Is that not messed up or what ???

Dang Mike...that is messed up!!! I hate that for you.

Shitty deal man...sorry to hear

Damn... That sucks! I'd definately file a formal complaint against them with the BBB as well as on places fitting for their work (thumpertalk, etc). Sucks you had to go through that. :(

Ya im fired up - forum trash talk is ON... What gets me most is they didnt act like they cared in response to my last email.. * It may be a killer setup but just not what I wanted - especially for all the time I put into talking with all the different shops..

Sorry to here you had a bad experiance.ill keep that in mind if i ever get any work done.

Fozz, Good write up on your research man. Sorry to hear that racetech is giving you such a hard time. Keep us posted on the outcome, I had been considering using them to get my dirt bike set up for the trails, I am not so sure now.

I've spoke to race tech before and really wasn't inpressed. I was installing the gold valve on my ZX6r myself. I only deal with Traxxion,part of the reason is they're local and i believe in they knowledge. Lee is the sales guy and fellow rider.He rides a FZ1 and had a R1 in the past and he knows his shit. He has help me through emails & phone. I went over to traxxion 2/26 and he spent 2.5 hours with me adjusting my bike and showing my the shop,man what a shop. Call LEE

Follow up from Service Manager.. Like I said before im sorry for the miscommunication, I can promise you that your future experiences will nothing like your last one. By the way we are actually working on a g2r valve for you forks! So if you would be interested I can offer to swap the old Gold Valves for the new ones. Let me know if this is something you would be interested in. Have a nice day! Louie Martinez Service Manager Ph: 951-279-6655 ext: 115 Fax: 951-279-7171 E-mail: rtservice@racetech.com http://www.racetech.com _________________________ Thats what I like to hear - found a good deal on a Ti shock spring off a 07 YZ450 and upgraded my steel.. Its kinda nice match the stock spring rate & get a $400 spring for less than a $100..:rock

Follow up from Service Manager.. Like I said before im sorry for the miscommunication, I can promise you that your future experiences will nothing like your last one. By the way we are actually working on a g2r valve for you forks! So if you would be interested I can offer to swap the old Gold Valves for the new ones. Let me know if this is something you would be interested in. Have a nice day! Louie Martinez Service Manager Ph: 951-279-6655 ext: 115 Fax: 951-279-7171 E-mail: rtservice@racetech.com http://www.racetech.com _________________________ Thats what I like to hear - found a good deal on a Ti shock spring off a 07 YZ450 and upgraded my steel.. Its kinda nice match the stock spring rate & get a $400 spring for less than a $100..:rock sweeeeeeeeeeeetttt!!!

Getting some of the final loose ends rapped up on the bike getting it ready for racing next summer & got to make a decision on suspension.. Not wanting to go over $1K on reworking the stock forks & shock.. Having a hard time making a final decision on what to use & who to do it... The common mod delima..:eek: Like the sweedish gold of Ohlins but maybe a full Race Tech package but be better ?? MX-Tech / WP / Motostranto ?? Well - If you got any input on manufactures or shops - shoot it out here.. Thanks - Mike We are working on a kit to upgrade the YZF’s to supermoto spec. It should be available in late march. It will include a suspension link and revalving of the stock suspension. The target price will be 1500.00 I will update you with more info mid month. Chuck

We are working on a kit to upgrade the YZF’s to supermoto spec. It should be available in late march. It will include a suspension link and revalving of the stock suspension. The target price will be 1500.00 I will update you with more info mid month. Chuck Very Nice Chuck! I am still stock with suspension on my 06 yz450 supermoto so that maybe something I will do:rock Quick quesiton...will it keep the stock height or will it lower it? I kind of like the stock height for jumping...

Very Nice Chuck! I am still stock with suspension on my 06 yz450 supermoto so that maybe something I will do:rock Quick quesiton...will it keep the stock height or will it lower it? I kind of like the stock height for jumping... It will keep the stock height. We have not found any benefits in lowering the bike.

It will keep the stock height. We have not found any benefits in lowering the bike. Very cool. thanks!

Already got my suspension done Chuck but gonna rock the Graves catch can :) Keep up the good work making them proper Yamaha bits...

where can we see this catch can? Im gonna need one for the WR in the near future.

I have not mounted mine yet - kinda a pain but its a very nice part that you can find on the Gravesmotorsports site in the SM section..

Catch can? :dunno http://www.gravesport.com/cgi-bin/shopper?preadd=action&key=AB__9001A

Thats the one... Just for carb though, got one for the coolant & crank case breather hooked up already..

Ahh. Well, my suspension for the 250F is on hold for a while... ;)

Wow the SM forum has been dead :( I got the bugs worked out on the STM slipper so I have been blasting the back roads up in the PA mountains for about 75 miles & the bike is rocking.. (except jetting) :( Whata PITA... The suspension for rough road rippin couldnt be better - Perfect balance of smooth (over bumps) & stiff in the corners.. Going to take the bike to the Pocono track to test it out on the 26th... Wish my noob ass some luck.. Got the Graves can fer sale - It wont work right on WRs - there is stuff in the way but if ya YZ guys want it its new & 25% off Graves site :)

Not really dead. I posted a couple things up. Namely I'm now beginning to look for motard wheels for the Jennings track day. No SuMo racing or anything, but I want to do Jennings for the memorial ride. Link for the can? Most likely won't do it, but interested to see it

Wow the SM forum has been dead :( I got the bugs worked out on the STM slipper so I have been blasting the back roads up in the PA mountains for about 75 miles & the bike is rocking.. (except jetting) :( Whata PITA... The suspension for rough road rippin couldnt be better - Perfect balance of smooth (over bumps) & stiff in the corners.. Going to take the bike to the Pocono track to test it out on the 26th... Wish my noob ass some luck.. Got the Graves can fer sale - It wont work right on WRs - there is stuff in the way but if ya YZ guys want it its new & 25% off Graves site :) Well where were you two weeks ago will all of us here that have supermotos were ripping up Deal's Gap on them?? LOL. You missed a heck of a time!!!

I lost my job over a month ago & had to move that same week.. Its been nuts, putting 110% into a small home business that Ive been thinking about.. Be glad you guys have Yamaha 450s - I will drop some more info in a week or so.. Got my cam back today - my bud was using for months - New bike pics & Graves can pics tommorow.. Didnt do Pocono - $220 day - damn :( Cant pull that now.. Could do 2 days in July at Englishtown (Raceway Park NJ) & have $20 to eat with.. GREAT looking track - there running the road course w/ a few jumps too..

Not really dead. I posted a couple things up. Namely I'm now beginning to look for motard wheels for the Jennings track day. No SuMo racing or anything, but I want to do Jennings for the memorial ride. Link for the can? Most likely won't do it, but interested to see it Graves site - SM section.. Glad to here your getting 17s - You have been kinda anti motard with your bike for some time.. :thumbup:thumbup

Graves site - SM section.. Glad to here your getting 17s - You have been kinda anti motard with your bike for some time.. :thumbup:thumbup Nice looking exhaust. My only concern is the noise level from aftermarket exhaust. Stock is pushing it already, and to run trails I need a spark arrestor. I'll stick with the stock exhaust for now. Biggest reason I'm looking at 'tard wheels now is to make it down to Jennings for the memorial run for Elvis. After that, I probably won't see a paved track more than 2 or three times a season if that. I just like dirt riding too much, but it's nice to have the option. Sorry to hear about losing the job FOZZ. Hope your home business works out. I can relate a little with you on that. Best of luck!

once ya go tard ya never go back lol. you need both a tard & a dirt bike os you can enjoy both worlds.