I can't swing the funds for a Penske, So....
Is it worth it to put Race Tech (or some other brands) internals in the stock shock? How much does that typically run and who does it?
I am still running the stock rear shock and have yet to even set my suspension sag ??? since I've been racing! Sad, I know.... :-[
TIA
Race Tech Gold Valve kit is around $160
Purchasing the proper spring $90
We can do the installation and set-up. Give us a call at Lithium Motorsports (712)546-7747 and ask for Ryan. We can discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of doing this work.
QuoteRace Tech Gold Valve kit is around $160
Purchasing the proper spring $90
Not having your suspension tie up in knots and spit you off? Priceless. ;D
QuoteNot having your suspension tie up in knots and spit you off? Priceless. ;D
Hehe..... :D
Ryan Sohn at Lithium is a great resource for suspension parts, modifications, and set up. He is Traxxion Dynamics Certified, and offers great pricing.
Priceless.......................thats an understatement. That's the beauty of a good race shock like a Penske or Ohlins, it will "let you know" what the bikes doing befor ejecting you........lol. No doubt about the fact that a Race Tech revalved shock will not perform as well as a Penske or Ohlins, and the fact that when you crash it costs money. A shock and well set up forks are an "investment" that CAN pay for themselves by preventing broken bones and thrashed bodywork etc.
QuotePriceless.......................thats an understatement. That's the beauty of a good race shock like a Penske or Ohlins, it will "let you know" what the bikes doing befor ejecting you........lol. No doubt about the fact that a Race Tech revalved shock will not perform as well as a Penske or Ohlins, and the fact that when you crash it costs money. A shock and well set up forks are an "investment" that CAN pay for themselves by preventing broken bones and thrashed bodywork etc.
So are you saying I should just save the extra 250 or so for a Penske?
I would.
If it were my money...I would.
QuoteSo are you saying I should just save the extra 250 or so for a Penske?
I've gone both routes. A for-real racing shock is tons better than a revalved stocker.
Ok, I've gone many routes.
One of the differences between old bikes and new bikes is how the chassis works mechanically.
That should really be the first issue you tackle.
Having raced old bikes...right, we recognize that I'm talking about bikes from the 60's and 70's...putting a high quality shock on it won't make it handle.
But doing things with the length of the shock to change the effective location of the swingarm pivot and moving the fork tubes around WILL make the bike handle substantially better.
If you don't have that mechanical advantage first, well, the best dampening on the face of the earth isn't going to do a whole lot.
Geometry, springs, dampening...that would be the order in which I would do things.
Geometry...http://4and6.com
Example of the no shock route...
In 2003, I didn't have my R6 for a while. Don DeChant loaned me a bike. Had a stock rear shock. I worked on the rear ride height and spring preload to get the chassis to work for itself. It was awesome. I could run up front. Yeah, I would have liked to have had better dampening to go even faster...to go ten tenths...but I was 95% of the way there with the chassis geometry being more correct.
I had Don's bike working better, meaning easier to ride faster without poor tire wear, than I had my similar bike the previous year using a Penske.
I think you will be better off in the long run going with a Penske. One other thing to consider is if you spend for example $350 getting a stock shock reworked and you go to sell your bike the following year you will get $0 extra for the reworked shock. Buy a Penske and sell your bike, you can take the Penske off put the stock shock back on and get some money out of your Penske. Not to mention the Penske is much easier to make height changes etc. Just something to consider before spending your hard earned cash. Thats my opinion anyway.
What about Elka Suspension? It's another choice in shocks.
And Hyperpro...
Works, Fox, WP, Ohlins, Progressive...
Where do you end?
Contact Dave at Lone Wolf Cycles for Elka shock possibilities. (631)398-5220
If you are interested in the Elka, let us know, we can get you that shock also. There has been alot of development in the Elka's throughout the last year. The double adjustable is fairly close to the price of the Penske, but the triple is quite a bit cheaper than the Penske triple.
I ve had Penske, Ohlins and Fox. All three were very nice once I got them dialed in. The stock shock with Racetech internals? Never quite right. Ed Katerski of Trackside Engineering has been key to helping me get my suspension to work for me. It will be important for you to select a suspension tuner in your area who can give you trackside support. Just spend the money, and work with the guy. The amount you'll save on tires alone will more than pay for itself, and we all know how much one crash can cost....
Thermosman.
Thermosman.
Thermosman.
703-628-6818.
Scott, I tried to email you (swbell.net address) and it bounced. Drop me an email or give me a call - 815-790-9898.
Jim
QuoteAnd Hyperpro...
Works, Fox, WP, Ohlins, Progressive...
Where do you end?
I end right at Ohlins. Ohlins is the best and that's why I use them and sell them. I didn't race last year, but in 03 my Ohlins suspension was so dialed on my 998 that one time I launched out of turn 7 at BHF and my bike inhaled Dave and his R6. It had a little to do with some fuel Dave sold me but power is nothing without the Ohlins putting it down. We've got the Ohlins hook-up down at SBKItalia now and we offer racer discounts. An added bonus is that we'll be at the track next year and ready to assist.
Matt
SBKItalia
Lemont, IL 630 243 9633
QuoteThermosman.
Thermosman.
Thermosman.
703-628-6818.
Scott, I tried to email you (swbell.net address) and it bounced. Drop me an email or give me a call - 815-790-9898.
Jim
Just give big mike a call....