Ray's Suspension Rebuild Thread

[rwalterk]

After our last track day and some time to think about why it doesn't feel as good as it used to, I realized it's time to rebuild the suspension on my bike.  It's nearly 4 years old with over 17,000 miles and several track days.  I can also take the opportunity to get it re-sprung correctly for my weight while I'm at it.  I don't know if I have the patience to do it myself but I'm going to see what's involved and consider it.  Any suggestions are welcome.

[JimT]

How much money do you want to spend??

I would get the correct springs for the front and put Racetech Gold valves in. That is my next step for my forks.

The shock, same thing. Or get a Penske etc. You might be able to find one used, the WERA forum usually has a lot of race stuff on it.

[Beefmaster_Mark]

I was going to say the same thing about the Racetech stuff.  I hear good things about their valves and emulators but I think you wouldn't need an emulator since you have an actual cartridge fork, right?

The shock I don't know about - are the Penskes cheaper than say an Ohlins?  Dude I know nothing about the shock stuff - probably I should find out and try to work on my POS stock shock.    Do tell what you find out Ray!

[rwalterk]

How much money do you want to spend??

As little as possible.     I've been doing some homework and will let you guys know what I come up with.

[rwalterk]

first bit of info... West Coast GP Cycles would do the fork rebuild (new springs, change oil) for $350 including parts (this is if I bring the bike in).  The labor portion is $240 (ouch).  Didn't even bother asking about the shock rebuild.

[JimT]

My shock rebuild was $275 with a new spring. Probably the best money I have ever spent on a bike.

I can help you get the stuff off. I have a front stand that goes under the triple clamp. The shock we can figure something out. I have been able to get my shock out of both the SV and F4i pretty easy.

[rwalterk]

My shock rebuild was $275 with a new spring. Probably the best money I have ever spent on a bike.

I can help you get the stuff off. I have a front stand that goes under the triple clamp. The shock we can figure something out. I have been able to get my shock out of both the SV and F4i pretty easy.

Nice... I'll probably take you up on that offer.  It's easily worth a dinner + beers.   

The fork rebuild will definitely include springs + oil, maybe valves.  Replacing the shock would be damn expensive; I'm gonna check into rebuilds.  It would be nice to get something a little more compliant though; it's always felt slightly stiff.

[JimT]

I linked this before, but here it is if you didn't see it;

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147565

[rwalterk]

Yeah I actually read that which was great.  Trying to decide if I want to try it myself or not. 

The shock I will definitely just send out for a rebuild + new spring.  My research shows that the fork springs are okay for my weight, maybe a hair too stiff, but the shock spring is definitely too stiff.  I think a new spring + rebuild will do wonders.

[JimT]

Here is another one, USD forks like you have;

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=85982

Seems more complicated than the F4i, and you need special tools.

If you just want to do a oil change, we can do that. Anything else, I would bring the forks somewhere.

[rwalterk]

So I called Racetech and almost sh** my pants when I got the quote:

Front: revalved, resprung
$645

Rear: revalved, resprung
$415

You can even bring your bike in, but that costs an additional $105.  Ouch.  What's a good way to save money here?  Just change the oil in the forks mysefl, and only revalve/respring the shock?  The forks have always been decent (springs are actually correct for my weight), but the shock has always been too stiff and definitely needs to be rebuilt.

[JimT]

What's a good way to save money here?  Just change the oil in the forks mysefl, and only revalve/respring the shock? 

Yeah, that's what I would do. The change in fork oil will help. The shock was the bigger difference on my bike.

[rwalterk]

Jim, do you think you'd be able to work with me one afternoon to change the fork oil and remove the shock so I can send it to Racetech?  I'll need to use your front stand too (obviously).  The effort's definitely worth a dinner at Father's Office or any other place of your choosing.   

[JimT]

Sure, lets do it.

Let me know when.

[rwalterk]

Worst suspension rebuild day ever!  Haha.  Who knew a stuck pinch bolt could stop an entire operation.  Not a huge deal; I'm gonna call Tige tomorrow and see how much he wants.  I'll also call Racetech and see how much they want for just flushing the oil in the forks but rebuilding the shock.