Another Suspension Option

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Kx450fsm

Kx450fsm

Joined
May 8, 2013
Messages
163
Location
Victorville, Ca
I have been looking at all my options to find a better performing suspension set up. I went through all the usual options, but honestly I just don't want to spend over $2k for cartridges and a TTX for a mainly commuter bike. I want better suspension for those few times a month where I hit the canyons and the couple times a year I do a track day though. I spoke with Race Tech and was able to get the attached quote from them. Basically, to respring and revalve a base model 1199 with Gold valves the total comes to $1270.66 with labor and parts.

So I guess the point of this thread is to ask, Has anyone ridden a sport bike on Race Tech suspension? I know I love their stuff for supermoto and motorcross but have never ridden their street stuff. Thanks in advance.
 

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  • 2012 DUCATI PANIGALE REVALVE.pdf
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Wow for a commuter and a couple of track days per year the base forks are pretty good if you can keep them from leaking. Just put some springs in for your weight dial in the correct preload, compression and rebound and you should be good to go. I wouldn't waste the money. If you take it through the canyons a lot and do a lot of track day then I would be looking for something else.

I would trash the rear Sachs they are crap. Get a TTX-36 MK II or anything other than the the OEM.
 
My forks are already shot with the rebound issue. Im waiting to get home from deployment to take the bike in to get them replaced under warranty. I am definitely going to replace the rear, either with a TTX or have Race Tech rebuild it with their valving and spring. For what a TTX would cost me, I could do the forks and shock through Race Tech. Which is why I am hoping for opinions on Race Techs street suspension.
 
I raced with G2 (Generation 2) Gold Valves in my Forks and shock. It is an obvious improvement over stock Showa forks for sure. I was able to ride an expert race pace with them.
If you don't have to have Ohlins on your fork caps and would rather save a grand in the process it's a good way to go.... That said, you might look into Ohlins valve kits. I remember having to choose between the two when I did mine. I was able to swing a steeper discount on the Racetech so that's what I bought.

All of the above was on an '06 GSXR 1000


BTW, unless your seals and dust caps are already ...... up there's no reason to change them. That's just gouging if you ask me.
 
bikenamenumber said:
I raced with G2 (Generation 2) Gold Valves in my Forks and shock. It is an obvious improvement over stock Showa forks for sure. I was able to ride an expert race pace with them.
If you don't have to have Ohlins on your fork caps and would rather save a grand in the process it's a good way to go.... That said, you might look into Ohlins valve kits. I remember having to choose between the two when I did mine. I was able to swing a steeper discount on the Racetech so that's what I bought.

All of the above was on an '06 GSXR 1000


BTW, unless your seals and dust caps are already ...... up there's no reason to change them. That's just gouging if you ask me.
Click to expand...

I don't really care about the name on the caps, just want something set up for my weight that works better than OEM. I'm not sure on the dust caps and seals, Im deployed so I cant check right now. I asked him to throw the quote in with replacing everything so there would be no surprises. Im sure they are fine though, bike only have 1300 miles on it.
 
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Kx450fsm said:
I don't really care about the name on the caps, just want something set up for my weight that works better than OEM. I'm not sure on the dust caps and seals, Im deployed so I asked him to throw the quote in with replacing everything so there would be no surprises. Im sure they are fine though, bike only have 1300 miles on it.
Click to expand...

If you are getting replacement forks under warranty then your seals will not need to be replaced.

I will echo the earlier message that getting the right spring weight is huge. Nothing else will work optimally if they are wrong and not properly preloaded for you.

I'm not like a lot other riders out there. I only ride out of town through the canyons and up twisty mountain passes. I think that the stock forks and shock feel great. I know what ...... suspension feels like and the Panigale doesn't have ...... suspension. Like I said, I'm in the minority on this perspective.

I don't imagine you will be disappointed with any improvement you make to the suspension. Go for it.
 
I 100% need to respring for my weight. I have adjusted sag, preload, compression, and rebound as close as I can but since I am a fat kid its not close.
 
Here may be another option out of Anaheim, CA: RG3 Suspension - Street Revalve

One of the US magazines had them redo suspension on a Jap bike and they were very pleased with the results, especially given the price alternative to aftermarket replacement suspension. Never used them myself but heard good things. Here are some prices they give as examples for re-valve jobs on their website:

Revalve
Model Price ($)
REVALVE Honda CBR 600 / 1000
Forks 224.95
Shock 224.95
TOTAL : 449.90
*Fluid and wear parts extra.
Model Price ($)
REVALVE Kawasaki ZX 600*/636/10 *Requires Ohlins Fork Cartridges
Forks 224.95
Shock 224.95
TOTAL : 449.90
*Fluid and wear parts extra.
Model Price ($)
REVALVE Suzuki GSXR 600/750/1000
Hayabusa
Forks 224.95
Shock 224.95
TOTAL : 449.90
*Fluid and wear parts extra.
Model Price ($)
REVALVE Yamaha R6/R1
Forks 224.95
Shock 224.95
TOTAL : 449.90
*Fluid and wear parts extra.
 
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I had the Race Tech gold valves installed on the base forks by a local guru. In his opinion the Marzocchi internals are quality components and gold valves are not required. Just have your guru revalve your forks.
I haven't tracked the bike with the gold valves but have had lots of spirited riding through rough twisties. The forks are nice and responsive and handle bumps well. They bottom out on occasion but not too harshly - I may add a scosh more oil.
 
Mescuzy said:
Just have your guru revalve your forks.
Click to expand...


I am a little confused by the statement I quoted. I am not very knowledgeable on suspension components so I am easily confused though.

I do like the stock Marzocchi forks, just need to respring for my weight and get the rebound issue fixed (rebound screw doesnt change anything).
 
Kx450fsm said:
I am a little confused by the statement I quoted. I am not very knowledgeable on suspension components so I am easily confused though.

I do like the stock Marzocchi forks, just need to respring for my weight and get the rebound issue fixed (rebound screw doesnt change anything).
Click to expand...

You sound like you know what you're talking about, or at least what you want your bike to handle like. That is the first step to getting your suspension worked on, no matter who you go to. Whoever you choose will ask what your intentions are and your relative skill level and combine that with your weight to make recommendations.

A knowledgeable member here put the OEM base 1199 suspension on a shock dyno and found that they had relatively little sweep, i.e., a narrow range of damping adjustment. So even if you get your spring rates correct, you will likely need some damping modifications to match the new rates. People like RG3 can modify the OEM valves in both forks and shock to achieve different flow rates and match suspension fluids (viscosity and height) to your needs, and aftermarket valves may not be needed, especially based on the usage you describe. It pays to shop around and talk to several suspension tuners. Better yet, RG3 appears to only be about an hour or so from you, and there is nothing like being at a shop in person to discuss custom work.

Good luck and report back on what you go with and how it works for you.
 
JeffD said:
You sound like you know what you're talking about, or at least what you want your bike to handle like. That is the first step to getting your suspension worked on, no matter who you go to. Whoever you choose will ask what your intentions are and your relative skill level and combine that with your weight to make recommendations.

A knowledgeable member here put the OEM base 1199 suspension on a shock dyno and found that they had relatively little sweep, i.e., a narrow range of damping adjustment. So even if you get your spring rates correct, you will likely need some damping modifications to match the new rates. People like RG3 can modify the OEM valves in both forks and shock to achieve different flow rates and match suspension fluids (viscosity and height) to your needs, and aftermarket valves may not be needed, especially based on the usage you describe. It pays to shop around and talk to several suspension tuners. Better yet, RG3 appears to only be about an hour or so from you, and there is nothing like being at a shop in person to discuss custom work.

Good luck and report back on what you go with and how it works for you.
Click to expand...

I do know what to expect out of a good suspension, I had a full Ohlins setup on my last race bike. I just never took the time to learn all the different aspects of high/low speed valving, compression, rebound, etc. It seems like every time I try to learn more about proper set up and building I just get more confused.
RG3 is indeed about an hour from me, as well as Race Tech, and quite a few quality race shops a little further. I think at this point, my best option may be to just visit different shops and see who has the best option and understanding of what I want/need. Thank you every one for the info. I will report back in a month or so after I get home from deployment and get my suspension figured out.
 
I would say attempt to setup the Marzocchi with proper springs and spend the $1300 on Ohlins TTX shock in the back. It's rebuildable, resellable, and probably the damn best shock on the street.
 
Kx450fsm said:
I am a little confused by the statement I quoted. I am not very knowledgeable on suspension components so I am easily confused though.

I do like the stock Marzocchi forks, just need to respring for my weight and get the rebound issue fixed (rebound screw doesnt change anything).
Click to expand...

4th set of forks for me, they work but I can't get any rebound variation, like its one setting suits all the compression has bags of adjustment.
 
farmind said:
4th set of forks for me, they work but I can't get any rebound variation, like its one setting suits all the compression has bags of adjustment.
Click to expand...

It still amazes me that they haven't figured out a solution to this rebound issue yet.
 
Also, just got a quote from RG3. $880 for revalve and respring with all labor for forks and shock. For those interested in RG3, it would be $720 if you take your forks and shock to them or $880 for them to do the R&R from the bike there.
 
Kx450fsm said:
Also, just got a quote from RG3. $880 for revalve and respring with all labor for forks and shock. For those interested in RG3, it would be $720 if you take your forks and shock to them or $880 for them to do the R&R from the bike there.
Click to expand...

Thought it would be less, as that is what I read about them. Of course you're not getting the "branded" valves from the other vendor but in the end it is about performance and from what I understand RG3 know what they're doing as well.

Did you decide what you want to do? Looking forward to hearing about your choice and most importantly, your impressions of the results. Good luck!
 
Race Tech is a perfect option. I had them do my whole 2001 R1 suspension and no complaints. I have used tem for motocross along with RG3 but have been more of a fan of Race Tech.

I am in the same boat as you. No need to spend major cash on a bike that sees the track a few times a year and canyons on the weekend. I am 6'3 and 230 and always had to redo my suspension. More expensive pars don't make a novice like me ride any faster.

Race Tech will ensure you get the right stuff for your weight and riding style so it is a great option.
 

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