How is the stock suspension?

[yellowcarbon]

I currently have a Yamaha FZ-1 and I am about to sink $1000 into upgrading the suspension. So, I am thinking of selling my bike (plus using the money I didn't spend) and buying a Speed Triple. I have always liked the bike and this might be the chance to get one. I am a big dude (6'3" & 300# w/ all my gear), so I realize S3 suspension won't be even close to perfect for me as is. But currently, I can really feel how soft and mushy the FZ1's stock suspension is.

So how is the stock suspension on the new or older Speed Triple (I love them both)? Any big dudes roll on one? How expensive is it to upgrade if need be? Any advice is appriciated.

[MCSP3]

I have an 03. The suspension works great for me but I am like 185 with gear. I have not found any aftermarket parts for it no RaceTech gold valves, no springs, no rear shock. So if I were out of the mainstream weight-wise; I would check first to make sure I could get some springs.

MCSP3

[Legman]

I am 6'3" and 250lbs without all my gear and I have an 05 S3. Mine is only 2 months old, but the settings the bike came with are fine for my weight, may be even slightly hard. Maybe that will change the bike gets older, but I am very happy with the standard settings

[yellowcarbon]

MCSP3,

That is exactly what I am concerned with. I really like that you don't see a S3 every time your out & about. But, that also means a smaller after market. The suspension market is even more of a specialty market. After all, everybody gets a pipe. Maybe 10% of riders do anything to the suspension.

Fortunely, there is a bunch of after market suspension bits for the FZ. Unfortunely, it needs it, especially for anybody over 200#.

[ This message was edited by: yellowcarbon on 2005-08-17 17:23 ]

[xSpeed3x]

Yellowcarbon,

Hard for me to answer your question, due to me being 170 lbs but I have softened my suspension quite a bet so stock maybe just right for you.

So if you decide to get one let me know, always looking for a ride with another S3.