is suspension really worth doing?

[yerwolnahtan]

Originally Posted by LittleJoe

It depends on the organization who is running the trackday. Sportbike Track Time was just there and run several weekends a year. They definitely run a novice group. Also, there is NC Bike just off I 95. Team Promotion has exclusive motorcycle rights there and they run novice as well. VIR isn't too far away either. They have several companies that run everything from pure track novice to race licensing.


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youre right. i clicked on the wrong link that took me to one specific company that runs them. im gonna try and go in the next couple months. thanks!

[bradvanhorn]

I suggest you try VIR with NESBA. VIR North is better but VIR South still is fun too.

[cha0s]

Originally Posted by bira

Actually, yes! It may take 3-4 years before the cutting edge stuff works its way into consumer products, but it does. And as far as Ohlins goes, oh yes, they ARE better.

And you are basing this assertion on ?

[Flyfisher]

Why wouldn't you take your new paychecks, trade-in, or sell, your existing bike.....and get the new S3R?

You get everything all new, including the latest suspension designed specifically for the bike by Olins. Treat yourself.

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[Joe Houle]

Originally Posted by yerwolnahtan

been talking to dan at traxxion in georgia

You won't be disappointed. I went through Mike, who rides an older 955i S3

[yerwolnahtan]

Originally Posted by Flyfisher

Why wouldn't you take your new paychecks, trade-in, or sell, your existing bike.....and get the new S3R?

You get everything all new, including the latest suspension designed specifically for the bike by Olins. Treat yourself.

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My god...why did you suggest that? Now im poisoned

[TJ2091]

Greetings Coroja . I have an 02' St and installed the Racetech valve and springs
and am ready to tackle the rear shock. Can you tell me what you did and share
your results.

Thanks,

Terry

[DSSA955i]

Originally Posted by Tire Torcher

I would have to say there appears to be some truth in every post on this topic. My 09 suspension was ok stock (I've had worse), things I noticed were; diving under moderate braking, and loss of line in medium and hard corners, as well as a somewhat harsh ride. Just to justify my comments, there has been a couple of instances where hard braking and evasive maneuvers were necessary. With the front fork travel largely used up by braking, handling ability was greatly reduced making for a scary scenario.
In corners, often time there are frost heaves, asphalt patches, or even just seams from the original road construction. my stock suspension would lose ground, more or less start to slide out of my line as the suspension would chatter over the bumps. It really didn't require hard cornering to notice this, it was obvious that the tires were leaving the ground momentarily. I think this is often mistaken for a tire traction problem, when actually the tire is just having a problem maintaining contact with the road due to poor suspension performance.
On moderately rough roads the jarring on my back and butt leaving the seat were very noticeable. For example, my buddy had his S3 suspension upgraded, we ride together all the time and use G4 headsets. On one stretch of road we were talking and my voice was all jumpy from the bumps, and his was smooth, so we took turns just holding a note and listening to the difference in vibration in our voices, (I know, sounds silly but long rides you find crap to occupy yourself) it was undeniable how smooth his ride was compared to mine.
So, to sum up, I agree, many riders would not really ever know that their suspension under performs, and if you ride mostly as a city commuter there is probably no point. But this does not mean the suspension is not under performing.
What I have noticed since upgrading to Ohlins Rear and Racetec front; Front end dive has been greatly reduced, and even under hard braking I still have suspension travel available and handling under these circumstances has been greatly improved.
Corner irregularities have very little effect on keeping my line, and most smaller lumps are no longer even noticeable. The tires feel as though they roll over irregularities instead of bouncing over them.
Ride quality overall has been greatly improved, roads that used to jar my back feel completely different, not smooth, but much better than before.
One unanticipated benefit I have noticed is the increase in wet weather traction. Due to the improved contact of tire to road, wet riding is much more confidant and stable.
I don't think it's necessarily required to go the Ohlins route, (mine was a gift..thanks honey) But I do agree that everyone can benefit from suspension improvement if they feel the bike is lacking in that area. If folks are happy with what they have that's awesome, if not, an upgrade is most definitely worth it.

My 2 cents.

This mirrors my own experience with suspension upgrades in the past, and my general feelings about the Daytona 955i stock suspension. Good, not great, chatter, hopping, dive all apparent. You can make it work, but you don't have to "make it work" with an upgrade. Yes, it's dialed in for me and my riding style, they are just side effects of good but not great suspenders.

[bradvanhorn]

Originally Posted by bradvanhorn

...I am pleased with how my bike handled on the race track a couple weeks ago but I know it will be even better once I have it properly upgraded and tuned specifically for me.

Originally Posted by DFUSEME

+1 brad. You will be stoked after its set up for you!

I got my bike new and put 3000 mikes on it before paying the $40 to get the stock suspension set for my weight. Huge huge difference...

Last night I finally met with a local suspension tuner who helped me get the stock suspension adjusted specifically for me - I had been riding it just as delivered from the dealership. "Huge huge difference" is absolutely right! The bike felt completely different; vastly improved. After I rode home I struggled the rest of the evening to come up with the correct adjectives. Precise, connected, harmonious... The bike tracked through the turns with more precision. It felt as though the tires were glued to the road and with the suspension smoothly moving up/down with the road surface without disturbing the rest of the bike (if that makes sense). As soon as I can get my wife to release my next round of bike mod money then I'm definitely having the forks and shock redone (or replaced).

[Del Boy]

A professional suspension set up/modification is the first thing I get sorted on any new bike that I get. It cannot be stressed how much better/faster a bike will be when it is set up correctly.

The best and cheapest performance improvement there is.