Let me know your settings - Penske 8981 & Racetech Fork Springs

[Rick M]

Hi everyone,

Wondering if I can get some setting references from everyone who has the Penske 8981 shock and Racetech fork springs (doesn't have to be together).

My new, used, 2002 S3 comes with both, and I find the ride extremely rough. This is my first Triumph, so wanted to get some references from all you gurus. Thanks.

Checked earlier tonight, and I have below.
Forks:
4-lines showing on knobs on both forks
"inner screw" flush on the left side, and right side is about 1mm out
Shock:
Setting on 5
(I was told the shock was setup for someone around 180lb, and I'm about 185, without gear).

THANKS!

[BigRedandRiding]

Congrats on the new to you bike, Rick. Not sure if this helps, but for what it's worth, I seem to remember reading a post that said the Racetech fork springs, while great at high speed / "on-track", may feel a bit firm at slower speeds / "on-road" for some. Especially depending on what spring rate was selected. (.95 - 1.00 is at the firm end of the spectrum, .85 - .90 for lighter riders/softer ride.)

Conversely, a rising rate spring, like Hyper Pro's fork springs might be more plush on the street, but not quite as sharp for hard track riding. As far as I know, the Penske shock is supposed to be a race shock. (Which = a firmer ride.)

Rest assured, your suspension set-up is first-class (I'm jealous), but you just might find it a bit agressive for your weight/riding style.

It would be worth the $30-50 bucks it costs to have a good tech set-up the bike for you (my guy did it for free after a service) - but be sure to tell 'em what you want and how you ride in order to get the best compromise on set-up. Remember, all suspension set-ups are a compromise between high-speed / track firm and lower speed / street plush.
Good Luck!

[Rick M]

Hi BigRed,

Thanks very much for the reply. I suspected the setup would be more "race" oriented, especially with these upgrades.
Gonna take your advice, and check around the local shops for a professional setup.

Thanks again.

[dblhelx]

Definitely get it done at a shop. Keep in mind those Penske shocks come dialed in for the originally purchaser from the factory...they set the shock up according to your weight so you take it out of the box and install it. Unlike, say, Ohlins, which needs significant adjusting/customization.

Penske makes a KILLER shock and is AS equal as an Ohlins. No doubt! Ohlins is incredible too and has the brand naming going for it to "justify" the higher prices.

A shop could asjust your shocks specifically for your weight for about $30-$40 and about 30 minutes and it WILL change how your bike handles....will be nice!

[BigRedandRiding]

Originally Posted by Rick M

Hi BigRed, Thanks very much for the reply.

Sure thing. Funny thing is, I was just thinking about going for a Penske shock myself. Although I was considering the Hyper Pro front springs my ride over the firmer Racetechs.

On the cheap, I just might go for the Hyper Pro Combi-kit that includes front springs, rear suspension spring and fork oil for less then $300 bucks. We'll see.

Let us know how your set-up goes.