suspension upgrade question

[Tmod]

Originally Posted by mitchell1227

Called Race Tech yesterday and spoke to a really nice young lady. Gave her my bike model, weight, and type of driving (60% highway and 40% New England secondary roads) after holding on for a while she gave me the following suspension advice.
New front springs (forgot exact KG) and new gold valves. For the rear she suggested a new race tech shock. She said I did not need the top of the line shock but that their standard model built to my weight (155) along with the new front setup would totally transform my ride.
Price for everything $1200.
All I need now is a competent mechanic to do the install. I do not trust the local dealer.
Any and all comments are welcome.
Mitchell

Mitchell,

Get with me if you consider Racetech before making the purchase.

Tmod

[Lucky13]

Originally Posted by Tmod

Mitchell,

Get with me if you consider Racetech before making the purchase.

Tmod

Mitchell - Sounds like you're ending up with a similar set up to what I got from RaceTech, I'm sure you'll be happy with it.

Working on the forks & shock doesn't require a Triumph specialist, any good independent shop could do the work. Maybe Tmod can recommend a local shop for you, or someone else on the forum can chime in with a suggestion in your area. Anyone...?

[mitchell1227]

Thanks Lucky.....
One question, can you sort of quantify how the race tech suspension upgrade actually changed your ride??
IE; handling, stability, overall comfort??
Thanks very much.

[radix99]

Sent you a PM ....

[Lucky13]

Originally Posted by mitchell1227

Thanks Lucky.....
One question, can you sort of quantify how the race tech suspension upgrade actually changed your ride??
IE; handling, stability, overall comfort??
Thanks very much.

I'll give it a shot, here goes: The stock front springs were way too stiff for me. With the static sag set properly, the forks were not compressing much at all, so the front would just slam over anything more than a minor bump/pothole. Other symptoms of the too-stiff front were resistance to initial turn-in and a tendency to understeer & want to run wide through turns.

Having the proper (lighter) spring rate has solved all these issues. Bike rides smoother, front wheel maintains better contact over bumps/depressions, turn-in is easier, and steering is more neutral. I also prefer the linear to the stock progressive springs for more predictable handling in corners and over bumps. There might be even more improvement to be gained by installing new valves as well, but for now it feels pretty good to me.

The rear shock spring was also too stiff for me, and the valving (which controls compression) was off as well. The rear of the bike was always too stiff, and the rebound stroke would make the bike "buck" a bit before it settled back down. No amount of twiddling with the adjustments could cure these problems.

The new shock is valved and sprung correctly for my weight & riding style. It feels A LOT better than the stocker. With the sag set correctly, the rear wheel stays in much better contact with the road over imperfections, and gives much better feedback. The compression & rebound strokes are now smooth and controlled and don't upset the bike's balance like they used to.

Basically, I no longer have to think about whats going to happen when I hit that bump or depression or expansion gap or whatever...I just ride and The suspension does its job and keeps the bike as smooth as possible.

Bear in mind all of this is through the lens of what's reasonable for a 550+lb sport touring bike. The Sprint will hustle through twisties very nicely, carry a ton of gear, and chew up miles by the hundred, but it's not going to feel like a Panigale. That said, I don't get passed too often and I watch plenty of squids on R1s get smaller and smaller in my mirrors

Hope all this this helps!