Suspenders, getting them right
+2
paul
#Tag
6 posters
Page 1 of 1
Suspenders, getting them right
A while back I splashed out and got myself a Nitron R2 shock for the FA beastie. Being North of 110kgs the stock one wasn't made for me apparently!
It made a big difference I have to say and was a simple job. (confession time, it was simple in that I only had to pay my mechanic for an hour of his time, I am completely not mechanically inclined)
It did however highlight that the front end was a bit.....squishy? Things became a bit of a battle pushing on the twisties and under heavy braking my nose was touching the ground (I love hyperbole )
So yesterday I took myself off to these guys KSS for a rebuild of the forks. Heavier springs, new spacers, change of oil, pistons/valves upgraded and I now have what feels like a very different bike. Planted, much smoother on the corners, braking is more controlled and generally just easier to ride. I had a 4 hour trip home, very different experience to the 4 hours there!
I realise none of you will be coming across the Tasman to visit these guys but is this all in my imagination and my brain's way of convincing myself it was ok to spend all that coin OR is the stock suspension really as mediocre as it now seems?
Seems to me this would have been an easy way for Suzuki to radically update a well sorted bike at relatively little cost.
As an aside the tech who did my work said 50% of their work is on Harley's. Apparently $1100NZD for a pair of Ohlins on those things. Again, why would manufacturers skimp? $1100 on a new HD is pocket change and those are retail prices, am pretty sure they could negotiate a much better deal in bulk!
I know I know, I am a late starter and most of you probably knew all this already but it is fascinating that manufacturers can get excited about the coating on the inside of a cylinder but not put their machines on decent suspension.
It made a big difference I have to say and was a simple job. (confession time, it was simple in that I only had to pay my mechanic for an hour of his time, I am completely not mechanically inclined)
It did however highlight that the front end was a bit.....squishy? Things became a bit of a battle pushing on the twisties and under heavy braking my nose was touching the ground (I love hyperbole )
So yesterday I took myself off to these guys KSS for a rebuild of the forks. Heavier springs, new spacers, change of oil, pistons/valves upgraded and I now have what feels like a very different bike. Planted, much smoother on the corners, braking is more controlled and generally just easier to ride. I had a 4 hour trip home, very different experience to the 4 hours there!
I realise none of you will be coming across the Tasman to visit these guys but is this all in my imagination and my brain's way of convincing myself it was ok to spend all that coin OR is the stock suspension really as mediocre as it now seems?
Seems to me this would have been an easy way for Suzuki to radically update a well sorted bike at relatively little cost.
As an aside the tech who did my work said 50% of their work is on Harley's. Apparently $1100NZD for a pair of Ohlins on those things. Again, why would manufacturers skimp? $1100 on a new HD is pocket change and those are retail prices, am pretty sure they could negotiate a much better deal in bulk!
I know I know, I am a late starter and most of you probably knew all this already but it is fascinating that manufacturers can get excited about the coating on the inside of a cylinder but not put their machines on decent suspension.
Ulsterkiwi- Posts : 143
Join date : 2014-09-22
Location : Kapiti Coast New Zealand
Re: Suspenders, getting them right
And the GSX had a considerable upgrade from the GSF. Imagine how bad they felt
Enjoy the new bouncy (and not as bouncy) bits.
Enjoy the new bouncy (and not as bouncy) bits.
#Tag- Posts : 609
Join date : 2014-06-01
Location : Bega
Re: Suspenders, getting them right
Damn, I was just breaking the news to the missus how I may have to get new tyres for the bike. They're not worn but I don't know how old they are. It just corners like a Harley Furguson sometimes and I've noticed that some drivers are able to match my cornering, which just isn't right and I will not have it . Maybe I need to review the suspension setup, since I'm also north of 110kg and riding a GSF.
Cardboard Tube Samurai- Posts : 102
Join date : 2015-09-21
Re: Suspenders, getting them right
tell her the fella from New Zealand said so, it must be true.Cardboard Tube Samurai wrote:Damn, I was just breaking the news to the missus how I may have to get new tyres for the bike. They're not worn but I don't know how old they are. It just corners like a Harley Furguson sometimes and I've noticed that some drivers are able to match my cornering, which just isn't right and I will not have it . Maybe I need to review the suspension setup, since I'm also north of 110kg and riding a GSF.
If that fails, I am Irish, apparently women love the accent (never the body or the face, the accent ok?) Tell her this Irish fella in New Zealand said so, she will hear it in her head a very different way, sorted.
You are welcome
Ulsterkiwi- Posts : 143
Join date : 2014-09-22
Location : Kapiti Coast New Zealand
Re: Suspenders, getting them right
do all the harleys go " Tattie...Tattie ........Tattie " in Ireland instead of potato potato potato ?Ulsterkiwi wrote:tell her the fella from New Zealand said so, it must be true.Cardboard Tube Samurai wrote:Damn, I was just breaking the news to the missus how I may have to get new tyres for the bike. They're not worn but I don't know how old they are. It just corners like a Harley Furguson sometimes and I've noticed that some drivers are able to match my cornering, which just isn't right and I will not have it . Maybe I need to review the suspension setup, since I'm also north of 110kg and riding a GSF.
If that fails, I am Irish, apparently women love the accent (never the body or the face, the accent ok?) Tell her this Irish fella in New Zealand said so, she will hear it in her head a very different way, sorted.
You are welcome
_________________
Four wheels move the body. Two wheels move the soul.
paul- Posts : 7738
Join date : 2011-08-19
Age : 71
Location : Morphett Vale Sth. Aust.
Re: Suspenders, getting them right
nope, you are thinking of Scotland, close but no champagne for you.paul wrote:do all the harleys go " Tattie...Tattie ........Tattie " in Ireland instead of potato potato potato ?Ulsterkiwi wrote:tell her the fella from New Zealand said so, it must be true.Cardboard Tube Samurai wrote:Damn, I was just breaking the news to the missus how I may have to get new tyres for the bike. They're not worn but I don't know how old they are. It just corners like a Harley Furguson sometimes and I've noticed that some drivers are able to match my cornering, which just isn't right and I will not have it . Maybe I need to review the suspension setup, since I'm also north of 110kg and riding a GSF.
If that fails, I am Irish, apparently women love the accent (never the body or the face, the accent ok?) Tell her this Irish fella in New Zealand said so, she will hear it in her head a very different way, sorted.
You are welcome
In Ireland its either "spud...spud....spud" or "purdey....purdey.....purdey" depending on the model...
Ulsterkiwi- Posts : 143
Join date : 2014-09-22
Location : Kapiti Coast New Zealand
Re: Suspenders, getting them right
^ I thought Oirish ones went .... Pratie, pratie, pratie.
palexxxx- Posts : 57
Join date : 2014-05-23
Location : Chiang Mai, Thailand
Re: Suspenders, getting them right
Update: got new tyres today (Michelin Road Pilot 2s). Whole new bike all over again! Cheaper than a suspension upgrade. Can save that for later
Cardboard Tube Samurai- Posts : 102
Join date : 2015-09-21
Re: Suspenders, getting them right
cheaper for sure, more of a necessity than a decision though?
Slight deviation from topic with this question. I was enquiring about new tyres the other day. I was offered PR2s or PR4s but NOT PR3s, apparently the 3 was discontinued. Seems odd I can still get 2s though. Same in Oz and anyone know why?
Slight deviation from topic with this question. I was enquiring about new tyres the other day. I was offered PR2s or PR4s but NOT PR3s, apparently the 3 was discontinued. Seems odd I can still get 2s though. Same in Oz and anyone know why?
Ulsterkiwi- Posts : 143
Join date : 2014-09-22
Location : Kapiti Coast New Zealand
Re: Suspenders, getting them right
PR3s weren't on offer at the shop I went to either. He told me something about the PR2s being the highest selling tyre around and how they re-released them due to their popularity. PR4 is just more modern technology etc. Based on that, they'd probably never sell the PR3s. He tried to sell me on some Bridgestones that were cheaper but I've had the PR2s on my previous bike and was pretty happy with them.Ulsterkiwi wrote:cheaper for sure, more of a necessity than a decision though?
Slight deviation from topic with this question. I was enquiring about new tyres the other day. I was offered PR2s or PR4s but NOT PR3s, apparently the 3 was discontinued. Seems odd I can still get 2s though. Same in Oz and anyone know why?
Cardboard Tube Samurai- Posts : 102
Join date : 2015-09-21
Re: Suspenders, getting them right
Cardboard Tube Samurai wrote:PR3s weren't on offer at the shop I went to either. He told me something about the PR2s being the highest selling tyre around and how they re-released them due to their popularity. PR4 is just more modern technology etc. Based on that, they'd probably never sell the PR3s. He tried to sell me on some Bridgestones that were cheaper but I've had the PR2s on my previous bike and was pretty happy with them.Ulsterkiwi wrote:cheaper for sure, more of a necessity than a decision though?
Slight deviation from topic with this question. I was enquiring about new tyres the other day. I was offered PR2s or PR4s but NOT PR3s, apparently the 3 was discontinued. Seems odd I can still get 2s though. Same in Oz and anyone know why?
Im my opinion if you're scared to try anything else (Roadsmarts 2/3) you cant go wrong with PR2. They are the best PR of them all and in my case on the 1250 the PR3 were out of shape pieces of shit after 8,000km. I'm still running PR2 on the Firestorm but will put Roadsmarts on that after this set. All PR's are slow to tip in but for some that's confidence inspiring. I like a more flickable tyre.
_________________
My posts reflect my personal experience or opinion. You don't have to agree with me.
~ Chris ~~ 0466 Ask ~
~ My Photography Blog Page ~
~ My YouTube Channel ~
~ Suzuki Bandits Australia Facebook Page ~
~ Half hr from the hills. Two minutes from the coast ~
~ My Bike ~
BMW R1250RS
Re: Suspenders, getting them right
I was replacing Road Smart IIs and am so glad to be rid of them. Not sure if it's just because they were approaching 4 years of age but they were extremely unpleasant. Old mate said they were "a budget tyre" and I'm inclined to side with that assessment
Cardboard Tube Samurai- Posts : 102
Join date : 2015-09-21
Page 1 of 1
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
|
|