sportsguy
searchgeek - author
After a bunch of checking around on which suspension upgrades folks seem to enjoy on their FJRs, I opted to work with GP Suspension in Oregon City, OR. A few calls to Dave got my questiosn all answered and in agreement I'd ride down the week of July 18th to get the bits installed. I opted for the Penske rear shock for a couple of reasons:
1 - made in the USA - I'm happy to buy local when the product is good enough for my needs. The Penske is easily going to have limits well in excess of my riding skills and style.
2 - price - the Penske costs a bit less than the Ohlins, and who doesn't want to save some cheddah?
Given it was almost 200 miles home from Dave's shop in Oregon, I figured there was a chance I might notice the difference. I usually approach mods by setting my expectations low. I *knew* the new suspension would be better, but would I *really* notice the difference?
HELL YEAH!
Those long, fast sweepers with mid-corner bumps that would normally have the stock suspension re-settling and moving about went entirely unnoticed with the upgraded suspension in place. From the very first turn, I could feel the difference. Heck, it's obvious the stock suspension was at it's limits by the first time I hit a low speed bump, or broken pavement. The new suspenson just soaks it up and keeps the bike on track.
Pulling out of the shop I noted a higher seat height. I can adjust this, but it felt a bit like when I first bought the bike 2 years ago. The major difference being noted as I pulled onto the road. The bike seems to lean in faster and much more crisply. Its much easier to simply place the bike at the right lean angle for any low speed manuevering you need to do. Hitting bumps is the most noticable low speed difference. The suspension literally soaks up the bumps, taking the edge of even the flintiest broken asphalt.
I also noticed improved overall comfort when simply running up the highway. The run up the I5 was a very different experience from my moring ride down. The bike was notiably more comfortable over all. The bike "talks" a LOT mor enow, clearly communicating what the tires are encountering with every revolution. I feel like now, instead of waiting to sense the mass fo the bike moving, I can feel the actual traction at the contact patch, much more clearly sensing when the limits are within reach.
Every turn I took around my neighborhood when I got off the highway showed just how improved the balance and handling are now - Dave is clearly a master, as the settings he selected got us in the ballpark, right around the pitcher's mound, in fact, out of the gate. I'd say they're dead on for everyday, solo riding use right now! Can't wait to play a bit to see if there are a few tidbits of comfort and handling to find, but so far, I'm pleased with where the setting stand right now.
The one picture from the install - it's like riding on air!!!
For those who can ride in, you'll notice how clean Dave keeps his shop, and how he's meticulous. His stories from his deep racing past are entertaining, and he's willing to explain everything he's doing as you watch on. The folk assemblies were ready and waiting for me when I arrived, with the Penske shock being delivered later in the day. The assembly of all the bits was straight forward. I arrived around 10:30 am and was on the road bound for home around 3PM. Great way to spend a day of vacation time.
The prices will vary depending on how much work you get done, which items you opt to replace and which shock you select. I'm not posting my price, but I will say Dave offered me a nice discount, and he does like the FJRForum community. While I was there, one gent called and Dave simply walked him through everyhting we were doing on my actual bike. Funny enough, the guy on the phone asked exactly the same questions I did when I called Dave a couple months ago...LOL
As I stated in the title of this thread, though... Worth. Every. Penny.
If you're on the fence about a new suspension, jump! The grass IS greener on this side!
Here's Dave's contact info at GP Suspension:
414 Beavercreek Road #708 Oregon City, Oregon 97045
Phone: 503.723.7793
Fax: 503.723.7996
www.gpsuspension.com
1 - made in the USA - I'm happy to buy local when the product is good enough for my needs. The Penske is easily going to have limits well in excess of my riding skills and style.
2 - price - the Penske costs a bit less than the Ohlins, and who doesn't want to save some cheddah?
Given it was almost 200 miles home from Dave's shop in Oregon, I figured there was a chance I might notice the difference. I usually approach mods by setting my expectations low. I *knew* the new suspension would be better, but would I *really* notice the difference?
HELL YEAH!
Those long, fast sweepers with mid-corner bumps that would normally have the stock suspension re-settling and moving about went entirely unnoticed with the upgraded suspension in place. From the very first turn, I could feel the difference. Heck, it's obvious the stock suspension was at it's limits by the first time I hit a low speed bump, or broken pavement. The new suspenson just soaks it up and keeps the bike on track.
Pulling out of the shop I noted a higher seat height. I can adjust this, but it felt a bit like when I first bought the bike 2 years ago. The major difference being noted as I pulled onto the road. The bike seems to lean in faster and much more crisply. Its much easier to simply place the bike at the right lean angle for any low speed manuevering you need to do. Hitting bumps is the most noticable low speed difference. The suspension literally soaks up the bumps, taking the edge of even the flintiest broken asphalt.
I also noticed improved overall comfort when simply running up the highway. The run up the I5 was a very different experience from my moring ride down. The bike was notiably more comfortable over all. The bike "talks" a LOT mor enow, clearly communicating what the tires are encountering with every revolution. I feel like now, instead of waiting to sense the mass fo the bike moving, I can feel the actual traction at the contact patch, much more clearly sensing when the limits are within reach.
Every turn I took around my neighborhood when I got off the highway showed just how improved the balance and handling are now - Dave is clearly a master, as the settings he selected got us in the ballpark, right around the pitcher's mound, in fact, out of the gate. I'd say they're dead on for everyday, solo riding use right now! Can't wait to play a bit to see if there are a few tidbits of comfort and handling to find, but so far, I'm pleased with where the setting stand right now.
The one picture from the install - it's like riding on air!!!
For those who can ride in, you'll notice how clean Dave keeps his shop, and how he's meticulous. His stories from his deep racing past are entertaining, and he's willing to explain everything he's doing as you watch on. The folk assemblies were ready and waiting for me when I arrived, with the Penske shock being delivered later in the day. The assembly of all the bits was straight forward. I arrived around 10:30 am and was on the road bound for home around 3PM. Great way to spend a day of vacation time.
The prices will vary depending on how much work you get done, which items you opt to replace and which shock you select. I'm not posting my price, but I will say Dave offered me a nice discount, and he does like the FJRForum community.
While I was there, one gent called and Dave simply walked him through everyhting we were doing on my actual bike. Funny enough, the guy on the phone asked exactly the same questions I did when I called Dave a couple months ago...LOLAs I stated in the title of this thread, though... Worth. Every. Penny.
If you're on the fence about a new suspension, jump! The grass IS greener on this side!
Here's Dave's contact info at GP Suspension:
414 Beavercreek Road #708 Oregon City, Oregon 97045
Phone: 503.723.7793
Fax: 503.723.7996
www.gpsuspension.com
