Shock Time

[blueman]

Looking into the near future for replacing stock shock. Probably Race Tech and do forks also. Just curious at what mileage did you have when your OEM shock started to fade. I am debating if I should even wait that long because of the handing improvements.

 

[FiveG]

Looking into the near future for replacing stock shock. Probably Race Tech and do forks also. Just curious at what mileage did you have when your OEM shock started to fade. I am debating if I should even wait that long because of the handing improvements.

What would also be helpful is if people could chime in not just on brands of shocks, but also who in various states does a good job setting and tuning them up. I'm finding lots of places listed out west, but here in southern New England, not finding a lot of suspension specialists.

 

[Warpdrv]

Gen 1 machine, I dropped Wilburs front and rear on the group buy with less then 5000mi on my bike, possibly the best upgrade I ever did, stock suspension sucks Bollocks....

 

[Patriot]

Looking into the near future for replacing stock shock. Probably Race Tech and do forks also. Just curious at what mileage did you have when your OEM shock started to fade. I am debating if I should even wait that long because of the handing improvements.

What would also be helpful is if people could chime in not just on brands of shocks, but also who in various states does a good job setting and tuning them up. I'm finding lots of places listed out west, but here in southern New England, not finding a lot of suspension specialists.

https://www.racetech.com/page.aspx?id=19&menuid=82

https://www.mrpmotorsports.com/performance?brand=878

MRP Motorsports

8154 Ritchie Highway

Suite B

Pasadena, MD 21122

410.544.5113 (local)

866.599.5205 (toll free)

 

[RsvlFeej]

Looking into the near future for replacing stock shock. Probably Race Tech and do forks also. Just curious at what mileage did you have when your OEM shock started to fade. I am debating if I should even wait that long because of the handing improvements.

How much do you weigh? Do you ride 2up? Do you ride with saddlebags loaded?

I weigh about 250# and generally ride with lightly loaded side cases. My OEM shocks went 4k (catastrophic failure - replaced under warranty), 25K, 22K before I picked up a Penske 8983. I'm sorry I waited so long to upgrade as the new suspenders make for a whole new bike. Besides, you want a little life left in your OEM shock (that you will leave on a shelf in your garage) in case your aftermarket rebuild goes like mine --- More than a month, waiting on parts - GRRRR.

 

[RaYzerman19]

You have a few days left for the Race Tech group buy...........

 

[blueman]

I know I was looking at the group buy. I had it budgeted then I found out what it was going to cost me for my sons College Fall Semester. He better get A,s. Just curious, how many miles were on you bikes before replacing stock shock. Mine currently feels tight with know fade.

 

[madmike2]

Mine currently feels tight with know fade.

The OEM parts are good for 10k-25k. MOST of the time they fade gradually and the rider doesn't notice the degradation.

There are owners on the forum that are well over 50k on the OEM shock and fork springs. If you are not an aggressive rider you may not notice how far from optimum your suspension is.

That being said, once you do replace your unit and fork springs with quality aftermarket parts, you will be amazed at the difference in ride quality and response to steering inputs.

Patrick (RSVLFeej) makes an excellent point. If one changes the OEM shock while there is still some life in it one can use it while the aftermarket shock is sent for repairs/rebuild.

THAT is also a selling point for aftermarket equipment, it CAN be rebuilt unlike the OEM shock which is a replacement piece for most of us (who do not possess the ability to rebuild our own shocks).

 

[blueman]

Thanks for info and straight forward answers.