suspension re-valve: Pro Circuit, Factory Connection, ENZO, or Race Tech?

andres247
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andres247
Edited Date/Time 4/9/2015 4:09am
I'm getting ready to come back to the states from Afghanistan and when I do I will be getting my suspension done/re-valved from one of said 4 companies. I have a 2013 Honda CRF450. Mid-pack C rider at best, this will be the first time I have ever had suspension work done on any of my bikes, so I have no point of reference on what company I would prefer, minus maybe who might give me the best deal.

I posted a similiar topic on Thumper Talk, and about 95% of the responses were to go with Factory Connection. So I figured I'd get some opinions here on Vital.

Any and all responses are greatly appreciated, thanks!
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jsmx97
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jsmx97 3/7/2014 6:41am
3/7/2014 6:41am
I have always had excellent luck with Factory Connection. Their turn around times are fast, they have 6 or 7 locations which keeps your shipping cost down, and they do excellent work.

I don't have experience with any other companies, im sure there are good ones out there... But I have never felt the need to find that out.
mxb2
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mxb2 3/7/2014 6:41am
3/7/2014 6:41am
andres247 wrote:
I'm getting ready to come back to the states from Afghanistan and when I do I will be getting my suspension done/re-valved from one of said...
I'm getting ready to come back to the states from Afghanistan and when I do I will be getting my suspension done/re-valved from one of said 4 companies. I have a 2013 Honda CRF450. Mid-pack C rider at best, this will be the first time I have ever had suspension work done on any of my bikes, so I have no point of reference on what company I would prefer, minus maybe who might give me the best deal.

I posted a similiar topic on Thumper Talk, and about 95% of the responses were to go with Factory Connection. So I figured I'd get some opinions here on Vital.

Any and all responses are greatly appreciated, thanks!
what part of the country do you live, imo factory connection, great work, great customer service. just got my suspension back from, hope to use it soon when weather breaks. shoot me a email i can give you some good info. if you want..Wgoske@yahoo.com thanks billy.
andres247
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andres247 3/7/2014 6:49am
3/7/2014 6:49am
jsmx97 wrote:
I have always had excellent luck with Factory Connection. Their turn around times are fast, they have 6 or 7 locations which keeps your shipping cost...
I have always had excellent luck with Factory Connection. Their turn around times are fast, they have 6 or 7 locations which keeps your shipping cost down, and they do excellent work.

I don't have experience with any other companies, im sure there are good ones out there... But I have never felt the need to find that out.
cool, thanks for the insight man
andres247
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andres247 3/7/2014 6:52am
3/7/2014 6:52am
andres247 wrote:
I'm getting ready to come back to the states from Afghanistan and when I do I will be getting my suspension done/re-valved from one of said...
I'm getting ready to come back to the states from Afghanistan and when I do I will be getting my suspension done/re-valved from one of said 4 companies. I have a 2013 Honda CRF450. Mid-pack C rider at best, this will be the first time I have ever had suspension work done on any of my bikes, so I have no point of reference on what company I would prefer, minus maybe who might give me the best deal.

I posted a similiar topic on Thumper Talk, and about 95% of the responses were to go with Factory Connection. So I figured I'd get some opinions here on Vital.

Any and all responses are greatly appreciated, thanks!
mxb2 wrote:
what part of the country do you live, imo factory connection, great work, great customer service. just got my suspension back from, hope to use it...
what part of the country do you live, imo factory connection, great work, great customer service. just got my suspension back from, hope to use it soon when weather breaks. shoot me a email i can give you some good info. if you want..Wgoske@yahoo.com thanks billy.
I live in North Carolina, I'll shoot you an email and get the low-down from you on your recent suspensh work. thanks dude.

The Shop

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CarlinoJoeVideo
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CarlinoJoeVideo 3/7/2014 7:19am
3/7/2014 7:19am
I live in Oregon and just got my suspension done at factory connections new location in Portland. I would definitely reccomend them! Very nice people and very helpful.
mxb2
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mxb2 3/7/2014 7:32am
3/7/2014 7:32am
andres247 wrote:
I'm getting ready to come back to the states from Afghanistan and when I do I will be getting my suspension done/re-valved from one of said...
I'm getting ready to come back to the states from Afghanistan and when I do I will be getting my suspension done/re-valved from one of said 4 companies. I have a 2013 Honda CRF450. Mid-pack C rider at best, this will be the first time I have ever had suspension work done on any of my bikes, so I have no point of reference on what company I would prefer, minus maybe who might give me the best deal.

I posted a similiar topic on Thumper Talk, and about 95% of the responses were to go with Factory Connection. So I figured I'd get some opinions here on Vital.

Any and all responses are greatly appreciated, thanks!
mxb2 wrote:
what part of the country do you live, imo factory connection, great work, great customer service. just got my suspension back from, hope to use it...
what part of the country do you live, imo factory connection, great work, great customer service. just got my suspension back from, hope to use it soon when weather breaks. shoot me a email i can give you some good info. if you want..Wgoske@yahoo.com thanks billy.
andres247 wrote:
I live in North Carolina, I'll shoot you an email and get the low-down from you on your recent suspensh work. thanks dude.
cool, or u can text or hit my cell .301-801-1987
CamP
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CamP 3/7/2014 8:37am
3/7/2014 8:37am
If you are an average 175# mid pack novice, a re-valve will be a good way to blow $750.
andres247
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andres247 3/7/2014 9:28am
3/7/2014 9:28am
Well I've decided to go w/ Factory Connection, after calling them, they are nearly half the price Mitch and the boys out at Pro Circuit quoted me. Factory Connection said, $650 minus shippping and handling. So I'm guessing when all is said and done around $700-750 for some freshly re-valved and re-sprung Factory Connection suspensh to show up at my door step.

All in all I have to say I'm pretty stoked on it, it will be my first time ever having suspension re-done and set up to my ablility level/height and weight.

I would like to say thanks to all who took the time to offer their insight and opinions/experience on this subject.

So boys, thank you! Stay safe, keep her on two wheels, and right side up.
DTHA70
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DTHA70 3/7/2014 11:57am
3/7/2014 11:57am
i used factory connection a few years ago and after sending it back 3 times to make it stiffer every time, i asked for my money back. they threw stock honda valves and shims back in and i gave it to a local guy here in phoenix who understood how extreme a setup i needed, it was damn near perfect the first time around and we just changed oil level and weights around and its amazing. im a B class speed(on my best days) 280lb guy and im about 6'2. i can understand how FC couldnt get it setup becuase they probably dont have any data for a guy like me.

just my $0.02
coastie44
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coastie44 3/7/2014 1:24pm
3/7/2014 1:24pm
CamP wrote:
If you are an average 175# mid pack novice, a re-valve will be a good way to blow $750.
???

I'm 175# vet int (MX only) which is probably mid-pack 450 novice speed here in California. Every bike I have gets revalved. I usually try and ride the bike for a good 5-10 hrs first so I can vet out what might need to be changed for me. I always hope I can just leave it stock but every time I have been MUCH happier with the revalved results.

I've ridden the '13 Honda and for sure would revalve it too.
mxb2
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mxb2 3/7/2014 1:41pm
3/7/2014 1:41pm Edited Date/Time 3/7/2014 3:30pm
CamP wrote:
If you are an average 175# mid pack novice, a re-valve will be a good way to blow $750.
coastie44 wrote:
??? I'm 175# vet int (MX only) which is probably mid-pack 450 novice speed here in California. Every bike I have gets revalved. I usually try...
???

I'm 175# vet int (MX only) which is probably mid-pack 450 novice speed here in California. Every bike I have gets revalved. I usually try and ride the bike for a good 5-10 hrs first so I can vet out what might need to be changed for me. I always hope I can just leave it stock but every time I have been MUCH happier with the revalved results.

I've ridden the '13 Honda and for sure would revalve it too.
Let the haters hate man, your money your decision, pretty sure people telling you to not waste your money have blown $$ at bars, weed, drugs, casino etc. or they have not ridden a bike with real good suspension,
CamP
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CamP 3/7/2014 3:48pm
3/7/2014 3:48pm
Not a hater, just being pragmatic. Generally, re-valves become more necessary when the rider's weight requires different spring rates, and/or, they are very fast. The '13 CRF450 has pretty good suspension settings out of the crate, and a small shim shuffle isn't going to make a huge difference to a 175lb novice rider. Believe me, that $750 would be better spent on mx schools.
mxb2
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mxb2 3/7/2014 9:00pm
3/7/2014 9:00pm
CamP wrote:
Not a hater, just being pragmatic. Generally, re-valves become more necessary when the rider's weight requires different spring rates, and/or, they are very fast. The '13...
Not a hater, just being pragmatic. Generally, re-valves become more necessary when the rider's weight requires different spring rates, and/or, they are very fast. The '13 CRF450 has pretty good suspension settings out of the crate, and a small shim shuffle isn't going to make a huge difference to a 175lb novice rider. Believe me, that $750 would be better spent on mx schools.
Sounds like you have screwed over by aftermarket companies, most of your posts read, use oem, you dont need this or that,let a grown working person spend their $$ how they want.Believe it or not hardworking people like to spoil themselves, Life is short enjoy it. Lemme guess you think a timex is better than a rolex . lol
andres247
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andres247 3/7/2014 9:38pm
3/7/2014 9:38pm
CamP wrote:
Not a hater, just being pragmatic. Generally, re-valves become more necessary when the rider's weight requires different spring rates, and/or, they are very fast. The '13...
Not a hater, just being pragmatic. Generally, re-valves become more necessary when the rider's weight requires different spring rates, and/or, they are very fast. The '13 CRF450 has pretty good suspension settings out of the crate, and a small shim shuffle isn't going to make a huge difference to a 175lb novice rider. Believe me, that $750 would be better spent on mx schools.
well from what research I've done, and from talking to Pro Circuit and Factory Connection. A re-valve/re-spring should definetly benefit on my '13 CRF450. I'm an average height guy, but I am a little on the light side, I bounce between 155-160lbs. So I'm pretty sure I need different spring rates, along with a re-valve.

I would love to go Moto School, but being in the Army, (currently in Afghanistan), having a wife and three kids. The issue is more of a time thing than money thing.

I'm pretty sure if I told my wife I was going down to South of the Border for 2-4 days to go to a Motocross school and leave her home with my 15 yr old, 4 yr old, and 2 yr old, she would shoot me in the face w/ my glock when I got back!

Plus I've never had suspension set-up specifically for me, and its one of the many splurges I'm getting myself w/ my deployment money.

Who knows maybe one day, I can con the wife into letting me go to a Moto School. fingers crossed!
mxb2
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mxb2 3/7/2014 9:45pm
3/7/2014 9:45pm
CamP wrote:
Not a hater, just being pragmatic. Generally, re-valves become more necessary when the rider's weight requires different spring rates, and/or, they are very fast. The '13...
Not a hater, just being pragmatic. Generally, re-valves become more necessary when the rider's weight requires different spring rates, and/or, they are very fast. The '13 CRF450 has pretty good suspension settings out of the crate, and a small shim shuffle isn't going to make a huge difference to a 175lb novice rider. Believe me, that $750 would be better spent on mx schools.
andres247 wrote:
well from what research I've done, and from talking to Pro Circuit and Factory Connection. A re-valve/re-spring should definetly benefit on my '13 CRF450. I'm an...
well from what research I've done, and from talking to Pro Circuit and Factory Connection. A re-valve/re-spring should definetly benefit on my '13 CRF450. I'm an average height guy, but I am a little on the light side, I bounce between 155-160lbs. So I'm pretty sure I need different spring rates, along with a re-valve.

I would love to go Moto School, but being in the Army, (currently in Afghanistan), having a wife and three kids. The issue is more of a time thing than money thing.

I'm pretty sure if I told my wife I was going down to South of the Border for 2-4 days to go to a Motocross school and leave her home with my 15 yr old, 4 yr old, and 2 yr old, she would shoot me in the face w/ my glock when I got back!

Plus I've never had suspension set-up specifically for me, and its one of the many splurges I'm getting myself w/ my deployment money.

Who knows maybe one day, I can con the wife into letting me go to a Moto School. fingers crossed!
Told ya to hit me up man, probably could have helped w your fc stuff purchase.
andres247
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andres247 3/7/2014 9:56pm
3/7/2014 9:56pm
CamP wrote:
Not a hater, just being pragmatic. Generally, re-valves become more necessary when the rider's weight requires different spring rates, and/or, they are very fast. The '13...
Not a hater, just being pragmatic. Generally, re-valves become more necessary when the rider's weight requires different spring rates, and/or, they are very fast. The '13 CRF450 has pretty good suspension settings out of the crate, and a small shim shuffle isn't going to make a huge difference to a 175lb novice rider. Believe me, that $750 would be better spent on mx schools.
andres247 wrote:
well from what research I've done, and from talking to Pro Circuit and Factory Connection. A re-valve/re-spring should definetly benefit on my '13 CRF450. I'm an...
well from what research I've done, and from talking to Pro Circuit and Factory Connection. A re-valve/re-spring should definetly benefit on my '13 CRF450. I'm an average height guy, but I am a little on the light side, I bounce between 155-160lbs. So I'm pretty sure I need different spring rates, along with a re-valve.

I would love to go Moto School, but being in the Army, (currently in Afghanistan), having a wife and three kids. The issue is more of a time thing than money thing.

I'm pretty sure if I told my wife I was going down to South of the Border for 2-4 days to go to a Motocross school and leave her home with my 15 yr old, 4 yr old, and 2 yr old, she would shoot me in the face w/ my glock when I got back!

Plus I've never had suspension set-up specifically for me, and its one of the many splurges I'm getting myself w/ my deployment money.

Who knows maybe one day, I can con the wife into letting me go to a Moto School. fingers crossed!
mxb2 wrote:
Told ya to hit me up man, probably could have helped w your fc stuff purchase.
I'll def hit you up. I haven't made the FC purchase yet as I am still in Afcrapistan. I'll hit you up yer personal email today for sure, and we can rap further about this.

thanks for the heads up
CamP
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CamP 3/8/2014 6:35am
3/8/2014 6:35am Edited Date/Time 3/8/2014 6:39am
CamP wrote:
Not a hater, just being pragmatic. Generally, re-valves become more necessary when the rider's weight requires different spring rates, and/or, they are very fast. The '13...
Not a hater, just being pragmatic. Generally, re-valves become more necessary when the rider's weight requires different spring rates, and/or, they are very fast. The '13 CRF450 has pretty good suspension settings out of the crate, and a small shim shuffle isn't going to make a huge difference to a 175lb novice rider. Believe me, that $750 would be better spent on mx schools.
mxb2 wrote:
Sounds like you have screwed over by aftermarket companies, most of your posts read, use oem, you dont need this or that,let a grown working person...
Sounds like you have screwed over by aftermarket companies, most of your posts read, use oem, you dont need this or that,let a grown working person spend their $$ how they want.Believe it or not hardworking people like to spoil themselves, Life is short enjoy it. Lemme guess you think a timex is better than a rolex . lol
No, just my opinion based on 35 years of racing. The biggest improvements in my riding didn't come from bolt-on widgets or expensive modification services.

3 days with Gary Bailey shaved 4 seconds off my lap times when I was a young 125 intermediate. That was the best money I ever spent, and it still benefits me today. After my skills improved, my need for better suspension increased. Having someone else do that work is a game of pin the tail on the donkey. The best results come from learning about suspension setup yourself and having a local tuner make the changes that "you" tell him to make.
xnationalwrench 3/8/2014 8:55am
3/8/2014 8:55am Edited Date/Time 3/8/2014 8:56am
You might be better off with local suspension guy that can see how you ride rather than a shop that just goes by notes... KEEP YOUR BUTT DOWN till you get home!!

Pit Row

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rocketsocks26 3/8/2014 2:55pm
3/8/2014 2:55pm
Andres247 your gna love your stuff from f/c. They do excellent work and stand behind what they do. I always dealt with zach in fc east. I road a buddys 13 ktm 450 stuff and came away very impressed.
bd
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bd 3/8/2014 4:04pm
3/8/2014 4:04pm
CamP.... the greatest hop up I have ever done was doing the Ryno MX class for three days. Best money in bike - fresh tires, air filter, bar bend you feel most comfortable, fresh oil in forks and shocks.

I weigh 151 lbs - some bikes I need to dial in.
Skerby
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Skerby 3/10/2014 11:21am
3/10/2014 11:21am Edited Date/Time 3/10/2014 11:23am
NVM
seanmx57
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seanmx57 3/10/2014 8:04pm
3/10/2014 8:04pm
Nobody knows hondas better than FC. They test constantly and the settings show results in the fast class.

I do gotta agree with CamP, the stock stuff isn't what holds anyone back in the C class. Turn the hammer if you wanna go faster and learn how to set up the stock boingers. That being said, if $$ are no object go for it, pretty sure that it will only get better.
Tombstoneman34 3/11/2014 3:49am
3/11/2014 3:49am
andres247

Thank you for your service to our Country
andres247
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andres247 3/11/2014 10:28pm
3/11/2014 10:28pm
Tombstoneman34 wrote:
andres247

Thank you for your service to our Country
thank you Tombstone34 for the kind words, kind and appreciative people make serving this Country very rewarding, especially when it comes from fellow a moto lover.
mxracer47y
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mxracer47y 4/11/2014 2:03am
4/11/2014 2:03am
I'm a novice rider about 195 lbs I've had all kinds of 250s and 450s including Tommy hahns 2008 rockstar suzuki with showa a kit and the best thing i ever did was have fc set up my suspension on my last 2010 rmz 450 it made a world of a difference and i felt way more confident all in all a good $600 spent .... ( but the A kit probably would of been awesome had it been set up for my weight and ability even with my 40 lbs over what it was set up for it was still super duty stiff )
ApexAZ
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ApexAZ 4/8/2015 12:15pm
4/8/2015 12:15pm
DTHA70 wrote:
i used factory connection a few years ago and after sending it back 3 times to make it stiffer every time, i asked for my money...
i used factory connection a few years ago and after sending it back 3 times to make it stiffer every time, i asked for my money back. they threw stock honda valves and shims back in and i gave it to a local guy here in phoenix who understood how extreme a setup i needed, it was damn near perfect the first time around and we just changed oil level and weights around and its amazing. im a B class speed(on my best days) 280lb guy and im about 6'2. i can understand how FC couldnt get it setup becuase they probably dont have any data for a guy like me.

just my $0.02
Can you share who you used and how much it cost? I'm in the east valley.

Thanks!
mxb2
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mxb2 4/8/2015 1:10pm
4/8/2015 1:10pm
DTHA70 wrote:
i used factory connection a few years ago and after sending it back 3 times to make it stiffer every time, i asked for my money...
i used factory connection a few years ago and after sending it back 3 times to make it stiffer every time, i asked for my money back. they threw stock honda valves and shims back in and i gave it to a local guy here in phoenix who understood how extreme a setup i needed, it was damn near perfect the first time around and we just changed oil level and weights around and its amazing. im a B class speed(on my best days) 280lb guy and im about 6'2. i can understand how FC couldnt get it setup becuase they probably dont have any data for a guy like me.

just my $0.02
ApexAZ wrote:
Can you share who you used and how much it cost? I'm in the east valley.

Thanks!
If you are interested in factory connection , shoot me a email , Wgoske@yahoo.com, or my cell 301-801-1987 thanks billy
Kartwheel
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Kartwheel 4/8/2015 1:31pm
4/8/2015 1:31pm
I have a 2013 CRF450R and own a suspension shop in Australia, you will gain a big improvement with a good set up. The stock forks are very average and the shock not a whole lot better but can be made to work really well and I'm pretty sure FC will have it dialled
Craig_Lambrecht 4/8/2015 1:56pm
4/8/2015 1:56pm
Donnie Coaly. RC Suspension. ALL DAY!!!
Justin345
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Justin345 4/9/2015 4:09am
4/9/2015 4:09am
Kartwheel wrote:
I have a 2013 CRF450R and own a suspension shop in Australia, you will gain a big improvement with a good set up. The stock forks...
I have a 2013 CRF450R and own a suspension shop in Australia, you will gain a big improvement with a good set up. The stock forks are very average and the shock not a whole lot better but can be made to work really well and I'm pretty sure FC will have it dialled
Kartwheel - I just sent you an email about older model Showa A kit kashima tubes, check your gmail.

This thread is really old - hope the OP got back home safe and is happy rocking his revalved suspension.

Post a reply to: suspension re-valve: Pro Circuit, Factory Connection, ENZO, or Race Tech?