Best Suspension shop for HONDA 450R

Mickolobe7
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Chicago, IL, USA
Edited Date/Time 9/1/2014 8:21pm
I have want to send out my suspension for my 08 Crf 450.
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pete24
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8/31/2014 9:17am
FC
mxb2
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8/31/2014 9:23am
pete24 wrote:
FC
x2 on fc.
mrquick
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8/31/2014 10:30am
RG3 hands down...rode them both and the difference is like crap and ice cream.

The Shop

kiwifan
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8/31/2014 12:52pm
FC for me
Mickolobe7
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8/31/2014 1:16pm
I know that FC is good. But isn't RG3 on the next level.

I haven't been In MX for the last 10+ years. I was Stunting street bike for 10 years then got rid of everything got married and had 2 babies and my son is on a PW50 and like a week later picked up a CRF 450r and been on it for the last couple of months. I have did a ton of mods and want to rip her down over the winter and have the suspension done and I think the bike will be complete. I love the bike a lot can see selling it for awhile if I sell it at all. Maybe a couple of years I will pick up a new bike.

Once I get it the suspension done it should be good for a few years?
Joko
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Fantasy
8/31/2014 1:49pm
I used MB1, like the results alot. also see the latest MXA, they used MB1 with great review.
bigborefan
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8/31/2014 2:57pm
You live in Chicago, why not go and see Jeremy at MX-Tech? You can drive them down and drop them off in person. Save on shipping cost.
MX455
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8/31/2014 3:14pm
mrquick wrote:
RG3 hands down...rode them both and the difference is like crap and ice cream.
So RG3 got lucky with you on the first try or you had history with them. FC will work with you until your set up is better then you thought it could be. Plus they might know a thing about Honda's.

Mickolobe7 - Call each company and see what you think. FYI ask them about the link, it makes a BIG difference.

Good luck.
jtiger12
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Forest H Ill, MD, USA
8/31/2014 5:52pm
I like my fc stuff, but I got everything in it short of switching to b kit. Heard mb1 does great stuff with the twin chamber showas
Brent
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8/31/2014 6:07pm
Jeremy Wilkey did mine 13 years ago, when nobody knew Mx Tech, he is very responsive and skilled. I should try him again soon.

Everybody has a favorite, I had two Crf 450's done by FC and they were harsh in the mid stroke even after several return trips for adjustment. At the time the were really busy, so who knows if their workload had anything to do with it.

Enzo is the place I've had the most success with, but everyone has a different experience I guess.
Mickolobe7
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8/31/2014 6:17pm
bigborefan wrote:
You live in Chicago, why not go and see Jeremy at MX-Tech? You can drive them down and drop them off in person. Save on shipping...
You live in Chicago, why not go and see Jeremy at MX-Tech? You can drive them down and drop them off in person. Save on shipping cost.
I appreciate all the feedback.

Bigbore Ya Mx tech is about 40-45 mins from me I haven't dealt with them personally a lot of guys around here have Mx Tech do there suspension set up and are happy. But have not really talked to anyone that really said yes go there they will take care of you super happy.

Anyone here use MX TECH?
Mickolobe7
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8/31/2014 6:20pm
What do you guys think of the Fork and shock shaft Coating. Think its work it?
8/31/2014 6:23pm
MX-TECH has a good rep. It sure will be easier to have them redone, if you're not happy with them after they valve them. I have been using ENZO for a long time and wouldn't take my stuff anywhere else, but I don't live in Chicago either....
8/31/2014 6:25pm
Mickolobe7 wrote:
What do you guys think of the Fork and shock shaft Coating. Think its work it?
It looks pretty and the DLC lower coatings will help from getting nicks in the tubes, since the DLC is harder than the chrome. Other than that, it will not help you go any faster....
Bultaco
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Planet, VT, USA
8/31/2014 6:27pm
You will get the best results no matter where you send your suspenders if you take notes on what works now, what does not work, what you are looking to improve. When I sent my stuff to FC (bunch of years ago) I included a couple of pages of observations about what my suspension was doing. The result was the best suspension I've ever ridden.

And I second the others about FC knowing Honda.
Mickolobe7
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8/31/2014 6:42pm
Langhammx wrote:
MX-TECH has a good rep. It sure will be easier to have them redone, if you're not happy with them after they valve them. I have...
MX-TECH has a good rep. It sure will be easier to have them redone, if you're not happy with them after they valve them. I have been using ENZO for a long time and wouldn't take my stuff anywhere else, but I don't live in Chicago either....
Yes you are right he is at the local track know and then so If I have them do it and not happy with it Im sure he be more than happy to adjust or help out when I ever need something. I totally forgot about them. Like I said its been over 10 years since I ever needed to get work done on a bike.
bigborefan
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8/31/2014 7:14pm Edited Date/Time 8/31/2014 7:15pm
I had MX-Tech rebuild my stuff last summer, no revalve though. He seems pretty legit to me.

Jeff Slavens is a hot shot factory mechanic/tuner from CO. Jeff no longer does suspension. He sends folks to Jeremy now.

I just drove my stuff up and dropped it off. Shipping is not cheap these days.

I think like some have said, the more you can tell them what you want, what works, what doesn't work, the better.

Id save the money on the fancy coatings. Buy lots of tires instead.

Mickolobe7
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8/31/2014 7:41pm
bigborefan wrote:
I had MX-Tech rebuild my stuff last summer, no revalve though. He seems pretty legit to me. Jeff Slavens is a hot shot factory mechanic/tuner from...
I had MX-Tech rebuild my stuff last summer, no revalve though. He seems pretty legit to me.

Jeff Slavens is a hot shot factory mechanic/tuner from CO. Jeff no longer does suspension. He sends folks to Jeremy now.

I just drove my stuff up and dropped it off. Shipping is not cheap these days.

I think like some have said, the more you can tell them what you want, what works, what doesn't work, the better.

Id save the money on the fancy coatings. Buy lots of tires instead.

Cool thanks for the feedback. I think I'm going to give him a call.
mrquick
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8/31/2014 7:43pm
mrquick wrote:
RG3 hands down...rode them both and the difference is like crap and ice cream.
MX455 wrote:
So RG3 got lucky with you on the first try or you had history with them. FC will work with you until your set up is...
So RG3 got lucky with you on the first try or you had history with them. FC will work with you until your set up is better then you thought it could be. Plus they might know a thing about Honda's.

Mickolobe7 - Call each company and see what you think. FYI ask them about the link, it makes a BIG difference.

Good luck.
Never had a history with RG3 but I got tired of FC and the back and forth. First try with RG3 was
way better than FC ever was. FC can't get the harshness out of the forks and if you think they can
you are in denial. Ask anybody who the best hockey player of all time was and they all will say wayne gretsky.
just like FC is the only one people will know and recommend.

Have you ever tried RG3 or do you use FC and that's your only selling point?

The worst thing you can do is assume that FC knows more about Hondas.
Chose a company that knows more about suspension.
Mickolobe7
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8/31/2014 7:52pm
I appreciate your guys honest feedback and looking out for my best interest. Thats why I asked to hear who I should go to and who has been through this before because I would like to avoid the back and forth with a company. Good stuff!
MX455
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9/1/2014 7:21am
mrquick wrote:
Never had a history with RG3 but I got tired of FC and the back and forth. First try with RG3 was way better than FC...
Never had a history with RG3 but I got tired of FC and the back and forth. First try with RG3 was
way better than FC ever was. FC can't get the harshness out of the forks and if you think they can
you are in denial. Ask anybody who the best hockey player of all time was and they all will say wayne gretsky.
just like FC is the only one people will know and recommend.

Have you ever tried RG3 or do you use FC and that's your only selling point?

The worst thing you can do is assume that FC knows more about Hondas.
Chose a company that knows more about suspension.
Yes I use FC and have for a long time, since 1998. Once I made it to the A class I had a few companies offer me a better deal so i switched, then switched again and again. I tired 3 different companies, how much better could they be right? For 2 years I struggled with different things including harshness that I NEVER had an issue. Then I needed some work done asap and my sponsor wasn't able to get it done in time. I made a few calls and FC called me right back. I had a long talk with them over the phone about things that i had been struggling with and the changes we made to try and fix them. They told me to come right down and they would fix it up AND would honor my sponsor deal from 2 years prior. That bike was awesome after that. So yes i am bias but it's due to my experience with them. I bet you had a similar experience with RG3. My guess would be that you called RG3 and told them every little detail about the issues and changes that you made and they hit the nail on the head. But would they have if you didn't go through those issues with FC? I doubt it.

FC set themselves apart with their communication and that they were always willing to try and make it better. The others got it to a certain point, had their money and they were done. ***For the record RG3 was not one of them.

For the most part, all the bigger named suspension companies do a great job, the more detailed you are about what you want, what you don't like and what your current bike is doing the better the end result will be. Which is why I told Mickolobe7 to call and speak with both of them. But to say FC is crap compared to RG3 is ridiculous,

Is RG3 better? Maybe but I will ALWAYS recommend a company that has gone above and beyond to helped me out in the past, in this case that is Factory Connection.

mx295
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9/1/2014 8:14am
Graeme Brough.
mx_563
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9/1/2014 12:22pm
Factory Connection
bish153
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Frisco, TX, USA
9/1/2014 6:39pm
Not sure of your riding level or knowledge of suspension set up, but sending it off is just part of it. Once you get it back you need to dial it in for your riding ability. There is a benefit of finding someone local, a lot of times they will come to the track and help you set it up properly. Also when it comes time to maintain and service the same person is working on your shit and they are close by. As far as the big companies go, I really like enzo and have actually had a great experience with merge racing recently. In my opinion any tier one company is going to do a good work, just depends on if you liking blowing extra money.
Mickolobe7
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9/1/2014 8:21pm
bish153 wrote:
Not sure of your riding level or knowledge of suspension set up, but sending it off is just part of it. Once you get it back...
Not sure of your riding level or knowledge of suspension set up, but sending it off is just part of it. Once you get it back you need to dial it in for your riding ability. There is a benefit of finding someone local, a lot of times they will come to the track and help you set it up properly. Also when it comes time to maintain and service the same person is working on your shit and they are close by. As far as the big companies go, I really like enzo and have actually had a great experience with merge racing recently. In my opinion any tier one company is going to do a good work, just depends on if you liking blowing extra money.
MX tech is not far so I think I'm going to go with him. Im going to give him a call this week. What do you mean when you say blowing extra money, on big shop names?

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