Choosing a suspension shop

Headshake
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Hartford, CT, USA
Headshake
Edited Date/Time 1/14/2015 9:51am
I am considering having my YZ250 suspension revalved and have a couple questions about how to choose a suspension shop. I have used big suspension companies in the past and have been satisfied for the most part with the results. I am considering using a local company for the first time to work on this YZ but I’m a little nervous in doing so.

I guess my question is; how do the small shops get their settings for different size/skill level riders? I’m assuming that a single man shop does not go out and do a ton of actual testing on new bikes when they come out or revise settings on a machine like the YZ. Are they basing their settings on guessing what should work in theory or am I missing something? Am I out of line in asking a potential shop about how they come to determine their settings?

Any input you guys have on using small or local suspension guys would be helpful. I like the idea of being able to talk to the guy working on my stuff face-to-face and also being able to have things tweaked without shipping it out.
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pete24
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pete24 1/13/2015 7:23am
1/13/2015 7:23am
dont waste you money most "locals" are going to make your yz worse than stock, go directly to FC end of story
lumpy790
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lumpy790 1/13/2015 7:44am
1/13/2015 7:44am Edited Date/Time 1/13/2015 7:46am
every large suspension shop was a small local suspension shop at one time.

Every local suspension shop is out testing with local riders on your local tracks to come up their own settings.

rmartin517
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rmartin517 1/13/2015 8:05am
1/13/2015 8:05am
Enzo do alot of Yamaha stuff. Seem to be very knowledgeable with the SSS.
Riesenberg448 1/13/2015 8:09am
1/13/2015 8:09am
Headshake wrote:
I am considering having my YZ250 suspension revalved and have a couple questions about how to choose a suspension shop. I have used big suspension companies...
I am considering having my YZ250 suspension revalved and have a couple questions about how to choose a suspension shop. I have used big suspension companies in the past and have been satisfied for the most part with the results. I am considering using a local company for the first time to work on this YZ but I’m a little nervous in doing so.

I guess my question is; how do the small shops get their settings for different size/skill level riders? I’m assuming that a single man shop does not go out and do a ton of actual testing on new bikes when they come out or revise settings on a machine like the YZ. Are they basing their settings on guessing what should work in theory or am I missing something? Am I out of line in asking a potential shop about how they come to determine their settings?

Any input you guys have on using small or local suspension guys would be helpful. I like the idea of being able to talk to the guy working on my stuff face-to-face and also being able to have things tweaked without shipping it out.
When looking at a local suspension tuner, you really just need to do your research. Ask around the local tracks and it is pretty easy to get a feel for what others have experienced. Generally, if a local shop has been around 8+ years doing it, they are doing something right. A lot come in hot, make a lot of people angry, and leave. If you aren't doing good work and treating your customers right, it is hard to last.

I see it says you're in CT. If you are interested, talk with Eric Block from Manchester Honda/KTM - he's our local Race Tech Center there. You will get to work with Eric locally to dial your stuff in, but Eric has full access to all of our Race Tech settings and data from the hundreds of setups we do each month. If you'd like, shoot me an email and I can do an intro for you to Eric. chris@racetech.com.

The Shop

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respect_the_beast 1/13/2015 8:48am
1/13/2015 8:48am
I had good luck with Craig Decker's Enzo shop in Texas. '09 YZ125.
Matt Fisher 1/13/2015 9:15am
1/13/2015 9:15am
Headshake wrote:
I am considering having my YZ250 suspension revalved and have a couple questions about how to choose a suspension shop. I have used big suspension companies...
I am considering having my YZ250 suspension revalved and have a couple questions about how to choose a suspension shop. I have used big suspension companies in the past and have been satisfied for the most part with the results. I am considering using a local company for the first time to work on this YZ but I’m a little nervous in doing so.

I guess my question is; how do the small shops get their settings for different size/skill level riders? I’m assuming that a single man shop does not go out and do a ton of actual testing on new bikes when they come out or revise settings on a machine like the YZ. Are they basing their settings on guessing what should work in theory or am I missing something? Am I out of line in asking a potential shop about how they come to determine their settings?

Any input you guys have on using small or local suspension guys would be helpful. I like the idea of being able to talk to the guy working on my stuff face-to-face and also being able to have things tweaked without shipping it out.
Riesenberg448 wrote:
When looking at a local suspension tuner, you really just need to do your research. Ask around the local tracks and it is pretty easy to...
When looking at a local suspension tuner, you really just need to do your research. Ask around the local tracks and it is pretty easy to get a feel for what others have experienced. Generally, if a local shop has been around 8+ years doing it, they are doing something right. A lot come in hot, make a lot of people angry, and leave. If you aren't doing good work and treating your customers right, it is hard to last.

I see it says you're in CT. If you are interested, talk with Eric Block from Manchester Honda/KTM - he's our local Race Tech Center there. You will get to work with Eric locally to dial your stuff in, but Eric has full access to all of our Race Tech settings and data from the hundreds of setups we do each month. If you'd like, shoot me an email and I can do an intro for you to Eric. chris@racetech.com.

This ^
Dragoo168
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Dragoo168 1/13/2015 9:46am
1/13/2015 9:46am
The benefit to using the bigger companies is that they have a large database that gives them more diversity in selecting a good set-up per rider/conditions, as well as what adjustments and characteristics have been learned about the popular suspensions/components in various race situations, as well as fine tuning to the casual rider. As far as using a shop that utilizes products such as Race Tech, then you'll be just fine, as they offer the same quality. What you should be leary of, is the guys that do it by shuffling shims, making mid-valves into check valves, and attacking parts with die grinders, just because they know it'll feel different, and a lot of times, a customer falsly thinks his suspension is better, just because it feels different. Remember, that the suspension companies themselves didn't just slap together parts to hold the bike together, and they spend a lot of time with R&D,...You want someone to fine tune your ride, not reinvent it.
colson973
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colson973 1/13/2015 9:53am
1/13/2015 9:53am
Riesenberg448 wrote:
When looking at a local suspension tuner, you really just need to do your research. Ask around the local tracks and it is pretty easy to...
When looking at a local suspension tuner, you really just need to do your research. Ask around the local tracks and it is pretty easy to get a feel for what others have experienced. Generally, if a local shop has been around 8+ years doing it, they are doing something right. A lot come in hot, make a lot of people angry, and leave. If you aren't doing good work and treating your customers right, it is hard to last.

I see it says you're in CT. If you are interested, talk with Eric Block from Manchester Honda/KTM - he's our local Race Tech Center there. You will get to work with Eric locally to dial your stuff in, but Eric has full access to all of our Race Tech settings and data from the hundreds of setups we do each month. If you'd like, shoot me an email and I can do an intro for you to Eric. chris@racetech.com.

^^ You get what you pay for. Finding a local race tech center is always a solid bet. Local support with no shipping while also getting the parts and set up experience from one of the best and biggest suspension companies in the world. Great stuff
Headshake
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Headshake 1/13/2015 10:39am
1/13/2015 10:39am
Riesenberg448 wrote:
When looking at a local suspension tuner, you really just need to do your research. Ask around the local tracks and it is pretty easy to...
When looking at a local suspension tuner, you really just need to do your research. Ask around the local tracks and it is pretty easy to get a feel for what others have experienced. Generally, if a local shop has been around 8+ years doing it, they are doing something right. A lot come in hot, make a lot of people angry, and leave. If you aren't doing good work and treating your customers right, it is hard to last.

I see it says you're in CT. If you are interested, talk with Eric Block from Manchester Honda/KTM - he's our local Race Tech Center there. You will get to work with Eric locally to dial your stuff in, but Eric has full access to all of our Race Tech settings and data from the hundreds of setups we do each month. If you'd like, shoot me an email and I can do an intro for you to Eric. chris@racetech.com.

Thanks for the information Chris. I was not aware that Manchester Honda/KTM was a Race Tech Center. I will definitely consider that as an option.
Headshake
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Hartford, CT, USA
Headshake 1/13/2015 10:46am
1/13/2015 10:46am
Dragoo168 wrote:
The benefit to using the bigger companies is that they have a large database that gives them more diversity in selecting a good set-up per rider/conditions...
The benefit to using the bigger companies is that they have a large database that gives them more diversity in selecting a good set-up per rider/conditions, as well as what adjustments and characteristics have been learned about the popular suspensions/components in various race situations, as well as fine tuning to the casual rider. As far as using a shop that utilizes products such as Race Tech, then you'll be just fine, as they offer the same quality. What you should be leary of, is the guys that do it by shuffling shims, making mid-valves into check valves, and attacking parts with die grinders, just because they know it'll feel different, and a lot of times, a customer falsly thinks his suspension is better, just because it feels different. Remember, that the suspension companies themselves didn't just slap together parts to hold the bike together, and they spend a lot of time with R&D,...You want someone to fine tune your ride, not reinvent it.
Your comment about guys changing stuff around just to make it different is what concerns me. I appreciate the information.
Team Ideal
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Team Ideal 1/13/2015 6:40pm
1/13/2015 6:40pm Edited Date/Time 1/13/2015 6:46pm
Take your time and find a local guy that works with local riders. He should be at some of your local races so if you have an issue he can help. Hopefully you can find one within an hour or so drive and be sure to go there and check his place out. Someone local that is good will beat the big guys almost every time. We use JM Racing Illinois and I'd put him up against anyone, but being he is near by and at most local races and goes to a lot of the bigger ones its a no brainer for us.
rocketsocks26 1/13/2015 6:46pm
1/13/2015 6:46pm
I agree with pete24, when I road yamis factorty connection had INSANE settings for them! And u literally dont have to leave your house! Im in nj if I send it monday I ll have it friday!
j368
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j368 1/13/2015 6:48pm
1/13/2015 6:48pm
Headshake wrote:
I am considering having my YZ250 suspension revalved and have a couple questions about how to choose a suspension shop. I have used big suspension companies...
I am considering having my YZ250 suspension revalved and have a couple questions about how to choose a suspension shop. I have used big suspension companies in the past and have been satisfied for the most part with the results. I am considering using a local company for the first time to work on this YZ but I’m a little nervous in doing so.

I guess my question is; how do the small shops get their settings for different size/skill level riders? I’m assuming that a single man shop does not go out and do a ton of actual testing on new bikes when they come out or revise settings on a machine like the YZ. Are they basing their settings on guessing what should work in theory or am I missing something? Am I out of line in asking a potential shop about how they come to determine their settings?

Any input you guys have on using small or local suspension guys would be helpful. I like the idea of being able to talk to the guy working on my stuff face-to-face and also being able to have things tweaked without shipping it out.
Riesenberg448 wrote:
When looking at a local suspension tuner, you really just need to do your research. Ask around the local tracks and it is pretty easy to...
When looking at a local suspension tuner, you really just need to do your research. Ask around the local tracks and it is pretty easy to get a feel for what others have experienced. Generally, if a local shop has been around 8+ years doing it, they are doing something right. A lot come in hot, make a lot of people angry, and leave. If you aren't doing good work and treating your customers right, it is hard to last.

I see it says you're in CT. If you are interested, talk with Eric Block from Manchester Honda/KTM - he's our local Race Tech Center there. You will get to work with Eric locally to dial your stuff in, but Eric has full access to all of our Race Tech settings and data from the hundreds of setups we do each month. If you'd like, shoot me an email and I can do an intro for you to Eric. chris@racetech.com.

Why is it that your spring rate calculator insists on me going with softer springs for a Vet B MX rider on a '14 CRF250R? Should be going stiffer with a 170lb rider.
Skerby
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Skerby 1/14/2015 9:51am
1/14/2015 9:51am
I've had better luck with local shops than I did with the big names.

It's a lot easier to change settings when the shop is less than an hour from your house, it's also a lot easier to get better deals.

EVO in kittitas county Washington made my YZ250 way awesome.

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