How many factory guys running air forks?

TeamGreen
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8/30/2015 10:26am
Mit12 wrote:
ML512, Who do you work for To be able to claim that you have held all those factory riders forks apart in your hands? "Your words"...
ML512,

Who do you work for To be able to claim that you have held all those factory riders forks apart in your hands? "Your words" not mine.

I call BS on that list and your statement! If you can prove othewise I will apologize. For now I say BS. Nice list though.
GuyB wrote:
Mit, don't be a twit. Before starting to work at Vital, Michael spent a ton of time at Enzo. When we were thinking about hiring him...
Mit, don't be a twit. Before starting to work at Vital, Michael spent a ton of time at Enzo. When we were thinking about hiring him, Ross Maeda pulled me aside at the San Diego Supercross and asked, "You're going to hire Michael, right? He's made for that job."

Ross was right.
Mit12 wrote:
ML512
I would like to extend my apologies to you for my comments about your expertise and knowledge.
A gentleman with good form.

Nice
Mit12
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8/30/2015 11:24am
GuyB wrote:
Mit, don't be a twit. Before starting to work at Vital, Michael spent a ton of time at Enzo. When we were thinking about hiring him...
Mit, don't be a twit. Before starting to work at Vital, Michael spent a ton of time at Enzo. When we were thinking about hiring him, Ross Maeda pulled me aside at the San Diego Supercross and asked, "You're going to hire Michael, right? He's made for that job."

Ross was right.
Mit12 wrote:
ML512
I would like to extend my apologies to you for my comments about your expertise and knowledge.
ML512 wrote:
Apology accepted, thanks for coming back on to the forum. Smile
Sorry it has taken so long I was on vacation in Aruba.
ML512
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8/30/2015 11:29am
Mit12 wrote:
Sorry it has taken so long I was on vacation in Aruba.
Okay, now I hate you. Laughing I've never been to an island vacation spot... one of those bucket list things I need to get around to. Smile
ML512
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8/30/2015 11:52am
Heck no! Winter is the best here! I just want it to pour rain so I can go in the hills or desert to make new tracks. Evil

The Shop

imoto34
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8/30/2015 4:42pm
Just wanted to say to ML512, your job sounds fing sweet! And i am VERY jealous.
Rotaholic
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8/30/2015 10:54pm
ML512 for a weekend warrior that wants the best suspension he can get, would you suggest revalved showa twin springs forks, revalved showa SFF forks, revlaved showa TAC forks or complete ohlins set up. All sprung for my weight etc, I cant decide what way to go with my new bike.

Sorry for thread derail
1/4/2016 4:26pm
ML512 wrote:
Please remove the damn tin foil hats! Considering I've held most of them apart in my hands, I'll give you the list... I'll keep adding as...
Please remove the damn tin foil hats! Considering I've held most of them apart in my hands, I'll give you the list...

I'll keep adding as I remember...

Showa SFF TAC forks:
Josh Grant (since joining Factory Kawasaki.. he had the option and he's now on air)
Wil Hahn
Davi Millsaps (during SX at Kawi, now testing air forks at KTM)
Cole Seely for SX and part of outdoors (now he's on the KYB PSF1 air fork)
Chris Alldredge
Adam Cianciarulo
Tyler Bowers
Arnaud Tonus
Joey Savatgy
James Stewart
Blake Baggett (has tested Spring forks this season, but has always chose to race on air)
Ken Roczen all of SX and up until the last three outdoors
Broc Tickle
Tommy Hahn
Fredrick Noren
Rocky Mountain Honda SX team
Nick Gaines
Tony Archer
Kyle Peters
Cole Nichols
Justin Starling
Jake Weimer
Dakota Tedder

KYB PSF1 Forks:
Cooper Webb
Jeremy Martin
Alex Martin
Aaron Plessinger
Justin Barcia
Weston Peick
Phil Nicoletti
Trey Canard
Eli Tomac
Cole Seely (switched mid-outdoors from Showa TAC)
Jordon Smith
RJ Hampshire
Justin Bogle
Malcolm Stewart
Matt Bisceglia
Christian Craig
Luke Renzland
Michael Leib
Josh Hill (in SX before injury)
Killy Rusk
Strikt Slaton Yamaha team
Barns Pro Yamaha team

WP Air forks:
Andrew Short

Showa twin chamber spring forks:
Chad Reed
Josh Grant (while at TwoTwo)
Ken Roczen (final four rounds of the outdoor season)
Kyle Cunningham (I think)
Nick Schmidt
Nick Wey

KYB spring forks:
None at the top level that are coming to mind...
have you got an up to date list of what the riders are using for 2016????

also have you got any tips for the rmz 450 2016 air forks...... eg setup for UK tracks, also getting used to them after riding ktm for many years,,,,

cheers
1/4/2016 4:49pm
has been wrote:
ML512, have you used the showa app and if so, how well does it work?
ML512 wrote:
I was peaking at it the other day when one of the Showa guys was showing it to me. I haven't personally played with it, but...
I was peaking at it the other day when one of the Showa guys was showing it to me. I haven't personally played with it, but it looks fairly refined. I might goof around with it tomorrow if I take a bike with TAC to the track.
Are any riders running the new showa rear shock. The type of shock thay was on the works Japanese rmz 250 you rode? I know bagget was running it for a while atleast before he got hurt. JS7 was running it at straight rythmn and I think mec. But looks like he went back to original shock.
1/4/2016 5:54pm Edited Date/Time 1/4/2016 5:54pm
This has been the most interesting topic I've read in quite a while.
I know the pro's air forks are way diff than my revalved psf1's on my Honda, but iI have to admit...they're pretty darn good for me... much better than my revalved kyb's on my 05 kx 250..no comparison.
And ML512... You lead some kinda moto life...Awesome!
kkawboy14
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1/4/2016 6:00pm
They all work, it just depends what someone is used to that makes them more or less comfortable at speed
Hcallz5
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1/4/2016 6:09pm
So which KYB is Kenny running then?

Also what is the cone valve? Air?
gpracer36
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1/4/2016 6:13pm
and ML512, where is your review on the new WP AER48?
1/4/2016 6:27pm
Hcallz5 wrote:
So which KYB is Kenny running then?

Also what is the cone valve? Air?
PSF1 for Kenny.

Cone valves are spring forks.
ML512
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1/4/2016 6:31pm
gpracer36 wrote:
and ML512, where is your review on the new WP AER48?
I only rode one for about 30 mins on one track, so no review until I get some real time on them.
gpracer36
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1/5/2016 7:54am
gpracer36 wrote:
and ML512, where is your review on the new WP AER48?
ML512 wrote:
I only rode one for about 30 mins on one track, so no review until I get some real time on them.
thanks for the reply. I did talk to Will at Enzo a few weeks back about my 4cs forks. He felt the AER48 was the way to go. Said they have done several and everybody likes them. Can you comment at all? Im on the fence at this point and trust your opinion.

thank you
ML512
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1/5/2016 8:24am
gpracer36 wrote:
thanks for the reply. I did talk to Will at Enzo a few weeks back about my 4cs forks. He felt the AER48 was the way...
thanks for the reply. I did talk to Will at Enzo a few weeks back about my 4cs forks. He felt the AER48 was the way to go. Said they have done several and everybody likes them. Can you comment at all? Im on the fence at this point and trust your opinion.

thank you
I saw Wil yesterday actually (one L, not two, I have it wrong it my phone though...)

Over the 4CS, they're definitely the way to go. It's a similar design to the Showa TAC for but the most noticeable difference is the initial feeling and how planted it is, without feeling topped out or harsh.
Motofinne
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1/5/2016 8:29am
gpracer36 wrote:
thanks for the reply. I did talk to Will at Enzo a few weeks back about my 4cs forks. He felt the AER48 was the way...
thanks for the reply. I did talk to Will at Enzo a few weeks back about my 4cs forks. He felt the AER48 was the way to go. Said they have done several and everybody likes them. Can you comment at all? Im on the fence at this point and trust your opinion.

thank you
ML512 wrote:
I saw Wil yesterday actually (one L, not two, I have it wrong it my phone though...) Over the 4CS, they're definitely the way to go...
I saw Wil yesterday actually (one L, not two, I have it wrong it my phone though...)

Over the 4CS, they're definitely the way to go. It's a similar design to the Showa TAC for but the most noticeable difference is the initial feeling and how planted it is, without feeling topped out or harsh.
Would you rank them higher than the TAC forks on the Kawasaki?
gpracer36
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1/5/2016 8:56am
gpracer36 wrote:
thanks for the reply. I did talk to Will at Enzo a few weeks back about my 4cs forks. He felt the AER48 was the way...
thanks for the reply. I did talk to Will at Enzo a few weeks back about my 4cs forks. He felt the AER48 was the way to go. Said they have done several and everybody likes them. Can you comment at all? Im on the fence at this point and trust your opinion.

thank you
ML512 wrote:
I saw Wil yesterday actually (one L, not two, I have it wrong it my phone though...) Over the 4CS, they're definitely the way to go...
I saw Wil yesterday actually (one L, not two, I have it wrong it my phone though...)

Over the 4CS, they're definitely the way to go. It's a similar design to the Showa TAC for but the most noticeable difference is the initial feeling and how planted it is, without feeling topped out or harsh.
haha, yes, Wil. I ride a lot of off road/GP stuff. Big 6, worcs. My concern is how they would work for my type of riding. Everything I read is just moto or sx.
ML512
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1/5/2016 9:00am
Motofinne wrote:
Would you rank them higher than the TAC forks on the Kawasaki?
From my initial impressions, yes.
ob
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1/5/2016 9:58am
Best thread in a while, awesome hearing feedback from somebody that has actual hands on experience. Especially for KTM dudes. See you at the track ML512
ML512
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1/5/2016 10:00am
ob wrote:
Best thread in a while, awesome hearing feedback from somebody that has actual hands on experience. Especially for KTM dudes. See you at the track ML512
Which route did you end up going? Nice meeting you the other day at Pala!
ob
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1/5/2016 10:18am
ob wrote:
Best thread in a while, awesome hearing feedback from somebody that has actual hands on experience. Especially for KTM dudes. See you at the track ML512
ML512 wrote:
Which route did you end up going? Nice meeting you the other day at Pala!
I think I will try a set of the new WP air forks.
coastie44
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1/5/2016 10:31am
ob wrote:
I think I will try a set of the new WP air forks.
Or you could have SSS conversion done to them. The SSS conversion is great!!! I had Jonathan at TBT arizona do mine and it works as advertised. Very satisfied. Smile
DE262
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1/5/2016 10:35am
ob wrote:
Best thread in a while, awesome hearing feedback from somebody that has actual hands on experience. Especially for KTM dudes. See you at the track ML512
ML512 wrote:
Which route did you end up going? Nice meeting you the other day at Pala!
ob wrote:
I think I will try a set of the new WP air forks.
OB- I ate so much food over the holidays that I will be running NOTHING but air on all of my forks for the next few months...
ob
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1/5/2016 10:39am
ML512 wrote:
Which route did you end up going? Nice meeting you the other day at Pala!
ob wrote:
I think I will try a set of the new WP air forks.
DE262 wrote:
OB- I ate so much food over the holidays that I will be running NOTHING but air on all of my forks for the next few...
OB- I ate so much food over the holidays that I will be running NOTHING but air on all of my forks for the next few months...
Lol, that's not the kind of air I want!
1/5/2016 12:20pm Edited Date/Time 1/5/2016 12:21pm
ML512... This thread has kind of become a Q &A for you about air forks so I have a question if you will..
On Honda psf 1 forks, what's the good and bad, and whats a good setup for them..ie higher air psi than your weight calls for or faster/slower rebound
ect.
Mines been revalved and ain't bad, but I thought maybe you'd know a trick or two about setting them up...THANKS.
Bruce372
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2/6/2016 10:47am
Motofinne wrote:
Would you rank them higher than the TAC forks on the Kawasaki?
ML512 wrote:
From my initial impressions, yes.
Hi ML512-

Can you ask your contacts what tool size is required to open the air cartridge on the TAC forks??

They show a tool on the SKF glide kit installation video, but no mention of where to buy one etc.

its at 4.30mins

https://youtu.be/DZ27aOQFM9s

I put a thread up in race shop.

thanks, Bruce

Bruce372
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2/6/2016 11:00am
Also, do you know anything about the TAC upgrade kit from Pro Circuit that MXA recently reviewed?

thanks
Kartwheel
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2/6/2016 1:28pm
It is 22mm same as the bottom plug, Motion Pro have a tool for it
slipdog
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2/6/2016 1:58pm
Kartwheel wrote:
It is 22mm same as the bottom plug, Motion Pro have a tool for it
Haha, I've been using two separate tools for each because I guess I never paid enough attention, lol

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