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SLC, UT, USA
Any opinions? Looks like the pricing is comparable, and they both have locations local to me. I've good things about both, but nothing really first-hand, and don't have anyone I could ask. I searched here and there was some comments about some questionable business tactics via TBT CA, but nothing about the OK branch.
I'm looking to get forks and shocks done, with stiffer springs (I'm 250 lbs, currently stock).
I'm looking to get forks and shocks done, with stiffer springs (I'm 250 lbs, currently stock).
I have also used TBT in WA (Dave Sheets) to tame my Kawasaki shock. Again, good turn around and the work was great. Shock tracked well, good bottoming and control.
I would say either, in reality
The Shop
DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
First bike, so don't have much opinion on what I like. It was a lot 'softer' than I expected at first, but I'm gotten pretty comfortable with it (despite definitely being much heavier then the target demographic). Also, I initially felt the back end had a tendency to unexpected kick out after some jumps—but I think it was something I was doing as I don't have that issue anymore.
KYB? ...go Enzo
Showa? ...go with FC
WP ...go with FC (all of WP's official dealers get the factory tested settings data which is AWESOME, so you're picking customer service and FC, as mentioned, is 2nd to none)
Go with the guys that do a LOT of testing on a specific brand or specialize in certain areas. For example, everyone LOVES the WP kit cone valve forks & trax shock. Im convinced that has less to do with the technology and more to do with the fact that WP did all the testing for that kit in house and then made the data available to all the dealers. There is no guesswork. Customers are getting near perfect settings and thus are VERY happy. In-house testing for a single brand of bike is going to yield some pretty good results.
Whereas your typical suspension shop couldnt possibly do enough testing to have all the data necessary to take care of everyone's needs. You got a Suzuki that you put WP suspension on? How many companies out there have really put the time in to test that setup, and just happened to have developed settings for your exact weight and skill level. It's asking too much imo.
FC does a lot of testing on a lot of brands, but their specialty is clearly Hondas and Showa. Plus they have their relationship with WP.
Go with a company that specializes in the brand of bike/suspension combo that you have. I think that sets you up for the best success.
I send them my suspension before I ride it for the first time.
Plus, if it's not right they'll make it right.
If one of them is willing to go to the track and let you ride a setting and then make adjustments accordingly until it's just right for you...go with that one.
Your comments about data and this thread's opinion of Factory Connection's customer service is making me lean that way. Though see my previous post for why I was previously leaning TBT.
Pit Row
That being said... I would choose the shop that is only minutes from where I live (as you do) because there's nothing like a face to face to convey your needs. Iv'e had a couple of friends that have used TBT with great success.
Good luck with whatever you decide
I mean, there is nothing wrong with it. And you'll enjoy the time spent with them at the track.
But you can save yourself the headache and go with the company that has already done the testing and can get it right for you the first time. That is why the WP A-kit stuff is so popular. You're getting near perfect settings that were developed at the factory. No guesswork.
When I had a Honda/Showa? FC was the no-brainer choice for me. I was happy as could be. They never needed to go to the track with me.
You own KYB suspension? I strongly suggest going with Enzo.
With that said I'm going to have Factory Connection revalve my 2017 KTM 350 SXF this spring. You can't beat their resources and I've sent them emails over the years regarding suspension set up and recommendations and they've always responded.
OP, if TBT is close by I say give em a shot.
That is why the WP A-kit stuff works so damn well. No guesswork. WP really helped out all their dealers by making their R&D available. It's made for a very happy customer.
I wonder if it will ever force KYB or Showa to do the same. Leaving the R&D up to the dealers hasn't worked. Properly set-up B-kit stuff will perform better than A-kit that isnt set up right.
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