Posts
10
Joined
2/1/2017
Location
Holt, MI
US
This is my first post here but I have been using this forum for years to find info on bikes so I thought id give back some. To start off I have a 2006 Honda CR250r that I bought a year ago in mint shape, completely stock. Im around 210 lbs, so a little heavy for the stock springs but I rode it all last year the way it was and it wasnt too bad except for big hits where I could feel it in my lower back on hard landings. I knew I wanted to use factory connection because of there history with Honda, so I called vitalmx member mxb2 to help with getting my suspension done through them because he had a hook up with a guy that works there, thanks again for that too Billy.
Anyways I talked with them on the phone and figured out what springs I needed and what kind of riding I do. I used to race 125 B class but that was 10 years ago so I told them to set it up for more of a vet rider than actual B class speed. I stressed to them that Ive had suspension re-sprung and re-valved numerous times in the past when I was racing and it always came back too stiff. I wont say what companies ive gone through in the past but I tried 4 different ones with similiar results but this is my first time with factory connection. They told me that there settings are always on the softer/plusher side so that sounded good.
So I sent it out and they emailed when they received it, then called me when it was done, and then emailed when it sent out back to me. I cant remember dealing with any company ever that has been so on it with customer service.
I had this done back at the beginning of febuary and have now ridden it for a couple weeks and wanted to share with you guys how it felt. My practice track is sandy and I till it about 1 foot deep with my tractor so it gets rough and whooped out real quick. The first thing I noticed was how smooth it was over small chop coming in and out of corners, even though my springs are stiffer it actually feels softer over that type of stuff. The other big difference was in the whoops I can charge a lot quicker without the bike feeling unstable is the best way I can put it. And then obviously im not bottoming any more on big hits because its sprung for my weight. This is the first time ive had suspension come back and actually be plusher and easier to ride with. It is by far the best suspension I have rode and was well worth the money I spent, which was right in the ballpark of other companies that ive used. If you cant decide on which suspension company to go with I would at least give them a call or get ahold of billy (mxb2) and see what they say. Ill try to get some pictures up here this weekend of my bike.
Anyways I talked with them on the phone and figured out what springs I needed and what kind of riding I do. I used to race 125 B class but that was 10 years ago so I told them to set it up for more of a vet rider than actual B class speed. I stressed to them that Ive had suspension re-sprung and re-valved numerous times in the past when I was racing and it always came back too stiff. I wont say what companies ive gone through in the past but I tried 4 different ones with similiar results but this is my first time with factory connection. They told me that there settings are always on the softer/plusher side so that sounded good.
So I sent it out and they emailed when they received it, then called me when it was done, and then emailed when it sent out back to me. I cant remember dealing with any company ever that has been so on it with customer service.
I had this done back at the beginning of febuary and have now ridden it for a couple weeks and wanted to share with you guys how it felt. My practice track is sandy and I till it about 1 foot deep with my tractor so it gets rough and whooped out real quick. The first thing I noticed was how smooth it was over small chop coming in and out of corners, even though my springs are stiffer it actually feels softer over that type of stuff. The other big difference was in the whoops I can charge a lot quicker without the bike feeling unstable is the best way I can put it. And then obviously im not bottoming any more on big hits because its sprung for my weight. This is the first time ive had suspension come back and actually be plusher and easier to ride with. It is by far the best suspension I have rode and was well worth the money I spent, which was right in the ballpark of other companies that ive used. If you cant decide on which suspension company to go with I would at least give them a call or get ahold of billy (mxb2) and see what they say. Ill try to get some pictures up here this weekend of my bike.
I have had several sets of suspension revalved by Factory Connection and have always been more than happy. I consider them the best in the business. The best way I can describe it is "balanced." The fork and shock work well together to give a confidence inspiring feel.
The Shop
I've had Mike Weisner (in MI) revalve my 03/05 CRF 450's and I've never ridden a better feeling bike. I believe he used to work for FC's race team before he started doing his own thing. If I had an older CRF, I wouldn't look anywhere else.
My bike 17 Honda 450. First go around, 6 weeks ago. Forks harsh, felt like a jack hammer coming into breaking bumps. Abrupt when landing off jumps, especially if you landed back wheel first.
Sent them back, and the 2nd go around was ever so slightly better. I had some friends ride it of varying skills. Novice, to fast expert ability kid.
There feed back.
1> These forks are violent when landing jumps.
2> Are you sure these forks work, it doesn't feel like they move.
3> I was afraid to go faster, these things feel harsh, and busy.
I know I'm out numbered here, but in a good way. Sounds like most have had good experiences.
Absolutely love the bike otherwise
Also when I got it back the shock was real good but the forks kept packing up on stutter bumps and square edge stuff, couldnt get rid of it no matter what. Kinda harsh. So a guy local in Alabama used to work for them and did their amatuer program went thru it and got it dialed in alot better. He also said unless you send it to the East coast office the work isnt as good. Oh yeah and after getting charged $900 the fork seals started leaking after 5 hours and one dust seal FELL out before that while riding because it wasnt seated all the way.
I have had good luck with them before, maybe it was just me, who knows.
But they always tell you if they can't get them to your satisfaction, you can send them back on their dime for a redo.
Unlike PC. I dealt with them a few years back but won't anymore. Their customer service was not good imo.
Pit Row
As I mentioned in my original post, Excellent customer service!!!
They stand by there product. I'll post my results in a couple weeks when all is done.
The work they do is superb.
FC has been the best with exceptional service & excellent spring / valving specs..
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