Posts
96
Joined
5/7/2017
Location
AU
Edited Date/Time
2/25/2020 5:05pm
How important is it to have your suspension revalved to your weight and skill level in your opinion?
How much of a difference does it really make?
Also, what are you willing to spend to have it done?
How much of a difference does it really make?
Also, what are you willing to spend to have it done?
2) can make the difference between you getting wore out after 2 laps or making it 7 laps
3) $600
Setting sag is second
Valving is third.
The Shop
I noticed in corners my bike would pull to the outside. This was due to the suspension being set up for a lighter rider. Not very confidence inspiring. After getting it set up it for myself, it tracked better and carved corners a lot better.
It is worth it in my opinion. I paid $750 to have the work done.
To be completely up front, I work for a company that a lot of it's business is building revalved setups for riders; however, I don't ever believe in selling bullshit.
First things first, "The best you've ridden is the best you know." That means if you haven't ever had "good" suspension, you don't actually know how good it can be. You don't have to go all out immediately because "better" could be "great" to you and that's okay.
Start with the free stuff...
Check your sag.
Make sure your forks are installed properly (not pinched at the axle or over torqued in the clamps)
Ensure linkage is greased
Bleed the air
Recommended height in the clamps
Proper tire pressure (yes, this makes a huge difference too!)
Next, make sure everything is in proper working order and fresh. FLUIDS WEAR OUT! and quality of fluids and wear parts make a huge difference. Your cheap suspension fluid is not as good as a high quality fluid. Not all fluids that say "5wt or 10wt" are the same, infact, quite opposite! From there, proper rate springs set the balance of the bike. This is 80% of a setup for a lot of guys.
If you still want more or are looking for something specific, then you look at valving.
Then you have to do your research on valving and who you want to work with and trust. Just like fluids, Johnny Bumpsticker down the street isn't going to give you the same revalve as another company. Every revalve is different. You have to do your research. Some guys get a 2020 KX250 for the first time and it's your bike and they take out a shim and send you on your way. Some guys have done 100 2020 KX250s and have done 15 with the same rider weight and skill level as you and have fine tuned a setting. A few have a suspension dyno and 2 of them likely know how to use it. Some replace parts. Some say they do but never do. It's an internal service, so DO YOUR RESEARCH!!! I'm happy to recommend or offer any advice to help you get the best value for your money. There are many options, but choose the one that fits what YOU need. Local tuner has great service, national company has more resources. Some have both. There are great ones of both too.
As far as price, it depends what you are getting and what you're willing to pay for. I would go with quality springs and fluids and stock valving over a hack revalve anyday though even if it's "cheaper" to go to the "revalve". You can make a setup worse just as easily as you can better if you don't have the right person working on your stuff.
Do your homework as suggested above.
I paid $1100 to have my shock revalved, resprung and a bladder kit put in and just a service on the front forks. It was an extra $250 to revalve forks and $100 for fork springs if I wanted them too, but I had mine setup previously and swapped from a previous bike.
Is it worth it? For me yeah it was but its not a necessity. I was happy riding my bike before any suspension work but just feel more comfortable now, If i hadn't the cash to throw at it I'd still be happy out with the bike.
I was happy with the bike, but just felt the rear was too low no matter what I did and it kept making me push wide or wash the front with no grip.
I've used MCD out by Penrith and was extremely happy with they're work. I talked to them about what issues I was feeling and they were able to adjust to suit.
Also what bike are you riding?
I'm on an old 2010 yz250f that has very low hours on it, has the stock kyb SSS forks and kyb shock, still all original springs, everything. I took the tank and shrouds off over the weekend and they had never been off the bike before 😂 had to "crack" a few of them off with the socket.
2. Sag
3. Do a riding school and learn technique.
4. Practice
5. Adjust everything you can to get the standard set up as good as you possibly can.
6. If you're still not happy and think it's holding you back, get the valving done.
Pit Row
Correct springs and fresh fluids etc make huge difference like what’s been said, but also with spring rates if you go too far one way or the other without modifying your valving at all it will Jack it up too, so be careful with that.
Correct spring rates are also necessary. You might be able to get away with adjusting via clickers, though, if you are in the range for the stock springs.
Revalving is not necessary, but does improve the suspension up to 35 percent, I think. I like Enzo for KYB stuff. Never had anything else, so I don't know about Showa stuff. I would stick with a very reputable brand. Some small shops will actually make your stuff worse.
Always error on the side of stiffer. It will push you to ride it faster, as stiffer suspension works better the faster you go.
Ask the company/tuner thier experience, education, and approach to resolving issues. There are only so many distributors of hard parts, and we all use same ones. Some companies have a direct link to factory resources others can't get.
Bottom line is the stock stuff can be tuned well, very well. There are many options; stock revalve, aftermarket hard parts ( pistons, seats, etc), and totally upgraded systems from stock platform (mxt lucky, cone valve conversions). Budget, rider experience, and how long you plan to keep the bike should factor into your decision. Some of the total overhaul packages are nice because they can be removed when the bike is sold and reused.
If you don't have a sag measure tool, get one. Motool slacker is great, pricey yes, but takes all the guess work out and quick and easy to do. Learn about what adjustments do; high speed vs low speed, compression vs rebound, what the position of the forks do in the clamps, what is the proper spring rate for your weight and/or speed, etc.
Also check on things like what is the correct torque spec for your clamps, engine mounts, fork lowers, shock mounts, subframe assembly, etc. Any of those out of spec could create feedback issues or hamper your overall riding experience.
If you are just riding for fun then getting the correct spring rate and oil weight/height will suffice.
2) if all you know is good suspension.......
Let a fast guy at the track ride your bike and help you set it up, that’s where I would start.
Just buy a RaceTech GoldValve kit and a few cheap special tools and do it yourself and you'll be set for a long time for much less! Suspension work is not difficult. Doing it yourself, you'll have the confidence to rebuild your suspension on a regular basis and keep it performing the best (fluids, seals, and bushings changes every 20-30 hours here!). Its better to know how your suspension works anyway as its THE most important aspect of your bike when it comes to rider confidence and quicker lap times.
For me, I'd rather pay someone to do it properly than try myself, screw something up, have my suspension do something funky and put me on my head. There is a reason I don't have a suspension shop and why I take my stuff to someone with the knowledge to do suspension properly.
It can take a bike you hate and make it one you love. It's that important.
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