Guaging Interest: Potential Suspension Group Buy

[avc8130]

Well, I tried to set the sag on my bike last night (as I do with every new bike) and I was reminded something I already knew: I am too fat. Aparrently 250lbs is just too much for this Tenere even though it is designed for up to 460lbs of load.

So I did as I always do when I have run into this in the past: called up my local Penske distributor. I have been working with this guy for quite a while. He has helped me sort out my SV650s and most recently my Speed Triple. We spent some time discussing options and both felt the 8983 would be best for the Tenere. This is a compression and rebound adjustable shock which includes a reservoir. This would give the Tenere the added bonus of compression adjustment, as well as the extra oil capacity to not fade over rough terrain.

Here is the rub: Penske doesn't currently offer a shock for the Tenere. We discussed the development process and I will be using my bike as the guinea pig. He then mentioned this:
"Why don't you see if anyone else out there is interested? We could do special introductory pricing on a group buy if you are willing to handle the sales."
Basically I will get a discount because I will be donating my bike to the project, everyone else will get to share in that discount just for being quick to jump on the bandwagon.

So basically that leaves me here:
I WILL be providing my bike to develop a Penske rear shock.
If there is interest, I can help with a group buy.
Depending on the overall interest, the price may vary, but I am told it will be significantly less than MSRP and substantially less than other options (Ohlins).
I am not allowed to discuss the preliminary pricing publically due to Penske policy, but if you PM me we can.

Anyone interested?

ac

PS: I searched arond on the forum, I didnt see any rules about group buys...but if I am breaking any or popped this in the wrong section, please let me know.

 

[~TABASCO~]

Myself and YamaPA have spoke to those guys about the same thing. Ive seen the numbers they threw out to me.. Could you PM me the info they have passed on to you ? I think I will be looking for front and rear at some point.. Thanks

 

[Firefight911]

You have seen the suspension threads I started, yes?

Now that I'm back from Death Valley I am back at finishing the project. Rear spring will hopefully be in by week's end and I am working with someone very knowledgeable on the suspension work and someone else very adept at making the necessary spacer for this as well. More to follow once talks are complete.

http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=3495.msg61981#msg61981


http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=3172.msg55253#msg55253


::001:: ::001::

 

[coastie]

This is something I might be interested in. Keep us posted, and if the price is right, I'm in!

 

[avc8130]

You have seen the suspension threads I started, yes?

Now that I'm back from Death Valley I am back at finishing the project. Rear spring will hopefully be in by week's end and I am working with someone very knowledgeable on the suspension work and someone else very adept at making the necessary spacer for this as well. More to follow once talks are complete.

http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=3495.msg61981#msg61981


http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=3172.msg55253#msg55253


::001:: ::001::

I have seen those threads. I have also ridden on aftermarket Penske suspension for quite a long time. A simple spring swap vs a complete custom shock solution are completely different avenues. The spring swap is an excellent option for those looking to curb costs.

Having ridden on the aftermarket suspension, I am confident that I would prefer the extra adjustability of the compression adjustment as I feel the stock shock could use a little more, as well as the confidence in knowing the shock has sufficient oil capacity to prevent fading during the hard life our suspension is sure to lead pounding down gravel roads overloaded with farkles

ac

 

[sportrider]

Interested

 

[johnpitts01]

Interested

 

[stevepsd]

How is the cost of the Penske compared to the Ohlins?

 

[avc8130]

How is the cost of the Penske compared to the Ohlins?

That I am allowed to comment on: SIGNIFICANTLY less.

ac

 

[Buckeye56]

ac I am interested. I have a Penske shock on my FZ1 and am very satisfied with it. Thanks for setting this up!

 

[3putt]

You have seen the suspension threads I started, yes?

Now that I'm back from Death Valley I am back at finishing the project. Rear spring will hopefully be in by week's end and I am working with someone very knowledgeable on the suspension work and someone else very adept at making the necessary spacer for this as well. More to follow once talks are complete.

http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=3495.msg61981#msg61981


http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=3172.msg55253#msg55253


::001:: ::001::

Yes, I showed him the links and he has looked at replacing just the spring and knows the deal. I am happy with my setup at this point especially the rear tho I have not been on any rough extended offroad yet. I do feel that I may have to add some oil to the front. Anyways, I am glad avc8130 is bringing in Penske to the mix. I came real close to using them on my Tiger 1050 but went with Ohlins. If they are anywhere as good as the Ohlins for much cheaper, I would be interested in the future but not now.

 

[Big Blu]

Yes, I'm interested..... but cost will be the deciding factor. I've run Penske rear shocks on ky FJR and Daytona675 and have bee very pleased with their product.

Regards, Paul

 

[avc8130]

As I said, due to Penske policy I cannot PUBLICLY discuss pricing other than MSRP. MSRP for the 8983 is $895. We will be looking at a significant price reduction. The level of "significant" will be based on just how much quantity we get. I can discuss in greater details in PMs.

I see a fair amount of interest in the first ~5 hours.

If it is any consolation, this offer is probably 6-8 weeks out at absolute best. I am just starting the preliminary talks with Penske and Stoltec Moto (my local Penske distributor). We have taken overall length measurements and are making sure Penske will be able to produce a product. Much is still TBD:
1. Spring Rate (It WILL be Blue )
2. Orientation of the reservoir (most likely remote)
-This will require routing and mounting decisions
3. "Dry" test fit, a shock with no spring/oil/nitrogen will be shipped to me to check fitment and make sure suspension travel is proper
This is no small undertaking, but I am confident the results will be worth the effort. Hopefully the developmental time will help everyone save up to purchase!

ac

 

[avc8130]

One person volunteered to send their shock to Penske if needed. I am told that is not necessary just yet. It is nice to have the option.

I am also asking if we all would have to buy 1 style shock, or if we can mix and match so people can get exactly what their desire/budget allows.

ac

 

[korie]

i should be finding out when i get mine soon, and i will definitely be interested.

 

[JHKolb]

As I said, due to Penske policy I cannot PUBLICLY discuss pricing other than MSRP. MSRP for the 8983 is $875. We will be looking at a significant price reduction. The level of "significant" will be based on just how much quantity we get. I can discuss in greater details in PMs.

I see a fair amount of interest in the first ~5 hours.

If it is any consolation, this offer is probably 6-8 weeks out at absolute best. I am just starting the preliminary talks with Penske and Stoltec Moto (my local Penske distributor). We have taken overall length measurements and are making sure Penske will be able to produce a product. Much is still TBD:
1. Spring Rate (It WILL be Blue )
2. Orientation of the reservoir (most likely remote)
-This will require routing and mounting decisions
3. "Dry" test fit, a shock with no spring/oil/nitrogen will be shipped to me to check fitment and make sure suspension travel is proper
This is no small undertaking, but I am confident the results will be worth the effort. Hopefully the developmental time will help everyone save up to purchase!

ac

I might be interested as well. Have you dealt with Stoltec Moto previously? Would they be able to do the install and any matching front fork tuning all at the same time? I would love to have the front & rear done at the same time and properly setup by someone who knows what they are doing (which I do not!) They are only about 1.5 hours from me so a trip there to have the work done would not be out of the question.

Oh, and a Blue spring would not match my Raven/Red Trim Bike very well, a Red Spring would make it much better

 

[avc8130]

We are up over the magical "10" number of "interested". I have pretty firm pricing for that quantity range if we can convert them to "committed". I can't post it as it is significantly below MSRP and Penske policy only allows MSRP to be posted. PM me an I can let you know where we stand.

Spoke with Stoltec, he is willing to offer multiple options for shocks. He and Penske both feel strongly that the 8983 is the "proper" shock for our bike. This shock has preload, rebound and compression adjustment. The stock shock only has preload and rebound. This model also has a remote reservoir. Penske feels this is critical to our application since our bikes are destined to be overloaded with farkles and travel less than ideal terrain. This shock would compare to the current Ohlins offering for about 33% cost savings.

They can also offer the 8987 which is similar to the 8983, but also features high speed compression adjustment. This shock would have more adjustment than the Ohlins offering, and be similar in price, if not slightly cheaper than the Ohlins.

ac

 

[avc8130]

I might be interested as well. Have you dealt with Stoltec Moto previously? Would they be able to do the install and any matching front fork tuning all at the same time? I would love to have the front & rear done at the same time and properly setup by someone who knows what they are doing (which I do not!) They are only about 1.5 hours from me so a trip there to have the work done would not be out of the question.

Oh, and a Blue spring would not match my Raven/Red Trim Bike very well, a Red Spring would make it much better

I have done a bunch of dealings with Stoltec. He is making quite a name for himself over on the www.triumphrat.net forum I frequent for my Speed Triple. He installed a Penske fork valve kit in my Triple for me. I watched as he did the work, he is quite meticulous and super careful with the fit/finish of everything.

He does offer installation services. At this point, the shock is probably 6-8 weeks out. Fork products may be slightly further as we haven't gotten a chance to tear into mine just yet.

I am pretty sure Traxxion has an AK-20 kit developed. I can ask if he can get those for you if you wish.

ac

 

[JHKolb]

I have done a bunch of dealings with Stoltec. He is making quite a name for himself over on the www.triumphrat.net forum I frequent for my Speed Triple. He installed a Penske fork valve kit in my Triple for me. I watched as he did the work, he is quite meticulous and super careful with the fit/finish of everything.

He does offer installation services. At this point, the shock is probably 6-8 weeks out. Fork products may be slightly further as we haven't gotten a chance to tear into mine just yet.

I am pretty sure Traxxion has an AK-20 kit developed. I can ask if he can get those for you if you wish.

ac

I would love to ride up, have both ends done and ride home - which i know is probably asking for alot. I really don't have the right skills to do this work the correct way, and would rather have it done right then do it myself and wind up needing to take it into a shop to fix what I did later - LOL.

 

[avc8130]

I would love to ride up, have both ends done and ride home - which i know is probably asking for alot. I really don't have the right skills to do this work the correct way, and would rather have it done right then do it myself and wind up needing to take it into a shop to fix what I did later - LOL.

The work you are looking for is probably a decent full day. Knowing Nick (owner Stoltec), I imagine he would accomodate that.

ac