Suspension for big guy upgrade... Few ?'s and asking advise...

[ADVFireFighter]

Soo.... I put the S10 on a trailer and brought it to Alaska with me when I made the move...
One of the fork seals started to leak from 3300 miles being tied down, wasn't tied too tight, ends up bad seal and it just helped...
ANYWAY...

300 bucks to replace the seals... Figure it's time to upgrade this winter...
I'm a svelt 315lbs or so... And wanted to get proper suspension for the bike with me and gear. I plan on riding the hell out of it in the summers up here. So It's gonna be loaded up...

Talked to "the" suspension guy in Anchorage and he suggests a whole new Race Tech rear shock with the proper sprung spring. And Race Tech springs, gold valves and all the bells and whistles.... Looking at about 2k in work...

Guess my questions are...

I'm ok with getting the new rear shock, has all the adjustments, looks like Ohlins I had on my CBRXX. It's about 1200-1500 bucks... HE said it's just as good if not better then the Ohlins. Is there something "better" for the money?

http://racetech.com/page/id/98

Front end... Sound good? Or should I go another route?

As for the front end...
Do I need to take ALL the fairings off the front to take the tubes off? It looks like I can take the brakes and tire off. Then reach in and loosen the clamps and slide them down.

Thanks !

 

[mrpete64]

You are a "big" boy. Looks like a new rear spring/shock/front springs, etc. are in line. As you have heard many times...do it right! This will be a bit expensive but all the stock stuff, from Yamaha, isn't going to do it for you. An other alternative is to loose enough weight to get under 200 pounds. Looks like it is new shocks, etc!!!!

Mr. Pete------>
aging hippie

 

[Don in Lodi]

If you can get to all the clamp bolts, then you're fine. They slide right out usually.

 

[cory1848]

I am 280 and went with a TFX shock 141 with a 915# spring. Custom damped and set up through Teds Beemer Shop, not an off the shelf model. Just went on a 4000mile trip with it fully loaded with passenger handling up to 600 pounds and after I got the spring preload set, it handles very well. It is more heavy duty than Ohlins or Wilbers and has remote hydraulic preload adjustment of 15mm. So a wide range of adjustment. Paid $1200. I would do it again. So far happy with it.

 

[ADVFireFighter]

You are a "big" boy. Looks like a new rear spring/shock/front springs, etc. are in line. As you have heard many times...do it right! This will be a bit expensive but all the stock stuff, from Yamaha, isn't going to do it for you. An other alternative is to loose enough weight to get under 200 pounds. Looks like it is new shocks, etc!!!!

Mr. Pete------>
aging hippie

6'7" and under 200 is SO NEVER gonna happen... I don't think it's possible... That's getting sick type skinny !

 

[ADVFireFighter]

If you can get to all the clamp bolts, then you're fine. They slide right out usually.

Crossing fingers !
Thanks !

 

[racer1735]

Its not a sexy brand, but have you considered Cogent Dynamics? Give Rick a call. He can totally rebuild your OEM shock, or he also does custom shocks at a less expensive price than the Ohlins or Penske. I had him rebuild mine. His website is: http://www.motocd.com/mc/ and the contact info is: (828) 628 9025 or email: raceparts@motocd.com

 

[sedwards]

ADVFF,

Did you have RaceTech rebuild your suspension? I'm looking into cost-effective upgrades without throwing $2500 into this bike and trying to determine which route to take.

Just curious,

Stuart

 

[Rockhopper]

ADVFF,

Did you have RaceTech rebuild your suspension? I'm looking into cost-effective upgrades without throwing $2500 into this bike and trying to determine which route to take.

Just curious,

Stuart

What did you end up doing?

 

[sedwards]

I bought an Ohlins shock which is still in the box and am pulling forks off and sending to RaceTech. I've been waiting to get back from a trip in the Texas Hill Country over the holidays and now have some down-time to get this all fixed up.