Motorcycle Suspension - What Are You Using / Where To Buy?

George Bell

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Jul 19, 2017
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I rebuilt my rear shock and forks using Racetech springs and gold valves.
I must admit the back up was excellent and it has totally transformed my KLX .
I wanted to build a bike tailored for the North Sumatra roads which are absolutely terrible.
This has worked well.
Highly recommend them.

George
 

bradmeister

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George,

quick note: Attempting to locate a spring to fit an OEM on/off road bike is extremely difficult if not problematic.

Street, track or MX is obtainable if:


1. The manufacturer offered several spring rates from that model year.

2. It was an extremely popular bike, then aftermarket springs can be found.

3. Mixing and Matching springs to non serviceable shocks is a No No.

As we live in Thailand, Ohlins is the best deal on the planet.and we can help you find the best selection of spring rates for your Bike.

I would be surprised if racetech offered a heavier spring rate for the D Tracker.....if they do, before you pull the trigger; determine your stock spring rate. Then find ouy what is theres.....if the math, time, money, tarrf and customs dancing is worth it......go for it.

Let us know how that works out.

cheers
 

George Bell

Member
Jul 19, 2017
10
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North Sumatra
George,

quick note: Attempting to locate a spring to fit an OEM on/off road bike is extremely difficult if not problematic.

Street, track or MX is obtainable if:


1. The manufacturer offered several spring rates from that model year.

2. It was an extremely popular bike, then aftermarket springs can be found.

3. Mixing and Matching springs to non serviceable shocks is a No No.

As we live in Thailand, Ohlins is the best deal on the planet.and we can help you find the best selection of spring rates for your Bike.

I would be surprised if racetech offered a heavier spring rate for the D Tracker.....if they do, before you pull the trigger; determine your stock spring rate. Then find ouy what is theres.....if the math, time, money, tarrf and customs dancing is worth it......go for it.

Let us know how that works out.

cheers
George,

quick note: Attempting to locate a spring to fit an OEM on/off road bike is extremely difficult if not problematic.

Street, track or MX is obtainable if:


1. The manufacturer offered several spring rates from that model year.

2. It was an extremely popular bike, then aftermarket springs can be found.

3. Mixing and Matching springs to non serviceable shocks is a No No.

As we live in Thailand, Ohlins is the best deal on the planet.and we can help you find the best selection of spring rates for your Bike.

I would be surprised if racetech offered a heavier spring rate for the D Tracker.....if they do, before you pull the trigger; determine your stock spring rate. Then find ouy what is theres.....if the math, time, money, tarrf and customs dancing is worth it......go for it.

Let us know how that works out.

cheers

As far as i am aware , The D tracker 250 is the same shock as the KLX 250S. Racetech offer about 8 different spring rates for the KLX / Dtracker. Although they are not cheap. You can actually buy them on Ebay. But if you go to Racetech and input your weight it will tell you the spring rate they suggest.
Racetech.com

Cheers.

George
 

George Bell

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Jul 19, 2017
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I completely rebuilt the stock KLX shock with new valving suited to my riding style and a new heavier rate spring. All supplied by Racetech. So the standard shock is serviceable . How much is your Ohlins shock going to set you back ?
 

bradmeister

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As far as i am aware , The D tracker 250 is the same shock as the KLX 250S. Racetech offer about 8 different spring rates for the KLX / Dtracker. Although they are not cheap. You can actually buy them on Ebay. But if you go to Racetech and input your weight it will tell you the spring rate they suggest.
Racetech.com

Cheers.

George
George,

Thats great news!

Can you tell our forum brothers and sisters what spring rates were available for the D-tracker? What is your wieght and what spring rate you decided to use? You mentioned a Re-valve as in a "Race Tech" gold valves or did you just add or subtract from stack?

How was it shipped? Did it come TNT, Thai Post, or the unscrupulous big 3? What were the tarrifs and duties and how long it was from the time you ordered to the time you were able to install?

Lastly, if this is a Nitrogen filled shock, how did you manage the purge and fill to proper pressure?

Well done, and ride on! As far as Ohlins, It's available now, and we can easily change the springs for correct rate.

Cheers
 

George Bell

Member
Jul 19, 2017
10
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56
North Sumatra
Guys,


What spring rates were available for the D-tracker?
When i asked there were many choices. but you have to contact them and they will advise what they have,
I did a quick calc for the KLX S. using the Racetech calculator , this is the results.



    • REAR SHOCK SPRINGS
      Recommended Spring Rate: 8.1 kg/mm (use closest available)
      Stock Spring Rate: 5.6 kg/mm (stock)




    • Available SRSP 6228 Series Springs are:


    • RT SHK SPR 63.4x60.6x270 4.0kg
      SRSP 622840
      $119.99

    • RT SHK SPR 63.4x60.6x270 4.2kg
      SRSP 622842
      $119.99

    • RT SHK SPR 63.4x60.6x270 4.4kg
      SRSP 622844
      $119.99

    • RT SHK SPR 63.4x60.6x270 4.6kg
      SRSP 622846
      $119.99

    • RT SHK SPR 63.4x60.6x270 4.8kg
      SRSP 622848
      $119.99

    • RT SHK SPR 63.4x60.6x270 5.0kg
      SRSP 622850
      $119.99

    • RT SHK SPR 63.4x60.6x270 5.2kg
      SRSP 622852
      $119.99

    • RT SHK SPR 63.4x60.6x270 5.4kg
      SRSP 622854
      $119.99

    • RT SHK SPR 63.4x60.6x270 5.6kg
      SRSP 622856
      $119.99

    • RT SHK SPR 63.4x60.6x270 5.8kg
      SRSP 622858
      $119.99

    • RT SHK SPR 63.4x60.6x270 6.0kg
      SRSP 622860
      $119.99

    • RT SHK SPR 63.4x60.6x270 6.4kg
      SRSP 622864
      $119.99

What is your weight and what spring rate you decided to use?

I ask them to work out spring rate for rider of 120KG. As i usually have my wife on the back.

I fitted a SRSP 622864 which has worked out really well as i am 90% road and 10% offroad.


You mentioned a Re-valve as in a "Race Tech" gold valves or did you just add or subtract from stack?

I fitted the gold valve 2 kit, which is completely adjustable for the future.


How was it shipped?
USPS


What were the tarrifs and duties and how long it was from the time you ordered to the time you were able to install?

I live in Indonesia and the duty here is 30% of product cost plus shipping cost (Negotiable if you go see customs in person with the door closed)

Lastly, if this is a Nitrogen filled shock, how did you manage the purge and fill to proper pressure?

(Racetech provide a tool for setting the pre-charge. Basically a hypodermic needle with a schrader vale on the end.

Hope this helps you guys.
Obviously I do not have the luxury of brands like Ohlins here, in fact i cannot even get an OEM supplier for my bike. So everything has to be done online. And the work performed myself.

Cheers

George
 

DavidFL

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Updated BDS Performance photos
View attachment 101163

Spotlessly clean
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Organized
View attachment 101165


View attachment 101166

Check em out for setting up your bikes suspension.

GTR - IMG_1102.jpg


I can't recommend BDS Performance enough for rebuilding & setting up your suspension.
Brad at BDS is a genius & 5-star professional who will find multiple errors in your set up, linkage & then fix it all.
GTR - IMG_1093.JPG
GTR - IMG_1097.JPG

Absolutely top notch service & full on professional advice.
GTR - IMG_1100.jpg


They have a nice comfy aircon shop for you to sit & relax
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GTR - IMG_1086.JPG


Check em out
Home
 

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canthai

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Apologies to Brad - could not get down to BKK due to family issues.
Installed Ohlins suspension yesterday - CRF250L 2017 - FSK123 front and HO729 rear.
Amazing difference.
Setting the sag a major PITA - removal of subframe and airbox fixed that.
Ohlins has a neat app for your fone - dials in the sag and compression and rebound damping.
Will ride a couple thousand K and get 'er broken in.
 

bradmeister

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Apologies to Brad - could not get down to BKK due to family issues.
Installed Ohlins suspension yesterday - CRF250L 2017 - FSK123 front and HO729 rear.
Amazing difference.
Setting the sag a major PITA - removal of subframe and airbox fixed that.
Ohlins has a neat app for your fone - dials in the sag and compression and rebound damping.
Will ride a couple thousand K and get 'er broken in.

Canthai,

No Worries, I'm glad you have settled the suspension needs and it meets expectations.

The Sags are dictated by the front, often times on the CRF models....

For many customers the 8.5n/mm single spring is just not enough for the upgrade or the Riders Weight.

BDS Performance has the kits' to ADD a spring to the other Fork Side, to increase the spring rates and overall responsiveness and added dampening/ response.

You can always send us your forks, as many customers are in your same predicament, and can't get to the shop or have it squated properly.

Cheers, and Happy Trails.
 

bradmeister

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My Staff just found the Pictures and a Similar Kit to our own Modification Kit and Spring that works in conjunction with the Ohlins FSK123 for all the CRF250 series, that have only single springs.

Cheers

BDS Mod 4.jpg
BDS Mod 2.jpg
 
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canthai

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Thanks Brad
I found the 85 NM fork spring to be much stiffer. Nose dive on braking - even with the CB500X rotor - was much less than stock.
The bike just feels so much more in control with the OHLINS
Seat off to Narongs this AM to modify - again - to accommodate my fat ass !!! Get it back next week and planning a follow the Mekong trip then. Will see how she works
By the BY - the Ohlins fone app instructed sag to be set for the rear.
 
Sep 13, 2010
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Sorry to butt into dirt bike setups, but I thought I'd share my current upgrades.

My RE Interceptor excels in so many areas, but the suspension is a noticeable weakness. So, while I was having a little dent in the tank repaired (short story - put a rowel over your tank when installing cheap-shit bar risers that don't grip the bar securely), I decided to repaint the engine, side covers, wheels, fenders, etc, and thought it would be a good idea to improve the poor rear shocks with a nice set of reserviour-less Ohlins and add a YSS spring kit to the front forks.

6737.jpg
7255.jpg


I thought both items were good value for the quality. The Ohlins are ฿16,650 and the YSS kit is ฿5,900.

Sadly, the bike isn't finished yet, so I don't know how much of an improvement they will be. Watch this space...
 
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Sep 13, 2010
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I just bought an old SL230 that has a saggy bottom. Coupled with the fact I'm tall as well having a generously proportioned arse, the Showa shock needs a rebuild, spring change and possibly a shaft extension (don't we all).

My man at K-Speed in Udon is confident he can sort it out. Watch this space...
 

Eoin Christie

Ol'Timer
Jul 16, 2019
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Sorry to butt into dirt bike setups, but I thought I'd share my current upgrades.

My RE Interceptor excels in so many areas, but the suspension is a noticeable weakness. So, while I was having a little dent in the tank repaired (short story - put a rowel over your tank when installing cheap-shit bar risers that don't grip the bar securely), I decided to repaint the engine, side covers, wheels, fenders, etc, and thought it would be a good idea to improve the poor rear shocks with a nice set of reserviour-less Ohlins and add a YSS spring kit to the front forks.

View attachment 134682 View attachment 134683

I thought both items were good value for the quality. The Ohlins are ฿16,650 and the YSS kit is ฿5,900.

Sadly, the bike isn't finished yet, so I don't know how much of an improvement they will be. Watch this space...
Let us know how it turns out, Marmite. I agree - The stock suspension is nothing to write home about.
 

bradmeister

Ol'Timer
Subscribed
Mar 7, 2017
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61
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www.bdsperformance.co.th
Sorry to butt into dirt bike setups, but I thought I'd share my current upgrades.

My RE Interceptor excels in so many areas, but the suspension is a noticeable weakness. So, while I was having a little dent in the tank repaired (short story - put a rowel over your tank when installing cheap-shit bar risers that don't grip the bar securely), I decided to repaint the engine, side covers, wheels, fenders, etc, and thought it would be a good idea to improve the poor rear shocks with a nice set of reserviour-less Ohlins and add a YSS spring kit to the front forks.

View attachment 134682 View attachment 134683

I thought both items were good value for the quality. The Ohlins are ฿16,650 and the YSS kit is ฿5,900.

Sadly, the bike isn't finished yet, so I don't know how much of an improvement they will be. Watch this space...

Maramite,

I looks like you scored for the Price! Although you will have less dampening without the resivoirs.....
Also, What spring rates did you buy for the front and rear, and what weight are you? This information will help other riders with similar interested and machines.

Sincerely,

Brad
 
Sep 13, 2010
82
64
18
Maramite,

I looks like you scored for the Price! Although you will have less dampening without the resivoirs.....
Also, What spring rates did you buy for the front and rear, and what weight are you? This information will help other riders with similar interested and machines.

Sincerely,

Brad

Hi Brad,

I don't know what spring rates are being used. My mechanic knows my weight and just dealt with it. For all I know, they just came with the 'default' springs.

I'll try to remember to ask him when I next visit.
 

DavidFL

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Öhlins’ top-secret BDB50 shock locked out the podium at the 2020 MotoGP Aragon GP, so how come most Yamaha and Ducati riders aren’t using it?

An interesting article on Ohlins and a new rear shock for MotoGP

Öhlins shocker – Suzuki’s other MotoGP winning secret?
By Mat Oxley 19 October 2020.

The Suzuki GSX-RR’s ability to keep the Michelins inside their sweet spot is one reason why the factory is leading the way in MotoGP. Could the other reason be Suzuki’s enthusiasm for the latest Öhlins rear shock?

The Swedish suspension company, which has won the last 13 MotoGP titles, introduced its BDB50 shock during preseason testing at Sepang in February.

But convincing factory engineers to adopt new parts becomes more and more difficult now that testing time is so limited. No longer do MotoGP teams have half a dozen preseason tests during which they can devote time to evaluating every new part, so they are often nervous about trying something that might upset the balance of their machine.

Suzuki riders Joan Mir and Álex Rins have used the shock pretty much since the start of the season. The other factories that use Öhlins – Aprilia, Honda, Ducati and Yamaha – have been slower on the uptake. At Misano Two the shock was adopted by Valentino Rossi, Pecco Bagnaia and Stefan Bradl, while Álex Márquez and Cal Crutchlow started using it last weekend, when the shock topped and monopolised the podium for the first time.

Usually there is a tipping point, when a new part’s advantage becomes clear to everyone. Maybe Aragon 1 was that moment.

“These days teams have so many frame and engine combos that it’s only right at the end of a three-day test, when everyone is tired and wants to go home, that they come to us and say, OK, let’s try this new shock’,” says Öhlins racing manager Mats Larsson, who’s been a MotoGP suspension engineer since the 1980s. “Also, it gets harder and harder every year to make something that has the rider saying, ‘Hmm, that was something different, I like this,’ when he comes back into the garage.

“Suzuki were the first to see the potential of the new shock. But even they took some time. They had some good results in testing, but then engineers get a bit anxious and don’t want to change something even if it’s clearly better. Often at the last moment they will revert back to what they know, just to be ‘safe’.”

Suspension on a racing motorcycle does two main jobs. First, it generates grip by helping to put the correct load into the tyres. Second, it controls chassis attitude, to create the geometry needed to turn into and out of corners.

The BDB in the shock’s designation stands for bi-directional bleed. This isn’t a new concept in suspension, but Öhlins is patenting the BDB50, so there’s obviously some clever stuff going on within the shock’s valving system.

“Once the patent has been signed, sealed and delivered I’ll be able to talk more about it,” adds Larsson. “Basically, this shock is about creating better side grip and drive grip. This is one of the things riders have commented about, especially Valentino [Rossi], who said he gained a lot of metres getting out of the corners. To him it was a clear advantage.

“The suspension needs to react and follow all the forces to provide a constant load to the tyres. Sometimes it’s not so much about damping force, it’s about how quick or slow you’re building up the damping.

“Maybe it’s easier to think about this in terms of the way an engine performs. When you look at an engine dyno graph there are two axes – rpm and horsepower. But you can have an engine that has four horsepower less but is more agile and more user-friendly. It builds horsepower more to your liking. This is what we are working on – how quickly or slowly you build up the damping.”

The big surprise is that Yamaha and Ducati haven’t really adopted the BDB50, especially considering Franco Morbidelli’s comments about the Suzuki after Sunday’s race. The Petronas Yamaha rider reported that the GSX-RR had amazing mid-corner grip and corner-exit drive – the shock’s two big positives.

When new kit arrives in MotoGP it often takes a while for riders and engineers to be convinced. Usually there is a tipping point, when a new part’s advantage becomes clear to everyone. Maybe Aragon 1 was that moment.

Obviously different bikes and riders have different needs and preferences, but I’ll be surprised if Morbidelli, Fabio Quartararo, Maverick Viñales, Andrea Dovizioso and others aren’t working with the BDB50 when Aragon Two practice commences on Friday.

Source: Öhlins shocker – Suzuki’s other MotoGP winning secret? - Motor Sport Magazine
 
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DavidFL

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YSS massive expansion
1683875387185.jpeg


Thai shock absorber manufacturer YSS has opened a 400 million baht distribution and service centre which will serve as a blueprint for its aggressive network expansion strategy into future Bangkok areas and provincial markets as well as the Asean region and other global markets.

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The facility, YSS D.C., is built on an 8 rai plot of land and will serve as both the main corporate headquarters, service centre and fully integrated distribution centre, according to YSS (Thailand) chairman Chansin Treenuchagron.

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"The distribution and service centre aims to meet all requirements of our customers by pooling the latest technologies to enhance efficiency in distribution of products directly to the customer in the fastest time period regardless of wherever the location is in the world," he said.

The facility is further divided into the following:
A showroom for YSS products and associated partner components which is regarded as the world's largest YSS products display area of its kind and most modern to date.
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YSS Museum and YSS Hall of Fame which compiles the rich history of YSS from its humble beginnings to the milestones of industry awards and recognition at the highest level of championship competition as a testament to its product superiority by racers and motorsport teams who have used YSS products to achieve success.
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The world-class service centre for installing YSS products for both cars and motorcycles with the highest industry-quality standards equipped to adjust and set shock absorbers for the exact requirements of the customer.
The Warehouse Management System for fast efficient service, enhanced management of the warehouse inventory and customer delivery.

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Automated Storage & Retrieval System for efficiency and functionality in designated work spaces for accuracy and safety.
The YSS D.C. Community area designed to handle various activities for distributors, clubs and customers who use YSS products.
A dedicated lifestyle area featuring premium restaurants.

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Pinyo Panichgasem, CEO of YSS (Thailand), added: "YSS is reporting consecutive growth based on 2022 annual operating revenues of 1.07 billion baht made up of domestic sales accounting for 49% at 519 million baht and export markets of 51% valued at 551 million baht."
He added that plans are in the pipeline to garner investment funds by getting listed on the Thai stock exchange this year in order to source business alliances and develop business for even greater efficiency and efficacy of YSS products on a continuous basis.

YSS manufactures over 8,200 products for automobiles and motorcycles in addition to other vehicle types which covers approximately 3,100 models all over the world.

YSS is the world's best-selling product in the high performance segment thanks to annual production capacity of 1.5 million units. It has six R&D centres located in Thailand, Japan, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Spain and Italy.

Export destinations for YSS include over 40 markets while over 60 authorised distributors and integrated 134 service centres all over the world speak volumes for the world-class quality of YSS.

YSS has also raised production capacity to meet increased demand from distributors worldwide, in line with the dealer network expansion plan in Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Greece, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and China.

It is the best-selling brand in Thailand and is one of the top five shock absorber manufacturers in the world, while its world-class quality is certified by ABE of Germany, a globally accepted industry standard.

Source Bangkok Post 8 May 2023