Last weekend I changed out the spring in the rear shock for a beefier progressive one, and then I gutted the forks. I installed Racetech straight-rate springs, drilled out the damper rod, fitted Gold Valve emulators and 15 wt fork oil.
Man, this thing handles like it's on rails.
Previously, I'd hit a bump, and the bike would pogo all over the place, bottoming the rear shock and jarring my spine. I'd be exiting a bend or roundabout, and getting on the gas would cause the back to squat and the front to rise, lengthening the rake and causing the bike to run wide, requiring more counter-steering input and feeling as though the front end was going to tuck under.
Not anymore.
Now, it tips in just like a "Street" bike. It holds the line through bends and roundabouts. Powering out, you just aim for a point in space and it goes there. No more running wide.
On bumps, sure some are harder, but they don't unsettle the bike. The other night I deliberately rode a section that usually terrifies me due to road surface. I just went right at it. The bike bumped a little but it felt controlled all way through it.
To all those who do a lot of fiddling with their bikes (like me) I have this message: Make the suspension your next mod. After the 31 tooth pulley, that is.
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