My advancing skills (no, not advanced, just better than when I got the Duc
) made me want better handling.
At 220lbs I was absolutely desperate for new springs, at least. The rear shock compression was wrong, there was close to NO hydraulic rebound in the forks, progressive and too soft fork springs, you name it - stock 800 suspension sucks.
My budget was about $ 1,500 and I wanted an expert to do all of it, as I wouldn't be able to piece this together by myself. Neither did I want to get used parts. When you evaluate value, keep in mind that labor is about 50% higher here and that we pay 25% taxes on top of everything.
The shop I chose for the job is highly recommended in my country. They do most of the local race bikes, build suspension for Dakar contenders and are one of few (only) certified Öhlins service shops. I believe my bike is in good hands.
I had a choice of Öhlins and WP - went with the WP almost just to do something different. Guru shop said the WP shock I got is at least as good as the basic Öhlins. Same price.
I can't tell you how it handles - bike in storage now, but I'm wondering if you have comments on the specifications below.
Sat on it though, it sags evenly front and rear, it's not possible for me to compress the front closer to the bottom than 13 mm (half inch).
FORKS
Linear 9.3 springs
Oil (WP) 10
Oil level 75mm/3 inches incl spacers
Trade secret modified stock valves. I now have good hydraulic function on both compression AND rebound
SHOCK
WP 4014 Emulsion
Spring 150N
Valves and oil to match my bike, riding and weight
Rebound set to 5 of 16 clicks available (5 from innermost, equals slowest?)
Free sag is at 12 mm, riders sag is at 36 mm
There are no pictures yet. I will report on the handling experience when spring comes [moto]
Well, you at least deserved the one picture I could find, if you followed my ramblings this far....
