Catalyst Reaction - New cartridges in 696

[jcmjrt]

Well, I came on here talking about upgrades and thinking about new wheels but got talked into doing front suspension first. I am soooo glad that I did this. I took the bike to Catalyst Reaction in San Carlos (SF Bay area) on Tues after talking with them and I got the bike back this morning with new GP Suspension cartridges in both legs.

OMG!! I've done plenty of changes on bikes before - most provide fairly subtle changes to performance - but NOT this. This is big and I'm soooooo glad that I've done it. I realized that the bike was harsh but mostly laid it at the feet of short wheel base sport bike. Now I know it was just SHITE front suspension. The ride was harsh - teeth chattering. I can feel the road well now but the edge is completely taken off. I just had to take a twisty ride excursion on the way home and as impressed as I was by the in-town riding and freeway time that I had, this impressed me even more. I felt more confident on the bike and my lines smoothed right out.

Anyway, I realize that I'm no review guru with all of the vocabulary to describe how well this change worked for me, but I can say that there's absolutely no way that I would call this a subtle change. It's huge and it's great.

I have a 2010 Monster 696 ABS and I am glad for every penny spent - just shy of $1600. If you live in the SF Bay area, have a late model monster and $1600 - DO THIS!

BTW, it was a pleasure working with Jim at Catalyst Reaction. He is obviously a knowledgable professional and I enjoyed working with him.

Thanks to all who guided me to front suspension changes. This is GREAT!!!    

[Raux]

  $1600

wow

for 1600 that better be race quality front suspension

[MonsterHPD]

Well, a bit steep in my book, but I suppoe that would be their 25 mm cartridge conversion? If so, your forks are now about on a par with a set of (perfectly set up) Öhlins (minus the bling factor ...).
You are happy, and no amount of money spent on CF, CNC,  ... whatever, could have made you more happy    

Money well spent

[jcmjrt]

Yes, the 25mm cartridge conversion.

I don't think that $1600 is nothing but I've spent about as much money on an aftermarket exhaust and air kit and ended up being only mildly happy about it (different bike). I'm waay more than mildly happy with this change. it really is significant.