Moto411, Moto 411

Thursday, February 08, 2007

Review: GP Suspension

Quality: +++++(5 out of 5)
Functionality: +++++(5 out of 5)
Appearance: ++++-(4 out of 5)
Value: +++++(5 out of 5)
Overall: +++++(5 out of 5)
Pros:
  • Cutting edge technology
  • Race tested
  • Quality workmanship
  • Good service
  • High value (compared to what else is out there)
Cons:
  • Limited locations (you can go to Oregon or check their race schedule)
  • No bling? (I took one point off in "Appearance" because I know some of you need that visual reassurance of your superiority—shame on you)

Introduction

The first thing we change when we get new bikes is the suspension. Pure and simple, no other modification gives better return on the dollar than having someone fit your bike's suspension and geometry to your body and riding style. Most motorcycles are shipped with a standard suspension setup that works sufficiently for a wide range of possible riders. But, when you start pushing your machine past leisurely riding, the difference between stock and properly-tuned is night and day.

We struck out to find the best suspension we could. Not the most expensive, or most popular, or most prestigious, or the one that would look the best in the parking lot. No, we were looking for the one that would work.

Initial Findings

We found many vendors who offer a variety of motorcycle suspension parts and services, but we quickly learned that merely buying new parts was a good way to spend money with little or negative return. Aftermarket suspension components aren't cheap, and if they're mismatched or not tuned properly, they may actually do more harm than good.1 To that end, we wanted a custom setup—similar to what is provided to racers—and we wanted it at a reasonable price.

Naturally, we decided to ask around the AMA pits. Understandably, most factory teams and some other well-funded teams have their own devoted in-house suspension people. But, for those that didn't, a few names consistently came up. One of those names was GP Suspension.

In Their Own Words

If you take a moment to peruse the GP Suspension website, you'll probably find yourself in the products section. Now, I'm not going to claim I know much of anything about suspension and why one product works better than another, but I will say that I liked what I didn't see. I didn't see a laundry list of part numbers accompanied by "buy it now" buttons. After all, we were looking for later braking, quicker turn-in, more corner speed, better traction, etc.—and I've never seen a "shopping cart" that can deliver any of those things.

Now, this does have a perceived downside. Everyone I know, myself included, enjoys the convenience of clicking their mouse and having their needs fulfilled—but as we would find out later, no such thing exists when it comes to motorcycle suspension. You should be wary of anyone who promises you immediate suspension gratification through a website or store-shelf.

Third Party Validation

Don't believe us (we don't). Ask some real motorcycle riders/journalists. Before we committed our suspension bits to GP Suspension, we checked the literature. We found a 2005 article by Sport Rider Magazine's "roving senior editor Trevitt" as he tested "the latest aftermarket suspension technology from GP Suspension." The write-up can be found here.

Our Experience

We were immediately impressed by GP Suspension's approach—they didn't try and up-sell us on superfluous expensive products. They wanted to make our suspension work. For example, and this may actually hurt them as far as getting their word out, they spend most of their money on R&D versus marketing. They work directly with Öhlins and Penske to ensure that they are on the cutting edge of suspension technology. They seem reluctant to promote any component based on anything other than performance. For those who only want gold and chrome, you need not apply. If you want the best of the best, get in line—GP Suspension's reputation for shaving seconds off lap times has made them a busy bunch.

Their services range from simple adjustments of current/stock suspensions to respringing and reworking your suspension with their proprietary valving kits and needles to full race-ready proprietary Supersport Race Cartridges. They are also an authorized dealer and service center for both Penske and Öhlins.

Images shamelessly stolen from GP Suspension:

I was tempted to go for the Supersport Race Cartridges, but after a reality check, I realized I wasn't good enough to really appreciate them (yet). Plus, that realization saved me some much needed cash and Mr. Trevitt had been nice enough to cover the racing cartridges in his review. I had GP Suspension rework my stock Showa forks with their valving kits, compression needles and new "hefty" springs for my less-than-sexy-in-leathers self. For the rear, I got a Penske shock reworked to GP Suspension standards with (another) "hefty" spring. The only ascetic difference I saw on my forks was the sticker. Everything fit right back on the bike easily. The Penske shock did add a bit of visible status enhancement though, and I must admit that I felt kind of good about that (shame on me).

Forks and shock:

When I made the order, they asked for crucial information such as height, weight, bike model, etc. Using that data, they try and preset the components they send back to you. But the bike won't truly be set up until you get them installed and have the preload, compression, damping, etc. adjusted properly. Even before I had the final tweaking done, I noticed a huge difference over my stock setup. However, once I started pushing the bike, the "wavy line" on the edge of my rear tire and accompanying feeling of unease when leaned over indicated that more needed to be done. (That specific problem was solved with a few clicks of compression.)

Once I met up with GP Suspension at a local event and had them make the final adjustments, things were good to go. I've never been happier with my bike's handling. (For the most part, any reputable suspension tuner should be able to get you "closer to good" in making some of these final adjustments.)

Conclusion

Wow! I never knew I could ride this well. In a large part to my suspension, I have mustered the courage to try racing this year. Thus far we've had a very good experience with GP Suspension. In our research we found a few other outfits and tuners on our coast that had very positive reputations and, although we have not used their products, you can contact us for our list. Wether or not you go with GP Suspension, I recommend every rider to spend their customization money on suspension first—and with stock exhausts becoming more ascetically tolerable on some bikes, this may be easier to justify. I know it's tempting to replace your exhaust first, but remember to look for the GP Suspension stickers on that bike with stock exhaust passing you in the corner.

1. Mail-order and internet retailers tend to be the cheapest source of parts. We found that motorcycle suspension is an exception. Although we were able to save a few dollars by buying a new shock online, we blew through those savings (and then some) getting it resprung because it didn't come with the right spring. Additionally, Ebay is a risky proposition. If the part is even usable (by the way, the term "mint" should mean this but it has an entirely different and deceptive meaning on Ebay), you're likely to need to invest hours just in cleaning effort. Furthermore, not only are you likely to need new springs, but the parts are often mistreated and need to be completely gutted to be brought back to spec. Learn from our mistakes and do yourself a favor: spend the extra $50 and buy your parts from your tuner. You will reap the rewards 100 fold.

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

The Racing Experience

Why We're Racing

Here at Moto411 we've decided to field a race bike in California's AFM Race Series. Why? We feel that to best test the equipment we review and to reassure our readers that we really can ride decently, we should race. Additionally, since we're new to the racing experience, we will also provide insights and reviews regarding the entire racing process and what it requires from start to, hopefully, finish.

Plus, who wouldn't want to race? This gives us a great excuse.

What We're Racing

The bike is a 2001 Honda CBR600 F4i. Certainly not the latest technology, but it's in great mechanical shape and many parts are available for the bike.

Moto411 Race Bike:

Moto411 Race Bike:

When We're Racing

We aren't going to race every round this year—perhaps only 4 or 5 races at the tracks closest to us. We will have schedule updates when they become available. As much as we encourage you to come by and say hello (mention you read this on Moto411.com and get some free stickers), don't expect to see us leading any packs or winning any races—not this year anyway. We will have a yellow "rookie" number plate and we plan to use it. This year I will adopt the name Slowie McSlowerson and report on our AFM racing progress and the things we learn and any tips we have for newbies coming after us.

"Sponsors"

We would like to take a minute and thank our "sponsors": Moto411.com, Big Pussy Racing and Bog Bros Serf Shop. Anytime you support one of these brands, you support us and our quest to build this site into an ever more useful source of honest information and reporting.

"Sponsors":