More Suspension Work!
The SV went back to SpeedWerks last week. I decided that it was time to do something with the rear suspension. The front end works so well now that the problems out back are even more evident. I called the shop a few weeks prior to discus options. I didn't want to drop a ton of cash on it as my bike isn't exactly a track weapon. I just wanted it to perform better on the road. We settled on a Penske 8900 Series 'sport' shock. I didn't get the external reservoir. I can add it later if I feel the need.
Steve placed the order with Penske who built the shock to spec. About 10 days later it was in Dover and ready to be installed. Scheduling issues kept me from getting down there for a few days but I finally made it. Dave installed the shock while I waited. It took about an hour and a half. Not bad considering that lunch was delivered in the middle of the job.
The difference is remarkable. The back end sits a little higher now. I get a little more cornering clearance (not that I really need it) and I can still get both feet flat on the ground. More importantly the mush is gone. The stock shock wasn't that great to begin with, it was complete crap after 9 years of hauling my considerable encumbrance around. I feel the difference most on ripply pavement. The old shock always felt like it was trying to catch up with road's surface. Like it was compressing and expanding just slightly out of sync with the bumps. The new one feels rock solid. It's definitely stiffer. I can feel more of the road then I could before but not too much. I have to say that this is the best money I've spent on the bike so far.
I should see what they can do for the back end of my Sportster. I've got the RaceTech stuff dialed in pretty well up front and the back end is just horrendous.
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They know their stuff. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.
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