rummerd
08-19-2007, 09:32 AM
This is a brief ride review on the C&D stock shock rebuilds for the LT-R. I had my fronts converted to tripple rate with no preload and the rear a dual rate no preload setup built for an aggressive rec rider. I ride a lot of different terrain, so Colby spent a lot of time talking to me on the phone, getting the information he needed to build the shocks and answering all of my questions. I have owned and ridden on a lot of aftermarket suspensions including Axis, PEP, Elka shocks with Houser, Roll, Lonestar chassis parts, so I do have some experience other than stock.
First off, opening the box and inspecting the shocks I was impressed, very good looking setup. I installed them and called Colby to get the initial set up specs, the rear just needed to be raised up a bit. As I do not race MX, I don't need a lot of sag or lowered ride hight. I am just about an inch lower than stock, but could easily go lower for racing on a track. The front shock is now about 1/2" longer than before due to the "travel extenders" and that gave at least a full inch of additional downtravel over stock. The rear does only has 5mm (Colby's info to me) more shaft travel over stock, but due to the linkage, you get about an inch more downtravel in the rear as well.
Now to the important part, the ride. I took it to the Oregon Dunes on Friday afternoon for a couple of hours, mostly to break in the springs and fluid and get a general feel for the new shocks, not to make any adjustments. After 30 minutes of fast duning, I started putting the shocks through their paces. I will say that my initial impression is that these shocks are now as good as any I have ever ridden on. The bike flies through the whoops with no issues at all. It tracks straight, doesn't kick in the rear, floats across the tops of the big ones and you don't even notice the small whoops. This was my biggest complaint about the stockers. The dunes were pretty tracked up and the ride across the small chop was smooth, no issues. I have not done any significant jumping yet, but the smaller jumps I did were just super plush. 4 to 5 foot drops were no problem, very easy landings, not bone jaring like the stockers. Where the machine would bottom before (especially on G-outs) there is only smooth controlled suspension action.
I am going out on Tuesday to ride a lot harder and test them on jumps, but I expect them to be just excellent. If anyone is considering the purchase of new shocks, I really think you should seriously take a look at rebuilding the stockers. I am sure that a new long travel setup has some advantages, but unless you are a really competative rider, you will most likely be far better off saving some money and riding your stockers rebuilt, you will be impressed.
First off, opening the box and inspecting the shocks I was impressed, very good looking setup. I installed them and called Colby to get the initial set up specs, the rear just needed to be raised up a bit. As I do not race MX, I don't need a lot of sag or lowered ride hight. I am just about an inch lower than stock, but could easily go lower for racing on a track. The front shock is now about 1/2" longer than before due to the "travel extenders" and that gave at least a full inch of additional downtravel over stock. The rear does only has 5mm (Colby's info to me) more shaft travel over stock, but due to the linkage, you get about an inch more downtravel in the rear as well.
Now to the important part, the ride. I took it to the Oregon Dunes on Friday afternoon for a couple of hours, mostly to break in the springs and fluid and get a general feel for the new shocks, not to make any adjustments. After 30 minutes of fast duning, I started putting the shocks through their paces. I will say that my initial impression is that these shocks are now as good as any I have ever ridden on. The bike flies through the whoops with no issues at all. It tracks straight, doesn't kick in the rear, floats across the tops of the big ones and you don't even notice the small whoops. This was my biggest complaint about the stockers. The dunes were pretty tracked up and the ride across the small chop was smooth, no issues. I have not done any significant jumping yet, but the smaller jumps I did were just super plush. 4 to 5 foot drops were no problem, very easy landings, not bone jaring like the stockers. Where the machine would bottom before (especially on G-outs) there is only smooth controlled suspension action.
I am going out on Tuesday to ride a lot harder and test them on jumps, but I expect them to be just excellent. If anyone is considering the purchase of new shocks, I really think you should seriously take a look at rebuilding the stockers. I am sure that a new long travel setup has some advantages, but unless you are a really competative rider, you will most likely be far better off saving some money and riding your stockers rebuilt, you will be impressed.