I'm on the west coast (so cal) and need to have my Ohlins serviced/upgraded. Figured I ask you guys to see who's reputation out here is good enough to make it to that side of the Mississippi [emoji4]. Looking at gold valves from Race Tech but open to better options. Thank you! Subject bike: '02 Aprilia Mille R track bike.
Check in with Dave Moss. I'm surprised that you aren't already familiar with him since he's based in California.
I forgot about him for work. I thought he just did classes etc. Good idea to contact him to see who he recomends if not himself. How about. catalyst suspension
Catalyst suspension is Dave Moss. I'm a former motocross racer who used To do custom suspension work as a business in the Midwest primary using Gold Valve kits. If you are mechanically inclined, you can buy the kit and do it yourself. Sportbike track riding is way different than motocross so while I know about suspension set up, I was not in the know about how to set up a sportbike other than sag settings. I met Dave at NOLA this year and he was able to give me the information I was looking for in less than 15 minutes! I had already read a lot of his articles @ feelthetrack.com so I was already headed in the right direction. I trust Dave Moss and I fully recommend him.
Catalyst Reaction / Cyclemall were one of the better outfits in southern California when I lived there until 2012. They were regulars at trackdays supporting their customers. Advice / feedback was always free of charge. I never used them, but a lot of respected (and fast) riders did, and were very positive about them. Matt
Chaplain, Wishing not to assume, but since you have an R model, you have the Ohlins and not the Showa?
Chaplin, With the Ohlins front suspension, recommend installing this kit. http://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idProduct=8325 I have them in mine and like the improved "feel". I know, they are pricey. Hey, it's Ohlins. Ask your Ohlins professional what he recommends.
Thanks for the link. Race Tech is talking just short of $600 so the AF1 kit would probably cost near the same once installed. You do sound a little like my wife... She keeps telling me I need to get a doctor.. My response to you and her is the same. I don't have one (a Dr. or a Ohlins professional) I guess both the ape and myself need to find a Doctor. Who will get a "Dr" first, me or my bike? I think we both know the answer to that.
If you do have to ship the forks to a service location, one such location would be: http://www.witchkraftracing.com/ Joe Kraft is a true Ohlins professional and does provide quick service. He can also provide the supersport kit at a savings in cost over the "other guys". Did I just make a referral?
I'm currently working at Kyle Racing - the largest Ohlins dealer in the world I was just at Buttonwillow on Monday doing trackside suspension support for my Ohlins customers. It was 100° and I was working like a dog, but it's still better than spending the day cooped up in the shop
Fuuuu... ortunately I have learned over the years not to take any type of pepper or chili's when offered from southerners.
d Off topic, but how do you like your Sprinter? How many miles, trouble, easy of transporting bikes ets??
It's actually a Ford 2015 Ford Transit Van Medium Wheelbase and Medium roof height. Twin Turbo Direct Injected 3.5L V6 with just over 400ft lbs of torque for a ridiculously long spread of rpms. I bought it so I wouldn't have to tow my trailer every time I head to the track as here in Commiefornia we have this draconian law that says if you are towing the maximum speed ANYWHERE in the state is 55mph I can deck this thing out with 2 bikes and all the gear I could possibly need and haul ass with the rest of the normal folks or if I need to I can still hook up the trailer and haul another 3 or 4 bikes with no issues whatsoever. I had a friend custom fabricate a mount out of 1/4" plate steel for the Pit-Bull Trailer Restraints It bolts to the OEM tie down points in the back of the van.