Which suspension builder to use?

J

JMOORE330

PR Addict
I need some opinions, which suspension builder does everyone use? Ive only used FCR one time years ago, and i have my own opinion but havent completely ruled it out. Between, FCR, PDR, Pro Action, Factory Connection? I am a big man so i deffinatly need springs and all that good stuff. I am also not looking to break the bank. And i want somthin to hold up as i am cheap. So price, durability, quality, customer service is also a plus, i dont wanna ship my stuff across the country to get them serviced. I know you cant get good work done cheap and fast i just want an overall average rating. Thanks for everyones opinion.
 
Stay local! If you need to revalve or have any issues your bike isn't down for weeks because of shipping. Personally I love the work FCR did on my bike. Bob listened to my desired outcome and did a great job. He also helped me get it dialed in afterwards.
 
call John at East Coast Suspension (formerly MX-Tech) in Enon Valley, PA. Local(ish), good turn around, and he is a small business guy that makes it happen. He did the suspension on my 02' Cr 250 and it feels awesome. Also, he did the suspension and lowered the rear of my fiance's Rmz 250 and that thing handles like it is on rails, she loves it.

724-336-3293
 
Bob Harrington from Pro Action of Northeast Ohio (located near Warren, Ohio) is a knowledgeable and trustworthy source. (330) 980.6891. Bob set up my bike correctly and gave me some great information to properly clean and maintain the forks and shock. I ride better and feel safer riding and racing since the bike was properly set up. Bob is a longtime local racer and attends a buch of races every season. Ask around; he supports and services what he sells. Hershey is right; a reputable local person is the best.
 
JMOORE330 said:
I need some opinions, which suspension builder does everyone use? Ive only used FCR one time years ago, and i have my own opinion but havent completely ruled it out. Between, FCR, PDR, Pro Action, Factory Connection? I am a big man so i deffinatly need springs and all that good stuff. I am also not looking to break the bank. And i want somthin to hold up as i am cheap. So price, durability, quality, customer service is also a plus, i dont wanna ship my stuff across the country to get them serviced. I know you cant get good work done cheap and fast i just want an overall average rating. Thanks for everyones opinion.
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JMOORE,

You said you're a big man. I'm 6' tall and 300lbs...upwards of 310 in riding gear. I can say that after PDR fixed my suspension it was night and day different. I had it done years ago by BWR and it felt good but after Dave did his magic it felt even better. Now I have not had any experience with FCR, Pro Action, or Factory Connection so I cant say anything about them other than staying local is nice too. With my weight the only issue I really have is the fork springs, they don't make them anywhere near the recommended spring rate so I'm thinking about looking into the gold valves, specifically the SX version that I think is offers much better bottoming resistance.
 
Whoever you decide to go with, I can assure you as a bigger rider having the suspension set up for your weight makes a huge difference. These bikes come from the factory setup for a stick person. I'm slow, never could even be considered a C class sandbagger. The bike hooks up better, you can even go faster across open fields because your suspension isn't bottoming or transferring those harsh vibrations and such up your arms. Cornering is better and so is straight line acceleration. When I do hit the occasional jump I don't bottom and the landing is actually comfortable. As I said in my other post, my big problem is finding a spring rate for my forks, I don't think they make it at all in fact so I need to figure something out there. The forks really don't bottom much but I really notice it on faster downhills with big bumps or when I get further over the front end. I can live with it until I find s solution.
 
I personally usually do my own stuff. Several years working with Coppersmith helped mr learn how to do suspension. Thom and Andre will do their best for you.

But on a side note....the last bike I bought came with Factory Connection kit suspension. Amazing stuff. I have had them make me springs too. Very good people. I set up a cr125 for a 250lb kid. They were happy to make the proper weight springs and at just a little more than off the shelf prices. If I were to send stuff out I would go to them.
 
BigYac said:
Whoever you decide to go with, I can assure you as a bigger rider having the suspension set up for your weight makes a huge difference. These bikes come from the factory setup for a stick person. I'm slow, never could even be considered a C class sandbagger. The bike hooks up better, you can even go faster across open fields because your suspension isn't bottoming or transferring those harsh vibrations and such up your arms. Cornering is better and so is straight line acceleration. When I do hit the occasional jump I don't bottom and the landing is actually comfortable. As I said in my other post, my big problem is finding a spring rate for my forks, I don't think they make it at all in fact so I need to figure something out there. The forks really don't bottom much but I really notice it on faster downhills with big bumps or when I get further over the front end. I can live with it until I find s solution.
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I was told by the guy from fcr in medina that he can get springs specifically made if he had too. But just outa curiuosity, what did pdr charge and hey other ppl can chime in here on prices from other places. And yes ive heard dactory connection is the cats ass. But idk if i wanna deal with shipping and what not.
 
FCR hands down they are the best locally. The new FCR North has been doing my suspension and it kicks some serious butt. 2012-11-29_13-24-43_130.jpg
 
Bobd168 said:
Bob Harrington from Pro Action of Northeast Ohio (located near Warren, Ohio) is a knowledgeable and trustworthy source. (330) 980.6891. Bob set up my bike correctly and gave me some great information to properly clean and maintain the forks and shock. I ride better and feel safer riding and racing since the bike was properly set up. Bob is a longtime local racer and attends a buch of races every season. Ask around; he supports and services what he sells. Hershey is right; a reputable local person is the best.
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X2
 
JMOORE, check your inbox, I PMed you. To everyone else who posted links to the custom spring makers, thank you, I do appreciate it. I think a set of .56kg fork springs will be a good Christmas present to myself.
 
Fcr has never done me wrong. They've always made every effort to ensure everything was done right. Last time I got my stuff done Bob took me in the shop, got a detailed idea of what I needed done and how I wanted the bike to handle. He then showed me his parts machine and a slew of buckets full of specific components that would fit me and my style the best.

Afterwhich he went to tracks and personally set me up on race day and made sure everything was working flawlessly. Can't tell you the numerous phone calls I've made to him about bike set up regarding different track conditions and he always answers and is spot On with adjustment tips.
Www.fcrsuspension.com
 
I have had fcr, now have Factoy connection on my 10 450. I wouldn't use another company. Comes within a few clicks, haven't had trouble with seals or anything. Great stuff and they r good about gettin it back fast. I just use a rifle case and send them back and forth
 
I've had good results with PR2 in PA. Parma Dave can do a nice job rebuilding suspension. This next project I'm gonna hand the ball off to Eric Szalay-- sp? in Hinckley. I know the guy personally, and while he's only been in it a few years-- I've heard that his work is very good. I like the fact that he's local, and I've also heard that he'll watch you ride to ascertain what mods are needed.

PM Z-Man about it. That's who does his bikes. Z's been riding a loooong time-- so that's an opinion I'd trust. --L*64
 
everybody says the guy they use is the best, just wonder if they have tryed others. My son has used FCR,PDR,enzo and factory connection. all 4 were real close in price. pdr same day service exceptional work. enzo took about a week or longer (exceptional on yamahas) factory connection 3 day turn around, has the reputation as Honda specialist. bought a new crf 250 the weekend before thanksgiving had the suspension back the friday after thanksgiving. have now had 3 bikes done at factory connection, we will not go to anyone else!
 
Bobd168 said:
Bob Harrington from Pro Action of Northeast Ohio (located near Warren, Ohio) is a knowledgeable and trustworthy source. (330) 980.6891. Bob set up my bike correctly and gave me some great information to properly clean and maintain the forks and shock. I ride better and feel safer riding and racing since the bike was properly set up. Bob is a longtime local racer and attends a buch of races every season. Ask around; he supports and services what he sells. Hershey is right; a reputable local person is the best.
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