In MY opinion, handling is affeted in this order.

Tires
Springs
shocks

If you are going to do one or the other, springs will net you the best results for the buck.

My font end was beating the crap out of me on sharp edged bumps especially when I was going faster. Also when I went over RR tracks by work (5 or 10 times a day) the front tire would deflect, or go sideways, or the handlebars would want to turn because the bike could not absorb the bump all due to the valves. Now its uneventful.

Rear was smooth and front was stiff, Now its balanced. The bike handles much better over bumps. I don't think I ever bottomed the bike out on bumps. I even keep a zip tie on the forks to see.

Springs hold you and the bike up, shocks control the springs.

David

 

I just came back fro a night time cruise to test my new Race light and forks, and I have to saw I am very impressed with the front end. I could tell on the first pot hole I hit that there was a big improvement. I am going to do the shock in the next couple of weeks instead of next year. The light is pretty darn good too, I might add.

 

It is that nice a change, isn't it, red. Wait until you really get off road.

 

You guys are killing me here. I was saving valves and big bore until next year, but I'm losing patience.

 

IDRIDR, if you go to Moab, you'll appreciate the suspension work over motor work IMO.

 

I've found suspension work almost always rewards more offroad than motor work...it's just motor work feels so good.

 

I think I am done. Big bore, new carb, front shock valves and SEAT. I gotta say all made the bike into something else. All improvements. Its nothing like the day I drove it home.

No more sore ***
No more tucking in just to pass a car (like a little kid)
No more front end jarring me at high speeds over sharp bumps.

LOTS MORE WHEELIES.

All I want to do now is ride. I have worked on it enough and put enough money into the bike. It now has about 5,000 miles on it. Lets see how far it goes with just oil changes, brakes and tires.

David
09 KLX351 SF

 

Going through rough enough chit already that I'm sure it would be appreciated even without Moab. But this month, it's a tank. I'll just have to suffer this time.