I'm looking to get my 2007's suspension overauled and improved. I've had mixed advice about where the OEM springs and valving are lacking and even that the rear shock is not servicable and a sealed unit. What do you all recommend/short comings etc? I only use the bike on the road, and go as quick as I dare but I'm not skilled, just would like it as good as poss, thanks.
Personally,for road use, I think the blade's suspension is fine, even a lot of track day bikes stick with stock suspension. Fresh oil and a general service will make a big difference if they have never been done, you could change the springs(not overly expensive if done during fork oil change). Rear shock can be serviced. The most important thing is getting your suspension set up properly. I did mine myself using factory settings as a start point then fiddled in half turns until I was happy. I can let it rip on the road and never feel like the bike is going to let go, In all fairness when it does want to let go it' let's you know well in advance.
your stock suspension is made to be all things to all people, 90kg with a mate on the back? 70 kg solo? it is a compromise, if you ride on your own it can be improved beyond all recognition, talk to a specialist and tell them what you need it for. Good suspension will make you happier at speeds you are comfortable with and increase the speeds you are comfortable with
The rear shock is a mystery, why I've been told it's sealed and can't be opened?! I got that off a very well known outfit and assumed it was true. Glad I asked here!
it isn't worth opening, get a nitron or hyperpro or ohlins or maxton or ktech or bitubo or wilbers or wp or ..
Well well, all done and very impressed. The bike is very different, it's hard to imagine how a proper suspension differs from OEM till you try it. I had a Hilltop remap done just before and the bike is such a hoot now. Not cheap but better value than investing in a new bike, IMO .
Mint. Mines at Kais now. Can't wait. I had updated on my 636. Night and day mate. Was it ecu tune u got done? What figure did u get
The base run was 138 bhp and 74ftlb at the tyre. The remapped run was 150 and 79. The map moves the positions where the air box and exhaust valves operate. It uses data from the air box pressure and temperature to form a sort of open loop control, ie it can learn and adjust. It's made a huge difference to the feel, the midrange it hilarious now. Previously it averaged 39-43mpg. Hilltop said that would improve. I doubted that but they're right. The last three fill ups have been 50,51,49. Amazing results and a bargain IMO.
