| Author | Message | ||
     Mick |
Just fitted a Penske shock to my bike,(thanks Al) transforms the handling from the original pogo stick, bike feels really stable , just need to fine tune it a bit After dropping the Bike on my foot and bending the gear lever   | ||
| Daveswan |
it's a beautiful bike! I just put a new shock on my M2 this weekend. I couldn't believe how much of a turd the stock shock really is in comparison. Like bouncing on an old couch - boing, boing, boing.  | ||
| Fahren |
Hey - don't knock bouncing on an old couch.... just depends on who you are with. I like it. Did you shop around for different coil spring shock options before deciding on the Penske? | ||
| Firebolt020283 |
there is only 2 aftermarket choices for tubers which are penske and works performance. | ||
| Scott_in_nh |
Great looking bike! I am so f'in jealous - I want a Penske! | ||
| Brinnutz |
There are more than 2 choices. There was Hyperpro, AST, Penske, Works, Storz made one, FlexPro (I think that's their name). 4 are still available, AST, Penske, Works and FlexPro IIRC Oh, and I went with a Penske also...Couldn't beat the deal I got on a new one. (Message edited by brinnutz on February 18, 2010) | ||
| Fahren |
I think AST are made to order, per your weight. Also, is Technoflex also a (very expensive) made to order option? | ||
| Eboos |
Just make sure to set the preload for the correct amount of sag. Even with the correct spring rate, I found that the M2 needed an abnormally high amount of preload to get the free sag to where it should be. | ||
| Brinnutz |
Yes, TechnoFlex it was, not FlexPro, lol...Those things are damn expensive, but reverse the Buell shock to a standard push/pull config. Oh, and Fahren, I'm pretty sure Penske's are made to order also...I had to wait a few weeks for mine after ordering it. (Message edited by brinnutz on February 18, 2010) | ||
| Eboos |
Same here. I know for a fact that mine was MTO. I ordered mine through my local suspension tuner. | ||
| Scott_in_nh |
So who has the best price right now on a Penske? | ||
| Brinnutz |
I got mine from Traxxion Dynamics for $800 shipped. 8300 series, no colored spring | ||
| V74 |
i have a AST and well happy with it,it has more adjustment than i know what to do with,i am still trying to figure it all out after its been a year on the bike, was cheaper than any of the other ones too | ||
| Scott_in_nh |
I haven't looked recently, but the AST's have typically been more expensive than the Penske here in the US. Shipping and exchange rate kills it. they are beautifully finished though and I am sure they perform! | ||
| Brinnutz |
AST New is wayyy more than a Penske 8300...Now, the top model Penske with Hi and Lo Speed dampening is still a bit less than the AST. http://www.speed-of-color.de/index.php?cat=FAHRWER KSMX&product=FW-019&sidSPEEDOFCOLOR=c4h36u8mrj3san 5hiqd8b3obg5 | ||
| Jayvee |
Show us the other side, please. Where/how did you mount the remote reservoir? The bike is really purdy though! | ||
| Fahren |
I like the write up on Buell World on Hyperpro shocks; they seem to have a great degree of adjustment on all points. Has anyone except the writer of Buell World tried one? Cost? http://lightning.prohosting.com/~buells2t/shock.ht m | ||
| Sloppy |
Great choice on the Penske! Stay away from Works Shocks... Penske is WAY better. | ||
| Mick |
Eboos , yes I've noticed that with the preload, thought they'd put the wrong spring on it , the bike sat a lot lower in the back , even with the shock as short as it would go , and it is the right length. Giving it a bit more preload has lifted it but I'm still setting it up, good to hear you had the same thing. Heres the reservoir mounting, was tricky getting it there too, they don't give you much extra hose.   | ||
| Littlebuggles |
Bike looks great Mick, how do you get it so clean with all the miles you stack up on it? Besides the performance improvement everyone talks about those Penske's sure look sharp! | ||
| Mick |
 Thanks Buggs , I think I'm anal with cleaning , I really only spray CT18 on it and hit it with the hose. I just don't let crap build up on it , coz I love it so much. | ||
| Littlebuggles |
Well it's a beautiful bike, a very refined M2, those polished triple clamps sure clean up the front end don't they? Did you kill a lot of bugs on your trip to Tasmania? I need to go back and do some deep cleaning on mine I guess, wish I could stay on top of it better. | ||
| Mick |
Yeah was a pain polishing them but worth it. Haven't been to Tassie yet, leave on the 1st of march, can't wait Will post up pics on return. | ||
| Littlebuggles |
Cool, I thought you'd already done it and just decided to keep the M2 tail on for a bit. That new shock should make all those km's a pleasure! | ||
| Scott_in_nh |
Just make sure to set the preload for the correct amount of sag. Even with the correct spring rate, I found that the M2 needed an abnormally high amount of preload to get the free sag to where it should be. Eboos , yes I've noticed that with the preload, thought they'd put the wrong spring on it , the bike sat a lot lower in the back , even with the shock as short as it would go , and it is the right length. Giving it a bit more preload has lifted it but I'm still setting it up, good to hear you had the same thing. I am reading this post with great interest as I have a leaky rear shock and am considering the irrational idea of spending $800 on a shock. I am sure this shock rides/handles as well as you all say, but the above statements leave me feeling somewhat less impressed with this shock. After spending $800 on a premium shock with ride height adjustment I need to top it out AND dial in "extra" preload just to get the bike to sit right - really? What happens when you put a passenger on the back? | ||
| Eboos |
I ran the shock in it's shortest (stock) length. Trust me, the preload thing is a non-issue, just an observation. The stock shock is in no way adequate for the bike and the Penske is a world of improvement. Any shock is not a simple bolt on and go thing. You do have to set it up. I wanted people to be aware of this fact. If you plan to get one, let me and FireboltEric know and we'll help you set your's up. PM me for more info. | ||
| Scott_in_nh |
Stay away from Works Shocks... Penske is WAY better. Can you elaborate on your experience with both shocks? | ||
| Eboos |
I can't, but Peter Kates at GMD Computrack Boston can. He's been doing suspension for quite a while, and I trust his advise. | ||
| Scott_in_nh |
yeah I've been talking to Eric and I know any shock, including the stock, needs set up. I am just thinking that a shock that has ride height adjustment that is topped out is no better than a shock without that adjustment (as far as ride height goes). I am also thinking that a premium shock should not need "extra" preload to correct the ride height. I am thinking that the best shock on the market should have a ride height adjustment that allows you to raise or lower the bike from the stock ride height and when equipped with the right spring does not require "extra" preload. I need the extra preload for those times when I carry a passenger! I believe what you guys are saying, but what point am I missing? | ||
| Eboos |
The ride height isn't so much the issue, it's setting the sag. With the correct sag, you will have the correct ride height. Don't worry about not having extra preload range. What I was describing only takes about 10mm of adjustment. When I get home, I'll measure the set length of my rear spring. I believe that the free length was 7". The ride height adjuster will lower the ride height, but not raise it from stock. If when you have the correct amount of free sag on your bike (after making neccessary preload adjustments) and your rider sag is also correct, you have the correct rate spring for your weight. | ||
| Scott_in_nh |
Ok, I just assumed it would allow adjustment up and down (and still believe it should for the $$). Ultimately the downward adjustment is what I want so I can lower it at the strip. who has a Penske and rides two up on occasion and what is your experience? My S3 is and needs to stay my one bike "quiver". it is my; sport bike touring bike drag bike solo bike two up bike show bike and I might even try a track day this year bike | ||
| Eboos |
I had the opposite issue, I wanted to raise the rear from the stock position. I ended up doing that with a modified shock mount. This shock will fit your quiver quite well. The range of adjustibility in the damping, along with having a heavier spring then the stock shock, will allow you to adjust it to suit your needs for various conditions. | ||
| Sloppy |
Problems with Works Shocks: Braided stainless wiring is not coated to protect any abrasion points. Comp and Reb adjustments require two different tools. Preload adjuster is chrome - chrome is not something you do when you need to put a tool on it. Damping rates are at their extremes even though it was "customized" to my weight and riding style. Spring coil squeaks and needs to be lubricated periodically. Not saying it's a "bad" shock - just saying that the Penske is a far better one. For the amount of money you pay for a Works, you would figure that there would be some basic features to it. | ||
| Mick |
Gotta agree with Eboos , after setting the sag and playing with compression and rebound adjustments(which you can actually feel working) , its a totally new bike instills way too much confidence , it handles like its on rails now. well worth the $$ |
