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Race-tech Suspension Bible

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Hillclimb#42:
hey guys, just wanted to let you all know about some great reading material / reference material. I have known about Race-tech's reputation as an industry leader, but stumbled across some priceless info while researching suspension theory on the internet. First, my goal was/is to understand suspension set-ups, adjustments and theory behind the modifications. I found some really interesting vids on youtube. The channel is called "CycleTV." They hold seminars at trade shows discussing the latest trends and products, on a few, interview the owner of Race-Tech on a couple. Some of them cover street bike advances, which I found interesting, but a little distracting from my goals. I did discover that Race-Tech holds classes that teach "students" evrything about suspensions over a 5 day course. For 609 bucks, a guy can get a working knowledge of suspension theory, maintenance and modifications on all motorcycles. I was pretty impressed that Paul Thede would share this info with customers and competitors, essentialy reducing his service load. Then students showed an interest in taking the class two or three times because the information was so involved. Geometry, chassis design, in depth maintenace on all forms of suspension and explaining the modifications is a ton of info to absorb and understand. So, as a result they devolped a book that covered the material in the seminars, so students had a reference book, and everyone else didn't have to figure out how to pay for a week in Cali. The book sells for around 40 bucks. Its definately worth the money, if you enjoy working on the bike as much as you enjoy tearing it up.

cbrfrenzie:
Sounds like you have been doing quite a bit of research on this.  Do you the name of the book, or perhaps some information on where it could be found?  Thank you for this information!

sandblaster:
I believe it is Race Tech's Motorcycle Suspension Bible.
I picked one up used off of Amazon for under 30 bucks.
I was thinking about taking some of those classes last summer.
I think I'll read the book and see where that leads me first.

Hillclimb#42:
Yes it is Race-tech's Motorcycle Suspension Bible. The information is crucial to most motorcycle tuners. In hillclimbing, we stretch swingarms, put street bike motors in dirt bike chassis, and have a variety of terrain. In supermoto Paul points out that currently supermoto bikes have horrible ground trail numbers. Correcting it lowered seconds off of lap times for experts and typical riders. Street bikes need to corner safely, and have pich control,  and everyone gets the demands of sx and mx suspension. He also points out that a large majority of riders never attempt to adjust their suspension. This is because barely anyone understands it, and are afraid to mess it up and make things worse. Often newer trade-ins are still set at factory positions. Really, if we take note of where we are set, then we remove the risk of messing things up, because we can always go back. Stock suspensions are set-up for the "average rider." How difficult would that be to get right for all types of riding and skill levels? (not to mention riders weight, build and riding style.) I did learn a whole lot about suspension, and still have alot to understand, but it also pointed out that, when in doubt, ask an expert. Race-tech also has a policy to answer questions and have techs on the phone to help you basically all day. When you buy a gold valve from them, they provide an installation kit and a how-to video that covers the installation. Of course, the book also covers their tools, and products and are perfectly captured label facing out in the pictures, but somehow with the overwhelming support and clear information, it seems fair enough......as far as where to get it, I found it on ebay, new 37 dollars, but beware of shipping times. They sent my copy media rate which is twice as long as typical shipping......

sandblaster:
I paid for Express so I should have mine in about 2 days :-)

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