Ok I've been thinking for a while now on what to do bike wise. Dare I say it but I was actually thinking of changing the blade and going for something else. Ie a MV, but decided that I will wait until the new blade comes out. So until then I will be upgrading the suspension on the bike (also going for more tuition). First off will be the rear shock. Having the SP1 with a good shock on it has highlighted how plush it can be on the road and I'm left thinking the blade should be easily on a par with this. So question is before I end up writing 'war and peace' which shock for the blade?
Suspension upgrades for road use only is a waste of money don't you know,your better off buying a more padded comfy seat
MrB, pmsl. Col, haven't a clue as not rode a bike with uprated suspension, but appreciate how much difference I noticed when I had both bikes set up, so like you imagine an upgrade can only make what's a great bike even better? I was in exactly the same place as you mate in terms of changing the bike, after three years just wanted something else. Like you decided to keep it and throw some cash into making it a little different, first real purchase the wheels from Andy. Why, because I wanted to and I can. Obvious reasonably cheap upgrade is one from the 12 blade. Personally if I had the spare cash I'd go for a Ohlins, don't know what performance improvement it would have over the 12 shock they just look lush.
Pop a 2012 shock on and pay to have it set up for you. New hugger time too if you go that route. Mine needs some adjustment as it felt better loaded with Ventura than it does without
I've read a few good reports about the 2012 shock Good price to. For me order of preference is K-Tech Ohlins Maxton Nitron With a decent brand you can't really make a bad choice.
I've looked into this a bit, Colin. The guy who's done my suspension reckons that the forks are the first place to start. He recommended re-valving and changing the springs on these. Apparently Honda's standard suspension is overdamped and undersprung. After that he seems to sell WP rear shocks. Not sure if they're any good.
I've been looking at the K-Tech suspension for a bit, and from what I hear they are meant to be a better setup for our roads. I may contact them and see what they can do for a rear shock and front end setup. Ain't going to be cheap but it will be better than chopping the blade in.
