how important is suspension?

Lately ive been seeing a few posts on suspension. Front forks and rear shocks are about the only thing i wasnt planning on doing to my bike before the riding season (not that i wasnt planning on doing it at all). I know that both front and back will affect handling, but im wondering what other effects they may have on the over all preformance of the bike.

Thanks
bob

 

Besides overall "roadholding" the biggest factor believe it or not is BRAKING. Upgrading your front fork springs when you rebuild your forks will greatly improve braking effectiveness as the front tire stays more continually stuck to the road. I was actually surprised; it is a noticeable gain.

 

one thing i found when i put my new shockies on was the cornering, sometimes with the old ones if you hit a dip while cornering it would scrape on the brake pedal and not sure now about otherside, it may have been the centrestand, not anymore with the new shockies, it gives you alot more confidence, im putting new springs on the front as soon as my brake lines turn up and with new pads im expecting (hoping ) for a totally new feeling bike.

 

Well then this may have to be a project for the summer. But right now im just really wanting to get the whole thing together. I dont like the idea of my bike touching the road other than the tires.... And we all know how important braking is.

Thanks guys.

 

Here's the deal on your rear shocks: Except for the Seca 750 and 900, the rear shocks on most of these bikes were just crap to begin with; then they quickly wore out and were all done at 6K miles at most.

The stock front springs likewise; not all that great to begin with, and yours are probably long sacked out of spec.

Good fork springs run well under $100 for a set; and you can find really nice rear shocks for in the $250 range (set) if you know where to look.

Your tires, your brakes and your peace of mind will thank you for it. If you want to really get all hinky, send your SEAT out to get up-foamed and maybe recontoured to your specs.

These bikes can be COMFY too. My '83 Seca is a little "plushmobile" that handles like it's on rails and is all-day comfortable.

 

Well like I said Fitz, I'm not going to ignore the suspension but its not going to happen right away. Im hoping to get a nice road trip on it this summer so "plushmobile" is what I would be wanting, I might even send my seat out at sometime too.