YOUNEEDITDONE is owned and operated by Paul Hilliard. After working on motorcycles for many years he realized there was general misconception about the value of updating suspensions (see below Notes: Safety, Comfort, etc.) Since then he decided to focus on suspensions. Paul was trained by Traxxion Dynamics in Woodstock, GA to install and set up AK-20 cartridges and Traxxion/Penskie shock absorbers.

We later added the Race Tech line of suspension components to give us a full range of options for a substantial number of motorcycles from modern Harleys and GoldWings through vintage Triumphs and Nortons.

We provide optimum suspension solutions customized for your weight and riding style. If, after an upgrade, you need the ride adjusted, we will do that. Paul has spent many hours tweaking to get it right. If you’re not happy, we’re not happy.

We have the full technical support of both Race Tech and Traxxion to draw on so you can be assured of the best service available.

Notes on Motorcycle Suspension


WHY BOTHER SPENDING THE MONEY?
SAFETY

We have all experienced crossing a frost heave in a corner and having to make dramatic steering corrections. It is because, with most stock touring and cruising suspensions, your tires have lost some traction, in some cases actually losing contact with the road. In the worst case, a crash results.

COMFORT

Most stock cruiser and touring suspensions do not handle sharp bumps well. In fact, they lock up, causing harsh motion that you feel in your hands and your butt. The result is not only uncomfortable but also causes fatigue which contributes to reducing enjoyment, riding range and safety.

SUSPENSIONS, THE “BLACK ART”

The conceptions and misconceptions about suspensions could take up volumes. I doubt very seriously if I wrote it, you would take the time to read it so, I won’t! However, a brief over view of what suspension upgrades are all about is necessary or valuable.

All motorcycle suspensions have two very basic functions. One: to hold up the bike and the bike’s load (you and your gear) with springs; and Two: to keep the tires in contact with the road, using damping, no matter how hard the road surface tries to dislodge them. You may have heard of sag and lag, which refer to these two functions.

In most cases the bike’s stock springs do not have a heavy enough rating to support the bike, let alone you and your gear or passenger. The manufacturers provide inexpensive springs covering a variety of rider weights. Combine this basic problem with antiquated valving mechanisms (another cost saving for the manufacturer) and you have a suspension that is rough, inadequate, and in some cases, down right dangerous! The suspension’s valving controls the springs compression rate and rebound rate; both crucial to the bikes ability to provide comfort, maintain traction and keep a steady line.

Here is a common scenario. You enter a corner, you have your line all picked out and are maintaining pressure on the inside handlebar grip to keep your line. So far so good. You hit some sort of a bump or dip and the bike starts to “stand up” coming off the line you have selected. (In a left hand turn, this heads you for the guardrail, and in a right hand turn, it heads you for oncoming traffic in the other lane). Or you enter the same corner and as the bike leans in the bike starts to float or wallow through the corner. (Not a very comfortable feeling).

Another scenario. You enter a corner and hard parts start grinding on the pavement. This is not a sign of riding prowess. This is a sign of bike that is under-suspended for the rider’s intentions. Rubber is supposed to be on the road… Not metal filings!

You say you bought the best bike on the market, why is the suspension in need of upgrades? Good question! The bottom line drives all bike companies. If they can save a buck here and there and not have too many notice the deficiency, they will, they and do.

This leaves lots of room for improvement. Paul Thede, founder of Race Tech, summed it up when he said, “The best you’ve ridden is the best you know.” Reading testimonials from those who have had suspension improvements will tell you what you don’t know!

Suspension upgrades can make the best bikes that much better by adding additional control, comfort and stability in all conditions.

The harder you ride, or the heavier you load, the more you need to consider suspension upgrades.

Look over Traxxion and Race Tech links. Watch the video etc.

Then, give us a call, let’s talk about your specific needs.

Paul Hilliard
YOUNEEDITDONE
437 County Rd. #23
Merrickvale, Ontario
Canada, K0G 1N0
613-292-4622
info@gl1800.ca