Penske fork pistons/cartridge kits

[Tony Down Under]

Has anyone had success with either Penske fork pistons or Traxxion/Ohlins fork cartridge kits with upgrading fork performance on their 2012 S10?

I've replaced the OEM fork springs with straight rate springs and had the valving/shim stack modified on the compression circuit by a suspension tech. Performance still less than stellar. Now that my Ohlins rear shock is dialled in the short comings with the front end are felt worse than ever.

Penske fork pistons seem the cheapest option but do they work? Mainly looking to reduce jarring/shocks from sharp/square edged rough bitumen (which we have heaps of!).

Your feedback appreciated.

Tony

 

[ace50]

I can't help you on this one.

I must be clueless about suspension or never take a bike to the proper edge or have always had crappy bikes???, cause I've never up-graded the suspension on any bike or wanted to. I've just ridden them as fast as they would go and had a lot of fun doing it. ::014::

 

[gunner]

I installed Penske valves in my forks and I'm very happy with them.

Call or email Nick at

Stoltec Moto
610.252.7232
sales@stoltecmoto.com
www.stoltecmoto.com

He will want to know your weight in riding gear, the weight of the accessories on the bike like panniers and crash bars, the weight of your gear and the type of riding you do.

 

[greg the pole]

Second on Nick from Stoltec.

I have them installed in my bike, It's a huge improvement. The oem valving sucks. With my rear Yacugar, it's the cat's ass.

Traxxion does cartridges, if you want the bling...and triple the cost. That said, I've installed the traxxion cartridges in my FJ09 (can't change the valving, as the 41mm forks only have preload, and rebound (one leg)), and they are very nice indeed, and there's less faffing about with doing the work yourself.

 

[Tony Down Under]

Thanks for your input gents! ::008::

 

[spam16v]

Had Alex at Konflict do my forks. Modified stock pistons and I got a used Penske he worked over too. Excited to ride it

 

[Mark R.]

The key to the forks is to significantly reduce the high speed compression damping. That will rid them of the harshness and jarring that straight rate springs and messing with the fork oil will not solve. I had mine done by Cogent Dynamics, but in Australia, that would be cost prohibitive.

 

[greg the pole]

The key to the forks is to significantly reduce the high speed compression damping. That will rid them of the harshness and jarring that straight rate springs and messing with the fork oil will not solve. I had mine done by Cogent Dynamics, but in Australia, that would be cost prohibitive.

You can get the valving from Nick sent down under, and have a local shop install them. Well worth it.

 

[Jabba]

Another vote for Stoltec and the Penske valves. Side by side, the stock valves have pinholes for openings. They just don't flow enough oil.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

 

[summitboy]

I have the Traxxion cartridges. Huge difference imo. Valving is awesome. Bike really holds a line well over the bumps and not soft like it used to be. Worth every penny. Suspension is so worth it. I like my Elka in the back as well !

 

[Buelligan]

I upgraded my forks first with stoltec valving and springs. I still was not happy with the result, and ended up going with traxxion cartridges and springs. very happy with the results.

 

[tomatocity]

I upgraded my forks first with stoltec valving and springs. I still was not happy with the result, and ended up going with traxxion cartridges and springs. very happy with the results.

Listening. Can you explain the differences. Thanks.

 

[greg the pole]

Listening. Can you explain the differences. Thanks.

Tim, I'll ride Chris's Tenere (Summit Boy) and compare it to my Penske valving...will report back.

I figure valving is valving...but what the hell do I know.

 

[Chuck B]

Valving is not valving....there are nearly endless configurations you can make with the valve stack. The suspension shop has/should take into account the rider, type of terrain, expectations etc etc. I don't know Soltec but shops like Traxxion and Cogent use suspension dyno's along with questionnaire to arrive at the proper valve stack for the individual.

 

[Zepfan]

My '13 stock suspension rocks IMO.
I do everything from high speed snap lane changes (90 mph diving to another side of the lane), diving into corners fearlessly to rough off road riding.
I can run over a 6" dia. rock or even a concrete curb with ease.

Am I REALLY going to be that much more thrilled w/ a $1200. ++++++ front and rear upgrade over my stock? I kinda doubt it. Someday something will break and I'll have to upgrade.
I'm running Excel Rims my stock warped quickly with my riding style. >

 

[Chuck B]

My '13 stock suspension rocks IMO.
I do everything from high speed snap lane changes (90 mph diving to another side of the lane), diving into corners fearlessly to rough off road riding.
I can run over a 6" dia. rock or even a concrete curb with ease.

Am I REALLY going to be that much more thrilled w/ a $1200. ++++++ front and rear upgrade over my stock? I kinda doubt it. Someday something will break and I'll have to upgrade.
I'm running Excel Rims my stock warped quickly with my riding style. >

I coach/teach road racing. Suspension is everything imho. When guys ask me about suspension I'll ask a series of questions and check their race sag. Depending on their answers/sag measurements I'll either recommend or not recommend suspension upgrades. Basically, if you are happy then why change? Enjoy the bike!