JUNE 26, 2008
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Racer X Canada Tested Presented by Bicycle Works |
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"The Giver" isn't afraid to rock out the 2-5-9. |
By Danny Brault
The Product: RG3 Suspension Canada
The Weapon: Kawasaki KX250F
Online: www.rg3canada.com
About RG3 Canada: The RG3 Canada story began over a year ago when Suzuki OTSFF mechanic, Adam “Stu” Robinson, worked out a deal with RG3 USA to introduce their quality product and knowledge into the Canadian market. Robinson has an extensive background working with suspension. From his days at Machine Racing and Landing Gear Suspension (LGS), where he worked with top riders including Chuck Mesley, Kyle Keast, and Trever Hall, to his current position as Mitch Cooke’s spanner on OTSFF, to his experience tuning suspensions in snocross, Robinson has seen and done it all in the world of springs and shims.
Cost: It varies depending on the work and parts involved. For this project, Robinson set us up with a Smart Valve, which includes RG3’s compression pistons, oil and other intricate parts located inside the forks and shock. Robinson kept the stock springs as they’re designed for a rider of my weight/height. The cost of this package is $650.
RG3’s services: Triple clamps, linkages, Diamond Kit, Smart Valve, springs, pre-load rings, bar mounts, and steering stems.
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He's also not afraid to bust out the pink gear! On a serious note, RG3 builds some quality suspension and we couldn't be happier with the work they've done on our KX250F. |
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Track Tested
I couldn’t wait to try out my new suspenders, and as soon as Purolator knocked at my door, I bolted on the forks and shock, checked the sag, and headed over to our secret Racer X Canada Test Facility. (Basically a whooped out corner track in a sand pit--real glamorous.) In stock form, a 250F works pretty well for my frame (150 lbs, 5’7”), so I wasn’t expecting any earth shattering improvements. Boy, was I surprised. The biggest improvement I noticed was how well the rear wheel tracked over the rough stuff. From deep, rolling sand whoops to more abrupt braking chop, the back end refused to kick or swap and would stick to the terra firma like white on rice.
Complimenting the shock’s action was a more confidence inspiring feel in the front end of the bike. While I always search for the smoothest lines (my fitness level is on par with a supervisor at Burger King), it didn’t become such a priority with my new RG3 mods. Somehow, some way, I felt extremely confident on the bike and I had more assurance that it wouldn’t push through a rut, berm or do something silly. It’s a feeling that I honestly haven’t experienced too often on a motorcycle.
After racing an Ontario Provincial at Sand Del Lee, riding in Morden, Ste-Julie and Regina, and putting in some time at the Millar’s track and the FXR Ride Day in Manitoba, my impression hasn’t changed. In Morden, “Stu” modified the settings slightly to accommodate the harder packed tracks. He set the sag at 102 mm, high speed compression to 1 3/4 turns out, low speed compression to 20 clicks out, and the rebound to 15 out on the shock; the forks were set at 12 clicks on compression and the rebound to 15 clicks out. The bike continues to hold its line through the ruts, it’s plush over the small bumps, and is stiff enough to absorb hard landings from this B-class leaper. Actually, after Regina's performance, maybe I’m back to a C-class leaper.
Verdict
While my suspension knowledge is limited (you’re only as good as you’ve tested), I definitely feel improvements with RG3 over stock. In stock form, the Kawi KX250F is a great bike--it turns, it’s stable, it’s comfortable, and it has a great motor. But thanks to the adjustments made to my suspension by RG3’s Adam Robinson, the bike is more suited to my riding style and size, and, most importantly, I feel more confident on the little thumper. And we all know how valuable confidence is in motocross!
Thanks to Jamie Conrad of Sturgess Cycle of Hamilton, Ontario for providing us with a bike for testing, and Adam Robinson of RG3 Canada for taking time out of his busy schedule to get’er set-up!
