I think I've got the Banshee's suspension sold, so I'm going to try and score some for the 250. I went with Lonestar a arms, and Works shocks on the Banshee, but I'm going to step it up this time. I definately want a no preload shock setup, with +2+1 A Arms. But which ones? 2 years ago, there was no question. Laeger/Lonestar with PEP shocks were the best made... Now, there are Burgard, Houser, TCS, Elka..

Everyone I have talked to say that Elka's are excellent shocks. I would like some info on them. For those of you who had dealings with them, how is the customer service? Elka's are somewhat cheaper(not much, but anything helps) than PEP's, and PEP has quite a waiting list. Custom Axis is a little too pricey for me, but do you really get what you pay for at almost $3000 worth of shocks?? I was pleased with the price/performance of my Works!

Now for A-Arms. I'd love to get some Roll Designs.. buuut, Hey I'm a racer. I can't afford them! Same way with Walsh's. I have been looking at Houser's website for the past hour, and I think they are the best bang for the buck. I want a chrome top, and red powdercoat bottom. Housers site says $565 for that. I was very pleased with my Lonestars, but the grease zerk on the bottom joint sucked! Had to take the wheels off every time you grease it(which is quite frequently). Laeger's have a serious ball joint issue, and they're ruled out. Pro Traxx system is good, T Pin is okay, but I'd rather go a different direction. Any other ideas? American Stars are cheap peices of junk, and I wouldn't consider them unless they were given to me.

So what setup sounds good? I was leaning towards PEP ZPS's and Housers, but Elka's are looking more appealing by the minute. The Elka SSD's are $750ish, and are gaining a very good reputation.

Okay, well, enough of this long post. Any help? Thanks

 

Dude... go with the Elka's and as for the a-arms... He// I don't know. I'm prolly gonna try to buy Lonestars one day. I would like to go with Walsh but I would have to save up for like 2 years (on my salary anyways).

 

The TCS no preload shocks are awesome! I have a set on my R and love them. I motocross as well and havent had any problems. The customer service is real good and they stand behind their shocks. They soak up the big jumps and smooth out the whoops and the rough stuff. You outta give them a call, the prices are competitive with PEP, ELKA and the most expensive WORKS. I have adjustable triple rate and gave $850. The best investment made on my R since I bought it and helped my lap times dramatically.

 

look into timmyboy designs a-arms.. as for shocks ive only ran TCS so i have nothing to compare them too. but i am very pleased with them

 

I am not sure if U have considered JD performance A-arms or not.I have them and I think they are great.A couple of freinds of mine has leagers and seem to be very similar.I think I remember a guy that used to work for leagers started JD performance.And for 445 bucks for +2+1's.They aren't to bad.


I have white bro's white power shocks.They have piggyback res's and are fully adjustable.I paid 700 for all three shocks used so it wasn't that bad of a deal.


Also what about Aren's?Whenever I build my next R I will be using Aren's everything.





86 trx250r
97 300ex

 

Aarens! That's the other name I was trying to remember last night. I somehow neglected to put that in there.

89rman, TCS has a proven reputation, good customer ratings, and all the other numbers(including price) that sound good. I have heard very little negative feedback from TCS customers. I, however; am looking for something a little "newer". I like everything that Elka brings to the table. The SSD, preload, comp., and rebound adjustments are a must. I understand everyone else offers them, but.. I guess what I'm trying to ask is to prove me NOT to buy Elka's. My mind is somewhat made-up, but I am very open to opinions. How long do TCS's last until they need refreshening? I would like to get a season or two out of them, before sending them in. I also am interested in a rear shock ZPS conversion. Does anyone know how much those are? I'm not a mix-n-match kind of guy. I would like to pick one company, and stick with them.

The same goes for A-Arms. I was pleased with my Lonestars, but I do not think they are worth $200 more than Housers. I have yet to price Timmy Boy's. Everyone that uses them say they love them. Are they camber/castor adjustable? The DS guys seem to have problems setting the toe-in with them. How much would a powdercoated bottom and chromed top run?

Ugly: Did Lonestar not spawn out of JD Performance? I have thought about them as well. $445 is a very good price, and very attractive. The only 'con' about them are that American Star's are priced at $445 as well, and with them, you DEFINATELY get what you pay for. Are JD's the same? Again, camber/castor adjustable? Are the WP shocks a ZPS style? I have made my mind up that the Swan MX bumps are too much for non ZPS style, and am definately going with them.


I do not intend to mix-n-match(as mentioned) products. If I buy Houser A-Arms, I will buy a Houser swingarm, stem, etc etc. I will give Aarens a hard look too. Do they have a website?

 

Hey LONESTARBANSHEE, I forgot to tell you that the design for the TCS triple rate is new. I got a set of them early summer last year (late MAY) and it was a whole new design. For instance, they started building their own shock bodies and upgraded the shaft to 5/8 inch shaft. PEP orders their shock bodies from WORKS. TCS used to do the same but not now. TCS and CUSTOM AXIS both use the 5/8 shaft and that is really a plus if you are going to MX. The adjustable ride height and no preload on the TCS make cornering so much faster. I weigh about 205 and have never bottomed them out. I have cleared 60ft doubles and 70ft tabletops and they soak it up. Not bragging on myself whatsoever, cause that nothing to the pro's. But I am bragging on the shocks! I cant convince you to buy what I got, but just wanted to give you a little info about them. My brother in law is ordering himself a set for his R. He was also very impressed with the new design. You might give TCS a call and ask more about the changes and upgrades I talked about. I think you are right on track with the brands you have mentioned being interessted in. Mine are compression ajustable but not rebound. They told me that rebound is mostly for TT and I dont flattrack of any kind. They have all the necessary adjustment options that you have mentioned, preload, comp, and rebound. It is up to you whether you want the rebound adjustment, but they custom build them the way you want them. I am not sure on the refreshening of the shocks, but you might also ask them that. I figured I would send mine back when they started to fade or bottoming out. Check all the options out their and do research on each brand and get what you feel best about. GOOD LUCK!

ps. If there is anything I have left out, ask me and I will try to answer the best I can. Let me know.

 

89rman

<< ...For instance, they started building their own shock bodies and upgraded the shaft to 5/8 inch shaft. >>



TCS use Elka's body.

 

PaRoostR


Are you asking if they use ELKA'S body or are you saying that they do?
I believe TCS makes their own, but I could be mistaken. They may very well use ELKA'S.
Regardless,it is well built and stands up to abuse.

Just one guy's opinion.

 

I've heard numerous times that all of these shock manufactuers use Ohlins internals. I run single rate Ohlins now, and am strongly disappointed in them. The internals are great, but they aren't much of an &quot;upgrade&quot;. I will get in touch with Wayne at PEP, Elka, and TCS. Once I talk to them, and read all these replies, I'll make a decision. It isn't easy! I almost lost all my hair trying to decide what to put no the Banshee!