[HouTexRider]

I received this little jewel today. Any ideas whether this is a do it yourself install or best left to the dealer?

 

[avigil]

I received this little jewel today. Any ideas whether this is a do it yourself install or best left to the dealer?

Nice. Have you asked the dealer what they would charge you to install it?

 

[Kevin.H]

I don't know what your mechanical aptitude, background, timeline, or wallet look like but if you have a jack to unload the rear wheel, it shouldn't be difficult at all.

 

[AUSSSIE959]

I received this little jewel today. Any ideas whether this is a do it yourself install or best left to the dealer?

Very nice, How much and where from?

 

[avigil]

FYI - we had a suspension clinic which was put on by Dave Alexander a couple weeks ago in my area. I ended up only being able to stay for a couple hours. But what I was learning about suspension setup was so valuable and informative. If I were you, I'd check to see if you have something similar in your area. From the little bit that I learned, there are so many variables to take into consideration and some changes that you make can have big side effects. Before I set my own suspension settings, I'm going to make sure that I learn a little bit more. What I learned from the first half of that clinic was how much there is to learn about suspension.

 

[HouTexRider]

All good advice, thanks. $1,297 from Hardracing.com.

 

[dougo1199]

Suspension setup is definitely an art, and it's always evolving. Swapping out the shock isn't a big deal provided you have a way to support the bike while making the exchange. From what I've seen the 959 doesn't have the dual linkage settings the 1199 / 1299 have so that's one less thing to worry about. Your main issue will be setting your sag after the install as you really need two people to do it unless you have an electronic sag measuring unit like the one pictured below. The shock should have been fitted with the correct spring for your weight when you purchased it. Always wear your gear when setting the sag as it gives a truer picture of rider weight. After you get that set, I would set the clickers somewhere in the middle then make your adjustments from there as you ride the bike. That is unless you have some recommend initial settings from a reliable source. Keep in mind there are no perfect preset suspension settings as there are many variables. Important: when making adjustments as you ride the bike, always make them in small increments, (1 or 2 clicks) write down your adjustments and only adjust one thing at a time, (compression OR rebound - never both together) ride the bike then make more adjustments if needed. if you adjust more than one thing you won't know what's helping or hurting. Hope that helps! Any money spent on a qualified suspension tech is always money well spent!!