Tested by: Dave
Miles used: 100
Price: $105
Contact: racetech.com
Unless your ride is shiny and new it's probably due for some maintenance that you haven't considered-a rear shock service. Our 2001 GSX-R stunt bike has relatively low miles, but it's also 11 years old. Would you leave the same oil in your car motor for that long? Of course not, and while your rear shock's oil doesn't need to be changed as often as motor oil it should be tended to. Shock oil can fade from overuse as well as stagnation, so it's a good idea to keep it fresh. The same is true for the nitrogen in the shock, and when they're updated they combine to offer a "tight/new" feel instead of the bouncy, somewhat squishy feedback that aged shocks offer.
Our issue with the stock rear shock was that it was squatting severely under acceleration-enough to push the front tire at times. We sent it to Race Tech for a stiffer rear spring as well as a general service. Fresh oil was installed and the nitrogen was recharged as well.
The refreshed shock literally feels like an aftermarket unit (largely due to the stiffer spring) and the rear no longer squats. Turnaround time is quick and a basic service is relatively cheap for the improved ride a "fresh" shock offers.