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STAND > Having seen what the sorcerers at Kiwi Suspension Solutions did to our long term Suzuki DR650 ’ s springy bits a few years ago , I was
Words & photos : Ben Wilkins
When you ’ re think you ’ re all set for summer riding , you ’ re probably not . Change the engine oil and filter , adjust and lube the chain , heck , maybe even balance the carbs or throttle bodies , that ’ s about as far as most of us get . While the most important aspect of a bike ’ s performance comes from the suspension ( the handling ), it ’ s the most commonly ignored . How often do people get their suspension serviced ? The forks might get
a birthday when the seals start leaking , but the rear shock sits there covered in shite from the road , unloved , for , probably , all of its life . That ’ s where I was at when I picked up my 2003 Aprilia Tuono Racing . A 19-year-old Italian diva with the Swedish made , golden Ohlins at both ends . But when had the forks and shock last had a service ? No idea . Most likely never in their 19 year life . And it felt like it . Our roads aren ’ t the smoothest , and the front and rear