[Big Yin]

Hi Forum - I’ll cut to the chase, I’m 6’7 (approx 130kg) and would like to seriously beef up the suspension on my 2017 Africa Twin. Seems to be loads of info on how to lower the height- but I want to do the complete opposite. Back in the day, the term ‘jack up kit’ was used to describe the upgrades on motocross bikes and I wondered if anything exists for the AT? I intend to take pillion and kit on adventure weekends and would like some serious suspension to cope with the weight whilst maintaining the bikes awesome road presence.

I get the impression I may have to go to a suspension specialist - if that’s the case, any recommendations..? (I’m UK based - Southampton area). Cheers 👍🏻

 

[DoubleThumper]

You're one tall dude @Big Yin. Welcome to the Forum!

Feel free to introduce yourself at the New Member Introductions area of the Forum.

 

[TheMKoi]

Hi Forum - I’ll cut to the chase, I’m 6’7 (approx 130kg) and would like to seriously beef up the suspension on my 2017 Africa Twin. Seems to be loads of info on how to lower the height- but I want to do the complete opposite. Back in the day, the term ‘jack up kit’ was used to describe the upgrades on motocross bikes and I wondered if anything exists for the AT? I intend to take pillion and kit on adventure weekends and would like some serious suspension to cope with the weight whilst maintaining the bikes awesome road presence.

I get the impression I may have to go to a suspension specialist - if that’s the case, any recommendations..? (I’m UK based - Southampton area). Cheers 👍🏻

Welcome, I would think you might need to go straight to Ohlin's set up front and rear. I know there are a few solutions that just increase the spring rate, but with your weight you will most likely need to swap out or modify internals of both the front and rear. I know Touratech has a +20mm kit (for the ATAS), but this is just springs and fork oil. There are no commercially available raising links that I know of. Maybe the "Jack up kit" was swapping out rear links? It is a quick way to gain some ground clearance and change the geometry of your rear suspension.

Maybe someone local to you can point you towards a good suspension shop, but from most of the reviews from other forum members Ohlin's would most likely be the end goal.

Let us know what you end up doing to sort out your suspension woes.

 

[Big Yin]

Thanks for such a comprehensive response - much appreciated....I’ve heard the term Ohlins been used before...so will explore options and cost! Cheers 👍

 

[TheMKoi]

Thanks for such a comprehensive response - much appreciated....I’ve heard the term Ohlins been used before...so will explore options and cost! Cheers 👍

You're welcome.

Ohlin's are pretty much regarded as the best suspension manufacture. Maybe aside from a custom setup at a professional suspension shop, you wont find a better designed product. Because of that they tend to match their reputation in price.

Suspension is one of those personal items on a bike that everyone will have a different take on. I am sure there are heavier guys on stock AT suspension, and I am sure their are lighter guys on fully custom setups.

You may find you will be adequately served with stiffer springs and thicker fork oil. It will depend on your riding style and your own personal preferences. Hopefully someone can vouch for a shop near you and you can speak to a tech and figure out a solution.

 

[Lupolee]

Another manufacturer that are highly regarded, whom are UK based, are K-Tech.

Note: I agree, it’s likely you’ll find the solution in new springs/shocks/internals etc rather than a kit to just raise the suspenders.

 

[Big Yin]

Thanks All - added to my list of research 😉

 

[Trek Moto]

Outside of removing the factory forks legs and shock and replacing them with something physically longer there is no way of raising the bike. You can install higher rate springs to get the bike sitting at the proper ride height but don't use a rate higher than required because you will end up with a poor riding motorbike. You don't say which variant Africa Twin you have, but if its the base model like mine you can replace the suspension with that from an Adventure Sports and pick up about an inch.

If you're just feeling cramped on the bike and need to increase leg room or the reach to the bars there are ways to accomplish that.

 

[Big Yin]

Thanks - my model is 2017 CRF 1000L. I’ve made a few calls to suspension specialists.....and it’s all very expensive (outside my budget) and just doesn’t really add up, when I consider the value of the bike et al.

Appreciate all the feedback - may just opt for stiffer springs to reduce sag. The bike is fitted with a race seat and currently sits at 36” seat height.

 

[fastfreddie]

I used to have to rationalize about spending money on suspension work, but it really transforms a bike and makes it more suited to your riding type and level. It's way better of an upgrade than engine performance or luggage capability.

Upgrading suspension is cheaper than the cost of repair if your suspension is the reason you're bike is in the ditch and totaled.
Same rationale for wearing all the personal protective gear, it's cheaper than a skin graft.

I don't rationalize about it anymore, I just do it. I would think the minimum price for a full upgrade on an AT's suspension would start around $1200. That's springs, valving and labor.

What else would you spend $1200 on for the bike? Tires? How many sets will you go through before you decide you really need to do something about the suspension? At your weight, kit and pillion, you will notice the difference.

 

[Big Yin]

I used to have to rationalize about spending money on suspension work, but it really transforms a bike and makes it more suited to your riding type and level. It's way better of an upgrade than engine performance or luggage capability.

Upgrading suspension is cheaper than the cost of repair if your suspension is the reason you're bike is in the ditch and totaled.
Same rationale for wearing all the personal protective gear, it's cheaper than a skin graft.

I don't rationalize about it anymore, I just do it. I would think the minimum price for a full upgrade on an AT's suspension would start around $1200. That's springs, valving and labor.

What else would you spend $1200 on for the bike? Tires? How many sets will you go through before you decide you really need to do something about the suspension? At your weight, kit and pillion, you will notice the difference.

Thanks - received several quotes for rear shock and spring upgrade + appropriate upgrade to front forks.....and quotes sit between £2-2.5k. So will keep enquiring and weigh up my options...👍

 

[fastfreddie]

Ouch, but still...

I'd not want to think about buying complete components either.

 

[Tom Thompson]

How much are you looking to raise front and back of the bike. as that dictates your options . ? .
And welcome from another AT rider who lives in Dibden Purlieu..
It might also be worth talking to Rugged Roads in Lymington as they know a lot about the AT.