Walneck's Classic Cycle Trader - June 2008 - (Page 47) SPECIAL FEATURE STORIES For example, Klaus will want to know if the customer finds the ride too stiff or too soft and also probe specific handling issues such as wobbling in corners. “The forks have to match the type of shocks you have,” Klaus said. “ The suspension travel may be different; the rate of damping totally different. The shocks and forks have to harmonize for the bike to go where you want it to go.” Off course EPM has a web presence at www.epmperf.com, where someone can see the different products offered. Not only can a rider shop for suspension parts, but the site features an extensive section to help you isolate and trouble shoot suspension issues yourself. Klaus also welcomes technical inquiries by phone at 732-786-9777 or toll-free at 877-786-6543. You can also visit Y.S.S. USA’s website @ www.yssusa.com. Shocking Details “The old shock was always a pure hydraulic shock with a stepped pre-load arrangement and a limited spring arrangement,” Klaus said, explaining that modern shocks utilize technology that simply didn’t exist when your old scooter was built. For one example, shocks are available today with technological innovations such as radial flow pistons, high and low speed compression damping and bladder technology. “A rubber bladder acts faster to minute pressure changes far better than a separating piston ever can,” Klaus said, adding that even the hydraulic oil used is better today. Calibrated adjustment controls on many new shocks that allow a rider to make his own fine performance tweaks are also dramatic improvements over the simple spring load changes one can make on older vintage shocks. Klaus attributes much of the growing awareness and knowledge of motorcycle performance issues to the Internet. He said someone with a problem “puts it out on the Internet and in a couple of minutes 100 people read about it.” BIKER OF THE MONTH This Ducati GT 1000 is shown with RG 366-380 TRCL model shocks. Personal History A former track and motocross racer, Klaus has had ample opportunities to test the performance of many suspension systems, but he has the greatest passion for older machines. “I prefer the bikes of the 60s, 70s, and early 80s,” Klaus said. “I currently own about 65 of them.” Actually, his collection is so extensive, the bikes are literally stacked on top of each other. “I have them on pallet shelves and have to use a fork truck to get some of them down,” he explained. As for makes and models, the variety is widely diverse and includes “lots of BMWs, Hondas, Triumphs, all the turbos.” For a few specifics, Klaus owns the first Krauser BMW brought into the states. Klaus said A close shot of Klaus’ Norton Commando shows its Y.S.S. RZ 302 shocks WALNECKS.COM I WALNECK’S CLASSIC CYCLE TRADER® I JUNE 2008 47 http://www.epmperf.com http://www.yssusa.com http://WALNECKS.COM
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