2001 WR426F Blown Fork Seal
So for those not following along at home, my first ride out on the WR426 resulted in a pair of blown fork seals. Not to let this get me down, I made the decision to use this as an excuse to fulfill a lifelong dream. Yeah, I’m having the suspension redone by a professional.
I’ve always wanted to experience the subtle plushness that only a professional can provide. So, I set out to find a local shop. My first thought was Lindemann Engineering. Several of my friends had used them in the past and all were quite happy with them. Unfortunately, when Jim died, Ed Sorbo moved the whole operation south. The other local shops, that I remember, have also either moved or closed down. I considered Catalyst and Evolution, but they seemed more street than dirt. This left Super Plush in San Francisco Faultline Suspension in Hollister, and Santa Cruz Suspension in Santa Cruz. Well, since I work in Santa Cruz three days a week, SCS it was. I emailed them with my desire and Rich got back to me with an estimate of “roughly” $650 for seals, bushings, revalve, respring, and setup.
It took me a couple weeks to figure out where the cash would come from, but I was able to make an appointment and drop it off. I must admit I was surprised, and cautious, when I Googled the address and found it to be a residence. But it turns out that Rich, the owner, has a really nice shop behind his house. I talked to Rich for about 20 minutes about my riding style, important stats, etc. He measured sag with me on the bike, etc. He had three other bikes in progress, and told me it would be a couple days before he got to mine. No worries there, I still have the XR600 to ride for a while. Anyway, now I sit waiting anxiously. My curiosity is getting to me. Is it possible the this suspension job could change my opinion of a bike I want to love, but never really enjoyed riding? We’ll see…
