Race Tech center vs Non Race Tech center?
Race Tech center vs Non Race Tech center?
I have been asked by a couple riders what differentiates a Race Tech center from a Non Race Tech center so I thought why not address that here, Well being a former suspension tech for Race Tech I have what I would consider a bit of insight as to the requirements to be a Race Tech center.
To be 100% accurate NorWest Suspension has never claimed to be a Race Tech center, What we do claim is to know the product line better then anyone else in the North West including any Race Tech center in the North West. There is a 60 mile radius in which there can only be one Race Tech center (Good on Race Tech for protecting their centers) so it is not an issue of qualification but rather proximity to the nearest Race Tech center. NorWest Suspension has all the certificates and training that a Race Tech center would have and then a little extra since we have worked at the Corporate Headquarters in Corona, CA.
Here are some highlights of the capabilities of NorWest Suspension,
(1) We have a vacuum bleeder (Race Tech brand to be exact) so we service your shock or forks (if equipped with a bleed port) just as Race Tech would.
(2) We have a shock and fork spring rate tester and are very knowledgeable in it's use.
(3) We have both a lathe and a mill in the event your suspension would require any re-tapering of needles or making spacers for lowering. Terry was previously a CNC machinst and programmer (and yes he can still cut a single point thread on a manual machine) so we do tend to think outside of the box.
(4) We have a dedicated machine for polishing fork tubes to achieve the same crosshatch pattern you would get if you sent your suspension into Race Tech. This reduces stiction and increases seal life. We also polish the OD of the fork springs to reduce the rough surface finish as well as clean them after to make sure we eliminate any contaminates from a dirty spring just as Race Tech would.
(5) We have both a TIG and MIG welder to modify damping rods for Emulator or DDC fitment.
(6) We have the capability to modify fork springs here in the shop to achieve a different rate or shorten them if you are lowering your bike without having to purchase a new set. Yes we do all the calculations to make sure coil bind and travel availability will be unaffected.
(7) We assemble your suspension in a clean room free from dust and dirt as well as any contaminants. There are no drill presses, compressors or grinders in the build room as let's face it do you really want any airborne particles floating around inside your suspension? Just a grain of dirt between any valving will throw off the stack and the damping curve.
(8) The fluids we use have a very high VI (Viscosity Index) which will assure you of fade free performance from your forks or shock and the greatest service interval.
(9) We have data acquisition to actually measure what the suspension is doing so we can accurately address the issue you may be having.
(10) We take care of the DIY as well, Race Tech built their kits for the DIY and if you have the desire and tools to change out your own valves we will assist in making sure you are installing using the correct Race Tech procedure and specs. It is what Terry did at Race tech for quite a few years so I think we are more then qualified to guide you through the process.
These are some of the benefits to using NorWest Suspension for your suspension service needs. There are quite a few Suspension shops here in the North West and a few local so call around and actually talk to the tech doing your work and discuss your needs and what they offer, Also take a look at the shop and have them show you where they build your suspension. If you get the answers you are looking for and have a good feeling about the shop then by all means go with them. If you want to try someone different then we would welcome you and rest assured we guarantee our work and your satisfaction is what is important to us here at NorWest Suspension.
Happy Riding!!
NorWest Suspension