When most riders talk performance the first thing they think of is POWER - but if you're smart, that's the last on the list. Shoving grunt into a chassis that can't cope builds a scary bucking bronco. First steps are basics - make sure your bike is properly maintained, clean, no leaks, fresh oil, good clutch setup. Remove any extra weight. Fit grippy tyres. You've got the perfect starting point! Quality suspension comes next & Teknik Motorsport are motorcycle suspension tuning experts.

Our road bike or our offroad bike setup guides explain sag height in depth - but basically you need the springs holding the chassis at the right height for the damper to get enough stroke length. Most manufacturers add adjustability for it on rear coilovers - preloading spring coils further holds heavier weights up, less pressure for lighter riders - so you should fine tune preload when adding or removing a pillion or luggage. Those crescent shaped preload nut spanners are cheap & strong, why not use them? If you've gritted your teeth, getting tiny fractions of a turn before they bump into tight trellis frame tubes, you know they have their limitations.

Shocks aren't very accessible inside that spiderweb. It gets much more complicated when upgrading components in an electrically boobytrapped modern motorbike. What if your BMW didn't come with factory computer adjusted preload pressure? How about complete aftermarket coilover swaps? Surely not. Well...

Tractive Suspension employees helped develop the stock ESA dampers. They didn't stop development afterward either, so offer a range of plug & play performance ESA compatible shocks with improved DDA Valve internals. Many of those premium replacements also feature these high quality electric controlled spring pre loading parts, which tune sag height dynamically as you ride, instantly adjusting to changing rider, passenger or equipment loads.

If you're not interested in full front or rear sets, your basic OEM shock absorbers can still be given an electronic pre load collar conversion. Total preload functionality but with a wider adjustment range & quicker, more precise control. No error messages with hand tuned hydraulic compression & rebound damping adjustment. Best suited to regular touring, multiple terrains & constantly changing loads, you can really appreciate the consistent plush comfort, plus the time & effort automatically saved on tuning slack. Stops the rough kicking & bottoming out when lugging extra gear on your rides, protects paint from those frustrated clanking spanner scratches too!

These kits are a simple DIY upgrade using a shock spring compressor - it screws onto the threaded shock body like traditional castellated preload rings, the internals held inside an attached canister, with a plug on the other end fitting into the existing wiring. If you're sick of the complexity & want to go back to adjusting sag by smacking wrenches, the ECU can be removed from your suspension entirely, see our electronic cancellation modification options. You choose it's involvement.

Watching racing videos, do the winners look like they're being kicked around? That circuit star can lean further, without braking dive, sailing over cornering bumps that push you off line. That motocross hero hooks up on the loosest dirt, turns quicker after landing jumps, floats over whoops that rattle you roughly. Are they more skilled? Maybe. But their motorbike is predictable & controlled, giving confidence to push grip further & time to concentrate on faster laps.

Tuned suspensions aren't just for track or sports though. Riding potholed tarmac or dirt trail adventures improves too - a smooth ride, comfortable saddle no longer absorbing corrugations & vibration, longer endurance. Keeping safe tyre contact with the road under all conditions gives more grip & acceleration.

So now you've built up some skills & experienced riding a competent bike, how about setting up your gearing for better lap times & ridability? You're finally ready to turn up the wick with a screaming tuned engine & a blasting aftermarket muffler - but have a think about it first.