What Race Tech Suspension Does
Race Tech suspension is an aftermarket system designed to replace or upgrade the stock suspension on motorcycles, ATVs, and dirt bikes. Instead of the springs and dampers that come from the factory, Race Tech installs components tuned for performance riding — sharper handling, better bump absorption, and more predictable feel through corners and over rough terrain.
The company manufactures complete suspension kits, individual cartridge kits that fit inside existing forks and shocks, and valving services where technicians recalibrate your current suspension to your weight and riding style. Most riders choose Race Tech when stock suspension feels either too soft (wallows in corners, bottoms out on jumps) or too stiff (harsh on small bumps, kicks the bike around).
Race Tech does not make suspension for street cars. Their focus is off-road and sport bikes, where suspension tuning directly affects whether you stay in control or lose the front wheel.
Key Takeaways
- Race Tech suspension replaces or rebuilds your forks and shock with components tuned for performance, not comfort.
- The company offers complete kits, cartridge upgrades that fit inside your existing forks, and revalving services that recalibrate your current suspension to your weight and riding style.
- Cost ranges from around $300 for a revalving service to $2,000 or more for a complete fork and shock replacement, depending on your bike model.
- Installation requires removing your forks and shock, which most motorcycle shops can do, though some riders send their suspension directly to Race Tech for the work.
- Race Tech suspension is most useful if you ride aggressively, carry extra weight, or ride terrain that your stock suspension was not designed for.
The Three Types of Race Tech Suspension Upgrades
Revalving is the least expensive option and the most common starting point. Race Tech technicians disassemble your existing forks and shock, measure the internal valve stack (the part that controls how fast oil flows through the suspension), and replace or adjust those valves based on your weight, riding style, and terrain. You send your suspension to Race Tech, they do the work, and you reinstall it yourself or have a shop do it. This costs between $300 and $600 per component, depending on complexity.
Cartridge kits replace the internals of your forks or shock without replacing the outer body. If your fork tubes are straight and undamaged, a cartridge kit slides inside and gives you a complete Race Tech damping system. This is cheaper than a full replacement and works well if your fork or shock body is still sound. Cartridge kits typically run $800 to $1,200 per fork or shock.
Complete suspension systems replace everything — forks, shock, springs, and dampers. Race Tech builds these to your bike's geometry and your riding weight. A complete fork and shock replacement can cost $2,000 to $4,000 or more, depending on your bike model and whether you choose their entry-level or premium valving.
How to Know If You Need Race Tech Suspension
Stock suspension works for average riders at average speeds on average terrain. If you fall outside that middle, you will feel it. Signs that an upgrade would help include: the bike dives hard under braking, wallows side to side in corners, bottoms out on jumps or rocks, or feels harsh and kicks over small bumps. You might also notice the front end washing out (sliding sideways) or the rear end hopping over whoops.
Your weight matters more than most riders realize. If you are significantly heavier or lighter than the bike's design weight, stock suspension will feel wrong no matter how you adjust it. A 200-pound rider on a bike designed for 150 pounds will always feel like the suspension is too soft. Revalving to your actual weight fixes this.
Terrain also drives the decision. If you ride mostly smooth pavement or light trails, stock suspension is usually fine. If you ride rocky terrain, sand, or jump-heavy tracks, or if you ride faster than casual speeds, Race Tech suspension will make a noticeable difference in control and comfort.
What Happens During Installation
If you choose revalving, you remove your forks and shock yourself (or have a shop do it), pack them carefully, and ship them to Race Tech. They typically return them within two to three weeks. You then reinstall them on your bike — this is straightforward if you have basic tools and a manual, or you can pay a shop $100 to $300 to do it.
Cartridge kits and complete systems require the same removal and reinstallation, but the internal work is done before you receive them. Some riders prefer to have Race Tech install the components themselves, which means shipping the bike or the suspension to their facility. This adds shipping cost and turnaround time but ensures the work is done to their standard.
Most motorcycle and ATV shops can handle suspension removal and reinstallation. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, call ahead and confirm they have worked on your bike model before — suspension removal varies significantly between brands and years.
Cost Breakdown and What Affects Price
Revalving is the most affordable entry point, usually $300 to $600 per component. A cartridge kit for one fork or one shock runs $800 to $1,200. A complete system — both forks and shock — ranges from $1,600 to $4,000 or more depending on your bike and the level of customization.
Several factors change the final cost. Newer or more exotic bike models cost more because Race Tech has to engineer the cartridge or system specifically for that geometry. Premium valving options (like their high-speed compression or low-speed rebound adjustments) add cost. If you need springs custom-wound to your weight, that is an additional charge. Labor for installation, whether you do it or a shop does, is separate from the suspension cost itself.
Shipping suspension to Race Tech and back typically costs $30 to $80 depending on weight and distance. If you ship a complete bike, expect $200 to $400 each way.
Race Tech Suspension Versus Other Brands
Race Tech competes with brands like Ohlins, Showa, and KYB in the performance suspension space. Ohlins is often considered the premium option and costs more. Showa and KYB are OEM suppliers (they make suspension for factories) and offer good revalving services at lower prices than Race Tech. Fox and RockShox dominate the mountain bike and downhill world.
Race Tech's strength is their revalving service and their willingness to work with older bikes or unusual setups. They also publish detailed tuning guides and suspension theory online, which helps riders understand what they are paying for. If you want to learn suspension tuning, Race Tech's educational content is a genuine advantage.
The choice between brands often comes down to your bike model, your budget, and whether you want a complete system or just revalving. If your bike is older or unusual, Race Tech may be one of the few shops willing to work on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I revalve my suspension myself?
Technically yes, but it requires specialized tools, a clean workspace, and detailed knowledge of valve stacks and oil viscosity. Most riders send their suspension to a shop like Race Tech because the cost of tools and the risk of reassembly mistakes outweigh the labor savings. If you are mechanically experienced and willing to learn, Race Tech publishes some tuning information online.
How long does revalving take?
Race Tech typically returns revalved suspension within two to three weeks of receiving it. Turnaround varies by season — summer is busier than winter. Shipping adds another week on each end. If you need suspension faster, ask about expedited options when you contact them.
Will Race Tech suspension work on my specific bike?
Race Tech makes products for most popular dirt bikes, ATVs, and sport bikes. Check their website or call them with your bike's year, make, and model. If they do not make a cartridge kit for your forks, revalving your existing suspension is always an option.
Do I need to adjust Race Tech suspension after installation?
Race Tech sets up suspension based on the information you provide about your weight and riding style. Most riders do not need to adjust it when ready after installation. However, suspension tuning is ongoing — as you get used to the new feel, you may want to fine-tune compression or rebound settings. Race Tech provides adjustment guides with their products.
What is the difference between high-speed and low-speed compression?
Low-speed compression controls how the suspension responds to slow movements like body weight shifting in a corner. High-speed compression controls response to fast impacts like landing a jump or hitting a rock. Race Tech suspension lets you adjust both independently, which is why it feels more responsive than stock suspension tuned for one average scenario.