Suspension is a make or break component for any level of rider. So when my ’08 Yamaha 450′s fork and shock started getting a little on the sacked-out side after a year of hard riding, I sent my stuff to the folks at WR1 Suspension to see if they could revive my bike. I weigh 220 and ride at an intermediate/pro level on both MX and off-road terrain, so I really needed a company that understands my riding needs and what I require out of the bike. My first phone call to WR1 impressed me quite a bit as the owner, Justin Giuliani, personally answered my questions and took down my info for my revalve. After a few weeks of turnaround time, I excitedly installed my freshly revalved fork and shock and hit the track.
For the type of riding that I do, WR1 outfitted my suspension with the friction-resistant coatings, zero bottoming resistance fork cartridge system, M1 oil, heavier springs and valving-the whole deal. All together, these modifications made my 450 feel like it works for me on any type of riding with just a few minor adjustments. However, this performance comes at a steep price: For revalve, springs, and oil, you are looking at $740. Stepping up to a revalve, springs, oil and friction-resistant coatings will cost you $1200. For everything above including a fork cartridge with zero bottoming resistance system, expect to pay around $3500. That’s a lot of money no matter how you look at it, but the end result is a bike that rides like a factory bike and handles better than I could have ever imagined, and after 40+ hours neither the fork nor the shock have shown any signs of fading. Considering the improvements over how my bike used to feel, I couldn’t be happier!
