Breathe New Life Into Your Ride: The Magic of Revalve Suspension
Ever hopped on your bike, ATV, or even your performance car and felt like the suspension just wasn't right? Maybe it's too harsh over small bumps, dives excessively under braking, or feels vague and unpredictable in corners. You've played with the clickers, tried different settings, but nothing quite hits the sweet spot. If that sounds familiar, then you, my friend, are ripe for a "revalve suspension."
Trust me, this isn't some mythical, race-only modification. Revalving your suspension is one of the single most impactful upgrades you can make to your ride, completely transforming its feel, performance, and ultimately, your confidence. It's about taking your suspension, which is often a one-size-fits-all compromise from the factory, and tailoring it specifically to you – your weight, your riding style, your terrain, and your exact preferences. It's like getting a custom-fitted suit instead of an off-the-rack number.
So, let's dive in and demystify what revalving actually means, why it's so beneficial, and what to expect from the process.
What Exactly Is Revalving Suspension?
At its core, your suspension works by controlling the movement of the wheels relative to the chassis using springs and damping. Springs handle the static load and initial compression, while the damping, controlled by oil flowing through tiny ports and past thin metal discs called "shims," dictates how fast that movement happens. Think of it as controlling the speed at which your suspension compresses (compression damping) and extends (rebound damping).
When we talk about "revalving," we're talking about disassembling the internal components of your forks and shock absorbers and physically changing the shim stack configuration. These shim stacks are carefully arranged sets of thin, flexible metal washers that control the flow of oil. By altering their thickness, diameter, and arrangement, a skilled suspension tuner can precisely tune how much resistance the oil encounters, thereby changing the damping characteristics. It's not just about adding or removing shims; it's about their order, their overlap, and how they flex under pressure.
Along with shim changes, a revalve often involves adjusting oil viscosity (how thick or thin the oil is) and sometimes even modifying pistons or bleed holes to achieve the desired effect. The goal? To create a damping curve that perfectly matches your specific needs, rather than the generic curve the factory thinks is "good enough" for the average rider.
Why Bother? The Benefits You'll Feel
The impact of a proper suspension revalve is truly profound. Here's why it's worth considering:
Tailored Comfort and Control
Let's be honest, stock suspension has to cater to a huge range of riders and conditions. That means it's a compromise. For instance, it might be set up to handle a lighter rider on smooth roads, or a heavier rider on rough terrain – but rarely both well. A revalve eliminates this compromise. It's tuned for your weight, so it doesn't bottom out easily or feel like a pogo stick. It's tuned for your speed, so it doesn't feel harsh or pack up (stay too low in its travel).
Enhanced Traction
When your suspension isn't working optimally, your tires spend less time making consistent contact with the ground. Harshness can cause the wheel to skip over bumps, while too much rebound can cause it to "pack up," losing traction. A properly revalved setup allows the wheels to follow the terrain more accurately, absorbing bumps and maintaining consistent pressure on the ground. The result? More grip, especially when you lean into a corner or hit the brakes hard.
Increased Confidence and Reduced Fatigue
This is a huge one. When your ride feels predictable and composed, you naturally feel more confident pushing its limits. No more surprises when you hit an unexpected bump mid-corner! Plus, less harshness and better control mean your body isn't fighting the bike as much. You'll experience less arm pump, less back fatigue, and generally feel fresher after a long ride. It simply feels easier to ride fast and smoothly.
Better Chassis Balance
Ever notice your bike nose-diving under braking or squatting excessively on acceleration? A revalve addresses these issues by balancing the compression and rebound damping front and rear. This keeps the chassis more stable and level, improving geometry and making the bike handle more consistently through various maneuvers.
Who Is Revalving For?
Honestly, almost anyone who rides regularly and wants a better experience.
- Riders Outside the "Average" Weight Range: If you're significantly lighter or heavier than the 170-180 lb rider most manufacturers design for, a revalve is practically a necessity.
- Performance Enthusiasts: Whether you're a serious racer, a track day addict, or just love pushing your limits on twisty roads or challenging trails, a revalve unlocks your vehicle's true potential.
- Comfort Seekers: Even if you're not chasing lap times, a properly set-up suspension dramatically improves ride comfort, making long journeys more enjoyable.
- Anyone Dissatisfied with Stock Performance: If you've tried all the external adjustments and still feel like something's off, a revalve is likely the answer.
- Upgraders: If you've thrown engine mods or high-performance tires at your ride, your suspension should be able to keep up!
The Process: What Happens When You Revalve?
So, what does it look like to get your suspension revalved? It typically follows a structured process:
Initial Consultation
This is perhaps the most critical step. A good suspension tuner will spend time talking to you. They'll ask about your weight (in gear!), your typical riding speed, the type of terrain you ride (street, track, trails, rocks, dunes), your specific complaints about the current suspension, and your desired outcome. They might ask about your skill level and even your riding style. This information forms the basis for their tuning strategy.
Disassembly and Inspection
Once your forks and shock are removed, the tuner will fully disassemble them. They'll meticulously inspect all internal components for wear and tear – bushings, seals, shafts – and recommend replacement if needed. This is a great time to replace worn parts, as it's all apart anyway.
The Valving Magic
Here's where the expertise comes in. Based on your consultation, the tuner will meticulously modify the shim stacks. This might involve changing individual shims, adding or removing shims, or even completely redesigning the stack architecture. They'll also select the appropriate oil viscosity for your application. This isn't guesswork; it's an application of physics, experience, and often proprietary knowledge gained from years of testing. They might use specialized software or even a dynamometer to verify their changes.
Reassembly and Testing
After the new valving is installed, the components are carefully reassembled, ensuring proper torque settings and bleeding air from the system. The tuner will then typically perform a basic bench test to ensure everything is functioning correctly before giving you your freshly tuned suspension back.
DIY vs. Professional: A Tough Call
You might be wondering if you can just tackle this yourself. Let's be real, while it's possible to do a DIY revalve, it's generally not recommended for most people, especially for their first time.
- DIY: You'll save money on labor, and you'll learn a ton. However, you'll need specialized tools (vacuum bleeders, spring compressors, nitrogen charging tools for shocks), access to a variety of shims, and a deep understanding of fluid dynamics and suspension theory. Getting it wrong can result in a dangerous or simply unpleasant ride.
- Professional: A reputable suspension tuner has the tools, the experience, and the proprietary data to get it right the first time. They stand by their work and can often provide follow-up adjustments. The cost is an investment, but it's an investment in safety, performance, and enjoyment.
For most riders, especially when you're just starting to explore suspension tuning, going to a professional is the smart choice. They can lay a solid foundation for your suspension, and you can learn from their expertise.
What to Expect After a Revalve
Don't expect your revalved suspension to magically make you a world champion overnight! What you will notice is a bike that feels incredibly more composed, predictable, and compliant. Small bumps will disappear, bigger hits will be absorbed without harshness, and overall traction will improve. The bike will likely feel like it's riding higher in its travel, using more of its available stroke effectively without bottoming out.
You'll still need to adjust your clickers – a revalve provides the range of adjustment, and clickers allow you to fine-tune within that range for specific conditions. Give yourself a few rides to adapt to the new feel, and don't be afraid to provide feedback to your tuner if something still feels off; they often offer minor adjustments as part of the service.
The Bottom Line
Revalving your suspension is not just an upgrade; it's an investment in your riding experience. It takes your stock setup from a generic compromise to a personalized performance enhancer, specifically tailored to you. If you're serious about getting the most out of your ride, improving comfort, boosting confidence, and simply enjoying your time in the saddle more, then a suspension revalve is undoubtedly one of the best moves you can make. It transforms a good ride into a truly great one.