Suspension: Done wrong, it not only feels sloppy but also endangers the rider; done right, it transforms a motorcycle into a remarkably more responsive and safer machine. If your bike’s suspension is terrible or less than optimum, a significant suspension upgrade can make a radical difference—often turning a mediocre ride into a keeper.

I don’t use the word “remarkable” loosely. Although it’s less often the case these days, some newer bikes still come with “suicidal,” mushy suspension systems. In older bikes or newer machines with aging suspensions, upgrades will make all the difference.

Adventure riders accustomed to bikes designed (and typically modified) purely for function should have a suspension upgrade at the top of their to-do lists. Indeed, some of the most frequent failures we hear about from overlanders involve fork issues or busted and unrepairable rear mono shocks. When planning a long-range trip, especially to distant lands, it only makes sense to eliminate the potential for such problems (or to have a repair plan in place if something fails) before leaving our shores. 

Speaking of which, although our ADVMoto/Lost for a Reason (LFAR) DR 650 Project Bike’s suspension had been satisfactorily reworked during its first series of modifications [ref. ADVMoto March 2015 edition], I wanted to take it up a notch. The bike is being readied for a multi-year RTW journey, and in the process I’ve moved it from Los Angeles to ADVMoto’s HQ in Virginia. The ride across country proved advantageous in that Cogent Dynamics (CD), located in Fletcher, NC (just outside of Asheville), was more or less along the way. And stopping by gave me a chance to meet the owners, Rick and Joyce Tannenbaum, in their natural habitat. 

Paul and Rick discussing the ADVMoto project bike’s expected habitats, all part of Rick’s process in determining the best suspension solutions for a bike’s specific needs.

I was introduced to the Tannenbaums a couple of years ago at AIME. Back then we discussed the project bike and its goals, before an invitation was extended to see what kind of suspension improvements were possible. Keep in mind that the ADVMoto/LFAR DR 650 is intended to be a mule. It has to carry a fair amount of gear, be both pavement and dirt friendly, and hold up to diverse planetary conditions and elements. And, I specifically don’t want a race-tuned machine that will require constant wrenching. One of Cogent’s specialties is producing rugged long range suspension systems that are fully field-serviceable. To be sure, that’s not the norm. 

There’s a surprising amount of knowledge available regarding suspension that could be a huge benefit to overlanders. And, after Rick’s thorough and relevant explanations, I’d never leave North America to wander the Third World without a 100% serviceable suspension system, including paying particular attention to service intervals. Most of us are fairly ignorant about this stuff, and that means suspension component failures are relatively common. They’re expensive and time-consuming to repair in the field, especially in foreign lands where wait times for parts can be a month or more, plus a drain on the finances obtaining or fabricating parts, paying import taxes, etc. However, serviceable suspension components, and innovations like CD’s RTW Service Kits, are a game changer. 

Cogent is the real deal, with a handful of dedicated staff, highly specialized equipment (some of which they’ve developed themselves), and a whole lot of T.L.C. Now in about their tenth year, Cogent sells and services high-end OEM brands in addition to developing their own line of motorcycle suspension products. Although they cover virtually all makes and models, there’s an almost cult following in the “underdog” segment of adventure bikes—the Kawasaki KLR 650, and Suzuki DL/DR 650 models. They’re 100% hands-on; almost every part of the CD product line is made in the U.S. if not right there at their shop. And while they sell certain bike-specific products through outlets like our pals at ProCycle (ProCycle.us), and Happy Trails Motorcycle Products (Happy-Trail.com), the emphasis is on in-house and customer direct. 

Suspension guru, Rick Tannenbaum, checking the DR650’s fork spring rates before deciding on the adjusted specifications.

The upgrade process took about a day. But what intrigued me was how much hands-on work goes on at CD. After an in-depth discussion around topics like the purpose of the bike, how much weight (and where) it would be carried, the expected types of terrain, and serviceability issues, Rick used his experience to diagnose the ideal setup—custom building and assembling what I would need right there! It was all impressive, and very downhome. Working with Rick and his staff was pure pleasure. 

What’s it like to ride after the upgrade? Well, let’s just say that I’m so pleased that my attention is now completely off any more suspension tweaks. Off road, there’s no unnecessary bouncing, swaying or bottoming out. The bike now has a high-end feel and is one heck of a lot more fun, especially in loose and bumpy terrain. 

I love these down-to-earth, made in the U.S. specialty shops because they’re built purely on passion— driven by innovators who are doing a better job, really listening to us, and coming up with superior solutions. A description that perfectly describes Rick and Joyce and their labor of love.

This story first appeared in the March/April 2016 edition of Adventure Motorcycle Magazine.

Cogent's Warranty

Shocks are field serviceable and factory rebuildable. Send in every two years or 20K miles, whichever comes first. Pay shipping both ways along with a set fee of $75 and CD will do all the service work and bring the shock back to new condition. If you go over the due date/miles the parts are additional.

MotoCD.com

Lost for a Reason

LFAR is an acronym for “Lost for a Reason,” a charity many ADVers support that’s run by Ron and Dawn Grace to benefit Navajo reservation families.

LostforaReason.org

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