WHY STOCK SUSPENSION MIGHT BE ALL YOU NEED.

When riders think about performance upgrades, factory suspension kits often top the list. The assumption? If it’s factory, it must be better. But as this GYPSY TALES conversation with a seasoned Kawasaki factory test rider reveals, that’s not always the case.

“Just because it’s factory doesn’t mean it’s going to work. If you can’t set them up, those factory forks can be worse than standard.”

Modern stock suspension has come a long way. In fact, many technicians agree that today’s OEM components rival high-end kits in performance. One rider shared a jaw-dropping experience at Parlor: hitting a massive tabletop jump, landing flat, and expecting disaster—only to find the stock suspension absorbed the impact flawlessly.

“I couldn’t believe it. Didn’t even bottom out. All I did was apply recommended clicker settings—and it worked like magic.”

This finding highlights a crucial point: setup matters more than spending thousands on exotic parts. A well-tuned stock fork can outperform a $40,000 factory kit if adjusted correctly. That’s where knowledge and tools like Clickers MX App come in—helping riders dial in compression and rebound for their weight, track, and style or motivation every time they hit the tracks.

The interview also touches on bike development, emphasizing balance between frame, engine, and suspension. More power isn’t always better if you can’t put it to the ground. It’s all about harmony—rigidity, traction, and braking working together.

So before you chase flashy upgrades, ask yourself: have you unlocked the full potential of your stock setup? With the right adjustments, you might already have everything you need.

Want to learn how to master your suspension? Download the Clickers MX app to simplify your setup today and start riding with confidence.