Shirriffs and K Tech?

[Robert Taylor]

Craig would be classed as a customer to Ohlins, his choice is his

Technically, every top rider requires a dedicated suspension technician, irrespective of brand used. Thats just not possible, but I know that each top rider would like to keep a suspension tech to themselves. At various times different riders on different machines with different suspension brands either struggled a little or went really well.
Frankly, in answering for Dennis and myself this is a stressful occupation during the Nationals, its certainly not a walk in the park. We look with envy at the very visible guys in MotoGP / WSBK wearing Ohlins shirts. In most cases each of these techs have only two riders at most to look after.

[jellywrestler]

Unashamedly I would say that overall we provide the best backup available in NZ.

Carmen had that record for quite a few years I'm told...
Did you save this little story especially for post number 56 or is that a simple coincidence?

[Mental Trousers]

The technical differences of each brand are pretty much irrelevant in this country cos there's only one thing that dictates where 90% of people go for their suspension - the personality of the distributor!!

[worm13]

The technical differences of each brand are pretty much irrelevant in this country cos there's only one thing that dictates where 90% of people go for their suspension - the personality of the distributor!!

That and what the on going support is gonna be like and if they have proven that in the past... I dont wanna pay thousands of dollars for a unit that Im lost with setup and the dealer is less then intrested in helping me out or explain the ins and outs of what ive got, In all honesty even of RT went to some chinesse thing id follow his product purely for the support that he gives (and I know he wouldnt sink that low)

[Crasherfromwayback]

I've had Robert fully recondition a vintage set of Ohlins shocks for me, they're for Rachel's 79 CR250 Elsinore. The cost me fuck all on Ebay, but required a shitload doing to them to make them usable. I could've sprung (see what I did there) for a new set, but I'm into period correct shit.

I'm looking forward to getting them on her bike and seeing how they go.

I'll report back.

[gixerracer]

Of course Craig and any riders are free to choose any suspension components they like. Theres a number of high quality aftermarket options out there i.e Ohlins, Penske, Race Tech, BiTubo, WP, K-Tech, works Showa and maybe some other stuff on the horizon. Some of the YSS stuff is a good baseline as well and it just needs someone to work with it and the local distributor is enthusiastic to do so. When making a choice of suspension its totally fair to say that its not only about the initial purchase price and perceived performance its also about the level of backup and the capacity to back it up. There are a LOT of boxes to tick.

For our business I am lucky to have Dennis Shaw working with me as he is highly capable and during the last season he was almost totally responsible for Craigs setup help and did an excellent job. KSS is more than about one person and is totally focused on suspension. Indeed at Taupo Craig looked very good, it all clicked for him. Unashamedly I would say that overall we provide the best backup available in NZ. Of course it could be a lot better again but the economic reality means that its just not viable to have more than two suspension technicians running around when also a lot of the work is a complimentary service. But at all times we endeavour to provide the best possible service within severe time constraints. I know at times we get rubbished for having suspension units apart all the time but that is because we are extremely anal about pushing for better and better settings . Our new suspension dyno is assisting no end and more about that in a forthcoming thread. We will help anyone that asks, irrespective of what level of machinery and suspension. We are also proud that our marketing philosophy is based on VALUE and backup, we dont subscribe to in your face hard sell.

At times Im guilty of opening my mouth too far by saying things that are always thought but not dared to be placed in print, that is arguably a ''failing'' and I inherited that from my mother. Maybe also from Shaun Harris! For example bringing it to peoples attention how an industry competitor registered CKT ( our previous trading name ) as a domain name, not technically illegal but certainly falling into a gutter level of ''skulduggery'' . I make no apologies whatsover for having no time for such silly games ,insincerity, hypocrisy, economies with the truth, fantastic but clearly untrue stories or any other human failings.

Its a little perplexing why Craig announced on this forum that he intended to test another suspension brand. I have never had a cross word with him and its a mystery why the phone was not picked up as a courtesy? ''Hey thanks a whole heap for your guys help in assisting me to several championships over the years. Thanks also for opening a door for me at Honda when I didnt have a ride and then again at Suzuki. I may as well tell you that I intend to test another suspension product and Ive been offered an insane price.'' Something in that vein is far nicer than hearing it secondhand from another customer, ''hey have you seen the thread on KB?"

Is any long term component and service provider being unreasonable in expecting such a simple courtesy communication? Or am I just being old fashioned? Im prepared to give Craig the benefit of the doubt as an oversight but I know that many component suppliers would say nothing, but would then unfavourably REMEMBER if the wheel turned again, which it has a habit of doing.

I have vilified Daniel Kempthorne for a couple of things that I take issue with. We did bits and pieces for Daniel over a number of years and then one day he picked up the phone, thanked us for all of our efforts and informed that he was going to use another suspension source. He did that right and all credit to him for that! Candidly he also did us a bit of a favour as we were a little stretched. Its important for all competitors to follow a decent etiquette of communication.

The door is always open and Craig you still owe me that box of red wine!

Dude first of all you need to get your ego in check.
Read the post it said I cant wait to T E S T the product nowhere did I say anything about running it next season! I asked Suzuki whom my contract is with and they said I can do what I like as we are not contracted so I asked the correct people as far as I am concerned. I have told you plenty of times I wanted to try it so why you are over reacting is a bit past me. Dont be affraid of competition it's healty and if Ohlins and you are as good as you say then you simply have nothin to worrie about do you?
As for getting me my rides and championships ( as you claim) im sure my talent had nothing to do with it, thanks for the spade work but what you dont realise is most of it was under way well before your involvement but what ever makes you feel better.

Im sure your wine will turn up one day soon.

[Robert Taylor]

Dude first of all you need to get your ego in check.
Read the post it said I cant wait to T E S T the product nowhere did I say anything about running it next season! I asked Suzuki whom my contract is with and they said I can do what I like as we are not contracted so I asked the correct people as far as I am concerned. I have told you plenty of times I wanted to try it so why you are over reacting is a bit past me. Dont be affraid of competition it's healty and if Ohlins and you are as good as you say then you simply have nothin to worrie about do you?
As for getting me my rides and championships ( as you claim) im sure my talent had nothing to do with it, thanks for the spade work but what you dont realise is most of it was under way well before your involvement but what ever makes you feel better.

Im sure your wine will turn up one day soon.

This is not the place for such talk which is what I was very clearly driving at and of course you had every opportunity to inform me prior to posting on a site that can ( seemingly ) be full of dispossessed Peyton Place addicts. ( for those old enough to remember )
I clearly recall doing an enormous amount of work to assist in your championships and street races when you were on the boil and also ringing two respective manufacturers to assist in getting you a ride when prospects looked bleak. At least one in the first instance.
Maybe you told Dennis you wanted to test an alternative brand but certainly i dont recall a repetitive desire to do so. My alzheimers is not in an advanced state just yet! And Im more than happy to agree to disagree on who did what and when, its absolutely nothing that Id lose sleep over!
As you will see from my long post there is no malice, just a desire that communication would have been ideal. Ego, no. Just a desire that people are clear, true to each other and to themselves.

[scracha]

Your drugs must be better than mine..................all I see is a Kiwi logo

No...I must admit to having saw a penis there too.

[Edbear]

This thread shows why face-to-face is always best. In person you can read the other's face and hear the inflection in their speech, as well as being able to respond much more readily.

The reality is that the main characters here are good people with a lot of respect and mana in the industry. I know Robert and Craig and have a great deal of time for them both, their skill and dedication not only to their trade but to the sport. They both spend time assisting others for nix and give as much as they get from the motor racing community.

We aren't all really good at putting words to "paper" or into verbal speech and need to be understanding of the motives and character of those we integrate with, giving the benefit of the doubt wherever possible. Most people in general are genuine and mean well without malice and most misunderstandings are exactly that, misunderstandings.

Knowledge and learning are always valuable and knowing the other brands for comaprison is never a bad thing as even if not intending to use another brand, knowledge of it may help improve the way you use your preferred brand. Robert is correct in that the difference is really about the service you receive and whom you feel most comfortable with. In the end the difference is more about the rider's ability to get the best from his machinery as evidenced by noted racer's who seem to be able to go faster than others on the same bike.

Rider feedback is critical and those riders who can give the techs good feedback are going to get more out of the product and the technician than one who struggles to accurately define the issue. Also helpful is having someone watch your lap and tell you what they see.

[crazy man]

That and what the on going support is gonna be like and if they have proven that in the past... I dont wanna pay thousands of dollars for a unit that Im lost with setup and the dealer is less then intrested in helping me out or explain the ins and outs of what ive got, In all honesty even of RT went to some chinesse thing id follow his product purely for the support that he gives (and I know he wouldnt sink that low)

all you need is for me to control your throttle and brakes of a rc unit and then you will be fast

[worm13]

all you need is for me to control your throttle and brakes of a rc unit and then you will be fast

Sorry im not mental just dumb... theres a difference!

[crazy man]

Sorry im not mental just dumb... theres a difference!

what about crazy (-;

[Ivan]

not sucking up to anyone as im no longer involved in racing (at road level) and was never a fast front runner but when me and my brother raced we only used 3 people to set up our suspension on race bikes Robert and Dennis and Shaun harris as he was working with my brother at the time,

I was mid field to the rear and had no chance of becoming a pro but the other said "technician" put me off by his bullshit storys I didnt want to trust my life in the hands of someone who was to busy trying to tell me about his days as a 500gp racer running his whole setup of a sun dial

now Im not picking at craig either I like craig and my comment has nothing to do with him or testing the other product, this was just a thank you to Robert for helping us out over the years even tho he knew as well as I did i wouldnt be challenging for the win and if I returned to road racing I would return straight back to him

[Rcktfsh]

I've had Robert fully recondition a vintage set of Ohlins shocks for me, they're for Rachel's 79 CR250 Elsinore. The cost me fuck all on Ebay, but required a shitload doing to them to make them usable. I could've sprung (see what I did there) for a new set, but I'm into period correct shit.

I'm looking forward to getting them on her bike and seeing how they go.

I'll report back.

Yep Dennis just dropped of what was a very tired and old Ohlins I bought on ebay for the FZR, now looking new rebuilt with new internals top out spring ride height adjuster etc at very reasonable price. Putting aside RT's dispicable political views and kinky sexual desires for a threesome involving Margeret Thatcher, John Key, himself and a selection of SS uniforms theres really only one choice if you want suspension work done.

[jellywrestler]

Putting aside RT's dispicable political views and kinky sexual desires for a threesome involving Margeret Thatcher, John Key, himself and a selection of SS uniforms .

That comes from living so close to Inglewood I think