Review: Penske 8987 triple adjustable

[kiwifruit]

I don't/won't pretend to know alot about suspension science, but i can share my thoughts on the Penske 8987 i've just had fitted to my 2007 yamaha r1.
I've done a write up on the r1 but this shock deserves its own thread

Mid last week i had the shock fitted. Straight away the difference was incredible.... its hard to explain the difference/improvement over stock, its just what the bike needs.
The bike now doesn't squat and wallow about under power, it just hooks up and powers forward with minimal fuss. Riding on roads i've known for years i found myself feeling safer due to the increase in grip.
The stock unit is like a pogo stick in comparison

I did find the setup a bit to harsh for "normal road riding". A bit bumpy and skippy. This would clear up with more aggressive riding. I thought i'd try it as is on the track then ask Shaun about dialing out some of that harshness for road use.

The 8987 was superb on the track! I could not fault it. I found myself able to get on the gas earlier, i can't explain why... must be just the extra grip and confidence it gives.

So back on the road:
The setup is a little harsh and skippy but i love the way it doesn't squat or wallow under power. Shuan makes some suggestions, i back the high speed compression off and the harshness is reduced yet the shock still performs as it did before.... its still firm in the slow speed stuff (squat, under power) but soaks the bumps on the rough roads heaps better......

The low and high speed compression damping adjustment on this shock gives the best of both worlds, its impressive.

I don't really know what else to say. I'm very pleased with the shock's adjustably, performance and price. Shaun has been very helpful and easy to deal with (pretty cool being able to txt a I.O.M legend/freak for suspension setup tips while out on a ride, i recon).

Thumbs up. Thanks Shaun.

Product info:
http://www.traxxion.com/store/detail.asp?product_id=P87

Contact Shaun, details in my signature below.

[enigma51]

Yip must say its looked pretty good on the track its good to see that there is more than just one good choice out there at the moment

[boomer]

.... all i'm hearing is 'I'm a dirty slut!"

Have i told you that i love you recently? And i miss your cuddles?!


good to see you've got the bike set up.... Mean Moari!!

[Shaun]

Have i told you that i love you recently? And i miss your cuddles?!

You trully are sicker than I look

[NZsarge]

Any plans on fork mods?

[kiwifruit]

Any plans on fork mods?

Yes,
I'm considering options at the mo

[ArcherWC]

Have you tried a TTX equiped bike, how would you rate them against each other?

[kiwifruit]

Have you tried a TTX equiped bike, how would you rate them against each other?

i have not so i'm not really in a position to compare

[Shaun]

Thanks for the write up Allan.

I was to have 2 more shocks tested and written about by racers that I have helped out a LOT FOC, but they have all declined to do a test and write up for me for what ever there very IMPORTANT reasons must be ( THANKS GUYS)


SO ALL ARE JUST GOING TO HAVE TO TRUST ME!!!!!!

[kiwifruit]

Pleasure! I'm farkin stoked with it eh

Have been having fun playing about with the high speed damping, very cool.
I've been able to set the bike up for a mate of mine, who is a relative n00b by simply backing off the high speed....
Dunno if that makes much sense but it seems to make the right differences

[Shaun]

Pleasure! I'm farkin stoked with it eh

Have been having fun playing about with the high speed damping, very cool.
I've been able to set the bike up for a mate of mine, who is a relative n00b by simply backing off the high speed....
Dunno if that makes much sense but it seems to make the right differences

Makes very good sense to me man, But as I am the importer/seller of them, I SHOULD SAY THAT Bahahahaha

[jrandom]

I was to have 2 more shocks tested and written about by racers that I have helped out a LOT FOC, but they have all declined to do a test and write up for me for what ever there very IMPORTANT reasons must be...

Actually, I would have thought your major market with the Penske gear would be road riders looking to improve their bike's handling at a competitive price point without having to shell out for the full Ohlins offerings, so perhaps you're not missing out on a lot there in terms of exposure.

I know I for one would be more interested to hear how a particular shock affected stability and grip on seriously crappy surfaces and tyre wear on the road, rather than how far it extended the absolute performance limits of a bike on the track.

Maybe my perspective is flawed, but I know that's the kind of review and advertising that would speak to me as a customer.

[Shaun]

Actually, I would have thought your major market with the Penske gear would be road riders looking to improve their bike's handling at a competitive price point without having to shell out for the full Ohlins offerings, so perhaps you're not missing out on a lot there in terms of exposure.

I know I for one would be more interested to hear how a particular shock affected stability and grip on seriously crappy surfaces and tyre wear on the road, rather than how far it extended the absolute performance limits of a bike on the track.

Maybe my perspective is flawed, but I know that's the kind of review and advertising that would speak to me as a customer.

BANG ON- The beer is on me!

It is my full intension/Focus, to work for the road riders and track day customers!\


Robert T, is very very good at what he does for the racer scene ( And Road, And Dirt- And Cars etc)

But I want you people to have as good a product as possible, as cheap as possible, as I know how bad a road bike can be, from a riders point of view

[Pussy]

Actually, I would have thought your major market with the Penske gear would be road riders looking to improve their bike's handling at a competitive price point without having to shell out for the full Ohlins offerings, so perhaps you're not missing out on a lot there in terms of exposure.

I know I for one would be more interested to hear how a particular shock affected stability and grip on seriously crappy surfaces and tyre wear on the road, rather than how far it extended the absolute performance limits of a bike on the track.

Maybe my perspective is flawed, but I know that's the kind of review and advertising that would speak to me as a customer.

I reckon you're right on the money with that. Someone like Shaun would probably only pick up a relatively small decrease in lap times, on for example your bike, between stock and modified. For us commoners, however, the added security of PROPER suspension components(not the stock "built by accountants" stuff) will considerably increase performance over stock.
Now you have to get yourself prepared to shell out for the front... the quality componentry on the rear will show up the front end deficiencies...

[Shaun]

Hey Pussy, A PENSKE shock ( STD) Out of the box won pole position and 1 off the F3 races yesterday mate ( Well done and thanks Steve wood ) O. he also had a Traxxion Gas charged front end in the bike!!!!