A Closer Look at Suspension
One upgrade or a coordinated front-and-rear setup?
Measure sag with the load you actually carry. Preload can set ride height within the available adjustment; it does not change spring rate or add damping capability.
| What needs attention | Consider | What you are choosing |
|---|
| Fork support for rider weight or load | Race Tech Fork Spring Kit | An added spring in the damping leg. Damping hardware and rear shock are separate. |
|---|
| Fork movement feels poorly controlled | Gold Valve Fork Kit | A valving change. Evaluate spring support and fork condition at the same time. |
|---|
| Rear suspension is the main limitation | Race Tech G3-S Shock | A custom rear shock. Useful if the front already suits you or will be upgraded separately. |
|---|
| Both ends need work | Pro Suspension Package | Custom shock + fork spring kit + Gold Valve fork kit. The three upgrades are already grouped together. |
|---|
Give us enough information to build it for you. For the Pro Package, provide rider weight without gear, skill level and your off-road/on-road percentages. Also discuss luggage, passenger use, lowered suspension and any existing fork modifications. Confirm reservoir options and custom-order terms before the build begins.
Keep the Bike Ready
Maintenance before modifications
Honda’s road-use schedule is a starting reference. Dust, mud, water and sustained off-road use call for closer inspection and more frequent attention to affected items.
| Item | Honda U.S. reference | What to do with it |
|---|
| Engine oil | Initial 600 miles (1,000 km); then every 8,000 miles (12,800 km) or annually | Use the exact year’s schedule. The 2013/2016 manuals also give one month for the initial oil change. Shorten attention intervals for demanding conditions as directed. |
|---|
| Oil filter | 2013/2016: initial 600 miles, then every 8,000 miles.
2020: initial 600 miles, then every 16,000 miles. | The schedules differ. Use your exact year’s manual. Install the filter in the correct orientation and refill for the service performed. |
|---|
| Valve clearance | Inspect every 16,000 miles (25,600 km) | Use the correct service manual for the measuring conditions and adjustment procedure. A running problem may warrant diagnosis sooner. |
|---|
| Spark plug | Inspect at 16,000 miles; replace at 32,000 miles (51,200 km) | Use SIMR8A9 and Honda’s inspection procedure; do not bend the electrode to reset the gap. |
|---|
| Stock air cleaner | Replace at 12,000-mile (19,200 km) intervals in the normal schedule | Dust or unusually wet use calls for more frequent service. Replace the stock viscous element; do not wash or air-blast it. |
|---|
| Drive chain, tires and brakes | Inspect before riding. Scheduled chain service: 2013/2016 every 500 miles (800 km); 2020 every 600 miles (1,000 km). | Service the chain more often off-road and after dirty or wet use. Check slack through a full wheel rotation, tire condition/pressure and brake wear. |
|---|
| Coolant and brake fluid | 2013/2016: replace every 2 years or the manual’s mileage interval, whichever comes first.
2020: coolant 3 years; brake fluid 2 years. | The earlier and later schedules differ. Use the specified fluids and inspect levels, leaks and hose condition between changes. |
|---|
Oil service: three easy details to get right. Use the specified grade, distinguish a drain-only refill from an oil-and-filter refill, and check the oil level with the bike held as Honda specifies. Retain/install the filter spring and fit the element in the correct direction. A kit with two bottles does not mean both bottles belong in the engine.
