Fork & Shock Re-Valve
TYPICAL COST BREAKDOWN (Not including applicable sales tax)
$200 - Labor with Forks & Shock removed from the motorcycle
$340 - RaceTech Fork Gold Valve Kit (Compression and Rebound pistons)
$530 - K-Tech Fork Pro Valve Kit (Complete Compression and Rebound Assembly)
$200 - RaceTech Shock Gold Valve Kit
$160 - K-Tech Shock Pro Valve Kit
$150 - Fork Spring Pair or Shock Spring
$50 - RaceTech Rebound Separator Valve
$30 - Fork/Shock Oil/Liter (3 Liters typically required)
Note - The cost of any additional parts requiring replacement found during disassembly will be communicated and agreed upon prior to order. Air to spring fork conversions, lowering, vintage and custom work will be quoted individually.
Why Re-Valving Matters
Damping controls the flow of fluid inside pistons and through shims. How quickly that fluid moves dictates how the suspension handles small inputs (turn-in, braking) and large inputs (bottoming, big hits). Factory damping is tuned for a wide range of riders and conditions. Re-valving lets us tailor that behavior to your specific weight, riding style, and environment, making the bike feel more connected, predictable, and confidence-inspiring.
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Re-Valving Process
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Intake & Ride Profile
We collect your weight, age, ability, typical terrain and existing setup data.
Internal Inspection
Components are opened and inspected just like a re-build to ensure worn or damaged parts that would compromise performance are identified.
Valving Design
Race-Tech www.racetech.com and K-Tech USA www.ktechsuspensionusa.com have developed a broad range of pistons and valving specs that we utilize.
Assembly & Fluid Selection
We select the appropriate damper fluid viscosity for your riding conditions and reassemble with precision torque settings.
Vacuum Bleed & Nitrogen Service
For reservoir shocks, we vacuum bleed and perform proper nitrogen charge to maintain consistent damping and reduce fluid aeration.
Validation
Post-installation testing is performed through riding validation or bench testing to fine-tune settings and verify the desired behavior.
Benefits of a Re-Valve
Sharper Cornering Response
Faster turn-in and improved cornering precision.
Reduced Brake Dive
Provides greater stability and control during braking and deceleration.
Less Fatigue on Long Rides
Reduces excess chassis movement for a more comfortable, controlled ride.
Cost-Effective Performance Upgrade
Improves suspension performance without the cost of a full replacement.
Tuned for Your Riding Conditions
Allows suspension response to be fine-tuned for track, street, or off-road riding.
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Re-Valving for Different Platforms
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Sport Motorcycles
Enhance turn-in and cornering precision, reduce headshake potential, and improve rear traction.
Adventure Motorcycles
Balance luggage/passenger loads and maintain chassis control across varied terrain.
Dirt Bikes
Improve control over rough tracks and reduce rider fatigue in long events.
ATVs/UTVs
Re-valving for heavy loads and rough terrain reduces fatigue and increases vehicle control.
What Re-Valving Cannot Fix
- Structural damage or severely worn components: If shafts are bent or cartridges are destroyed, a rebuild or replacement is necessary.
- Incorrect spring rate: Re-valving cannot compensate for grossly incorrect spring rates; sometimes spring swaps are required.
- Severe mechanical play: Free play in linkage or mounts must be corrected before valving adjustments are meaningful.
When to Re-Valve
A professional re-valve may be beneficial when your bike dives excessively under braking, feels vague or wallowy through corners, or frequently bottoms out over impacts. Re-valving can also help when you've added performance tires, luggage, or other modifications that change the bike's weight distribution. If you're transitioning from street to track riding, a re-valve can provide more controlled damping suited to the demands of track use.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much improvement can I expect from a re-valve?
Many riders report dramatic improvements in feel and confidence. The exact amount depends on starting condition and chosen valving. Re-valving is one of the most impactful and affordable performance upgrades.
Is a re-valve reversible?
Yes. We document your original settings and can retune or revert if desired.
Will a re-valve increase maintenance requirements?
No — in fact, with the proper fluid and seals, a re-valve often extends component life by reducing stress and preventing erratic behavior.
Contact ES3 Suspension
To book a fork or shock re-valve at ES3 Suspension, call (406) 876-6934. Bring your bike in for an initial assessment and we’ll explain the expected impacts relevant to your riding goals.