Tractive or TFX shocks for R1200RT upgrade?

[bassomatic]

I’m debating upgrading front and rear shocks on an 2007, non-ESA model that I use mainly for spirited sport touring along with the annual track day. Has anyone upgraded the suspension of an older bike they love and not regretted it? The upgrade to the TFX shocks I’m looking at will cost me 50% of what the entire bike cost me used a couple years ago.Worth it?

[OneCheekRider]

I upgraded my 2013 Tiger 1200 with (used) Tractive cartridges and rear shock 2.5 years ago when it had 60k miles. I had the rear shock refreshed before I installed. Shortly after, I bought the exact same Tiger from my buddy Kenn on this forum; I think it had 54k when I picked it up. Instead of going the Tractive route on Kenn's Tiger, I had the OEM front and rear completely rebuilt. From an on-road perspective I can't really tell the difference between the Tractive and rebuilt OEM and I ride very aggressively in the canyons. However, when I go off-road (or roads that are so beaten up they feel like off-road) I can clearly see where the Tractive excels. Again, this is riding aggressively.

If you have the cash and expect to continue riding the bike long term, the aftermarket suspension will definitely be an upgrade. If you hold onto the stock parts, you can always sell the aftermarket suspension separately from the bike if you decide to get rid of the bike to recoup costs.

With that said, I think a simple OEM overhaul setup for your weight & riding style will probably accomplish 85% of the same thing at a much lower cost. For an R1200RT that's what I would do, but I don't have much experience with that bike.

[OneCheekRider]

Here is my Tractive being refreshed:



Here is OEM:


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