The Next Level In Performance...
Not All Coatings Are Created Equal...
DLC stands for Diamond Like Carbon. We use it in motorcycle suspension because when it is PROPERLY applied to fork tubes or a shock shaft It is harder and smoother then the chrome. I can't stress enough that all DLC is not the same. First Off, the "DLC" that comes stock on Kawasaki Forks is not even close to the real deal. It is way to thin to provide any benefits. Not many places that apply DLC coating can apply it correctly to motorcycle parts. If it is not applied correctly, throw the parts out and start over- DLC is not easily removed and often wrecks the substrate (metal part) is was applied to. The thickness of DLC is extremely important in its functionality, 4-5 microns is best - most suspension shops use the same DLC coater and that coater only applies 3 microns. I personally only use Military grade (5 Micron) DLC coating, I want stuff that is indestructible. DLC Runs About $700 For a pair of Fork Tubes and $250 For a Shock Shaft, Labor to remove Axle Lugs or Shock Clevis.
 |
Kashima Coat is a special type of Hard Coat Anodizing that has special lubricating properties. For Suspension parts such as Upper Fork Tubes or Shock Bodies, it is simply the best- NEVER have your fork tubes or shock body Regular Hard Coat Anodized you will ruin the performance of the suspension. If you are going to do any coatings to your Fork Uppers or Shock Body, Kashima Coat is the only thing to use. If you are familiar with mountain bikes, you already know that the top forks and shocks are all Kashima Coated. Kashima Coat Runs About $700 For a pair of Fork Tubes and $250 for a Shock body, Labor to take forks and shock apart are extra.
 |
 |
A lot of the parts in your suspension are Bare Aluminum. When the oil inside your shock or forks goes past bare aluminum it gets contaminated (Dirty). When the oil gets contaminated, it no longer works the same. For this reason I "Anodize" or "Hardcoat Anodize with embedded PTFE" the bare aluminum parts in the shock and forks. This does two things, First it will help go longer between services without wrecking all the bushings and seals inside the shock and forks- and in the long run SAVE MONEY. Second it keeps the suspension working as it should. This is a picture of a couple shock seal heads that were anodized. Most suspension shops will tell you this is not needed, but then again they are the ones that are selling you the bushings and seals when they go bad- at a nice profit... This makes a HUGE difference, and there are multiple parts that need to be coated throughout the suspension.