customer reviews

I’ve run 812 suspension since 2010. From schoolboy 1, all the way through 450 A my bikes have always handled the best on the track. But,  Doc doesn’t just build the best suspension in the United States, he is also a great mentor who has helped teach me life lessons far more important than just how to ride my dirtbike fast. His dedication to testing and working with his riders alone is enough to make him the best suspension builder in Texas! Doc treats every one of his riders like they’re a factory racer, and you can’t find that anywhere other than 812 Suspension Design.  

812 Suspension has taken my bike's handling and control to a whole new level. With Doc’s organization, knowledge, and precision, my suspension has never felt so good. I will continue to use 812 for all of my suspension needs for performance and safety.  Doc, thank you for your dedication and support to the industry. 

My name is Brendan Sipple, I am 23 years old and I'm a professional athlete currently racing pro motocross. I have been riding and racing for 13 years now. I have been through every training facility, every bike brand, countless aftermarket tuning and modifications companies. I have spent a lot of time testing suspension with multiple different companies, and I can say with full confidence the moment I first rode with 812 Suspension I was blown away with the performance and quality that this company puts into their product. Not only did this suspension perform perfectly, I was introduced to the genius behind it all and only then did I realize how much attention to detail goes into each set of suspension. 812 Suspension is the best preforming suspension I have ever used and I will back this company 100%.

I’ve been riding for 5 years, and while that’s not a long time, I have tried two different suspension companies, multiple clicker settings, springs, AER, proper spring rates, sag, read reviews, listened to Keefer testing, watched YouTube videos, spent hours riding the same loop over and over, and even rode a bike 200 hours fully stock to really get an idea of what I was feeling. I’m stubborn and don’t give in to the hype very easily, and had yet to feel blown away by anything I had tried until my first ride with 812 Suspension! I was, and still am, in shock over the feel and handling of my bike. Things I’d normally slow down for, now I can charge right over without the fear of being bucked off the trail. Doc took the time to listen to my concerns, share with me the meaning behind 812, and even gave me a bit of a personal pep talk right when I needed it. I am honored to be riding 812 Suspension.  

A good friend of mine turned me on to Doc and 812 Suspension Design when I was in need of some tuning work.  Doc spent the time to understand what I felt was happening with the bike in a thorough interview, and then translated that into a re-valve and settings that vastly improved my performance and race finishes.  His latest magic on moving me from air forks to a spring conversion is nothing short of spectacular.  I am a faster, safer, more confident rider thanks to Doc's work.  The fact that he races and rides the same series and terrain I do is a bonus and is clearly reflected in his tuning.  I cannot recommend 812 Suspension highly enough. 

I have been riding and racing Enduro for over 25 years, have tried many suspension setups and services over the years and can proudly testify that 812 Suspension Design is far superior than most. As an amateur racing 40A in the Southeastern USA, and having raced 2 ISDE races in Europe and many SETRA, NEPG and Mexican Enduro races over the years, there are three factors that I seek from suspension tuning: 1) A great suspension set up; 2) Professional approach to the service needed; 3) Efficiency in time of service. Working with Doc, I was able to find all three characteristics. Doc takes on a whole different and holistic approach towards setting up a custom suspension based on several factors that make your riding unique. He cuts no corners and takes no cheap routes. What you get is top of the line components plus impeccable service. I was fortunate to be able to travel to his shop near Austin, TX and witnessed first-hand how he works: no distractions, no nonsense, fully prepared for your project, and completing it with military-style discipline.

Having used factory KTM service at ISDE races in the past, I am proud of running 812 Suspension now. The feeling of riding those first couple of miles and that first race with new suspension, is priceless. After many years of racing, I got to feel what I had been missing…which has given me much more confidence in attacking everything a race might throw my way! 

Thanks to 812 Suspension Design, my bike handles excellently in rocky conditions. I have taken this bike all over the country on multiple trips and am grateful for Doc's knowledge and attention to detail in getting my bike set up perfectly for me. I have very high standards and Doc exceeds my expectations every time. 

The first time I talked to Doc about my suspension he told me "suspension is a conversation". 812 was able to turn my words and our conversation into my setup. Not just once. Doc has worked with me and listened to me to get me completely dialed. Being relatively new to the dirtbike and racing arena with success in a short period, Doc has helped me stay fast and safe. The work that Doc has done has helped me get on the podium in the A class with less than 24 months total of seat time on dirt bikes. "The Art of Suspension" that Doc posts about is real. With 812, Doc is keeping that rear tire planted with my riding style (I'm also no longer blowing spokes left and right). I know without a doubt that as I develop as a rider, Doc and 812 will be there alongside helping develop my setting to keep me reaching new heights. 

812 Suspension Design has the tools, ingredients & know how to mold champions. It's not just about suspension with them. They go the extra mile with support to make sure you are comfortable with whatever type of environment you're tackling. They make it about you and your connection with your motorcycle. That is single handedly the biggest thing that sets them apart. Their workmanship is top notch. The depths they go to producing a consistent product throughout a wide range of suspension types is simply un-matchable. You like gettting holeshots? Podiums?  They do too!  812 Suspension Design speaks for itself & they are along for the ride with you. I am honored to be a part of this family! 

Doc at 812 Suspension Design has been doing our suspension since 2016 and the results have been outstanding. Doc is relentless when it comes to detail and his dedication to testing is like no other suspension company. I chose 812 not only for this reason, but because of Doc as a person. He has been a mentor to my son and the positive influence that all parents would want in their children’s lives. All of this and the use of Race Tech components makes 812 hands above any other suspension companies. Thanks for everything, Doc. 

Our relationship with 812 has been exceptional.  Truly a factory rider type experience for us.  Doc's knowledge and attention to detail is second to none.   

As I me aware of all of the options when it came to suspension tuning, I spent a fair amount of time researching what those options were. I saw so many bikes with the 812 logo here in Texas and saw Doc at all of the races. One day after a TSCEC race, I struck up a conversation with Doc. I was particularly impressed with his sincerity and ability to breakdown a complicated subject like suspension tuning to a guy who grew up riding riding “whatever it came with”. Shortly thereafter, I went ahead and made an appointment to re-valve the suspension on my KTM 300 XC-W. He spent a great deal of time asking about me, my riding background and what I liked and disliked about my current setup (stock with stiffer springs). He quickly turned the bike around, delivered it to the race the next day. Set the sag and the difference was world-changing. Just spot-on. Since then, I have consistently finished on or near the podium in most of the TSCEC and NEPG events I’ve ridden. And made it to work on every Monday following those races! To me, that’s what it’s all about! Best of all, Doc is a true friend and an honest-to-God hero in my mind.