Doug Harvey began his tuning career in 1980 splitting his time between operating a motorcycle dealership and working as the head wrench for a 4 rider, dealer sponsored race team. It wasn’t long before Doug began focusing the majority of his time and effort on suspension tuning. From the beginning, Doug kept an exhaustive log of suspension settings and valve specifications paying close attention to the subtle variations between manufacturers and the tuning strategies of other suspension builders. Armed with a thorough understanding of the technology at the time, Doug soon began developing innovations of his own.
Working the local race circuit, Doug began working closely with Pro-Action founder George Quay, exchanging trade secrets and developing valve stack modifications that were the precursor to Pro-Action’s unique triple stage (tapered stack) valving technology. At the time, suspension was always harsh, yet soft. The progressive valve stack introduced plush performance with improved bottoming resistance. In 1989, Doug became the first Pro-Action franchise covering the entire southeast from Florida to Tennessee. In 1994, Doug left Pro-Action and began Doug Harvey Racing.
Over the years, Doug has worked with countless top riders from the past to the present. From legends like Keith Bowen (1997 Factory Mechanic) and Mark Barnett to today’s top local and pro riders like Matt & Kyle Goerke, Brian Gray, Jacqueline Ross, Casey Campbell, Kevin Foley, Brian McElroy, John, Zach & Aaron Lundy, Alan Andreau, Vince DeVane, Jeff Lampe, and Doug Dehaan.
Suspension has evolved dramatically over the years and so has Doug Harvey Racing. Clever valve stack and fork dampening combinations are no longer the end all be all of race-ready suspension. Proper bike setup combined with internal shock/fork tuning is what makes today’s good suspension, GREAT suspension. Factors like rider weight, skill level, terrain, and race setting are key components to the overall equation and is what distinguishes Doug Harvey Racing from the competition. By working with riders on an individual level, DHR is able to maximize the performance of today’s off-the-shelf motocross and enduro suspension.
