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The Ohlins Suspension Thread

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#381 ·
New Ohlins

Just got my rear shock in and what a difference it makes. My Ducati Monster 1200S is the only bike I have had with Ohlins but all of my other bikes, 749R,996, Mille, SXV....have always had Showa, etc. and never felt like they needed anything better. It is hard to believe that BMW put such a piece of crap on these bikes. The rear shock actually made the front stiffer but will still have to be replaced to obtain the perfect combination. Going with the black FRGT216!!
 

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#382 ·
Is there a real ?need? to replace the front suspension or does generally replacing the rear provide enough comfort improvement to where they don't feel a need to go through with the front? Bumps on the road really hurt sometimes.. maybe just replace front oil with a heavier oil and go with rear Ohlins?
 
#383 ·
@jd911 I've merged your thread with the Ohlins suspension thread that is already here. Keeps all the Ohlins resource in one place. :)
@Grimly, I advise you to read up on the suspension threads in this forum and form your own opinion as opinions are varied regarding what route to go to upgrade the suspension and if you should just upgrade the rear, the front, both, or indeed none!

My 2c is that the rear suspension is the one to upgrade first and then see how you like it. Others will disagree though (which is fine). I found that replacing the rear suspension (I used Wilbers but it will be the same for Ohlins) you will find a big increase in comfort and performance over standard. I certainly found this, but now I find I am pushing the bike harder now that the rear suspension is working as it should, but this is now starting to highlight the fact that the front suspension is too soft and underdamped. I will undoubtedly upgrade the front end, but am still considering whether to go for a full cartridge/spring replacement or just for an uprated spring and fork oil. No huge hurry as it's not riding season and my knee injury still has some healing do, plus I'm still enjoying the difference the rear shock swap made! :)
 
#385 ·
JD911S said:
Just got my rear shock in and what a difference it makes. My Ducati Monster 1200S is the only bike I have had with Ohlins but all of my other bikes, 749R,996, Mille, SXV....have always had Showa, etc. and never felt like they needed anything better. It is hard to believe that BMW put such a piece of crap on these bikes. The rear shock actually made the front stiffer but will still have to be replaced to obtain the perfect combination. Going with the black FRGT216!!
Click to expand...
My point exactly, after a R1/GSXR/MILLE with stock suspension, is hard to believe the crap suspension that a 17.000€ bike has. My only concern going with ohlins or Wilbers is overkill, something in the middle just seems more appropriate...
 
#386 ·
BaldyDave said:
My 2c is that the rear suspension is the one to upgrade first and then see how you like it.:)
Click to expand...
With a sore "arse" (from prostate surgery) I'm absolutely going to have to change the rear suspension. The rear suspension busted my butt before I had the operation. I can imagine what the rear suspension will feel like now. :mellow:

I'll leave the front alone for the time being.
 
#387 ·
BaldyDave said:
@jd911 I've merged your thread with the Ohlins suspension thread that is already here. Keeps all the Ohlins resource in one place. :)

@Grimly, I advise you to read up on the suspension threads in this forum and form your own opinion as opinions are varied regarding what route to go to upgrade the suspension and if you should just upgrade the rear, the front, both, or indeed none!

My 2c is that the rear suspension is the one to upgrade first and then see how you like it. Others will disagree though (which is fine). I found that replacing the rear suspension (I used Wilbers but it will be the same for Ohlins) you will find a big increase in comfort and performance over standard. I certainly found this, but now I find I am pushing the bike harder now that the rear suspension is working as it should, but this is now starting to highlight the fact that the front suspension is too soft and underdamped. I will undoubtedly upgrade the front end, but am still considering whether to go for a full cartridge/spring replacement or just for an uprated spring and fork oil. No huge hurry as it's not riding season and my knee injury still has some healing do, plus I'm still enjoying the difference the rear shock swap made! :)
Click to expand...
I did read through it. Just was hoping for what others felt about this. :) Thank you for providing your thoughts.
 
#388 ·
Grimly said:
Is there a real ?need? to replace the front suspension or does generally replacing the rear provide enough comfort improvement to where they don't feel a need to go through with the front?
Click to expand...
It depends what you're wanting. The stock rear is worst in terms of ride quality, the front is worst in terms of handling / "spirited" riding thru the twisties.


Replacing either end will also make the shortfalls of the other end more apparent.


I went with Ohlins fork and shock. I'd do it again. It's not touring bike suspension, it's double extra firm really good / competent sport bike suspension. The difference thru real world bumpy corners is huge.
 
#389 ·
JohnT said:
It depends what you're wanting. The stock rear is worst in terms of ride quality, the front is worst in terms of handling / "spirited" riding thru the twisties.


Replacing either end will also make the shortfalls of the other end more apparent.


I went with Ohlins fork and shock. I'd do it again. It's not touring bike suspension, it's double extra firm really good / competent sport bike suspension. The difference thru real world bumpy corners is huge.
Click to expand...
That is an interesting way you described it. I have read on this forum that Ohlins is firmer but handles bumps in the road better. Do you agree with that. How would you describe how it feels for bumpy roads.
 
#390 ·
JD911S said:
Just got my rear shock in and what a difference it makes. My Ducati Monster 1200S is the only bike I have had with Ohlins but all of my other bikes, 749R,996, Mille, SXV....have always had Showa, etc. and never felt like they needed anything better. It is hard to believe that BMW put such a piece of crap on these bikes. The rear shock actually made the front stiffer but will still have to be replaced to obtain the perfect combination. Going with the black FRGT216!!
Click to expand...
That Yellow looks soo good on the bike with the gold forks. I want some. Might be another year or two.
 
#391 ·
Mr. Lee said:
How would you describe how it feels for bumpy roads.
Click to expand...
It's sport bike firm rather than touring bike plush.


It's very firm but without the sharp jolts the stock rear gives you. It gives the bike an "on rails" planted feel. It really keeps the tires hooked up. You lose the hop skip and jump feel (and bar wiggle) thru bumpy corners the stock front has. It's much more confidence inspiring.


I have the Ohlins steering damper also and as I've dialed in the suspension the damper keeps getting backed off.
 
#396 ·
#398 ·
George Spencer said:
I got my Ohlins rear shock installed! :wavetowel2:
The bike handles much, much better but - more important - the ride has improved dramatically.
Click to expand...

Now you need the forks and steering damper. It does transform the bike. :D Suppose part of that is from the reduced weight of your lighter wallet?
 
#400 ·
I have been riding the same route from my house to the BMW dealership for years. It is 86 miles round trip . . . some secondary roads and some interstate. I know every major bump by heart . . . especially one piece of irregular pavement (expansion joint) on the Interstate. That bump on the interstate . . . even on a motorcycle with good suspension . . . will really jolt you. On the way home with the new rear shock I glided across the bump and hardly noticed it. :D I will be ordering new front cartridges soon.
 
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