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Ohlin Shock

1K views 12 replies 9 participants last post by  Dragone 
#1 ·
I just installed Ohlin R&T forks and a shock (95 spring) and weight 165 lbs. The shock with the compression damping to zero is still way to stiff and I've ordered a lighter spring (9.0)

Anyone have any experience running the Ohlin shock on their ZX10R? I'd like to hear about it; your weight which spring you're using.

realestateguy aka Bruce
brucek@capitalregroup.com
Hermosa Beach, CA
 
#2 ·
Realestateguy, do you know the cable guy? Suspension components need break-in to loosen up just like other mechanical contrivences, your adjustments may not hold up until, the suspension settles into its sweet spot. Your sag settings, spring rates and dampning adjustments may vary with time. Ohlins stuff typically is overbuilt to retain its composure at racing speeds, It may remain a bit stiff.
 
#3 ·
I've run Ohlin componets on several bikes for a long time, but thank you for your insight.

The issue is so over the top on harshness, no amount of breakin is going to close the gap. Furthermore, many rider/racers are reporting their shocks are way to stiff as delivered from Ohlin. I'm going to play with spring rates, shim stacks and oil weight and post my findings here.

realestateguy aka Bruce
 
#7 ·
How a shock performs right out of the box should not be the only criteria in selecting one. The Ohlin shock is a fantastic shock and holds up well on the track. Getting dialed in is part of the process.

Everytime I change a tire, shock, fork, fork position, linkage, swing arm, chain length I need to see what changes there are in rake, trail, swing arm angle and over all length and see the effects. No shock manufacture can deliver a shock/spring rate perfect for everyone, let alone riding styles.

The whole process is a lot of inexpense fun.

realestateguy aka Bruce
 
#8 ·
realestateguy said:
Anyone have any experience running the Ohlin shock on their ZX10R? I'd like to hear about it; your weight which spring you're using.
I've had the Ohlins shock on mine since I got the bike back in March of last year. 10.5 spring and I weigh about 200lbs. w/o gear. The shock is great as it is, but I bought it through a specialist that will tailor the spring and settings to the rider. He doesn't just ship you the box from Parts Unlimited with the default spring.

What else would you like to know?
 
#10 ·
Ohlins Rear shock

Real estate Guy,
I just went through the exact same thing with my Ohlins rear shock. I weigh 180 and had a 95 spring and it was way too stiff. We ordered a 90 and now it is what an Ohlins should be like. I have had Ohlins on several bikes and the 95 is what Ohlins recommend for the 180 lb rider is way to stiff and will not soften after use. I had the 95 for 2500 miles and it was way to stiff and didn't soften up at all. Now that we have the 90 the bike is handling much better. So my .02 is if you are considering a Ohlins rear shock and you weigh 180 lbs. go with the 90 you wont be disappointed.
Also if you order from Dan Kyle he will replace the shock for you at no charge as long as you ordered it from him initially and you take it off and ship it back to him. I didn't order from him but this is what I have been told. I would call him and find out his policy from him directly in case I am mistaken.
Joe
 
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