Ohlins rear shock

[dudlow]

Hi Guys, sorry if this has been covered a thousand times, but in the real world will an Ohlins 46 DRS change the handling for the better on my 30k miler GS12. The Ohlins is not new, but in good condition. My riding is mostly one up, and I love fast B roads. My standard shock is not showing any signs of wear (at least I have not noticed anything, but must be worn a bit), but I am happy to swop if it improves my ride (they look cool as well !!) Thanks for any info.

 

[Big Red]

The standard shock may be fine but generally they start to deteriate with mileage and heavy loads and you don't realise as its progressive. The best way to find out is test ride a new bike with the same suspension as yours, ESA or not.
The Ohlins will be a far better shock than the OE fit but to get the best from them you should get them made to suit your weight and the riding that you normally do, (solo, pillion & luggage, off road etc).
You say that you normally ride solo on fast B roads so you may be lucky and the shock may be spot on but you will notice the difference.
They do look cool and there are several Ohlins service centres to get them rebuilt when needed

 

[dudlow]

The standard shock may be fine but generally they start to deteriate with mileage and heavy loads and you don't realise as its progressive. The best way to find out is test ride a new bike with the same suspension as yours, ESA or not.
The Ohlins will be a far better shock than the OE fit but to get the best from them you should get them made to suit your weight and the riding that you normally do, (solo, pillion & luggage, off road etc).
You say that you normally ride solo on fast B roads so you may be lucky and the shock may be spot on but you will notice the difference.
They do look cool and there are several Ohlins service centres to get them rebuilt when needed

Thanks for the info.

 

[mr badger]

Probably the best dosh you'll ever spend on your bike.

 

[Wapping]

At about 35,000 the suspensension on my 06 GSA was squidgier that a squidgy thing. Went for Ohlins front and back..... probably the best money I have spent on the thing. Buy with confidence.

Ohlins have an 18,000 mile service gap, so I am due one reasonably soon.

 

[muppix]

I too changed the rear on my Bandit 1200 for an Ohlins on recommendation, and only then did I realise just how bad the standard had become. Again, best money I spent on the bike.

 

[Rasher]

Had Ohlins n several bikes and other aftermarket shock or specialist reworks on most of my bikes and have always been happy with the results.

It seems to be one place most manufacturers save cash by fitting what tends to be barely adequate at best suspension, add a few miles and the story gets worse, not forgeting the classic "set up for an average rider"

I think they also try to ensure that the bike is safe regardless of how you twiddle the adjusters, which is why often it is difficult to get a great setup even with fiddling and many magazines often criticise lack of range of adjustment.

Lets just hope the Eurocrats don't get all this type approval crap through or we will end up being stuck with stock suspension that will probably end up with no adjustment at all!