Time for Ohlins?

[Larry]

Well, looks like rear shock has finally given up the ghost. Over the last week I've noticed the back end feel like it was sitting lower and lower (no, I haven't been overdoing the bacon butties) and now the rear wheel feels like it's squirelling around as I'm riding, especially when cornering. Is it fecked or is there something I can do first to try and sort it? Rear preload adjuster is on about 3 quarters of max but even turning it up all the way doesn't make much difference. Would a rebuild help although it would have to be somewhere where they did all the removal/refitting malarkey?

If it is a matter of a new shock (£££ouch!) anyone stuck Ohlins on the back while keeping OE on the front? Front feels fine so don't really want to replace that if I don't have to. Finally, if the inevitable is necessary am thinking of Harris Performance to do the job as they are quite near me. Most posts on here seem to be fairly favourable but any recent experience?

Ta.

 

[Burfcontrol]

Just a thought.....

.....Try putting some air in the rear tyre.....

 

[Gecko]

Larry
Unless you are seriously lusting after Ohlins why bother ? If you've been happy with the OEM shock I reckon you could save yourself a bundle and ask if any Ohlins user has a rear shock kicking around their garage they want to sell .......think of how much you'll save yourself and your bike will be back to the way you like it.
Is there actually any sign of leakage or damage from your shock ? If not then it may be worth getting an expert opinion before shelling out your hard earned cash . It may be something else....

 

[Larry]

Re: Just a thought.....

.....Try putting some air in the rear tyre.....

First thing I checked 'cos that's exactly what it felt like but pressure is fine.

 

[Mzokk]

Lots of firms can rebuild the standard shock even though they are suposed to be non rebuildable. Usually costs £80-100. Ohlins are good if you can afford them mind. I wouldn't worry about a standard front and Ohlins rear either.

 

[Beak Freak]

Larry

Had exactly the same problem with my bike, though I think in my case the bacon butties have not helped! The BM unit is sealed and not repairable (well not by me anyway, but I know some people have done it), I was quoted £370 for a replacement unit and like you thought of Ohlins. I really couldn't justify the price that they charge and so plummed for a WP unit instead. First rate service and they even provide a spring suitable for your weight at no extra cost. Total cost excl VAT £300.

Hope this helps.

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

Don't see how the rear is sitting lower - unless the spring has permanently deformed and reset its static ride height.

Damping has no effect on static ride height.

Damping is what wears - pistons / seals / fluids.

worn damping gives the effect of low pressured tyres.

Coil springs dont wear .

Buy hyper-pro - not ohlins
Buy Penske - not ohlins

Ohlins are good - but the road shocks are trading off the racing shocks name.

Penske are by far - from personal damper dyno testing results - at Mclaren by people that know what theyre doing and looking at - the better performing shock.

but they cost more than ohlins

 

[cookie]

these shocks are pressurised with nitrogen. although the primary purpose of this gas is to stop the oil becoming aerated, it does give a significant boost to the springing.

gas leaks, shock sags, damping is impaired.

 

[Larry]

Thanks for all the advice so far. A 2nd hand OE unit or rebuild sounds like a good option. Only worry with a 2nd hand unit is that most people wait until it's knackered to replace it. Ideally, if the shock does need repairing or scrapping I'd ideally like to do some sort of ride in ride out service although preferably without being relieved of 400 plus notes into the bargain. Will ponder...

 

[Steve Chip]

Don't ask me...

but have you played with the "knob" thing that turns, or the "screw" thing that turns?

I thought the "knob" thing did preload - "how fat you are" adjustment & rear ride height, & the "screw" thing did damping - "how bouncy it is" adjustment.

Play with the "screw" thing, that might help.

BUT I'm probably wrong.

Steve

 

[Larry]

Done knob thing but not screw thing. Knob makes very little difference and haven't touched screw since all was good although I know things deteroriate over time. However, this has been quite a quick change - a few weeks at most and there are no visible leaks, etc.

Anyone know if Harris Performance do rebuilds/servicing of shocks or is it just new parts?

 

[Wreford Miles]

Larry...

Teckmotive in Welham Green... Supplied and fitted FR Ohlins for 800 quid.

They made a big difference to my bike which had 48,000 on the original shock.

Is it worth it... for me yes because I meant I've kept my GS rather than traded it up which would have cost me and lost me more trhan 800 quid.

I cannot coment on the other shocks but can confirm they really do make a big difference that you'll enjoy.