Ohlins suspension

[silverRider]

My 2004 RR came with Ohlins front and back. PO didn't have any paperwork about the shocks. Riding the bike, I found it very unsettled, front end bouncing on uneven surfaces in corners and scaring the daylight out of me couple of times. The rear preload was on minimum.
I got the number from the front spring and emailed fine people at Ohlins USA (although I am north of the border) and asked them for any manuals they might have and also to research my spring. Turns out the spring is 67Nm as opposed to 57Nm standard one. It is good for 225 lbs rider with gear or two up riding. I'm 170 lbs soaking wet. I did set the rebound damping to the factory value and things are a bit better. But I would never take corners on this bike as I would on my '98 GS. GS just feels planted and nothing can unsettle it, steering is much lighter (wider bars?) and soaks up all road imperfections.
Is it possible that stiff springs can make this much difference in handling and ride quality? Is the only solution new springs?

Doug

[EasyBee]

There's no way your current springs are gonna work for you. I'm a really big guy 6.4 and weigh a 264 lbs. When I bought new springs (Hyperpro) and shocks for my bike my mechanic was no longer able to go for a really good testride. He's 5.4 and weighs only 143 lbs. He constantly complains of the ride, it's rockhard for him.
The PO of your bike was a pretty big guy and the springs were right for him but all wrong for you. So the only thing you can do is try to get the original springs (they didn't come with the bike?). I've got the originals, but unfortunately for you, live in the Netherlands. So, I'm afraid you'll need new springs and shocks (if the shocks were adjusted for his weight.

[P_Jensen]

The advantage to aftermarket shocks is that they are rebuildable for a reasonable cost. You should contact ohlins or someone who is authorized to service the hlins products and have them rebuilt to your specfications. They will need to replace the springs and the shim stack to your weight and riding style, the difference in the ride quality will be worth it.

[silverRider]

So I took a better look at those shocks and compared spring numbers with Ohlins data. It appears those springs are standard for Rockster. Any way I could figure out if the actual shocks are for Rockster? What would be the effect of putting Rockster shocks on Roadster? I read somewhere that both front and back shocks are shorter.

Thanks for any insight.

Doug

[riceburner]

So I took a better look at those shocks and compared spring numbers with Ohlins data. It appears those springs are standard for Rockster. Any way I could figure out if the actual shocks are for Rockster? What would be the effect of putting Rockster shocks on Roadster? I read somewhere that both front and back shocks are shorter.

Thanks for any insight.

Doug

I think the R-R shocks are shorter than the Rockster shocks (for reference). The rear certainly is that way around. (I've run my Rockster with an R-R shock and it was dragging it's rear).

[kirby]

I run ohlins on my '04 rockster. I have them rebuilt by olins USA in NC(google it) When they set them to the ohlins spec I always have to fine tune the rebound (only adjustment) And I really love the way they work.

I'm an X racer (club) and regular track day rider. They work for me and that is with flat out ops at the track.

I am 6'4" 195 lb and when I travel (always solo) I weigh about 210 with gear and pack about 45 lbs total in the bags and on the tail.

I have 185,000K miles on this machine and the shocks have been rebuilt 6 times. First three times required no major parts just cleaned and new seals but since have replaced certain parts. I think the rebuilds have averaged about $450.

For me it was the only way to go as I am a long time owner and plan to overhaul and keep riding when needed.

FWIW

mike

[sweatmark]

So I took a better look at those shocks and compared spring numbers with Ohlins data. It appears those springs are standard for Rockster. Any way I could figure out if the actual shocks are for Rockster?

See this info from former board member Ves, Ohlins info Rockster vs Roadster:

http://www.vesware.com/OhlinsOnRockster ... ckster.htm

What would be the effect of putting Rockster shocks on Roadster?

Better handling, or I should say - dynamics more to my liking, having owned and ridden Roadster and Rockster.

Best advice comes from Kirby (above). He's got the most miles.. and hard miles.

[lcarlson]

I just had an Ohlins front shock installed on my 2002 R1150R (I have a Hyperpro rear shock). What a difference! Of course, it relplaces the clapped out OEM unit with 40,000 miles, but still....