919 Rear Shock Upgrade

[AllanB]

Originally Posted by Lord Duckhunter

It's just nice being able to adjust the preload with a simple twist of the wrist. In truth I rarely touch mine once the sag is set, but if I have to instruct in the rain it is soooo convenient to just reach down there & back off the preload to make everything softer

What he said

That would be a 10 minute job for me!

Seat off
unbolt side cover
Adjust, adjust, adjust
side cover back
seat back.

[firedave]

Originally Posted by AllanB

What he said

That would be a 10 minute job for me!

Seat off
unbolt side cover
Adjust, adjust, adjust
side cover back
seat back.

I hear ya. But after I set mine I usually never touch it again.

[velodesign]

My head hurts. Too many numbers and my Midwest accent messing up ohleeeeeeeeens vs ohlins.

What was the verdict? Who won the battle while the war in suspension rages on?

[AllanB]

Originally Posted by firedave

I hear ya. But after I set mine I usually never touch it again.

Ditto and if you have a passenger for a short ride a handful of clicks on the clicker tighten things up.


Shock wars!

These may become the new 'oil' threads!

[mntnceguy]

Well I must say I like my new/old Ohleeens....it is a very different ride to say the least, but I should provide some history....

I've tried a few of the different suggestions made on this site, which include the '04 919 w/changed spring and original, and an F4i model with a changed spring. I thought the F4i shock was an F3, that's what the salesman said anyway, but come to find out it was an F4i model. This is important because the F4i is 1/2" longer, which also changed the way the bike handled very nicely. I had friends comment on how well it handled. Where-as, the F3 model is the same length as the 919 and would not have changed the bikes handling so much.....so I'm a bit torn

K.....so here's the rub, as ignorant as I am about such things when compared to folks that know more than I, and without getting into all the math.....I really liked the way my 9'r rode with the longer, re-sprung F4i shock, even without re-valving. Definitely better than the stock '04 919 shock in either of it's configs. The way it changed the bikes turn in and cornering was quite noticeable, and it worked nicely with my re-sprung '04 forks, set at 6mm up. It was still very stable at speed, and raised the ride height a smidge which also gave more clearance. These are just some of the things I liked about that set-up....

But the plushness.....and friggen GOBS of adjust ability of a well Tuned Ohlins.....you simply can't fathom how it will change the bike until you've tinkered with one for yourself. Not just simply having ridden someone else's bike that has one, but setting one up for yourself and experiencing the serious amounts of tune-ability this thing has in comparison to the Honda chit....the sheer range of adjustment is an eye opener for sure, at least to poor folk like me that have never had the pleasure. Every click of adjustment alters the way the bike feels, and the ability to fine tune is phenomenal! It creates a feeling for the road surface I have never experienced, and in turn raises my confidence levels substancially...this may not be a good thing...

Now if I could just get an Ohlins made for an F4i, with it's 1/2" higher ride height, re-valved and sprung for the 9'r, I think THAT might just be the perfect shock for the 919......yep, it's a sickness

My Current config is re-sprung F4i front forks, with an re-sprung/valved F3 Ohlins rear shock. I miss the crisp-ness of the turn in with the F4i shock, but the Ohlins has brought a whole new dimension of feel to the bike that, in my ignorance, I couldn't have imagined. I think I'll leave the rear shock area alone for now, and probably get the forks re-valved next by Jim over at ProPilot, who did the rear shock work for me. Really down-to-earth, very helpful guy, and definitely worth a call if your needing work or parts...I really appreciated his help with my goofball rear shock project!

I still don't think I cold stomach the $925 price tag of a new Ohlins, that's just alot of money to me, but having gotten one for about half that....while still alot....is at least a lil easier to swallow, and worth the smiles it puts on this 'ol tinker-ers face....

[curiousmike]

Do your Ohlins not have a ride height adjuster?

[mntnceguy]

Originally Posted by curiousmike

Do your Ohlins not have a ride height adjuster?

Well I guess it does, sort of....you can set the pre-load of the spring, which may change the ride height a bit if you wanted to lower it some, but it can still only go up just so far due to the length of the shock shaft.

Don't get me wrong, the Ohlins is far superior to any other shock I've tried. I'ts just that the changed ride height of the F4i shock was also a pleasant surprise, but one that I'll happily live w/o now that I've got the Ohlins. Now I just have to re-valve the front forks, and I believe I'll have done as much to the suspension for this bike as should feasibly be done...anything else would just be for the envy factor, but I don't believe would give any measurable gains.....then again, what do I know....lol

[zaq123]

Jim is good people. Glad it worked out for you.

Originally Posted by mntnceguy

Well I must say I like my new/old Ohleeens....it is a very different ride to say the least, but I should provide some history....

I've tried a few of the different suggestions made on this site, which include the '04 919 w/changed spring and original, and an F4i model with a changed spring. I thought the F4i shock was an F3, that's what the salesman said anyway, but come to find out it was an F4i model. This is important because the F4i is 1/2" longer, which also changed the way the bike handled very nicely. I had friends comment on how well it handled. Where-as, the F3 model is the same length as the 919 and would not have changed the bikes handling so much.....so I'm a bit torn

K.....so here's the rub, as ignorant as I am about such things when compared to folks that know more than I, and without getting into all the math.....I really liked the way my 9'r rode with the longer, re-sprung F4i shock, even without re-valving. Definitely better than the stock '04 919 shock in either of it's configs. The way it changed the bikes turn in and cornering was quite noticeable, and it worked nicely with my re-sprung '04 forks, set at 6mm up. It was still very stable at speed, and raised the ride height a smidge which also gave more clearance. These are just some of the things I liked about that set-up....

But the plushness.....and friggen GOBS of adjust ability of a well Tuned Ohlins.....you simply can't fathom how it will change the bike until you've tinkered with one for yourself. Not just simply having ridden someone else's bike that has one, but setting one up for yourself and experiencing the serious amounts of tune-ability this thing has in comparison to the Honda chit....the sheer range of adjustment is an eye opener for sure, at least to poor folk like me that have never had the pleasure. Every click of adjustment alters the way the bike feels, and the ability to fine tune is phenomenal! It creates a feeling for the road surface I have never experienced, and in turn raises my confidence levels substancially...this may not be a good thing...

Now if I could just get an Ohlins made for an F4i, with it's 1/2" higher ride height, re-valved and sprung for the 9'r, I think THAT might just be the perfect shock for the 919......yep, it's a sickness

My Current config is re-sprung F4i front forks, with an re-sprung/valved F3 Ohlins rear shock. I miss the crisp-ness of the turn in with the F4i shock, but the Ohlins has brought a whole new dimension of feel to the bike that, in my ignorance, I couldn't have imagined. I think I'll leave the rear shock area alone for now, and probably get the forks re-valved next by Jim over at ProPilot, who did the rear shock work for me. Really down-to-earth, very helpful guy, and definitely worth a call if your needing work or parts...I really appreciated his help with my goofball rear shock project!

I still don't think I cold stomach the $925 price tag of a new Ohlins, that's just alot of money to me, but having gotten one for about half that....while still alot....is at least a lil easier to swallow, and worth the smiles it puts on this 'ol tinker-ers face....

[AllanB]

I'd talk to that Jim dude as he may be able to easily and cheaply add adjustable eye to eye shock length adjustment on your existing Ohlins unit as they tend to have fairly modular parts and lots are interchangeable.

[arctic954]

+1 to needing a ride height adjuster.

I ended up using close to 10mm or so of height on my Penske when I had it installed. In addition to that, the bike needed another 5-8mm of front fork drop.

Think about it....... you install stiffer front fork springs --- then if you have a pre '04, you replace a 1300 pound spring with a softer one. (a 1,000 pound in my case)

This equates to a bike that is now sitting on its ass.......

I have no idea how guys with the Ohlins are making their bike handle right.

[LDH]

Originally Posted by arctic954

I have no idea how guys with the Ohlins are making their bike handle right.

1. Ohlins designs the shock correct in the first place so that it is already at the required ride height.

2. Ohlins shocks come with internal top-out springs where Penske's do not.

[mcromo44]

Originally Posted by Lord Duckhunter

1. Ohlins designs the shock correct in the first place so that it is already at the required ride height.

2. Ohlins shocks come with internal top-out springs where Penske's do not.

You've been very muted of late.
Been away ?
How are things going ?
Getting some decent seat time ? Both of you that is.

[LDH]

Been extremely busy with setting up & working the Laguna Seca MotoGP event and the aftermath...

The only seat time I have gotten recently was the 3 days in a row I rode my VTR250 into and out of Laguna Seca to the booth.

Mr. Sato of Sato Racing sitting on it

[mcromo44]

Originally Posted by Lord Duckhunter

Been extremely busy with setting up & working the Laguna Seca MotoGP event and the aftermath...

The only seat time I have gotten recently was the 3 days in a row I rode my VTR250 into and out of Laguna Seca to the booth.

Mr. Sato of Sato Racing sitting on it

Well, you did say you wanted to be able to live that Cali based MC life.
You'd NEVER get Mr Sato sitting on your bike if it was in Louisiana.
How close to the MotoGP riders were you able to get ? At least close enough not to need binoculars ? My guess is that they keep them pretty penned up.

[LDH]

I didn't see any of them this time, but also keep in mind that I have zero desire to do so...

I've had dinner and drinks with more than my fair share of Professional riders, crew chiefs and mechanics etc over the years and quite frankly I'm way over it. Hell I can't hardly turnaround without seeing some ex Champion this or that in the shop or at a track event anyway so I guess I am kinda immune to it all. I mean I've got plenty of anecdotal evidence to go along with my experiences, but for me this is just a job and while I have mad respect for any rider past or present of that caliber I just usually don't find much enjoyment in talking shop with them.

[AllanB]

[QUOTE=arctic954;460432I have no idea how guys with the Ohlins are making their bike handle right.[/QUOTE]

Don't need no steekin ride height adjuster!

Between the front Ohlins springs, fresh oil and Ohlins rear I ended up raising the fork tubes 5mm in the top tree.

Sweet.

[LDH]

Just a reminder of how pretty the gold is

[Ottawa919]

I still think that is the route that I will take this winter. Although there are cheaper alternatives to make some improvement discussed recently, the Ohlin's offers some advantages:

1) The external preload adjuster makes on-the-fly adjustment for two-up riding a breeze.

2) The assumed extra bit of performance by the Ohlins versus Hagon, etc. and the remote reservoir will be better for track days, which I intend on doing next year.

3) The Ohlin's retains it's value well. A few years down the road I can turn around and sell it and recoup a good chunk of money.

4) Bling factor - Ohlins - enough said!

[redletter]

The gold is pretty, but I'd prefer red. Either way I can't wait to get that on my bike.

On a side note LDH, I noticed you're location "by the ocean" and then saw that Dan Kyle Ohlins on eBay from Salinas and was wondering how I hadn't put the two together. I lived in Monterey for a while; too bad I wasn't in to motorcycles at the time otherwise I would have been in heaven out there.

[mcromo44]

Originally Posted by Ottawa919

I still think that is the route that I will take this winter. Although there are cheaper alternatives to make some improvement discussed recently, the Ohlin's offers some advantages:

1) The external preload adjuster makes on-the-fly adjustment for two-up riding a breeze.

2) The assumed extra bit of performance by the Ohlins versus Hagon, etc. and the remote reservoir will be better for track days, which I intend on doing next year.

3) The Ohlin's retains it's value well. A few years down the road I can turn around and sell it and recoup a good chunk of money.

4) Bling factor - Ohlins - enough said!

If you are serious about being serious at track days, do spend the extra coin and get the Ohlins with the adjustable length. 919s respond well to being lifted up, from more than one point of view.

[rmb]

Originally Posted by mcromo44

If you are serious about being serious at track days, do spend the extra coin and get the Ohlins with the adjustable length. 919s respond well to being lifted up, from more than one point of view.

Is adjustable length an option on the Ohilns? I don't think mine has that.

[Pvster]

believe me, i'd get an ohlins if i could!!!! but i cant because i cannot afford it. but one day.... which is the same thing i say about slapping a turbo onto the 9er..... one day....

[mcromo44]

Originally Posted by rmb

Is adjustable length an option on the Ohilns? I don't think mine has that.

I believe that the triple clicker comes with it as standard.

[boogunoogun]

I'm gonna do my taxes then finally buy an ohins! woot! i'll be PM'ing LDH soon. a new ohlins shock, and new tires PR3's(replacing the stock battalax shit tires). I already have traxxion dynamic springs in the front. I'm betting its gonna feel like a whole new bike.

[redletter]

Originally Posted by boogunoogun

I'm gonna do my taxes then finally buy an ohins! woot! i'll be PM'ing LDH soon. a new ohlins shock, and new tires PR3's(replacing the stock battalax shit tires). I already have traxxion dynamic springs in the front. I'm betting its gonna feel like a whole new bike.

Congrats sir, I've loved mine so far. I just sat on my bike and could feel the difference. I felt like I was on a cloud as soon as I drove it for the first time. You'll be pleased.

[davehirt]

i dont know about been on a cloud, i found with the front and rear upgrades that it was harsher, as the the old stuff was so plush.
But i love the feedback and quick return of the penske and rebuilt front

[mcromo44]

Originally Posted by boogunoogun

a new ohlins shock, and new tires PR3's(replacing the stock battalax shit tires). I already have traxxion dynamic springs in the front. I'm betting its gonna feel like a whole new bike.

Count on it, and also being better!

[mcromo44]

Originally Posted by davehirt

i dont know about been on a cloud, i found with the front and rear upgrades that it was harsher, as the the old stuff was so plush.
But i love the feedback and quick return of the penske and rebuilt front

Firm but compliant and much more controlled as compared to plain and simple mush is how I describe the overall change I experienced.

[davehirt]

better said than i

[mcromo44]

Originally Posted by davehirt

better said than i

Ahhhh, but YOU have the accent !

[07919Dave]

^Hey so do we all to each other.

[AllanB]

Harsher? I'd question your spring rate as I found the Ohlins shock and front springs infinitely more compliant and the previous harsh nature of the stock set-up hitting road bumps has been vastly improved with the big O.

[davehirt]

the old front springs are progressive, so the minute you hit a bump they are in the soft mushy/comfy range,so you float over it, unless that bump is severe in which case you move to the tighter wound section of the spring, where it smooths out or bottoms out.
With a linear spring there is no comfy section at the top, so you feel those bumps right from the start.
The same with the rear oem shock after 15000km the gases and fluids all mix up and you get a lounge chair ride, not so with a quality shock, you get a more precise rebound, and damping so you feel more.
more feedback is a safer more precise ride, but not necessarily more plush.
Its the difference between a family sedan and a sports car.
It depends on what you like. IMHO

[boogunoogun]

either way, could or no cloud, it still sounds like a really nice ride, and it would give the rider a better feeling in the corners.

[davehirt]

oh yeah

[velodesign]

I'm not sure I will ever be able to afford an ohlins, but maybe a penske might work for me for the right price.

[rmb]

Originally Posted by velodesign

I'm not sure I will ever be able to afford an ohlins, but maybe a penske might work for me for the right price.

If you can swing it you will not be disappointed, worth every penny in my book.

[g00gl3it]

I got out for a ride tonight on my newly installed Ohlins. To be honest, I was so excited that I was actually riding a bike in February in Idaho, that I didn't pay attention to how the ride was!


Kudos to the Ohlins for being the suspension that's 'unnoticeable'. That's how it should be.

[Gone Riding2day]

Originally Posted by LDH

Just a reminder of how pretty the gold is

LDH (MW)
Its been 5 years since you gave me great advice several times back when 919.org was fairly new

Hope all is well

Is this the same Gold you refer to :

http://www.shop.kyleusa.com/product....&categoryId=46

Plan to keep the 919 forever, so is it a recommended upgrade even if my bike may never see the track?

Thanks as always
Larry

[rmb]

Originally Posted by Gone Riding2day

Plan to keep the 919 forever, so is it a recommended upgrade even if my bike may never see the track?

YES!