There has been a very similar thread recently. It would seem that an aftermarket Ohlins is a far better unit than the OE built to a budget and came out ahead of the competition. Depending on the age of your current unit, a professional service/rebuild is often a good first step. Andy
Thanks Andy I'll search thread's. If anyone does have an Ohlins please let me know so I can get first hand knowledge. Ian
My son uses a Penske custom built shock on his race 748, supplied by re-active suspension. Seems to be a very good and highly adjustable shock and a lot cheaper than an Ohlins OE model.
Thanks I am struggling to find the suitable Penske shock online? Ohlins DU235 I can get from Italy from about £650. I am after a road setup not race and value Ohlins as I have an ST4S and the shock on that is awesome.
I've used ohlins shocks and forks, and wilbers shocks. Ohlins is good, but the stuff we buy is still off the shelf so to get the best from it you still need it re-valving and springing for your weight and riding style so it can work out expensive. Don't get me wrong, even standard I felt the difference in damping quality over showa/kayaba production suspension. The wilbers on the other hand is only made to order for you and your bike, is hundreds of pounds cheaper than Ohlins and I can't say I've ever thought my Ohlins is better in any way.
I fitted a Nitron to mine for the same reasons. Not ridden the SS with it fitted yet, but ridden other bikes with similar on and they're very good. Never used Ohlins (well, real Ohlins anyway) but doubt I'd notice the difference and certainly couldn't justify the extra ££££. MICK..
This will set the cat amongst the pigeons, I have a shock off a 800SS fitted to my carby 900 and it is miles better than the showa
So it seems that anything is an improvement over the showa. I'm considering Hagon, Nitron, Wilbers and if I am crazy (?) then perhaps the Ohlins, however at this time Wilbers is the favourite.
FWIW the last wilbers I bought, which for the spec should've been £700ish, I got for just over £500 delivered from a place in Germany. Even with a weak Euro the UK sellers were sticking to UK prices and pocketing the difference.
I have a Qudrent rear shock on my 750, seems ok, but my tyres are long past their best so handling is appalling.
Wilburs £327 from Germany ...... Wilbers Stoßdämpfer Federbein 640 900 SS / FE S Bj. 91-98 (2103 | eBay
I had a wilbers rear on my 900ss ie, defo a much more sympathetic and improved ride than the cheap Ducati ohlins as supplied OE . However I did find the factory setting you give wilbers for your weight and riding style were not for me,needed a lot more preload added.
I've got a Nitron shock. Very well made. Comes ready adjusted to your settings. I'm happy with it and it didn't break the bank.
Well after much deliberation and forum reading I have decided on the Maxton. It's costly but highly recommended and Richard has been extremely helpful. Next year when funds allow I will get the front revalved with new springs. I can justify spending a bit more when the bike is a keeper and the suspension really does need sorted.