Hi, looking for some advice for rear shocks! The original ohlins unit on my bike is a bit manky to say the least, badly corroded and out of keeping with the rest of the bike, so I want to change it for a new or good second hand item. I have the opportnity of a second hand unit which was fitted to a 916 ( advertised as 97 - 2000, but I would imagine this would be a 996), the unit has an external reservoir and a remote hydraulic pre-load adjuster. The shock looks in very good condtion and at £400 not too expensive! Anything to be aware of in fitting this type of unit? Also anyone have experience of Nitron shocks? So much cheaper that Ohlins, a brand new unit for around £450!
How bad is the condition ? A service is about £100 and I am sure if the rod is undamaged a cosmetic refresh of the body and spring is a relatively simple job and a lot cheaper. A periodic rebuild of your suspension components is one of the jobs most people ignore but could be one of the most beneficial to keep the ride and handling sweet. Andy
I have asked the seller to confirm the model number so I can check. The shock on my bike would be difficult to renovate and, it really is not very good, looks like it has been attacked by a gorilla with a monkey wrench! Need a replacement that is at least as good as the rest of the bike and the one I am considering looks as good as new!
I have asked the seller to confirm the model number so I can check. The shock on my bike would be difficult to renovate and, it really is not very good, looks like it has been attacked by a gorilla with a monkey wrench! Need a replacement that is at least as good as the rest of the bike and the one I am considering looks as good as new!
id be surprised if it not restorable you an get an ohlins shock body re-plated for not an extra 30 quid while its apart for servicing a new spring is about 58 quid
I am sure it is restorable to a degree, however it will never look as new, which is what I want. The preload threads are badly damaged and very corroded and big chunks have been knocked out of the body where someone seems to have tried to adjust it with a hammer and screwdriver! The seller has not come back to me with the model number yet but he has confirmed a best offer of £320.. here is the link
Mounting the remote reservoirs won't be too much of a problem, but if this shock is from an ST4 then is it suitble for a 996? I think I am leaning towards buying a new shock anyway, anyone have any experience of Niron shocks? Good value compared to Ohlins at around £500!
Without in depth detail, because the ST4s does not have a single sided swing making attachment geometry different, I'd say no. Phone a dealer like Moto Rapido or Snell's and ask the question. IMO you shouldn't discount Showa as an alternative to Ohlins, after all Ducati fitted it as standard on the 916, 748 and 996. Andy
The shock I put a link up for is in decent nick and at a decent price. Put st4s one on, its not right and will do nothing but knock value off your bike. I use a NITRON on one of my race bikes. Dont go thinking the cheap one is of ohlins sophistication. The R2 or R3 model is for the 916 family. I use an R2 on my Class A spec DD Track bike. Would I buy one new? No. Secondhand yes, as they lose a lot of value secondhand.
A good friend of mine is an Ohlins technician at their german development center, he is currently rebuilding my shock for me. Everything is still available for the shock that you have. Mine has a ratty steel body that is being swapped to a nice alloy one to cure the corosion issue. He used to work at the Nitron factory before he was headhunted by Ohlins. Yes the Nitron are good shocks but not as good as Ohlins, especially in the respect of the large service network that Ohlins has worldwide.
