I'm not sure whether my 1998 SS ie has a late or early shock on it. The info all over rhe interwebz and eBay is very contradictory, so on the basis that a picture speaks a thousand words, please could a few ie owners post up any photos they may have. Thanks.
This is advertised as for a 2002 900ss ie but it looks different to mine, which looks like the one on John Boy's bike
The can end outlet is upside down to collect raindrops..... It's a Sachs Boge shock...........It may or may not be the right one for your bike.... If it is an OEM one from a carbed SS it will be wrong......they are shorter than the IE shock.
ie shock this afternoon: Carb (pre ie) shock also this afternoon: The above shows you how to quickly determine the type. Regardless of which (ie or carb) model one has the later ie type is a better shock AND longer - which is what these bikes need. They're still too low for decent track use. If that becomes a problem then find a ride height adjustable unit. The Ohlins fitted to the SS1000 is good as are most known brands.
That's fantastic AD. Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks It appears that my suspicions were correct and the one fitted to my bike is from a carby. Piccie below. Ignore the white spring. I have no idea why the wrong shock is fitted or what has been done to the suspension generally on this bike. The guy I bought it from told me the owner before him had had the suspension rebuilt. Well, if he did, he had it rebuilt in reinforced concrete as it was rock hard. I've backed everything off and made it a little more rideable but I'm just going to junk it and get a decent late model OE shock while I wait for a rare as rocking horse sh*t secondhand Ohlins to appear. Seriously though, there was so much poor quality work on this bike. For instance I've just spent this afternoon grinding a load of nasty random blobs of weld off the subframe and repainting it all.
thought if it was pointing that way I could get more downforce on acceleration on the rear wheel ah so my shock is from a carby hmm bought as an ie shock was identical to the one I took off but then again my bike is a 1999 model which is mix and match from the factory lol
Yeah the standard spring rates are a joke for anyone over 9-11 stone and as you don't know what's been done, for who, and why you're better off starting from scratch if you plan on enjoying the bike. You don't 'need' an Öhlins, you don't 'need' a ride height adjustable unit unless you are tracking the bike. How much do you weigh in your bike gear?
I don't need an Ohlins, but I want one I definitely won't be tracking the bike. Have you seen it? Have a peep in my gallery. Not really a track bike, is it! How much do I weigh in my bike gear? Ummmm.....I have a confession to make. I don't really wear bike gear tbh. Just a lid and some gloves. Maybe a proper leather jacket if I'm going to go on any fast roads. Other than that its a hoodie/tshirt and jeans in good weather, and if it is cold or wet, a ski jacket on top. It sounds bad, but I find all the faffing around getting changed a bit of a ballache so if I'm only riding in town, which is 80% of the time, I risk it.
Glad you know what one to look for. I would seriously consider other options if it doesnt need to be ohlins..... Wilbers, Nitron or Maxton being three others
It's OK, it wasn't a chat up line - I was asking re spring rates you might require. Don't feel afraid to answer the question, everything's going to be ok.
Lol. I know that. I just got so carried away justifying my lack of 'elf and safety awareness that I forgot to answer your question. I'm about 12st, I suppose, in the altogether. Not sure how much my clothes weigh though and the battery in my bathroom scales is dead so I can't find out.
Thanks for all your help chaps. I just bought that shock. Apparently all the adjusters work, there aren't any leaks and as nobody on eBay ever tells fibs, it's gonna be golden
