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Ohlins PiggyBack Shocks for the Thruxton

15K views 23 replies 15 participants last post by  bsmith222 
#1 ·
#5 ·
First: Don't reject the Ohlins damper on the basis of my opinion.

As a suspension design engineer, I have to question the motivation behind the use of non-adjustable piggyback dampers. The 'extra cooling' claim might be relevant if the damper were supporting a heavy vehicle and surrounded by bodywork. After a good hack round the lanes, my stock dampers are barely warm to the touch.

The advantage of the Ohlins over the stock units is the reservoir piston. I believe the stock dampers to be twin-tube, with gas and oil not seperated by a piston, allowing bubbles to mix into the oil causing inconsistent damping. The remote reservoir is only needed if there is insufficient package length to fit the reservoir in the main tube.

I'd be interested to see any quantifiable evaluation of Ohlins vs stock dampers. (I.e. track day lap times with tyre temp. data, rather than subjective opinions)

When my workload permits, I will dyno my stock dampers to see where they are relative to theoretical requirements. I may even be able to cobble together a set of 4-way adjustable units to see what can be improved.

Pete.
 
#6 ·
Pete I am ready to purchase new shocks on the basis that everyone here has bagged the stock units.

What is your recommendation?
Is there a vast improvement to be gained for a rider just doing weekend blasts on country roads?
I ride the bike at about 8/10ths.

Thanks,
cafe
 
#7 ·
Cafestyle - I cannot say wether the Ohlins units would be good for your riding style. I don't know wether the Ohlins are set up for the Thruxton, or if they are what weight of rider and riding style they're set for.

Motorcycle damping setup is a much more subjective process than car damping. The rider is a much more significant part of the vehicle and we're all different.

If you think you're limited by suspension, it might be worth trying to borrow some dampers to try. Otherwise its a lot of cash for parts that (I think) look out of place on a 60's style bike.

Pete.
 
#8 ·
CafeStyle -

The stock Thruxton shocks are SERIOUSLY under-damped (rebound). and as a result the rear acts like a Pogo Stick.

Since you live in Oz and Ikon is manufactured there, I'd suggest you consider a pair of Ikon or Hagon. I have Ikon and they were a reasonably priced solution.

In my opinion they are a great replacement. They aren't fully adjustable, but you can adjust the Spring preload & the rebound damping & I'd found for my 175lbs & 8/10ths riding style they are a vast improvement.

Doesn't mean those Ohlins don't look the bit, but at 1/2 the price I think the Ikons do just fine.

Cheers, Cyn-
 
#9 ·
agreed, i got the ikon as well and there is none of the floaty feeling over gentle bumps nor none of that crashing feeling when you hit a pot hole or similar.

Cafestyle, the ikons cost me $462 delivered to perth , the next day after ordeing them - they seem well made and the packaging and instructions are fine.

cheers dave
 
#10 ·
I think those Ohlins look pretty bitchen. If I hadn't recently installed IKONs I'd think about 'em. I don't think my riding demands them, but I do like them. Let's face it, I'm slow. But at least my tires have wear all across the tread, not just a flat strip down the middle like the squid bikes in the parking lot.
 
#13 ·
Yup, I'd be all over those if I hadn't already rectified the shock problem with a pair from WORKS. $800 is pushing the envelope of what a guy would want to spend on shocks for this bike, however, the long dollar is probably best spent on suspension than anything else.
 
#14 ·
Wang,

Which WORKS shocks (model name) did you get for the Thruxton? Did they set them up for your weight, riding style, etc. and how did the purchase experience go (shipping time, overall value)?

I've been considering both a pair of their WORKS piggy back ("Pro Series") and the Ohlins (which look great but don't appear to be custom to each rider's weight etc.).

I want a good shock with some adjustability but I really don't want to be fiddling with a bunch of settings and wondering if I got it right or not. Preset, comp, decomp and ride height'll do for me (I think).

Thanks very much,

Kerry
 
#15 ·
I have the "streettrackers". They did ask for my weight, riding style, and projected usage. They are adjustable for preload and ride height. It took a while to get them.(6 weeks IIRC) They were like $500 and an excellent value in my opinion. They look pretty nice, too. I figure that if they are setup properly in the first place, there is little need for adjustable damping for me.
One strong point of the Ohlins would be the prevalence of suspension shops that are ready, willing, and able to revalve or respring them for you. I think that WORKS are the only ones who can revalve their shocks, as they use a rather peculiar valving setup with springs and balls instead of the normal deflecting shims.

All in all, my experience with the works shockers has been nothing but positive.
 
#17 ·
I dont have the tech speak to answer your question. However, my opinion is that better shocks will only improve your situation. More responsive/controlled damping will maintain the contact between tyre and surface (one of the main reasons for adding them) and will decrease the freewheeling you're experiencing.

Plus new shocks look really cool.
 
#18 ·
Uhhh..... I, wanna sell my brand new rear Hagons already, anyone interested? They were $180.00 new, and I'll sell 'em for $135.00 & shipping......

(I consider the combined weight of my 250 pounds and the luggage I carry all the time, too heavy for my rather "spirited" riding style with these entry level Hagons.....)
 
#22 ·
On 2005-10-24 02:52, Orson wrote:
Can someone clear up the confusion?

Which shock is a better fit for the Thruxton?

The 36PL or the HD-144?
I think a person has to figure in a million variable. Which is better? Guess it depends on what you plan on doing with the bike. Where you're going to do it. Conditions in which you are going to use it. Riding style you prefer. How your bike is set up. Etc, etc. etc. etc...
 
#23 ·
Yes well, in my case I would need shocks for spirited street riding though nowhere near race speeds.

I just wondered if there is a significant difference between the two models.

Any suspension gurus out there, I appreciate all the help I can get.
thanks again :)
 
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