Suspensions advice stock vs ohlins - Ducati.ms

avaipan2 · Jan 22nd, 2012, 5:29 pm

Suspensions...always been a topic that I haven't got a good grasp onto. I've heard people say it's the first and most important upgrade you should make if buying a bike with, say Showa suspensions in the case of my 1198. I'd like to get some advice and/or explanations on this topic from both experts and novice riders. Is it really worth the hype? Are Ohlins really that much better than the stock Showa?? If so, how different? In what way and how exactly do they help handling?

I am by no means a pro rider, but I plan on doing as many track days as I can because I really enjoyed it last year when I did my first track day. That said, I always heard people say that having a 30mm triple helps a ton in cornering, or that ohlins suspensions help a lot in going into or out of a corner, or I heard people having troubles with fighting to lean the bike over in corners when not having a proper setup. I never really noticed anything, because I always thought that the bike handles the way I handle it. In other words if I go too wide, or can't lean it enough, it's my fault for not being good enough.

Also, the cost to upgrade suspensions to Ohlins on the rear and front with 30mm triple is outrageous. Even if I was to get everything used, it would still be around $2500-$3000. Is it really worth it??

Any educated explanation or advice will be much appreciated. Also, feel free to point me at any links of threads on this topic if any already exist. Thanks!

Stock gt · Jan 22nd, 2012, 5:43 pm

One thing that I was told was, in a perfect world the seat on your bike should never move ( going over bumps, potholes ect.), the ohlins brings you closer to that "perfect world". Meaning that your suspension should be dampening/soaking most of that up. I've had ohlins on the last three of my bikes and it is one of the first mods I'll do to any future bikes. That said call Dan Kyle at Kyle racing he definitely knows his stuff when it comes to ohlins. Damn good prices also!

Ceij · Jan 22nd, 2012, 6:03 pm

I think the most important thing is that your forks and shock have the correct springs for your body weight.

I had mine re-sprung and it made a huge difference.

Namor · Jan 22nd, 2012, 6:07 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ceij

I think the most important thing is that your forks and shock have the correct springs for your body weight.

I had mine re-sprung and it made a huge difference.

Agreed.

Keyboard · Jan 22nd, 2012, 6:09 pm

Since your not a pro racer like most of us...here is my 2 cents. find a pair of Nitride coated forks and have the internals done to your weight and upgraded to what ever your budget will allow. I think you will find you will end with something as good and if not better then some off the shelf Ohlins. I found a set of used forks for my 749...had them anodized black and all the internals done and its like having a custom suspension. Best and some of the cheapest money I have ever spent on the bike to date. I now have standard Showa forks but with all Bitubo internals and colored to black to add a little difference to my 2005 superbike. I feel good about my upgrade and I guess thats the most important part. If your name's not Stoner I just dont see the need to upgrade anything on your bike to the " best of the best of the best " waste of money really....just my 2cents.

Cheers and good luck...

smokey999 · Jan 22nd, 2012, 7:44 pm

I'll be another one on the upgrade within your budget camp. I've found that the showa equipment is good and that it's greatest downfall is merely adjustability. One way to get around that is to do the 20mm ohlins fork shim upgrade. It is just replacement pistons and base valves that are built to a little higher standard than the mass production ones in your stock forks. Doesn't mean the showa is bad it's just a one size fits all sort of dampening. Just doing that and while your in there replace the springs for what you need for your weight. For a good portion of us the springs are a bit on the heavy side. One thing I have discussed with a lot of riders and customers, the ohlins shock is worth it. The cost is a bit high but hunt around and you can find one for about a grand. It'll come with the correct and dampening settings for your weight. But put your money in better tires first for track days then start thinking about what you want your bike to do. Also remember, tools do one job really well. A wrench takes bolt out really well but suck as hammers. So realize your street bike will be a decent track bike and not a great track bike. When you get fast enough you will want a better tool. At that point look for a track bike. Hope this helps. I build track bikes and support many track riders and this is trends I have seen.

timmyho414 · Jan 22nd, 2012, 9:01 pm

This is better then trying to explain...it's on an R6 but the idea's the same.

Motorcycle Suspension - Setting Sag - YouTube

If you can get sag and rebound set you should be ok for a while. If you have to crank the preload in or out to get sag right you'll need new springs. Keep doing trackdays and working on your riding. When you start to "out grow" your stock stuff you'll know it and will better understand why. I hope that doesn't sound too preachy. I raced my 748 with stock suspension and did pretty good. I should think your 1198 has better suspension.

ZDM · Jan 22nd, 2012, 9:10 pm

Most track days will have a suspension expert on hand to help you adjust your suspension. Not sure if that goes with the price of admission or it's extra. Have a pro set up your Showas. As you progress, get faster and get the bug to do more track days then think of upgrades.....

FrostyFire · Jan 22nd, 2012, 10:11 pm

You can get Ohlins internals for $1300. Combine that with the correct springs and people have said that it's actually better than the OEM Ohlins you find on S model superbikes. Hard Racing has Ohlins R&T Forks on special for $2099.

**Chuckracer** · Jan 22nd, 2012, 10:39 pm

You can have your fork and shock re-valved and re-sprung for less than Ohlins...anything.

It's just springs, oil, pistons and shim stacks in there. Don't matter who makes 'em. Custom valved Showa parts will be better than off the shelf anything else, including Ohlins.

Don't worry about the triples until you are riding at the outer limits of what the stock geometry can give you. These bikes in stock form are still WAY better than 90% of the riders on them are. Save your money for set-up and tires, tire warmers, a canopy, etc etc.