Who has an Ohlins shock on an old SS? - Ducati.ms

MontereyST3 · Dec 9th, 2011, 10:49 pm

I have a '91 SS, just bought an Ohlins for the rear but it was too stiff out of the box. My question is, what's the length of your spring now that you have it set where you like it? I'm only trying to compare to see where I'm at. It seems to me like I've taken a lot of preload out and still need less.
Any feedback would be helpful.
Thanks,

rond944 · Dec 10th, 2011, 1:04 am

I can't tell you the spring length on mine right now but I too always felt it was too stiff and harsh for a street bike . Recently sent it to Cogent Dynamics and voiced my concerns to Rick . Told him how much the bike weighs (about 415 full of full) and me in gear ( almost 200) . He went down TWO spring rates from the out of the box spring and serviced the shock . I now think it's pretty close to perfect for a sporting street bike on relatively smooth roads . Obviously I've taken close to 30 lbs off of my bike .Unless you're really heavy and have a stock weight bike I don't think you'll be happy until you get it re-sprung . My opinion is that these things are waaay too stiff as delivered .

Ron

DesmoDuke · Dec 10th, 2011, 4:52 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by MontereyST3

I have a '91 SS, just bought an Ohlins for the rear but it was too stiff out of the box. My question is, what's the length of your spring now that you have it set where you like it? I'm only trying to compare to see where I'm at. It seems to me like I've taken a lot of preload out and still need less.
Any feedback would be helpful.
Thanks,

Hi,
What shock did you get?

MontereyST3 · Dec 10th, 2011, 10:51 am

It's a DU 235. I'm going to take more preload out today and see where it goes. If I need a lighter spring I'm going to ask Ohlins to replace it since it's only a few weeks old. It might not get me anywhere but I'm going to ask if need be. After I get back from riding today I'll post my spring length but the collar's getting easy to turn so my guess at the moment is I'll need a lighter spring.

Jeff_H · Dec 10th, 2011, 1:32 pm

It would be helpful if you posted some more info such as rider weight with gear, what spring rate you currently have on the shock, as well as what compression and rebound settings you are trying. Preload is affecting your sag and ride height more than anything. If you are able to get decent sag settings with the spring you have now, then focus more on compression and rebound settings. That's been my experience. Just a suggestion.

Regards,

Jeff

MontereyST3 · Dec 10th, 2011, 5:29 pm

No problem.
I weigh about 175 with gear on.
Great question about the spring rate. The number printed on the spring is 01092-26/85 L4110 but I don't know how to interpret the number.
Compression damping is all the way out on the softest setting.
Rebound damping is 20 clicks out from the firmest setting.
Sag is 37mm
I added 7mm to the ride height.
I can't take out more preload without removing the shock from the bike. Spring length at this point is 6 3/16" or 157mm. I plan to call Ohlins on Monday before I go further but would enjoy any feedback.

It's almost there but bumps/holes still aren't absorbed well and it unsettles the bike in corners. My ST3 is rock stable in rough corners and I would think something similar would be achievable on this bike too.

Jeff_H · Dec 10th, 2011, 7:20 pm

OK good info. That's the stock .85 Kg/mm spring. I had that same spring when I 1st got my Ohlins. At the time, I was 195 with gear and the Ohlins rep said I should go up to a .90. I bet you could go down to a .75 or .80 Kg/mm spring and get good results. The unloaded length of your spring is 170mm (I have it sitting next to me). I believe 10mm of preload is the initial setting suggested by Ohlins, so if you are at 157mm, you have a little more room to back it out.

My current settings for comp and rebound dampening are 16 clicks out and 12-14 clicks out respectively. I believe stock is suggested at 14 and 12, or something close to that.

I would hazard a guess that the rear end is getting unsettled in bumps due to your compression and rebound being set so soft. Are you experiencing wallowing in corners and is the bike slower to steer? I'm still learning suspension myself, but this approach has helped me. Hope everything works out for you.

Regards,

Jeff

Indy36 · Dec 10th, 2011, 7:22 pm

I have one on my 1995 CR. The shop set it up so I don't know the specifics. Works fine for me.

MontereyST3 · Dec 11th, 2011, 1:07 am

Thanks Jeff,
You are correct about the 10mm of initial preload and your 170mm number was just what I was after. Thank you. I'll pull the shock and add 5mm to the spring length and go for a ride.
Not wallowing as best I can tell, dialing in additional preload makes the harshness more severe.

Viper1 · Dec 11th, 2011, 7:34 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Indy36

I have one on my 1995 CR. The shop set it up so I don't know the specifics. Works fine for me.

Boy, you sure do have a nice looking 900!!!!