GT1000 Ohlins Suspension?

[abby_normal]

I purchased a 2007 Ducati GT1000 with early 2007 delivery. Due to physical considerations (back problems), I require the front and rear suspension units upgraded to higher quality, adjustable units such as Ohlins.

I understand Ducati and Ohlins have NO suspension upgrade available for the GT1000.

I notice that the new models 2007 Ducati Sport 1000 Biposto and Sport 1000S have 43mm Marzocchi forks and dual Sash shocks in a layout similar to the GT1000. The Ducati and Ohlins sites have NO suspension upgrades for either of these cycles.

I e-mailed Traxxion Dynamics, who checked with Ohlins on my behalf. Ohlins reply was they are working on a GT1000 setup but no timeline. My Ducati dealer suggested the PS 1000 Ohlins fronts but nothing Ohlins specific for the backend.

Questions:
- Will there be an Ohlins suspension option for the GT1000?
---- If yes, when will it be available and whom should I contact?
- Will the 2007 Sport 1000 Biposo and 1000s models have an Ohlilns suspension option?
---- If yes, when will it be available, will it fit the GT1000 and whom should I contact?
- If there will be NO Ohlins suspension option, what Ohlins parts I can purchase that will work on my GT1000.
---- If yes, what are the part numbers and whom should I contact?

Answers, suggestions, ideas and comments are welcome.

Cheers, Gavin

[jonniedee]

Originally Posted by abby_normal

Due to physical considerations (back problems), I require the front and rear suspension units upgraded to higher quality, adjustable units such as Ohlins.

Wish I could get my doctor to write me that note

[DUCeditor]

Originally Posted by abby_normal

Due to physical considerations (back problems), I require the front and rear suspension units upgraded ...

It sounds like what you need is not so much full adjustability (such as you can get via Ohlins), but greater compliance. I.e., a softer ride.

Many of the better Ducati dealerships have knowledgable service folks who can make changes to your stock forks so that they will deliver the ride you are looking for.

This could be done as easily and inexpensively as putting in lighter fork oil and/or putting in less of it. Or they may suggest you put in after-market valving via a cartridge simulator.

("High-speed damping," btw, refers not to the speed the bike is moving, but the rate of compression of the fork or shock. I have found that the GT1000's low-speed compression rate - i.e., its reaction to gentle undulations in the road surface is OK. But sudden hard 'hits' such as the edge of a pot hole require the fork/shock to compress quickly and it is here that the GT's suspension falls short)

Either of those approaches can 'soften' the bike's high-speed damping. That, plus having the right spring rate (possibly progressive), will likely do the trick w/o anywhere near the expense of a set of Ohlins.

The rear shocks are another matter. I do not know that these can be rebuilt. But again, adjustability seems less an issue than softer high-speed damping and, possibly, softer springs.

-don

[ducatisRme]

This has probably been brought up before, but the ducati web site shows how the Ducati Gt's were meant to be built, with Ohlins on in the rear. Oh well.
Look for the link "Building the GT1000" at the bottom of link shown below.

http://www.ducati.com/bikes/my2006/d...Name=GT1000-06

[dietrichpfeifer]

For the cost of upgrading the GT, it might be easier to "downgrade" (if you can call it that) a Pual Smart or Sport that already has ohlins parts. I know you can add the top triple with riser to the sport. If you have to have a rear seat it may be cheaper to change the seat from a biposto sport than to upgrade the shocks on the GT. Rear pegs would have to a custom set-up if you use the asymetrical rear swingarm though.

Also, there are aftermarket rear shocks with more adjustability available now, not terribly expensive.

Just a thought.

[drewogatory]

As someone who switched from the stock sport to the ohlins, i can say a few things. The main benefit of custom suspension is that it comes set up to your specs out of the box. The Ohlins thru Ducati have stock specs and still need to be set up for you individually by professionals. So by buying "stock" custom suspension you are just getting sturdier building blocks. The ride quality in the front is much improved, but not beyond what you can achieve by tuning. If you don't feel the need to adjust ride to ride (i.e. changing track conditions,tires etc.), you don't really need the forks. Altho at $1800, they are a good deal. Same w/ the rear. proper sag,spring rate and valving will give you the same results. and considering how vulnerable that thing is hanging out there..Tho at 1300(that's a joke) it's not such a good deal. Boy,those Fox twin clickers for 300 bucks sure look like a good deal now. Also, i wonder if some of the harsh ride can be attributed to reduced sidewall flex due to the tubes..tho there isn't much sidewall to flex, honestly..

[abby_normal]

Thank you or your responses, they all have merit. A few comments:

- repeat after me, “What the bike wants, the bike gets”….
- Manufacturers create bikes for the “universal” rider and they compromise our rides with cost contraints, ie suspensions.
- My GT will used at the track, pressed into long distance touring and perform day-2-day duties. It will probably be my last ride, most definitely a keeper.
- I am considered an expert level rider. I can push the stock equipment well past it’s design capabililties
- Most importantly, as stated previously my lower back is f@acked.
- My current full time ride is a FZ-1. Originally, OEM handling it was akin to an elephant with mice legs. Sag was impossible to set, it would squat on accel, lift under heavy decel and was unsettled in corners. Once it was Ohl$inized, these symptoms were banished, a very positive experience with this product.
- After 35 yrs of riding, I have found that you generally get what you pay for but ONLY if correctly setup. There is no free ride. The questions are always, what is will meet your requirements, riding abilities and resources? What I want is an adjustable, rebuildable, multifaceted compliant and controlled suspension where cost is relevent.

I have decided to wait and purchase to Ohl$ns parts as ONLY they are working on a GT1000 specific solution. I received this from Ohlins USA yesterday:

“Thank you for your email. The 2007 suspension is still being developed for this bike. When the suspension shows up at the website we know it is available for worldwide order. Keep an eye out at the website & call when you see products become available.”


Life is NOT a rehearsal

[ducman123]

I was just at a dealer trying to get my failed GT rear shock replaced. (Going on a month now for the part.) I took a look at the BiPosto Sport S which has dual rear shocks and they have a gold external reservoir with a black body. They seem larger in diameter than the stock GT body also. I am curious as to who makes these. The design is similar to Ohlins but there was no indication as to manufacturer. Anyone know as they might make a good replacement for the GT.

[BellaCorse]

Ohlins type 36 twin shocks can be configured to fit the GT. They're very expensive and IMHO do not offer as much value as other known solutions.

Mike

[fujinator]

Originally Posted by BellaCorse

Ohlins type 36 twin shocks can be configured to fit the GT. They're very expensive and IMHO do not offer as much value as other known solutions.

Mike

I also think that while the Ohlins look good on the PS, they seem "out of place" on a GT. Just my opinion.