Ohlins

[xpacpal1x_imp]

Ohlins installed yesterday. I simply can't imagine doing it without removing the exhaust. Also, the stock shocks, particularly the bottom, take some back and forth motion to get them removed. Finally, I used a few careful rubber mallet taps to get the new ones on. Otherwise, it was easy and without incident.

On reviewing the results, I seem to notice an increment of additional stability and less chatter from the rear. In fact, as some have suggested, putting better shocks on the rear seems to highten the sensation of chatter coming from the front shocks. I'd say the improvement is incremental, just like each of my other performance-oriented modifications (Staintune, Superbrace, Powercommander, Type II bars) and I suppose these all add up to produce a material improvement in performance and responsiveness. It would be interesting to compare my bike as modified to a bone stock model.

I put a lot of miles on the bike yesterday, most of it away from twisty canyon roads, so my most defining feeling yesterday was fatigue rather than amazement at the new ride provided by the Ohlins. I probably should have stayed in the canyons and put more twisty miles on the Ohlins...then I'd have a more definitive view of their performance. However, without a doubt, the Ohlins with chrome springs look nice and complement the original stock look.

Unfortunately, I didn't ride immediately prior to swapping out the shocks and then go ride again to get the best A/B comparison. While swapping out the shocks, I also tightened my chain for the first time (I'm at something like 5,500-6,000 miles)...chain measured right at 1.4 inches and it required only 1/2 turn of the adjuster screws (a complete turn was too much and I had to back off 1/2 turn). So, my first ride with the Ohlins was also done with a nice tight chain.

As you may know, this model of Ohlin doesn't allow adjustment for compression and I suspect I might have been happier with a more adjustable shock. I am concerned that the white rubber grommet reaches to within one inch of the bottom of the shock...I wonder if this means the shock is too close to bottoming out. Please advise if you have any opinion on this.