ohlins rear shocks

[dave]

I just installed a new pair of Ohlins model HO 011 rear shocks on my 2014 deluxe. The reason for this post is to ask if anybody else who has installed these shocks has had any issues with the nylon locking screw on the spring ramp. I have never seen a design like this used on a motorcycle shock, and it just does not look like a good design to me. I am concerned that the nylon screw won't perform as designed (the spring collar will lose tension and rotate if the nylon screw fails to secure it well enough), and I question the durability of a nylon screw if it is loosened and tightened repeateably (I adjust my ride height often depending if I ride two-up or not). The locking, C-spanner type nut design seems much more reliable and durable. Thanks for your replies.

FYI: I purchased these shocks from Fast Bike Industries after I read a post from another member on this forum, and I am extremely pleased with doing business with them.

[Houtman_imp]

Dave , I have Ohlins shocks om my 13-14 and 17 , also bought from Fast Bike in Hendersonville. Do you mean the black "nylon" adjusters on the bottom ? If so I have had no problems at all with them and I weigh 220 naked and probably an extra 25 with all my gear on.

[dave]

[quote='Houtman' pid='275287' dateline='1599922788']
Dave , I have Ohlins shocks om my 13-14 and 17 , also bought from Fast Bike in Hendersonville. Do you mean the black "nylon" adjusters on the bottom ?

Houtman, thank you for your reply. No, not the rebound damping adjustors on the bottom of the shock. Have you ever adjusted the spring pre-load on your shocks (using the special tool)? The spring collar is threaded onto the shock body, and the only thing keeping the spring collar from rotating is a very small, white, nylon set-screw. The stock OEM shocks use a ramped, spring collar that you rotate using a special spanner wrench (which I did not receive when I purchased my bike new). Many rear shock designs use a threaded spring collar with a threaded locking nut, which in my opinion is a much better, more durable design. These small, nylon screws do not appear to be very durable, or effective at preventing the shock collar from rotating.

[Houtman_imp]

Dave , I just "found" the little set screws you were talking about , I doubt very much if they will fail and make the ring go out of the setting . You probably could replace them with a metal set screw but this could mess up the part behind it . I personally would not worry about it , they used nylon on the set I bought in 2013 and never had an issue.

[12milesout]

I have a set of Nitron rear shocks, and they also use a nylon set screw (they call it a grub screw) on the preload adjuster ring. I agree with Houtman; a steel screw may cause some damage.

[PowerDubs_imp]

I've had plenty of bikes over the years that just use spring tension on a single plate.

I'd guess the grub isn't doing much...

[franov_imp]

sorry for the off topic, but asking to both Dave and Houtman: how are the ohlins compared to the stock showas? really interested in them since I discovered their existence

[PowerDubs_imp]

I've never tried them but the brand is considered top tier across the range of bikes.

[Houtman_imp]

I have had Ohlins on my bikes for the last 30 years : CBX 's , CB 1000's and now on my CB 1100's . I put them on because of a more compliant ride , the rear tire stays better on the road but also mainly for my back , less back pain. I did NOT put them on because I am such a fast rider but for comfort. Are they worth the high price ? for me it was . I never had the yellow spring ones ,only the chrome springs.

[dave]

Hello Franov. I don't have the new Ohlins on the CB1100 fine-tuned yet, but they definitely provide a better ride than the stock shocks. I took a ride on my favorite, twisty, mountain road on Sunday (Mt Palomar) which is getting quite bumpy, and I was very pleased. I have had an Ohlins rear shock on my 1998 VFR800 for about 80,000 miles now, and I really like that too. They are worth the premium price to me.