Since last week I did my bars, I figured I should install the Ohlins S36E's I had sitting around waiting for the snow to melt.

The issues: Kit came with a aluminum sleeve that slips over the top bolt that extends from the frame. Sleeve was about a quarter of a mm too narrow and had to be pressed on. NO mention of this in the install guide. Ok, a little wd-40 helped it on. Done. Next, the kit came with bolts to use for the bottom attach to the swingarm. Supposed to use the original nuts and washers. Problem is the supplied bolts are fine threads and the original nuts are course. So I reused the factory bolts. Didn't see any problem with it. Same diameter, included sleeves to match the diameter of the shock fit perfectly.

So after an hour of bitching about the incredibly vague instructions, I got it all together. Seems good, sag is perfect out of the box.

Next problem: The bottom of the shock extends a bit more out of the swingarm then the factory one so it touches the SE slip on. Only when im not sitting on it, but I'm concerned that if I get light on the rear end (over a bump or something) I expect I'll ding the slip on. So I may need smaller diameter slip ons...

Lastly, looking at the shock, it appears to be slightly angled out at the top (see photo). Not sure if the factory was like that, and not sure I care, but should I?

Thanks.

 

You need to space them properly if you want it straight up and down. Took me a few goes to get it where I was happy with it. I'm not sure that it would cause damage, but I know I want my suspension sorted.

 

Ok thanks. Where did you get thick spacers of the proper dimensions, like that? They have to fit the bolt pretty closely to hold the sleeve in place. Doubt the local hardware store will have. Maybe I should reach out to Fuelmoto or Ohlins direct?

 

Nah, just take what you can to the hardware store. I did mine on a lift at the shop I was working at, had access to lots of doo-dads. But, I don't think it's anything you couldn't match up.

I'd start by reMoving the Öhlins provided spacer at the top, throwing a smaller one on and see how close that got ya...

 

Ok. I'll head over to the store in the morning. Hopefully I can find them in SS. Thanks.


Would you say I shouldn't ride it until I get this sorted?

 

If the shocks aren't aligned properly you will eventually blow the seals and they'll leak

 

Ok. I will be patient then. Tx.

 

Should be able to shim out your exhaust a shade too give you the clearance you need on the bottom shock bolt.

 

Maybe use washers to figure out your spacing then cut your spacer to the size needed. Small piece inside bigger piece out side. Using a thin hack saw blade to minimize lose. But for how much they cost. That sucks.

 

I'm hoping I can find some stainless washers at Home Depot this morning. They open at 8 so I'll be there.

Thanks for the tip in the exhaust, I'll give that a try as well.