Time to start researching suspension mods. What are the best options?
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 836
Likes: 92
From: Sonoma Co - California Formaly East Bay
I can't remember where I read about those K-Tech Bullets, but I believe they're on the lower ends of performance based shocks... I looked at them for about 30 seconds, and quickly moved on... Must have been for a good reason.
Finding a good suspension comparison will be tough, seeing as how few individuals have the opportunity to test multiple setups. I found that suspension threads seem to end up kind like one of those "best oil to use" threads.
From my hours of research (and I do not claim to even be close to an expert in this subject) I found that everyone seems to be happy with their upgrade to Ohlins, regardless of model. Will the rebound / length adjustable gas & oil separated shock I have out perform the less expensive emulsion versions? Maybe, but I have read ZERO complaints from those that run the emulsion Ohlins. I really think you can't go wrong with any of the Ohlins setups. You don't want piggybacks, so that narrows your choices down to the sub $700 emulsion versions, or the sub $1K semi adjustable shocks.
If you have narrowed your search down to Ohlins, give Howard at Motorcycle Metal a call. I hear he can probably answer some of the more detailed technical questions. The Fuel Moto guys can probably help you out as well.
Finding a good suspension comparison will be tough, seeing as how few individuals have the opportunity to test multiple setups. I found that suspension threads seem to end up kind like one of those "best oil to use" threads.
From my hours of research (and I do not claim to even be close to an expert in this subject) I found that everyone seems to be happy with their upgrade to Ohlins, regardless of model. Will the rebound / length adjustable gas & oil separated shock I have out perform the less expensive emulsion versions? Maybe, but I have read ZERO complaints from those that run the emulsion Ohlins. I really think you can't go wrong with any of the Ohlins setups. You don't want piggybacks, so that narrows your choices down to the sub $700 emulsion versions, or the sub $1K semi adjustable shocks.
If you have narrowed your search down to Ohlins, give Howard at Motorcycle Metal a call. I hear he can probably answer some of the more detailed technical questions. The Fuel Moto guys can probably help you out as well.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 618
Likes: 100
From: MA
Thoughts or opinions on the K-Tech Bullit? Good info on the web seems kind thin but generally positive from those that have them.
http://www.ktechsuspension.com/produ...rod_cats_nid=8
http://www.ktechsuspension.com/produ...rod_cats_nid=8
On my bike I put a set of ohlins piggy back shocks. When I was deciding on what to get it was between the ohlins and the ktech razor shocks. The reason I setteld on the ohlins was because they have a hydraulic adjustable preload collar. This was important to me because I'm going from 1 up to 2up on a regular basis and adjusting the spring preload was easier and required no tools.
Thread Starter
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,448
Likes: 2,299
From: NW Ohio
I assumed they were charged at the factory and sealed permanently. Any idea what the typical pressure range is for the nitrogen charge? We use a lot of nitrogen at work at high pressures (500+ psig), but I could easily regulate it down to whatever....or use Argon from home.
Last edited by cggorman; Jun 15, 2016 at 02:49 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 618
Likes: 100
From: MA
I assumed they were charged at the factory and sealed permanently. Any idea what the typical pressure range is for the nitrogen charge? We use a lot of nitrogen at work at high pressures (500+ psig), but I could easily regulate it down to whatever....or use Argon from home.
They are serviceable but you do need the adapter to add air. I don't recall what the psi/bar was but it wasn't terribly high. I think it was less then what we normally charge a shock with but I'm not sure.
Thread Starter
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,448
Likes: 2,299
From: NW Ohio
OK. Thanks. I'm obviously enamored of the Bullits. I'll need to do some in depth research to see if I could live with them. I know K-Tech is a good name but I still like to see what the word on the ground is when a company doesn't provide a lot of technical info.
That's part of my issue with Ohlins at this point. I know they're well respected but they're published info is crap. I like to see cutaways and engineering briefs and charts and graphs and stuff. They just have this sorta, "we're pros, trust us" vibe that annoys me.
That's part of my issue with Ohlins at this point. I know they're well respected but they're published info is crap. I like to see cutaways and engineering briefs and charts and graphs and stuff. They just have this sorta, "we're pros, trust us" vibe that annoys me.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 618
Likes: 100
From: MA
OK. Thanks. I'm obviously enamored of the Bullits. I'll need to do some in depth research to see if I could live with them. I know K-Tech is a good name but I still like to see what the word on the ground is when a company doesn't provide a lot of technical info.
That's part of my issue with Ohlins at this point. I know they're well respected but they're published info is crap. I like to see cutaways and engineering briefs and charts and graphs and stuff. They just have this sorta, "we're pros, trust us" vibe that annoys me.
That's part of my issue with Ohlins at this point. I know they're well respected but they're published info is crap. I like to see cutaways and engineering briefs and charts and graphs and stuff. They just have this sorta, "we're pros, trust us" vibe that annoys me.
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Novice
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 16
Likes: 4
From: West Monroe,La
motorcycle metal. Ask for Howard. He can make any Öhlins shock to your specs. Look him up.