Ohlins rear fitted to Road King
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: South central PA
You backed preload off 6mm, and handling went from "too rigid" to "a little wobbly"? Something's not right here. I agree w/ SEL53 in that your spring rate is too high (as usual for Ohlins). I use a 25N/mm spring and by myself, it's a little firm, but w/ a passenger on back, it's perfect. It's set at an initial preloaded length of about 200mm. You really need to check your sag measurements and make corrections from there.
Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 297
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles County
Unfortunately, you can adjust sag all you want, but if the springs aren't right first, you won't be able to get there.
In my limited experience, Ohlins distributors are pretty good about swapping springs if you identify the issue.
In my limited experience, Ohlins distributors are pretty good about swapping springs if you identify the issue.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
That's nonsense! Mine came with the correct spring rate, because I talked to my supplier, who made sure I got them. Simples!
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 331
Likes: 9
From: Hampshire UK
I find it hard to believe that you have to adjust the spring length??
Do you mean adjusting the collars which help adjust the sag?
If so you are not adjusting the spring length.
As stated about 1/3 of the overall length from eye to eye is what it should sag when you sit on it fully vs just the weight of the bike
Do you mean adjusting the collars which help adjust the sag?
If so you are not adjusting the spring length.
As stated about 1/3 of the overall length from eye to eye is what it should sag when you sit on it fully vs just the weight of the bike
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 331
Likes: 9
From: Hampshire UK
OK! been out to the workshop, and adjusted the springs so I got 295mm spring length as a starting point.
Next measured the sag and as you all know, very little movement, think is was around the 5mm if I was lucky. Still in the Ohlins spec but they are way too stiff as you all been telling me.
Now sat on the bike and didn't even notice a drop when perched in the saddle, so have emailed my supplier as they assured me that the springs would be perfect for my weight.
Next measured the sag and as you all know, very little movement, think is was around the 5mm if I was lucky. Still in the Ohlins spec but they are way too stiff as you all been telling me.
Now sat on the bike and didn't even notice a drop when perched in the saddle, so have emailed my supplier as they assured me that the springs would be perfect for my weight.
Last edited by bikehunter; May 12, 2014 at 02:14 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 37
From: Rockland County, NY
Ohlin's instructions should tell you what the total travel of the shock is and you should set rider sag for 1/3 of that. My JRis were about 90mm so I set it at 60 or 30 less than full extension. Make sure you take several measurements to overcome "sticktion", which is a made up word describing the force required to overcome the friction lock in the damper. There are some great articles on line to help you learn more about suspension. It's probably the least understood component of a vehicle yet it's the most significant for maximizing safety, comfort and lap times.
Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 297
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles County
You should get at least 10mm more sag when you sit on the bike than when it is just sitting on its wheels. This is a very good measure of whether the spring rates are right.
For your weight I would recommend a 25N/mm spring rate. Ohlins has one in the right diameter that has the 220mm length like your current one. It is the 00180-79/25. Looks like it only comes in yellow, but you could ask if they have black (don't let that stop you from getting the right rate). They also have a black one in that rate that is 200mm long, which I also suspect will work with your shock. It is the 00280-21/25.
That rate should work very well for you both solo and with passenger.
For your weight I would recommend a 25N/mm spring rate. Ohlins has one in the right diameter that has the 220mm length like your current one. It is the 00180-79/25. Looks like it only comes in yellow, but you could ask if they have black (don't let that stop you from getting the right rate). They also have a black one in that rate that is 200mm long, which I also suspect will work with your shock. It is the 00280-21/25.
That rate should work very well for you both solo and with passenger.
Last edited by sel53; May 12, 2014 at 07:49 PM.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 331
Likes: 9
From: Hampshire UK
You should get at least 10mm more sag when you sit on the bike than when it is just sitting on its wheels. This is a very good measure of whether the spring rates are right.
For your weight I would recommend a 25N/mm spring rate. Ohlins has one in the right diameter that has the 220mm length like your current one. It is the 00180-79/25. Looks like it only comes in yellow, but you could ask if they have black (don't let that stop you from getting the right rate). They also have a black one in that rate that is 200mm long, which I also suspect will work with your shock. It is the 00280-21/25.
That rate should work very well for you both solo and with passenger.
For your weight I would recommend a 25N/mm spring rate. Ohlins has one in the right diameter that has the 220mm length like your current one. It is the 00180-79/25. Looks like it only comes in yellow, but you could ask if they have black (don't let that stop you from getting the right rate). They also have a black one in that rate that is 200mm long, which I also suspect will work with your shock. It is the 00280-21/25.
That rate should work very well for you both solo and with passenger.
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Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 297
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles County
Let us know how it works out, and what spring you choose.
sl
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