New Öhlins installed, not so pleased...

[Frenchy]

Hi all,

I installed my new Öhlins and I can't say I'm very pleased with those. :(

First they are pretty noisy. They "squeeze" all the time. I can't fix the remote of the rear shock where the oem was as it would touch my low seat and damage the hose.

Then there is the fact that they are really hard. Not comfy at all. The bike feels really sporty. It sure handles great but I would prefer more comfort.

Rear one was delivered with completely open setting on the remote. So I can't open it more. Does not make a lot of sense to me.

Any ideas, suggestions, thoughts ???

Thanks,
Nicolas

[JimH]

First thought that comes to mind - ride a bunch of miles, see if the 'break in' and work smoother?

[CharlieVT]

"I installed my new Öhlins and I can't say I'm very pleased with those. :( "

+ Sorry to hear that, I like mine just fine.

"First they are pretty noisy. They "squeeze" all the time. I can't fix the remote of the rear shock where the oem was as it would touch my low seat and damage the hose."

++ There is an adjustment in how the remote adjuster mounts on the bracket. By making changes to how the adjuster is mounted to the bracket, and how the bracket is mounted to the bike you can fix this problem. There are pics here in the archives that show how some people have done it.

"Then there is the fact that they are really hard. Not comfy at all. The bike feels really sporty. It sure handles great but I would prefer more comfort."

++ There are several adjustments. Spring preload, damping, and rebound damping. BUT, there also two different springs, heavy and light. If you are a light rider and got a heavy spring, that would make the ride a little harsh I think.

[yechave]

Contact Matt Sage at Ohlins and ask what the factory set your shocks at, and see if that matches your specs you asked for.

I found I needed to reduce the one setting from 16 to 4 clicks on the bottom of the shock, and the pre-load is about 2 twists. It is getting better with use, but I was very disappointed with having spent all that money.

Definitely better than the 42k on the OEM's, and there is way too little info with the shocks for the install. I think they should provide a DVD on how to order (more to is than just telling them what you weigh), install, and how to best set up the shocks for max comfort.

[Frenchy]

Spring preload, damping, and rebound damping
Spring preload OK,
Rebound damping OK,
Damping :confused: Where is it located ? Notice only says about previous two. I know it's controlled via screw on some types of shocks but on ours ?

[Frenchy]

Contact Matt Sage at Ohlins and ask what the factory set your shocks at, and see if that matches your specs you asked for.
Good idea thanks :D

I contacted the local distributor, maybe they can trace this info and let me know.

[Frenchy]

First thought that comes to mind - ride a bunch of miles, see if the 'break in' and work smoother?
Yeah I thought that too, but a full tank is gone now. Not much for sure but I guess it would have been enough to see any change in the "squeezing"

[jackd]

I would make sure you got what you ordered. If it doesn't fit correctly for any reason you may have the wrong shock.

When I ordered mine they came set up exactly how I ordered them and I did not have to adjust one thing. They fit everywhere and the ride and handling is excellent. Exactly what I expected. I have an advantage as I only ride one up so I got them set up exactly for what I wanted.

I would get your spring part number and shock model number off the installed shock and compare to numbers on the box, if you still have it. You should then be able to call your vendor and make sure your part numbers match with your original order.

[Frenchy]

[...]call your vendor and make sure your part numbers match with your original order.
OK I'm in touch with DanKyle about that. I'm waiting 'bout them.

I checked with a Öhlins technician here in France and he just don't know about the squeezing sound. :confused: He never encounter that problem. Springs seems to have been fitted with my weight following the numbers on them.

He asked me to check that nothing is touching the shocks and making the noise. I'll do that and keep posting this thread. Someone may encounter the same thing one day. :rolleyes:

[Frenchy]

As I was messing with my rear brake, I removed some side fairings. I had to move the bike a little so I took place on the seat, moved the bike and... hey... NO NOISE! :eek:

Seems I DID had some plastic touching the shock. My ears told me the sound was coming from RR and FR but it seems not as I didn't touch the front. :o

Maybe I'm just a dumb a$$ after all... :histerica