Ohlins Setup

Phil Young · 07-04-2002, 01:00 AM

Hi,

I have searched this forum for the specific help that I need but couldn't find any. So here goes....

After a long wait for delivery my Ohlins shocks were installed yesterday and I am looking for some help on what the default settings for rebound and compression should be.

The mechanic did not adjust the preload at the front and left it as it was when the shock was delivered from Ohlins.

I have set the rear preload to where I think it should be for the correct rear sag which is about 5 turns in from minimum. I have not been able to measure the rear sag as the mechanic preferred to let me set it up as he was rather short on time.

Initial impressions are good. When I get on the bike, the front does seem to sink a quite bit lower that it did with the OEM shocks and is a LOT more compliant. I am figuring that this is OK because, with me on the bike, the sag measured along the the fork tubes looks to be about 40mm from the point where the forks are fully unloaded.

I am uncertain about the default damping settings that are specified in the Ohlins installation instructions. Are the numbers given for rebound and compression settings the number of clicks in from the minimum damping settings?

I think these would be a good starting point from which to experiment as I weigh 185 lbs and have the standard springs.

Do these starting assumptions seem reasonable?

Many thanks for your help.

t0land · 07-04-2002, 09:55 AM

Set-up can be a b!tch, I've have my ohlins installed for about two monthes, and getting that perfect set-up was difficult. I've notice that everything (including fuel level) effects the feel of the shocks. I know you want more preload in the rear, I had my rear pre-load set to low, making the bike feel harsh and over sprung, so I kept turning the damping to soft, which never seemed to fix things. I then tried increase the preload to rid myself of the wollowing. With the preload cranked up I notice the bike turned in like a razor, and was smoother over bumps too. I then starting adjusting the damping.

I suggest turning up the rear preload, then once you feel that the bike is sitting and steering correctly start work on rear damping. I agree that the front needs a bit more preload.

Phil Young · 07-05-2002, 12:25 AM

Thanks for the advice.

I will try increasing the pre-load on both front and rear. I assume that this will raise the overall ride height of the bike which, as I observed, seems a bit on the low side.

I am a bit puzzled as to why you found your bike harsh and oversprung when the pre-load was too low. I would have thought the reverse would be true.

Still, I haven't tried this out yet so I will report back on how it works out for me.

Overall, I am very pleased with the improvement the new shocks have delivered (over rough South London urban roads). I haven't even dialled in the optimal settings yet. I now totally understand the rave reviews that Ohlins get from the members of this forum. I can't wait to get out onto some unrestricted country lanes.

Do you happen to know if I am starting the damping settings in the correct place according to the Ohlins instructions? Are the numbers given for rebound and compression the number of clicks in from fully soft?

Regards,

t0land · 07-05-2002, 08:59 AM

I think the reduced ride higth (not enough preload) allows the shock to pre-compress, so when a bump is hit, there no more compress left in the spring, so the bump goes into one's back side. (which we know is no fun).

Izze · 07-05-2002, 09:53 AM

I guess you have seen this already, but here you go:

Brochure "The ultimate tuning" File size: 1,2 MB

http://www.ohlins.se/pdf/07241-02.pdf

Quite nice reading, imho.

Izze · 07-05-2002, 09:58 AM

Bah, newer mind the above!

What i wanted to show was the

Owners manual Road & Track shock absorbers
823 kB

http://www.ohlins.se/pdf/07241-02.pdf

t0land · 07-05-2002, 10:07 AM

Now we're talking!