How Good Are OEM Ohlins Forks?

[NTECUK]

if your going to re valve and spring them is it not cheaper to do that with the KYB etc

Originally Posted by NTECUK

if your going to re valve and spring them is it not cheaper to do that with the KYB etc

No The K-Tech R&T upgrade revalve kit and springs is cheaper than the race 20mm SSRK valve kit and comp adjusters for the stock forks..and the Ohlins will be way better than a 20mm kitted stock KYB or Showa fork when your racing...

The revalved Ohlins will be similar spec wise only to putting a full 25mm or 30mm cartridge kit into a KYB fork..and those kits fitted are £1000 plus

Plus my Ducati came with Ohlins anyway

Originally Posted by SV650Racer

..and the Ohlins will be way better than a 20mm kitted stock KYB or Showa fork when your racing...

Perhaps. I'm sure it depends on your skill level and style of riding. I also suspect many racers might prefer the feel of the KYB or Showa forks. Mostly I think, outside of top level professional racers, most won't see any change in their lap times at all, outside of getting whatever forks are on their bike sprung and valved so they feel confident with the front end.

[NTECUK]

For mortals like my self is it worth the extra ?
Not sure if the opening poster is racing or for track days .
I've only ever managed one (for my 40th ) .
And spend 99.9999999999999% of my time on B roads
I did look at the R but the deal on the std was too good to pass up.
And to be honest yes the "bling "aspects nice

Originally Posted by wideguy

Perhaps. I'm sure it depends on your skill level and style of riding. I also suspect many racers might prefer the feel of the KYB or Showa forks. Mostly I think, outside of top level professional racers, most won't see any change in their lap times at all, outside of getting whatever forks are on their bike sprung and valved so they feel confident with the front end.

Ive raced on alot of forks over the past 15 years..from stock right through to gas forks..and yes you can feel the difference between them and yes it does make a difference even at club level.

On OEM forks such as Showa/KYB etc a 20mm piston kit will work fine but yes there is a step up in difference between that kit..a full cartridge insert and the full race forks such as Ohlins/Ktech or kit Showa etc.

Riding on the revalved OEM Ducati Showa forks with a 30mm Ohlins kit I had last season compared to the Ohlins OEM forks with revalve kit I have this season, there is a huge difference in terms of feel and confidence. The OEM were good but the Ohlins are much better.

This is for race only though...not trackdays or road.

Originally Posted by NTECUK

For mortals like my self is it worth the extra ?
Not sure if the opening poster is racing or for track days .
I've only ever managed one (for my 40th ) .
And spend 99.9999999999999% of my time on B roads
I did look at the R but the deal on the std was too good to pass up.
And to be honest yes the "bling "aspects nice

Doesnt matter if your a steady road rider..when it comes to suspension most people always say its surely not worth it..until you have ridden on the fork or shock that is the best you can get for your own riding then its hard to get across that yes even a mere mortal will benefit.

Trouble is..you dont need the full race kitted forks or shock on the road..ive seen a guy running full race only inserts on the road and is says it wasnt worth it as it feels harsh and horrid..well it will be as its not the right kit for him and what he is using the bike for.

There are always benefits if you go about it the right way.

[NTECUK]

I have mine booked in with Race Engineering Dunmow to set up the KYB's.
As its cheap for the benifits you get,And dam difficult on your own at home setting Sag

Originally Posted by NTECUK

I have mine booked in with Race Engineering Dunmow to set up the KYB's.
As its cheap for the benifits you get,And dam difficult on your own at home setting Sag

Thats a good start..

Originally Posted by SV650Racer

Ive raced on alot of forks over the past 15 years..from stock right through to gas forks..and yes you can feel the difference between them and yes it does make a difference even at club level.

YOU can feel the difference, but, aren't you a top club racer? Multi-time champion?
I was a mid-pack expert level club racer, and I CAN'T feel the difference, other than between a fork that's set up the way I like it, and one that isn't.

[NTECUK]

Originally Posted by wideguy

YOU can feel the difference, but, aren't you a top club racer? Multi-time champion?
I was a mid-pack expert level club racer, and I CAN'T feel the difference, other than between a fork that's set up the way I like it, and one that isn't.

I think you have it there.
I always had issues with the feel of my rsv , Vague and little feed back.Even after a trip to a local suspension guy.
The 675 is so totally different in its feedback.
15 mins fiddeling with the front had it nice for the tharsh to and from work.
The back well needs a final fettle and sag to be spot on .