Ohlins Springs?

sheepofblue · 09-19-2005, 9:22 PM

Due to a new and evil member of the org I am considering another track day at Barber. There will be Ohlins folks including Thermosman suspension reps there. I am thinking of having them put Ohlins springs in the front of the RC to compensate for all the wool it hauls. What else should I plan $$ for when that is done? Just fork oil or...? Is it insane to consider installing them Saturday night for a Sunday ride?

Thanks

luvtolean · 09-19-2005, 9:35 PM

Do you mean let them install the springs on Sat and put them in yourself that night before the trackday?

If yes, sure, that is no big deal.

I've done fork swaps between practice sessions while working as crew.

You could consider having them revalved while apart.

BDA116 · 09-19-2005, 9:37 PM

The Ohlins fork springs really aren't that much better or different than other springs like Race Tech. It's in the actual valving and fork tube condition where the difference is made.

pascal · 09-19-2005, 9:40 PM

welcome to the track day fetish/obsession!

IMHO it is best to leave spring installation to someone who knows what they are doing. Fork springs should be picked based on your weight with gear, someone who knows suspensions can pick the spring weights. On my R6 I have a .9 in one fork, a 1.0 in the other, they average to .95. Besides the installation of the fork springs there is sometimes a need for spacers, someone who knows the RC51 will know what to do (for my R6 they were cut to fit what I needed). Special tools are needed, as is new fork oil which should be replaced yearly anyhow.

There is also a factor of progressive versus linear springs. For track riding linear is nice because they are predictable. When it is all said and done pay someone to set the suspension. The stability on my R6 was knight and day after the suspension was set up by Glen at Team Promotion. Later it was tweaked by a Nesba CR for bumpier tracks.

Brian at speedwerks.com has helped me out time and time again, nothing like having a pro-racer give you advice on your bike!

the job:

- loosen axle
- loosen caliper bolts
- put the bike on a stand that has a triple tree lift
- remove calipers
- remove axle and put the wheel aside
- loosen clipons, bolts that pinch at the upper tripple tree
- loosen bolts that pinch the fork tubes at the lower tripple tree
- wrap in bubble wrap, put in a box
- send it out in the mail (speedwerks.com traxxion.com)

if you are planning to do this yourself loosen the caps at the top of the forks before loosening the pinch bolts that hold the forks

I change fork oil myself, along with just about anything else. I don't do forks - seems like a black art to me.

just my 2cents, I know little about forks other than what I wrote above. have fun!

//Pascal

luvtolean · 09-19-2005, 9:40 PM

Yeah, Ohlins springs aren't any better than race tech's, but they don't really cost more either. And the right spring makes all the difference in the world for handling.

pascal · 09-19-2005, 9:41 PM

Again, I preface by saying that I know nothing of suspensions, but I have heard from a lot of fast guys that valving isn't important untill you get really fast. The springs and oil are the bang for your buck.

sheepofblue · 09-19-2005, 9:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvtolean

Do you mean let them install the springs on Sat and put them in yourself that night before the trackday?

If yes, sure, that is no big deal.

I've done fork swaps between practice sessions while working as crew.

You could consider having them revalved while apart.

Yep, I was considering having them done this winter. However Ohlins is putting this on so it is a target of opportunity. As far as better I think I need heavier and they are linear vs progressive right?

Admittedly part of the motivation is having someone that is not me (read dumb) set my suspension plus for $100ish get better front springs

BDA116 · 09-19-2005, 9:47 PM

They'd install the springs for you at ~$100? If so, sure do it. And yeah, if the price difference is negligible go ahead with the Ohlins springs.
And proper valving makes a night and day difference, racing or not.

luvtolean · 09-19-2005, 9:53 PM

Definately, $100 for installed springs is a steal.

You will more than likely need heavier, and they will be linear rate. It allow the fork to stay up in its travel so it will be more stable and less likely to be bottomed when you're hard on the brakes into a corner.

sheepofblue · 09-19-2005, 10:01 PM

I come up with the $100 as the price of the shock and they said that the rep will help with the install. I figure pull the fork then they help install then put the fork back on and bring it down for setup. I will ask for when I call for my track time.

info

Thanks for the input guys.

luvtolean · 09-19-2005, 10:04 PM

Ah. Not to burst your bubble, but a fork spring install is far more involved than the shock spring install. With their truck there, it should still be easy enough to do quickly though.

sheepofblue · 09-19-2005, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvtolean

Ah. Not to burst your bubble, but a fork spring install is far more involved than the shock spring install. With their truck there, it should still be easy enough to do quickly though.

only changed them on dirt bikes and the Ascot never a cartridge system. I will ask if it is possible.

automan · 09-20-2005, 9:38 AM

When i was talking to mike at ohlins, he said a valve kit was about $330 + labor to install, + springs. I ended up with about $500 in having my forks reworked on my RC. Huge difference. Through a fast, bumpy curve, it used to "wallow" around on the front. Now it stays stable. If the rear shock makes a s much difference as the front, I may have to pony up

ccwilli3 · 09-20-2005, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvtolean

Yeah, Ohlins springs aren't any better than race tech's, but they don't really cost more either. And the right spring makes all the difference in the world for handling.

what he said...

and to add to that, ohlins springs are the same size as stock springs, so you can just reuse the same spacers, etc... No need to cut or make new ones to accomodate 'universal' springs that are too long (such as racetechs). The ohlins are stock length, just obviously varying in spring weight...

(I have them in my 600RR)

sheepofblue · 09-20-2005, 11:25 AM

Thanks everyone I am thinking that I might wait gather info and ride one day. Then later this winter or spring adjust everything.

Red Rider · 09-20-2005, 1:10 PM

Just send them to Kyle.

gt702 · 09-20-2005, 1:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Rider

Just send them to Kyle.

Probably the best money I spent on my '00. At $340 complete, the price is hard to beat. I don't think I needed a spring, and I doubt you are heavier than me.

Come on Red Rider, stop hiding in the closet. You have to come out sometime

sheepofblue · 09-20-2005, 4:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Rider

Just send them to Kyle.

Considered it but I am thinking of bringing the whole bike to Thermosman, they aren't to far and I have heard lots of good on them.

NinerPilot · 09-20-2005, 8:34 PM

Yeah, take them to Thermosman. Mike is awesome and a class act to deal with. My next RC will get his treatment. He does the same basic thing that Kyle does, but he is local, and if you have any problems with it, or need any set up help he is at all of the area WERA races, and quite a few trackdays to help out his guys.
Chris

Red Rider · 09-21-2005, 1:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gt702

Come on Red Rider, stop hiding in the closet. You have to come out sometime

I'm already a Kyle investor!

sheepofblue · 09-21-2005, 9:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NinerPilot

Yeah, take them to Thermosman. Mike is awesome and a class act to deal with. My next RC will get his treatment. He does the same basic thing that Kyle does, but he is local, and if you have any problems with it, or need any set up help he is at all of the area WERA races, and quite a few trackdays to help out his guys.
Chris

I think I am calling and reserving a Saturday slot today

With the plan of looking, listening and learning then do something later (this winter is likely). In the meantime I might check the settings I got to see what things are at vs factory. And yep I like the local thing also Chris. I was thinking of seeing if I towed it down how much to set the suspension of the whole bike after some fork work. Just have to see then budget