V85 progressive shock spring vs linear?

[Numbercruncher]

From the looks on the website, it appears the V85 has a progressively wound rear spring.  While I don't have a bike yet, I am researching available rear shocks on the bike should I want to upgrade.  The Ohlins appears to be a standard spring and so does the Shock Factory M-Shock as well as the Italian made Matris shock.  Has anyone ridden a V85 with any of the aftermarket shocks and can comment on where they felt improvements?

NC

[kingoffleece]

A general statement told to me by several top notch shock rebuilders: if you have a progressive spring where exactly in the travel do you valve for?  If the spring rate is constantly changing it's impossible to valve correctly over the entire length of travel.

[kingoffleece]

My PERSONSAL opinion is that progressive spring rates are a less costly way to make a reasonable road going suspension that is compromised-but it may not matter to a lot of riders that it is so.

I'm quite sure others will offer a different prospective.

[Numbercruncher]

So it sounds like the stock shock is, of course, a compromise.  I'll hold off on ordering anything until I actually get the bike.  But since everything in the world is on hold right now, it seemed like it might be worthwhile to do some research ahead of the game but that may just prove to be an exercise in futility.  And the comment about how to valve for a variable spring rate does make a lot of sense.  Maybe the variable spring rate is just a way of making as wide ranging as possible????

NC

[Huzo]

Has anyone ridden a V85 with any of the aftermarket shocks and can comment on where they felt improvements?

I got one of these and I’m not sure there’s a hell of a difference. I expect it will take longer to lose performance as it ages, but really it’s a bit of a toss.
I will admit however, that it’s really compliant over the the spectrum of road irregularities We get here.
My mate who is the same size as me, rides it regularly and I’ve watched it while alongside at all speeds, and it reacts beautifully to everything.


I just like the colour..!

[jacksonracingcomau]

Ohlins supplied spring rate for v85tt to avoid any confusion
Other springs obviously available

[kingoffleece]

Variables are not bad-just not ideal and/or the highest performance-which is not always needed for every application.
I was simply pointing out the compromise, which is most things in life.

[Numbercruncher]

It looks like the Öhlins is in fact a progressively wound spring.  That is a bit confusing as the distance between the coils doesn't appear to vary by any noticeable amount. 

The consensus seems to be the stock shock is actually pretty good so an upgrade may not be necessary.

Thanks for all the feedback.

NC

Ohlins supplied spring rate for v85tt to avoid any confusion
Other springs obviously available

[kingoffleece]

Yep.  Hamlin told me the as delivered shock on the V85 is in fact a very well done effort this time around.
I have no time on one yet but will this spring-if we are ever allowed into CT, that is.  They have a bounty on NY plates (this is a metaphor-relax).

[blu guzz]

I have about 4800 miles on mine now.  I weigh in at 200 lbs. without gear and find the stock suspension on the softest settings to be firm, a little oversprung for me, but damping seems very good, but on the whole, it is not punishing.  Also, something that  helps is the spread out riding position.  Weight is well distributed to the arms and legs which help absorb impacts so I find it very good.  Could it be better - of course.  But in contrast, when I bought a new R1150RT in 2004, the bike was so oversprung and underdamped that a new suspension seemed mandatory to me.
I don't plan to make any changes.