Ohlins advice

[Huzo]

Nice, you know it makes sense.   

It was going to be one of three options.
#1
Have the current Nitron rebuilt, with the consequent uncertainty as to whether the people have done it right or short cut me. Around $600
#2
Go the new Nitron which is a better unit than the one that I wore out (apparently…) 
Around $1,400
#3
Do the Ohlins and carry the notion that I have not made any compromises on quality, but also completely satisfy the “I wants..”
Around #1,700
(Oh…and it’s a really nice gold colour..) 

I did put one on the V85 and it’s sensational and I reckon it looks good against the red..

[Stretch]

I have one on the back of a KLR.

Superb.

Spendy, but worth every nickel.

                                     -Stretch

[Huzo]

I have one on the back of a KLR.

Superb.

Spendy, but worth every nickel.

                                     -Stretch

Yeah.
Very supple and compliant aren’t they ?

[Stretch]

Oh, yeah - very supple indeed.

When I first installed the altered suspension, I went straightaway to
a notoriously bumpy local railroad crossing. Went over it at about
45MPH and felt - nothing. Wha - ?! So, I turned around and went over
 it at 60MPH or so. Smooth as a baby's bottom. 65MPH? Same.

My big 1400 Cali is very comfy, but the suspension on it feels like it
belongs on a dump truck after riding the KLR. Objectively, it's not
really that bad, but it could use some improvement. It's a lot of work
and money, and isn't worth it to me right now. Time will tell.

                                              -Stretch

[Huzo]

Oh, yeah - very supple indeed.

When I first installed the altered suspension, I went straightaway to
a notoriously bumpy local railroad crossing. Went over it at about
45MPH and felt - nothing. Wha - ?! So, I turned around and went over
 it at 60MPH or so. Smooth as a baby's bottom. 65MPH? Same.

My big 1400 Cali is very comfy, but the suspension on it feels like it
belongs on a dump truck after riding the KLR. Objectively, it's not
really that bad, but it could use some improvement. It's a lot of work
and money, and isn't worth it to me right now. Time will tell.

                                              -Stretch

Yep.
I find on my V85 that I take (almost) no notice of upcoming irregularities in the road surface, I have inherent confidence that the rear will cope with any foreseeable roughness with consummate ease.
It is only a motorcycle shock after all, but I cannot fault anything about it and well…
It looks nice. 👍

[PJPR01]

Ultimately it looks like the Ohlins is similar in price to the Wilbers...

Is the Ohlins actually tailored to your weight as the Wilbers is customized...

Gold always looks good...no doubt!!

[Huzo]

Ultimately it looks like the Ohlins is similar in price to the Wilbers...

Is the Ohlins actually tailored to your weight as the Wilbers is customized...

Gold always looks good...no doubt!!

The one I bought was specified for the Norge, Paul. My weight is 90 kg, so that’s near enough given that there’ll be gear loaded at various times.
I’m kind of keen to start racking up some more kilometres on it.
I have a target of 300,000 but time will tell I guess. I have retired it from Europe tripping, so there won’t be the rapid escalation of totals.
Australia is as big as continental Europe though (discounting Russia), so it’s entirely possible I can get there.
Those injectors are fantastic I might add and if you do take your bike to Europe in a couple of years, it might be fun to meet you at Heathrow ?
What bike would you take…?

[PJPR01]

That's great to hear Peter!

It would definitely be the Norge...fits like a glove and with only 100K kilometers on the clock, it has a lot of life left in it...just took it out yesterday for a nice spin.  The Griso is a very close contender, but with the top case on the Norge and the panniers, it would be a better choice.  Glad to hear the injectors have worked well!

Will be in Mandello in a couple of weeks for a nice few days as part of a longer Italian trip, will have some fun chatting with the folks at Agostini's...I wonder if they could find me a nice Silver 2008 Norge they could lend me for a 1/2 day while I'm there with the family to at least ride a bit.

If I do make it there...will be sure to arrange a rendezvous!

Cheers!

[manos77]

From personal experience I can say that cheap-series Ohlins are ...no good.

Have also tried Mupo, italian brand. Not bad

Don't know about Wilbers...

I ended up having the stock shock serviced, revalved and new 100k spring on it. Best solution so far, and pretty satisfiying overall.
It's done by and italian company specifically for Breva/Norge. https://www.oramsospensioni.it/  It costed about 300 euro + shipping

[PJPR01]

I just looked back at my records.  It's been 10+ years since I bought the Wilbers for my Norge from Ted at the Beemer Shop in California.

Has worked impeccably for 2 up riding, single + gear, single w/o gear.  Nothing has gone wrong with it in that time, and I expect it will continue for quite some more miles w/o needing any attention.

Looking back...I paid $850 USD, haven't checked latest pricing, but I'm sure it's gone up since then.

In addition, I changed the front forks springs to Hyperpro and went up a bit on oil weight I think to 15 weight.

Absolutely a different bike for the last 10 years in terms of handlng twisties vs. stock setup I ran for the first 6 years of ownership.

Hope the Ohlins also produces a good effect vs. the current setup.

[SIR REAL ED]

I know it’s an affair of the heart, but I see a beautiful Italian lady in a red dress.


I remember this wine soaked evening in a warm Southern Italian village and now I can’t imagine her in anything other than gold earrings….
<br /
I think I’m head over heels.

Huzo,

Ante up the money you filthy rich SOB!

Get some Ohlins forks while you are at it!  Otherwise the bike won't look right with just the shock alone...

Life is short, and luckily, you got more money than brains!

"You must have more money than brains!" is generally considered a derogatory statement in the US, but to me, it sounds like a compliment!

[SIR REAL ED]

Okay…
Suspense is over, I bought this today.

Did you buy two mate, or just one?

It won't look right with just one new shock on the back of the bike.....

[Tom]

I have the Ohlin suspension on Nero Corsa Lemans'.  If you can afford, definitely worth the upgrade.  Some memorable rides with it......1) Milwaukee, WI to the MN bike drowning at the MN MGNOC National rally then onto Sandpoint ID.  2)  Sandpoint ID to Libby MT.  RT   100mph sweeper.  No MT Troopers.  Next year to  3)  Malibu Hills, CA.  After the Malibu MGNOC National Rally.  to ship to Hilo, HI.    :boozing:3)  Here at home on the westside of the Big Island riding the mountain volcano roads.     Definitely better than any of my V11 Sports with the oem suspension.  👍

[Huzo]

"You must have more money than brains!" is generally considered a derogatory statement in the US, but to me, it sounds like a compliment!

Is that compliment complementary..?

[Tom]

Only if it compliments.