Rear shocks: Availability?

Message

irich · #16 Post by **irich** » Mon Nov 14, 2011 7:32 pm

mangocrazy wrote:One thing I would say about a secondhand Ohlins - they can be refurbished to indistinguishable from new for not a lot of money. So the fact that new ones aren't available shouldn't really be a concern. I've seen inside a number of Ohlins shocks and the component quality is absolutely top-notch. They are also fully rebuildable and spares should never be a problem.

Given the choice between spending £250 on a secondhand Ohlins and the same amount on a new Hagon, I wouldn't hesitate. Ohlins every time...

Once you've had it resprung, rebuilt, and sorted out the correct dogbones and linkages you're going to be looking at another 200 quid on top of that, surely?

#17 Post by **mangocrazy** » Mon Nov 14, 2011 9:16 pm

irich wrote:
mangocrazy wrote:One thing I would say about a secondhand Ohlins - they can be refurbished to indistinguishable from new for not a lot of money. So the fact that new ones aren't available shouldn't really be a concern. I've seen inside a number of Ohlins shocks and the component quality is absolutely top-notch. They are also fully rebuildable and spares should never be a problem.

Given the choice between spending £250 on a secondhand Ohlins and the same amount on a new Hagon, I wouldn't hesitate. Ohlins every time...
Once you've had it resprung, rebuilt, and sorted out the correct dogbones and linkages you're going to be looking at another 200 quid on top of that, surely?

It all depends on the condition of the shock you're buying. Mine had less than 10k on it and looked brand new. I got it for £230 and it was the aftermarket version with hydraulic spring preload. A set of linkages were another £40 and that was all I really needed to get me on the road. Given the excellent condition of the shock, I was perfectly happy to fit it and use it.

However because I'm an awkward sod and have a need to tinker, I didn't leave it at that. It's all explained in this thread but beware, it is a bit long-winded...

https://www.ridersite.com/viewtopic.php?t=4920

It all really depends on the condition of the shock and how much it costs to get a set of linkages. You're the only one who knows your budget. But Ohlins are built to far higher quality levels than Hagon or OE, and should go longer between rebuilds. If it was me I'd buy the shock and linkages and try it out. You'll soon realise if it needs an overhaul or not.

flatlander · #18 Post by **flatlander** » Mon Nov 14, 2011 9:50 pm

OEM Aprilia #8146409

for 01-03 Mille, 02-05 Tuono, 01-03 Futura

SOLD EACH, Quantity 2 required about 45-60 £ a pair new dogbone about the same maybe a little more

#19 Post by **mangocrazy** » Mon Nov 14, 2011 9:53 pm

Just a thought - if you're comfortable bidding on German eBay, stuff comes up there that can be good value, such as this:

http://www.ebay.de/itm/Aprilia-RSV-1000 ... 3cbe26b1da

or this (although I'm a bit suspicious about the model year):

http://www.ebay.de/itm/Ohlins-Federbein ... 2a15b6e75b

The trick when searching is to use the umlaut over the O in Öhlins. I just used Öhlins RSV as a search argument. You could try Öhlins Mille or Öhlins Aprilia...

control_67 · #20 Post by **control_67** » Mon Nov 14, 2011 11:57 pm

So Mango, looks like you've had a good tinker with the shocks and are probably the best person to ask. I have an early (98-2000 model) RSVR Ohlins coming to me that I'm going to get serviced and rebuilt by Steve Jordan. I will have the RSVR linkages as well, I want to keep the ride height standard or close to, but need a stiffer shock as I'm of a 'manly' build. If I read this right the falco linkages will jack it up and the RSVR keep the ride height as is? Will either linkage make the shock feel stiffer or will they work put about the same? I know sod all about how this stuff works and I'll be asking Steve Jordan to do a suspension set up for me at the same time I think.

D-Rider · #21 Post by **D-Rider** » Tue Nov 15, 2011 12:00 am

For those years, the Falco linkages are the same as the Mille linkages.

irich · #22 Post by **irich** » Tue Nov 15, 2011 3:27 pm

mangocrazy wrote:It all depends on the condition of the shock you're buying. Mine had less than 10k on it and looked brand new. I got it for £230 and it was the aftermarket version with hydraulic spring preload. A set of linkages were another £40 and that was all I really needed to get me on the road. Given the excellent condition of the shock, I was perfectly happy to fit it and use it.

However because I'm an awkward sod and have a need to tinker, I didn't leave it at that. It's all explained in this thread but beware, it is a bit long-winded...

https://www.ridersite.com/viewtopic.php?t=4920

It all really depends on the condition of the shock and how much it costs to get a set of linkages. You're the only one who knows your budget. But Ohlins are built to far higher quality levels than Hagon or OE, and should go longer between rebuilds. If it was me I'd buy the shock and linkages and try it out. You'll soon realise if it needs an overhaul or not.

I've just read that thread. I'm off for a lie down now...

Is there an idiots guide? cos I'm an idiot.

Edit: Found two or three guides on line, no worries, starting to make sense now.

ReggieGasket · #23 Post by **ReggieGasket** » Tue Nov 15, 2011 6:55 pm

Hi I have an Ohlins which I will be selling. It's not a Mille R shock it's (I think) the propper Ohlins shock for the Falco. Hence, is probably very rare. I need to do some research on this. I will be looking to replace it with a standard shock, so could do a PX with someone.

blinkey501 · #24 Post by **blinkey501** » Tue Nov 15, 2011 7:40 pm

sounds like there might be a falco for sale

Aladinsaneuk · #25 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Tue Nov 15, 2011 7:43 pm

Iirc they are listed on the parts fiche and I think a couple were sold new by the rocket centre in Blackburn last year

#26 Post by **mangocrazy** » Tue Nov 15, 2011 7:53 pm

control_67 wrote:So Mango, looks like you've had a good tinker with the shocks and are probably the best person to ask. I have an early (98-2000 model) RSVR Ohlins coming to me that I'm going to get serviced and rebuilt by Steve Jordan. I will have the RSVR linkages as well, I want to keep the ride height standard or close to, but need a stiffer shock as I'm of a 'manly' build. If I read this right the falco linkages will jack it up and the RSVR keep the ride height as is? Will either linkage make the shock feel stiffer or will they work put about the same? I know sod all about how this stuff works and I'll be asking Steve Jordan to do a suspension set up for me at the same time I think.

I think I've succeeded in confusing rather than illuminating, unfortunately... As Andy says, if it really is an early Mille Ohlins, then the standard Falco linkages are the ones to use. If you're getting both the shock and the linkages/dogbone OFF THE SAME BIKE, then use them together. Simples.

The linkages by themselves don't jack the rear of the bike up, it's the use of the ride height adjuster that does this. It's just that for each turn of the r/h adjuster, the Falco linkages cause the bike to ride higher, because the falco linkages have a higher leverage ratio than the Mille ones.

For a given shock, only one set of linkages are right. If you use a Falco linkage with a Mille shock, it will feel VERY soft. If you use a Mille linkage with a Falco shock it will feel VERY hard. I'd try the shock as it comes, as Ohlins tend to be fairly firmly sprung. But Steve Jordan should be able to sort you out for the correct spring rate.