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My next-door-but-one neighbour has just bought a 2001 RSV, which is nice, 'cos I'm no longer the only ape rider in the village - and yes, I am trying to get him on here.

He's thinking of fitting an Ohlins shock, so his white spring Sachs will be available. Is it significantly better than the blue-spring Sachs?

We also have an airbox experiment going on - more later

Hi Mart - others will be along soon with views but here' my tuppence worth.

White spring is the easiest shock upgrade. It's a straight swap but some have had to modify the schrader valve because it snags on the frame. Some just attack carefully with a dremmel tool and take a little off. If you have the shock serviced it's worth asking if they can fit a recessed valve.

I had a white shock but never fitted it as an Ohlins came up at the right price. Many have fitted the white shock and comments are always positive.

for most, the white spring shock, especially if serviced before fitting, will be more than enough - and it is a lot lot better than the blue sucks


the ohlins is a wonderfull piece of kit though

I bought one which was nearly new and looked unmarked so used it as was.
I had to take quite a lot of the schrader valve, started with a a thin shaving with the Dremel, then took more off with a small hacksaw, then the Dremel again and a small file.
Problem is you just have to keep taking a bit off, then trying it on the bike. The early attempts will be obvious as you line it up if the Schrader valve is too close to the sub frame. You just keep taking a bit more off.
Mine ended up a very close fit, so I had no chance of fitting a cap, but being that close it hardly needs one. Some people seem to be lucky and get away with shaving just a bit off.
As Dave says if it needs a rebuild, get the valve recessed, as is much easier.
Basic difference other than the improved performance is the 4 way adjustability rather than two, i.e. preload, compression, rebound and ride height.
Not as good as some exotic new Ohlins kit, but much cheaper and works well, go for it!