Ohlins

[Maha]

I have no doubt that given the right Bike/Rider combo that this gear performs well enough.
I had $2600 (of there abouts) worth of Ohlins in my Triumph front and rear, and never got used to it.
Why?
I just dont push hard enough to compliment the top end suspension...simple really.
It was pointed out to me (by a couple of seasoned riders) that my style (yes its a style) of riding does not warrant the expenditure of an Ohlins fit-out.

The End.

[Gremlin]

Haha :lol:

Better tyre life, better handling, better grip, safer etc, but like anything, buying one out of the box, or second hand, would never suit until it's set up for you. Ohlins in the back of the Hornet, it's lovely.

I believe any bike over 600cc should be set up for the rider, including stock suspension, as the japs design and set them up for the little and light fellas.

[YellowDog]

I have no doubt that given the right Bike/Rider combo that this gear performs well enough.
I had $2600 (of there abouts) worth of Ohlins in my Triumph front and rear, and never got used to it.
Why?
I just dont push hard enough to compliment the top end suspension...simple really.
It was pointed out to me (by a couple of seasoned riders) that my style (yes its a style) of riding does not warrant the expenditure of an Ohlins fit-out.

The End.

Funny. I almost spent loads of cash on Racetech/Ohlins gear. Then I bought myself an adjuster knob for the rear and started reading and playing with the settings.

Now I know how to adjust it myself for 2-up etc.; for my 'style' of riding, the stock suspension is just fine :yes:

[yungatart]

All that fancy stuff would be wasted on me too...
Like you, I choose to ride in style, mine is nana style!

[Maha]

All that fancy stuff would be wasted on me too...
Like you, I choose to ride in style, mine is nana style!

Nana's FTW!....:rockon:

[george formby]

I've often thought about upgrading my suspenders, the rear is no doubt old & tired & the forks just get to much abuse, I have to ride around their limitations.
Anything that goes on as a replacement would need to be "tuned" to my riding style which is undemanding most of the time & undemanding the rest of the time because my bike tries to tie itself in knots over a certain velocity. The front on the brakes & the rear cranked over on the gas, load transition can be interesting too.

I thought that was the main reason to go for end suspension, tunability. Did you make many changes?

[Quasievil]

Better Technology isnt better ????
wow thats news to say the least. I know heaps of riders that have added Ohlins on their road bikes and had a excellent improvement in things line smooth cornering, sorting out those bumps without running wide, general comfort etc etc etc

I think maybe your bike isnt set up right for you ?

:innocent:or are you fishing a little bit ?

[Maha]

Funny. I almost spent loads of cash on Racetech/Ohlins gear. Then I bought myself an adjuster knob for the rear and started reading and playing with the settings.

Now I know how to adjust it myself for 2-up etc.; for my 'style' of riding, the stock suspension is just fine :yes:

There are other options avaliable, sure...
All I am stating is that top ensd suspension is not for me.

[bogan]

All that fancy stuff would be wasted on me too...
Like you, I choose to ride in style, mine is nana style!

That's pretty much my solution too, though I have to say, my uncle has ohlins (and the same model bike as me), and it does feel better. Would I corner any quicker or be able to stop faster if I had it, doubtful, but one day I'll see :yes:

[James Deuce]

You're talking from a point of ignorance. It has nothing to do with performance riding and everything to do with how bloody inadequate standard suspension is.

All suspension is a compromise of price versus performance vs expected use. Suspension is mostly developed by 65kg midgets, so standard bike suspension spring rates are completely inappropriate for countries with an obesity epidemic.

Your standard suspension is inadequate at every day speeds and is increasing your braking distance and reducing your available grip budget.

At the very least, lube your steering and suspension. They don't do it in the factory. If you can be bothered, get your bike sprung for your weight so that the inadequate suspension you have is working within nominal settings, not forced to work at or near the stops.

You will significantly reduce tyre wear with these changes, let alone replacing dampers. It will save you money over time and help keep you tyres in contact with the road more of the time than the standard suspension. It IS a safety issue but the market volume worldwide for our toys is tiny. Car suspension has improved out of sight in the last 20 years. Bike suspension has not, with new bikes using designs that are 70 years old and hiding the innards in modern looking containers.

There are more aftermarket suspension manufacturers than Ohlins. This is just another thinly veiled dig at CKT and Robert Taylor and as such ill-fitting to the OP and his normal MO.

[Maha]

Better Technology isnt better ????
wow thats news to say the least. I know heaps of riders that have added Ohlins on their road bikes and had a excellent improvement in things line smooth cornering, sorting out those bumps without running wide, general comfort etc etc etc

I think maybe your bike isnt set up right for you ?

:innocent:or are you fishing a little bit ?

Fishing? Not at all, just keeping the bullshit out of another thread. To easy.

[george formby]

:innocent:or are you fishing a little bit ?

I got the merest whiff of Pilchard & decided to ask an honest question instead:innocent:

[Madness]

I've never had anything but completely un-set-up OEM suspension, some of it decrepid and malfunctioning in a couple of shitboxes I've owned. You ride what you've got and you learn/adapt/adjust around the sometimes dangerous handling - or you crash.

I'm going to spend some money, a significant amount in my scheme of things, in some suspension fettling. Why?, because as well as the benefits Gremlin mentions above I'm also pretty sure it'll enhance the level of enjoyment I get from riding.

I just need the money.

Each to their own. By the way, I had a runny one this morning :yes:

[_STAIN_]

and the next thread in this series is "I should have listened"

[bogan]

Your standard suspension is inadequate at every day speeds and is increasing your braking distance and reducing your available grip budget.

Same could be said for tyres, do you expect everyone to ride with the stickiest ones available, or can we save a few bucks and go for longer life at the expense of a bit of grip?

[Maha]

Same could be said for tyres, do you expect everyone to ride with the stickiest ones available, or can we save a few bucks and go for longer life at the expense of a bit of grip?

And bike gear.....:corn:

[tigertim20]

Haha :lol:

Better tyre life, better handling, better grip, safer etc, but like anything, buying one out of the box, or second hand, would never suit until it's set up for you. Ohlins in the back of the Hornet, it's lovely.

I believe any bike should be set up for the rider, including stock suspension, as the japs design and set them up for the little and light fellas.

fixed that for ya!
Often though, I think people dont bother getting their existing suspension set up, and just assume they need better components, so skip that step, when a simple adjustment may well suffice.

[MSTRS]

Why would anyone buy a top-of-the-line hi-fi, when all they use it for is to listen to the radio?
Horses for courses...

[imdying]

Same could be said for tyresNo it can't. The Qualifier 2 tyres that came on my bike were great, nothing inadequate about them when compared to the range of replacements available. I thought maybe brake pads were a better comparison, but no, they're generally better OEM than aftermarket for the road use that Jim stated. After thinking about it, gear is probably most comparable, but if protection is the metric then that isn't applicable either.

Ignorance is a wonderful thing when it comes to suspension. It lets you ignore things that would be blatant to others. Sometimes that only extends to being too ignorant to have your upgraded suspension properly tuned by a man who is happy to keep trying until your completely satisfied, but oh well :violin:

[James Deuce]

Same could be said for tyres, do you expect everyone to ride with the stickiest ones available, or can we save a few bucks and go for longer life at the expense of a bit of grip?
That just shows you don't know much about tyres. "Stickiest" is dependant on usage. Most people are absolutely fine with the touring end of the sport-touring spectrum of tyres that are designed to reach optimal operating temps at everyday speeds, maximising avaialble grip. Some people have to use near-slicks because they ride at a pace that would overwhelm a sport-touring tyre.

Underpinning both of those types of tyres is suspension which has the job of keeping your tyres in touch with the ground as much as possible, not hanging in the air after a square edged bump or bouncing off normal ripples in the road, or deflecting in a direction that reduces the available grip budget.

[Maha]

There are more aftermarket suspension manufacturers than Ohlins. This is just another thinly veiled dig at CKT and Robert Taylor and as such ill-fitting to the OP and his normal MO.

Thats bullshit Jim and way out line, I dont appretiate your slant on this thread.
I have apologised to Mr Taylor and delcined his offer...what of it?

Get a grip mate. Honestly.

[James Deuce]

Normally I would agree but as I said Ohlins aren't the only aftermarket suspension company operating in NZ. Why single that particular company out if not to grind your axe?

[nzspokes]

Meh, there all just cans of old tranny fluid. Move on.

[onearmedbandit]

Knock it on the head or this one is going straight to PD.

[Owl]

Why would anyone buy a top-of-the-line hi-fi, when all they use it for is to listen to the radio?

Cause if nothing else, you'd have a fucking awesome radio!:yes:

[bogan]

That just shows you don't know much about tyres. "Stickiest" is dependant on usage. Most people are absolutely fine with the touring end of the sport-touring spectrum of tyres that are designed to reach optimal operating temps at everyday speeds, maximising avaialble grip. Some people have to use near-slicks because they ride at a pace that would overwhelm a sport-touring tyre.

It's obvious that tyre grip is proportional to temp, and some are speced for more grip at higher temp than others. But as I understand it, there are tyres in the same temp/riding range that have different levels of grip, and different levels of durability, that is the comparison I was making.

[slofox]

I put racetech emulators in the front of my SVS when I had it. Despite being another nana rider, I do believe that it was worth the money. Because, amongst other things, it stopped the front from diving into the ground whenever I touched the front brake. Which is what that bike did with standard forks.

I also quite liked the better road holding in corners.

However, the gixxer is still way more better again.

[nzspokes]

I put racetech emulators in the front of my SVS when I had it. Despite being another nana rider, I do believe that it was worth the money. Because, amongst other things, it stopped the front from diving into the ground whenever I touched the front brake. Which is what that bike did with standard forks.



So they slowed down low speed compression is what your saying?

[Maha]

It's obvious that tyre grip is proportional to temp, and some are speced for more grip at higher temp than others. But as I understand it, there are tyres in the same temp/riding range that have different levels of grip, and different levels of durability, that is the comparison I was making.

Dont, whatever you do, make mention of a brand....some people just cant cope with that.
One may out perform another but a personal view of this fact is taking things a little to far.
:crybaby:

[YellowDog]

fixed that for ya!
Often though, I think people dont bother getting their existing suspension set up, and just assume they need better components, so skip that step, when a simple adjustment may well suffice.

This is my point. Now that I can adjust the stock setup, it is far more acceptable.

I'm not however dissing Ohlins, Racetech et-al. I'm sure I could have a far better set up bike than I have, however I am presently content with adjusting the stock set up :)

[slofox]

So they slowed down low speed compression is what your saying?

Yes. Among other things. The front was obviously more compliant all round with the emulators. But the low speed compression stuck out like the gonads on a canine.

[Kickaha]

I had $2600 (of there abouts) worth of Ohlins in my Triumph front and rear, and never got used to it.
Was it valved and sprung to suit you? who was it set up by?

I just dont push hard enough to compliment the top end suspension...simple really.
It was pointed out to me (by a couple of seasoned riders) that my style (yes its a style) of riding does not warrant the expenditure of an Ohlins fit-out.
Have those "seasoned riders ever had ohlins or similar in their bikes? because they really don't sound like they have much of a clue, any bike and any style of riding will benefit from better suspension

By modern standards my bike is an old shitter, I ride not much over the limit and don't tend to push hard through the corners and the single best upgrade I have ever done is to fit Ohlins on the rear of it

There are other options avaliable, sure...
All I am stating is that top ensd suspension is not for me.

Personally I think most people buying stuff for there bikes bikes are pretty stupid, they'd rather have a Yoshi pipe or similar which is just about the sound more than anything else than actually spend the money on something that will return much more of a benefit

[bluninja]

I had ohlins on my RSVR and raced a bog standard SV650....different bikes totally, but I really was able to appreciate the ohlins suspension, even under sprung.

The SV650 class got binned and I was allowed to mod the suspension for F3. I had the front resprung and emulators put in and an ohlins on the rear set up for me.

I found the new 'better' suspension horrible and my lap times were slower than the previous year under similar conditions. I had some racing tuition from Brian Bernard at Manfield and the next day I knocked 4 seconds off my best dry lap time in the wet. So it wasn't just getting the suspension setup, it was (for me) tuning the rider to the suspension.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I have no doubt that given the right Bike/Rider combo that this gear performs well enough.
I had $2600 (of there abouts) worth of Ohlins in my Triumph front and rear, and never got used to it.
Why?
I just dont push hard enough to compliment the top end suspension...simple really.
It was pointed out to me (by a couple of seasoned riders) that my style (yes its a style) of riding does not warrant the expenditure of an Ohlins fit-out.

The End.

I'm no Rossi either but I do love decent suspension. Usually because I am fairly lightweight and everything is sprung for someone 5 ft 11 and 100kg.

[Deano]

I'm no Rossi either but I do love decent suspension. Usually because I am fairly lightweight and everything is sprung for someone 5 ft 11 and 100kg.

Ever ridden an SV650 ? The front end bottoms out rolling out of the crate.

[98tls]

I'm no Rossi either but I do love decent suspension. Usually because I am fairly lightweight and everything is sprung for someone 5 ft 11 and 100kg.

Buy some light rims to go with it H,the difference is beyond words.Couldnt recall how many exhaust systems ive bought in my time on 2 wheels but after getting some decent rims to go with the suspenders i wonder why i ever bothered.

[bluninja]

Ever ridden an SV650 ? The front end bottoms out rolling out of the crate.

Yup, curvy and pointy now have a dl650. Perhaps I should have bought shares in a suspesnion company :)

[Hitcher]

I Ohlinised an FJR1300 after 36,000km. Should have done it earlier. The difference was noticeable over the first 50m I rode and every km afterwards was a joy. It was easy to adjust for two-up and luggage. I reckon it added about 2,000km to my tyre life and aided braking performance by a clearly noticeable but immeasurable amount.

If Shiver had not met with an untimely demise on 16 October last year, it would have received the modifications I had booked it to receive shortly afterwards.

The Claytons Bandit is next. Maybe not Ohlins but there are other choices available. Before Christmas it shall be done.

Just because manufacturers don't do this doesn't mean it shouldn't be done. I'd always make an investment on suspension and brakes before I did the K&N airbox mods, Power Commander III, Yoshimura cams and full TBR exhaust. Indeed for your average weekend street fighter, doing the suspenders is going to make more difference to anything they can do point to point than engine mods will.

[blackdog]

It is only the 5th and this damn FZ8 has exhausted my whole months supply of popcorn.

[Usarka]

Just because manufacturers don't do this doesn't mean it shouldn't be done.

And likewise just because it's available doesn't mean you have to do it.

Some people buy 40" $900 TV's and some people buy a $5,000 TV. Both are fit for the task, some people notice and appreciate the better product, some don't know better, and some are happy with the compromise between cost and performance.

The bike I'm riding had it's stock suspension derided by a poster in this thread. I've been riding it stock for 5 years. Yeah it's not that good (in fact it's pretty crap), but I feel I know it's limits and that maybe it makes me a better rider. And I can't afford to spend thousands upgrading it so I make do.

[Hitcher]

Some people buy 40" $900 TV's and some people buy a $5,000 TV.

A better comparison is using a kotanga for a TV aerial, compared with HD Freeview. Both work. Some people also deregister their bikes over winter because they can't afford the additional ACC costs. Some people are vegetarians because they are too easily aroused by the smell of bacon cooking.

[Robert Taylor]

With no desire to type a large amount of text please refer to my last post in the FZ8 thread, General bike ravings.
To cut a long story short just fitting high quality aftermarket suspension is not always a straight ''plug and play''. The devil is very much in the detail in order to realise the maximum end benefit and it must be optimised for the end user and the end users preferences. If there is ever an issue with the brands we fit we prefer to be the very first people to know about it so we can take action to ensure the customer is totally happy. Commensurate with the good name of the products. That is the intention and benefit of a pro-active local distributor.
As a blatant sales pitch I believe that is one of our major points of difference in that we have the sincerest intentions to make sure our customers are happy. But we absolutely need to know firsthand if they are not!!! Our new piece of equipment ( suspension dyno ) is going to lift the game yet further

[Usarka]

A better comparison is using a kotanga for a TV aerial, compared with HD Freeview. Both work. Some people also deregister their bikes over winter because they can't afford the additional ACC costs. Some people are vegetarians because the are too easily aroused by the smell of bacon cooking.

Yeah....nah. The difference is that you can't buy a kotanga as a brand new aerial, but you can buy a brand new bike with stock suspension.

I don't think anyone disagrees that you'll get a much improved bike after upgrading suspension (except maybe on a couple of models), but you don't need to upgrade.

If stock suspension was really so bad or dangerous then bike companies would not survive in the US without going bankrupt from litigation. This is the land where Cessna stopped making light planes for a long while because people crashed and sued them.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Ever ridden an SV650 ? The front end bottoms out rolling out of the crate.

used to own one: saggy front and oversprung rear. Nothing but quality

[HenryDorsetCase]

Buy some light rims to go with it H,the difference is beyond words.Couldnt recall how many exhaust systems ive bought in my time on 2 wheels but after getting some decent rims to go with the suspenders i wonder why i ever bothered.

I do like the look of those BST crabons.

Its a fact that any bike nowadays (particularly road bikes) make enough power. Its about putting that on the ground.

Best advice I ever heard given in a bike shop: "Mate, if you want to look faster spend money on the engine. If you want to BE faster spend it on suspension"

[martybabe]

Surely, if one is happy with the way one's suspension performs, adequate for one's purposes, then the expense and hassle of upgrading it to a 'superior' product is a superfluous exercise isn't it?

I don't think I've ever owned a machine that wouldn't have benefited from superior quality components but I think it's perfectly acceptable to decide for yourself if all that you have is all that you need.

[Robert Taylor]

Surely, if one is happy with the way one's suspension performs, adequate for one's purposes, then the expense and hassle of upgrading it to a 'superior' product is a superfluous exercise isn't it?

I don't think I've ever owned a machine that wouldn't have benefited from superior quality components but I think it's perfectly acceptable to decide for yourself if all that you have is all that you need.

Thats totally your discretion of course and no-one should be pressured into anything. But the best you've ridden is the best you know!
As an interesting aside one of my principals in Sweden often gets asked who Ohlins biggest competitor is? To which he replies Akrapovic.
My ultra cynical take on that is ''hey my bad handling bike now makes more noise"

[Mom]

What a kerfuffle!

[Usarka]

kerfuffle!

Bless you.

[tigertim20]

Normally I would agree but as I said Ohlins aren't the only aftermarket suspension company operating in NZ. Why single that particular company out if not to grind your axe?
and you care because?

I don't think anyone disagrees that you'll get a much improved bike after upgrading suspension (except maybe on a couple of models), but you don't need to upgrade.

.

thats it in a nutshell.
Back in the 1990's, people would talk about how 'XXX'bike had awesome suspension, and made for a great ride, of course relative to what else was available.

Now technology has moved on, what we used to call great, and a comfortable ride has become shit and horrible, purely because the joneses next door bought something a bit newer and said 'fuck this is great' making joe bloggs decide that because their was something out there that might be 'better', what he currently has must automatically be shit.

[vifferman]

I was happy with my bike too, until I put new tyres and suspension on it. Then I changed the tyres for Michelins, and had the suspension further fettled, and was instantly aware of what I was missing before. Next step is to send my non-OEM rear shock for some fettling.
Do I ride like Rossi? No. In fact I probably ride at less than 3/10ths, even when pushing it. But the bike's much nicer to ride.
Was it expensive? Depends what your standards are. The bike cost $12K, and I spent around $2k on suspension mods, so it was a not insignificant outlay, but well worth it, IMHO. I expect to get my bike how I really want it (newer model Power Commander, new airfilter, dynotune, overhauled rear shock, etc. (will probably cost me another $2k. Afterwards, my bike will probably be worth around $6k. It's still significantly cheaper'n a replacement bike.
What's my point? I don't believe I have one - just joining in the discussion...

[ynot slow]

I was happy with my bike too, until I put new tyres and suspension on it. Then I changed the tyres for Michelins, and had the suspension further fettled, and was instantly aware of what I was missing before. Next step is to send my non-OEM rear shock for some fettling.
Do I ride like Rossi? No. In fact I probably ride at less than 3/10ths, even when pushing it. But the bike's much nicer to ride.
Was it expensive? Depends what your standards are. The bike cost $12K, and I spent around $2k on suspension mods, so it was a not insignificant outlay, but well worth it, IMHO. I expect to get my bike how I really want it (newer model Power Commander, new airfilter, dynotune, overhauled rear shock, etc. (will probably cost me another $2k. Afterwards, my bike will probably be worth around $6k. It's still significantly cheaper'n a replacement bike.
What's my point? I don't believe I have one - just joining in the discussion...

And that in a nut shell sums us up,all individuals and we do it for ourselves,what I think is fine others think is stupid expense,some people spend $5000 each year doing the holiday to same destination,others by new furniture,others bikes.
The biker type have their own ideas of what to replace first,some is suspension,others engine mods or bling,great to be different to the next guy is my view.

[AllanB]

Earlier this year I invested in Ohlins fork springs and a Ohlins rear shock on the Hornet. I have made many modifications to this bike since purchasing it new and by far the best return for my $ was the Ohlins. Period. It has positively transformed the bike from walking to illegal speeds. Handling, comfort, overall compliance.

The only issue is any future bike will require a similar treatment now that I have experienced the joy of decent suspenders.


I am a happy customer of Mr T, may the man be Knighted by the Queen for his services to NZ motorcycling.

Those fancy wheels sound nice ......... :facepalm:

[Robert Taylor]

There are other options avaliable, sure...
All I am stating is that top ensd suspension is not for me.

The front fork solution that I have offered you in fact primarily involves reshimming only, oil will be Ohlins.( which is brewed mainly by Statoil, a state owned Norwegian company )

[Robert Taylor]

fixed that for ya!
Often though, I think people dont bother getting their existing suspension set up, and just assume they need better components, so skip that step, when a simple adjustment may well suffice.

That works only in so far as if the adjusters have a useful response range. Some do, many dont. Even if they have adjusters its really what is on the inside that counts. Its the same with revalving the stock piston, only viable if the stock piston is responsive to revalving. Many are, but also many arent.

[Robert Taylor]

It is only the 5th and this damn FZ8 has exhausted my whole months supply of popcorn.

Yes, it definitely has polarised people!

[tigertim20]

That works only in so far as if the adjusters have a useful response range. Some do, many dont. Even if they have adjusters its really what is on the inside that counts. Its the same with revalving the stock piston, only viable if the stock piston is responsive to revalving. Many are, but also many arent.

my point was that many dont even try.
Ive known of many people intending to buy new shocks, that hadnt even thought of getting their stock stuff adjusted to suit their weight.
A few went on and bought new stuff after trying adjusting, many didnt. but one should at least try first

[Robert Taylor]

Yeah....nah. The difference is that you can't buy a kotanga as a brand new aerial, but you can buy a brand new bike with stock suspension.

I don't think anyone disagrees that you'll get a much improved bike after upgrading suspension (except maybe on a couple of models), but you don't need to upgrade.

If stock suspension was really so bad or dangerous then bike companies would not survive in the US without going bankrupt from litigation. This is the land where Cessna stopped making light planes for a long while because people crashed and sued them.

Theres a bit of a counter argument there. Generally they have a much higher ratio of smooth roads that dont challenge suspension as much as our shaky isles. We also have a higher ratio of riders that ride all year round. We sell a lot of shocks for Harleys but in percentage terms Ohlins USA sell few.

[gsxr]

Why do you need these fancy suspenders now. Those of us that started racing in the 70's didnt need fancy garter belt suspenders.We knew the limitations of our ride and grew bigger testicles to compensate for the shortcomings of the suspenders tyres and brakes. Seems nowadays the more money you throw at a bike the less skill you need.

[onearmedbandit]

Seems nowadays the more money you throw at a bike the less skill you need.

Or there is a requirement for greater skill needed to get the best out of the top gear.

[yamahaggis88]

I ride an inadequately suspended bike every day, does it handle? Like fuck it does. Do I feel safe on it? Not really, but I ride to its limitations, usually after the rear wheel starts chattering and hopping, I back off :facepalm: Would I upgrade to the best of the best if I could? Of course. While i'd be happy with a Hagon or YSS replacement for the shock-imitation block of wood I have holding up the rear of my 400, If they made it, and I could afford it, i'd go for Ohlins, Nitron or Maxton without a second guess, purely because its quality gear, has all the adjustment you could ever want and its proven, that, and you cant really put a price on your own safety, that of your bike, or other people...

Will definitely go for a suspension upgrade on my next bike, purely out of past experience and the reassurance i have quality gear, well, that and after seeing the ohlins front and rear on my stepdads GSX-R1000, it all looks too damn pretty to say no to :p

[Kickaha]

Why do you need these fancy suspenders now. Those of us that started racing in the 70's didnt need fancy garter belt suspenders.We knew the limitations of our ride and grew bigger testicles to compensate for the shortcomings of the suspenders tyres and brakes. Seems nowadays the more money you throw at a bike the less skill you need.

You did that back in the seventies because you had no other choice

[White trash]

Seems nowadays the more money you throw at a bike the less skill you need.

Sweet! Can't wait to see you on the grid of NZSBK 2012 Round I. Grab yourself a GSXR1000, throw some Ohlins at it and a pair of slicks. Andrew, Robbie, Craig, Choppa and Nick are all dead meat. I bet they're looking forward to it as much as I am in fact.

[Robert Taylor]

Why do you need these fancy suspenders now. Those of us that started racing in the 70's didnt need fancy garter belt suspenders.We knew the limitations of our ride and grew bigger testicles to compensate for the shortcomings of the suspenders tyres and brakes. Seems nowadays the more money you throw at a bike the less skill you need.

Tell that to Valentino Rossi...................

[Eyegasm]

Going to get my stockers sorted first, then find out if I need to get a better rear shock to cope with my mass.

I feel much better knowing that my contact patch is on the ground, rather than bouncing around.

I had 2 years of the worst suspension available (Hyosung suspenders are pretty bad) that the upgrade to the ZX's is like riding on feathers in comparision.

I dont even know if the front is stock or not... Hmmm a question for Jimmy I think.

[White trash]

Going to get my stockers sorted first, then find out if I need to get a better rear shock to cope with my mass.

I feel much better knowing that my contact patch is on the ground, rather than bouncing around.

I had 2 years of the worst suspension available (Hyosung suspenders are pretty bad) that the upgrade to the ZX's is like riding on feathers in comparision.

I dont even know if the front is stock or not... Hmmm a question for Jimmy I think.

It's stock mate. Let me know when you wanna bring it round to set the sags and the like.

[tigertim20]

Sweet! Can't wait to see you on the grid of NZSBK 2012 Round I. Grab yourself a GSXR1000, throw some Ohlins at it and a pair of slicks. Andrew, Robbie, Craig, Choppa and Nick are all dead meat. I bet they're looking forward to it as much as I am in fact.


Tell that to Valentino Rossi...................

Not everyone is a track rider. what percentage of riders even see the track regularly? 30%?

[Robert Taylor]

Not everyone is a track rider. what percentage of riders even see the track regularly? 30%?

70% or greater of our customers are in fact road going riders who are seeking a greater level of compliance and ride comfort on our mixture of bumpy and challenging roads, but also with improved chassis control and stability.
It is a HUGE ongoing misconception that premium aftermarket suspension is all about and nothing more than about going faster on a track

[White trash]

Not everyone is a track rider. what percentage of riders even see the track regularly? 30%?

Agreed. But the cat I quoted and responded to was indicating he was some hotshot in the 70s and that all our current top riders do is chuck a heap of money at a bike in exchange for not requiring skills to ride at the pace they do. Which is laughable.

[HenryDorsetCase]

70% or greater of our customers are in fact road going riders who are seeking a greater level of compliance and ride comfort on our mixture of bumpy and challenging roads, but also with improved chassis control and stability.
It is a HUGE ongoing misconception that premium aftermarket suspension is all about and nothing more than about going faster on a track

THIS.

thats what I'm all about. I'm so slow its embarrassing to be in the same county as me, particularly on track...

[HenryDorsetCase]

Agreed. But the cat I quoted and responded to was indicating he was some hotshot in the 70s and that all our current top riders do is chuck a heap of money at a bike in exchange for not requiring skills to ride at the pace they do. Which is laughable.

I LOLed too. the other thing is that the hotshot riders in the 70's would have had what was then state of the art available to them, and the road going bikes of the day would have had even worse.

Ah well.

One thing I will say is that having properly set up and nice suspension bits isn't making anyone go "Oooooh, Ahhhh must buy this Triumph Scrambler". Then again, neither is the aftermarket zorst and stuff.

My bank manager really wishes someone would buy it though.

[Robert Taylor]

I LOLed too. the other thing is that the hotshot riders in the 70's would have had what was then state of the art available to them, and the road going bikes of the day would have had even worse.

Ah well.

One thing I will say is that having properly set up and nice suspension bits isn't making anyone go "Oooooh, Ahhhh must buy this Triumph Scrambler". Then again, neither is the aftermarket zorst and stuff.

My bank manager really wishes someone would buy it though.

Ok, here in the second decade of the 21st century Im personally engaged in working with top level suspension. I was also around in the 70s given that I was born in 57. As a schoolboy I remember watching the likes of Alan Collison wobbling around Pukekohe on H2 Kawasakis and thinking at the time what an evil handling motorycle. Although I never raced I had a succession of big Yamahas through the mid 70s to early 80s. RD350, TX650, XS750, XS1100, XJ650 etc. I rode all year round in all weathers and long distance so consider myself an accomplished motorcyclist. In the early through mid 80s I managed a large bike workshop in London and got to work on and ride pretty much everything of European and Japanese origin.
Looking back especially the earlier stuff was pretty grim. The frames were flexible, the shocks were largely single acting requiring heavily preloaded springs, they didnt absorb bumps and they faded quickly when ridden at speed on bumpy roads.
Fast forward and technology has evolved significantly, apart from low cost commuter bikes ( which still have VERY grim suspension ) sportbikes and sports tourers have in general hugely better suspension than their ancestors. And with some great aftermarket product on offer they can be made a lot better again.
That is not to be knocked, technology has in many ways served us all well.
Like I have divulged I was around in the 70s and there are certain things I miss like agreeable looking girls wearing hot pants but I dont miss the grim suspension that motorcycles had at that time.

[blackdog]

I miss like agreeable looking girls wearing hot pants but I dont miss the grim suspension that motorcycles had at that time.

I reckon my 750j has suspension that can't be improved upon but am happy to be proved wrong. I will even provide photos of the wife in hotpants if you can.

[Pussy]

I reckon my 750j has suspension that can't be improved upon but am happy to be proved wrong. I will even provide photos of the wife in hotpants if you can.

It was ROBERT who wore the hotpants....

[SPman]

Seeing Robert's here - what's the best thing to do with an FZ1 (old model) front end?
Apart from chuck it, that is......

[HenryDorsetCase]

there are certain things I miss like agreeable looking girls wearing hot pants but I dont miss the grim suspension that motorcycles had at that time.

Get thee to the Sunshine coast in September. all the hot pants you can handle.

It seems to be (i digress) the fashion now to have high waisted, tight cutoff jeans in a certain fashion demographic Like Daisy Duke, say (not Jessica Simpson, the far superior first one). We used to call them mumble pants.... as in "I can see her lips moving but I can't quite hear what she's saying" :)

annnnyway, back to the matter at hand, eh?

[blackdog]

Get thee to the Sunshine coast in September. all the hot pants you can handle.

It seems to be (i digress) the fashion now to have high waisted, tight cutoff jeans in a certain fashion demographic Like Daisy Duke, say (not Jessica Simpson, the far superior first one). We used to call them mumble pants.... as in "I can see her lips moving but I can't quite hear what she's saying" :)

annnnyway, back to the matter at hand, eh?

Are you blind? If they didn't talk would you really go for Catherine Bach?

Apart from the fact that she's probably 66 or so years old now.

[AllanB]

As stated previous I've put some Gold on the Hornet.

I do not track ride -road only and purely for pleasure. On group rides I'm a mid-packer so I have no grandeurs of being a racer.

It started after a few shitty Earthquakes and I thought bugger I'll try some fork springs - Mr T sorted this and I fitted them. The difference was impressive and the short comings of the rear shock became very apparent. No amount of twiddling could get it near the front end.

So A e-mail to Robert and he built me up a very well price piece of gold for the rear end.

As before the bike is transformed regardless of the speed. Braking is vastly improved with the better front end.

Life on the motorcycle is considerably better :woohoo: and that's all I need to be a happy man.

[Robert Taylor]

Seeing Robert's here - what's the best thing to do with an FZ1 (old model) front end?
Apart from chuck it, that is......

Send me an enqiry to my regular e-mail address quoting the model year and your personal stats.

[puddytat]

Im continually amazed at the amount of Riders who cant even get it together to set their static sag.....

[Maha]

Im continually amazed at the amount of Riders who cant even get it together to set their static sag.....

...I had a look at my static sag the other day...not a pretty sight..:blink:

[Pussy]

Im continually amazed at the amount of Riders who cant even get it together to set their static sag.....

Exactly! It aint rocket science, and you sure don't have to go to great lengths to do it.

[Coolz]

When I was young and dumb I walked into a bike shop in Greenlane and asked the old codger behind the counter what could I buy to make my bike go faster.Spend your money on brakes and suspension he told me.Of course I scoffed at that,any young fella knows you start by hotting up the mota. The next time I went to Greenlane it wasnt the bike shop I was visiting,it was the emergency department of the Greenlane hospital....Maybe that bloke in the shop knew a bit more than me afterall...His name was Len Perry.

[Madness]

Len Perry.

This (http://www.mnz.co.nz/history.aspx) makes for interesting reading. Appropriate considering the thread subject.........

The NZ Grand Prix held in Easter 1948 attracted between 10-20,000 spectators while the NZ TT was won by Len Perry on a Velocette in 2hrs.10min and 33 secs. Perry also won the junior title at the same event. The Hamilton 100 was also held in front of 10,000 spectators and had a field of 97 competitors while the NZ Beach Championships open title was collected by S Winterburn aboard a Norton covering the 20 miles on Muriwai beach in 17min. 21 secs.

Bikes which had been minority marques gained a new lease of life after the war with the development of fast, reliable, twin cylinder engines, typified by Triumph, Norton, and Velocette – which kept a large loyal following. Mr. Phillips 350cc Springheel Velocette draws special mention in the records of the annual report. This machine is one of the first ever to have more than simple marque and capacity recorded. Almost certainly the model is recorded by virtue of its being an unusual and innovative machine – one of the first motorcycles to reach New Zealand with 'real' suspension.

[Maha]

The front fork solution that I have offered you in fact primarily involves reshimming only, oil will be Ohlins.( which is brewed mainly by Statoil, a state owned Norwegian company )

So basically a systematic method of adjusting the shims followed by the addition of some heavy weight oil will be job done?

[Robert Taylor]

So basically a systematic method of adjusting the shims followed by the addition of some heavy weight oil will be job done?

Primarily shims and engineering out ''uncontrolled bleed''. The aim is to be able to run as thin an oil as is possible because its viscosity ( and therefore fork action / speed ) will vary less with temperature shift.

[pritch]

I came late to this and missed the fun basically because it started in a thread which included "FZ8" in the title. The road test of the FZ8 I had read was such that I have no interest in the model and consequently missed all the excitement.

Not far from where I live is a road less traveled, and hopefully thus, a road also less patrolled. Sadly, but not surprisingly, this also means that it is a road less maintained. Seriously bumpy in fact.

The surface was so irregular that it limited the speed at which I was prepared to punt the Hornet along. The bike was leaping all over the place requiring constant steering corrections. Too thrilling by far!

One day Sensei advised me that there was a suitable Ohllns for sale on Tardme, so I went after it and bought it. The difference was amazing. The bike would track perfectly straight over the same bumps that had previously proved seriously unsettling. This at considerably higher velocities than formerly. Some preload had been dialed into the forks, but otherwise the only difference was the rear shock.

I'm at the stage in my motorcycling career where I'm more interested in comfort than speed but my last three bikes have had Ohlins, and the next one definitely will too. The only reason I haven't put one in the Triumph is that I wasn't sure how long I was keeping it, and it really isn't too bad as is.

Were I to squirt the Triple at warp speed down that same road less traveled though, who knows?

[Maha]

I came late to this and missed the fun basically because it started in a thread which included "FZ8" in the title. The road test of the FZ8 I had read was such that I have no interest in the model and consequently missed all the excitement.

Not far from where I live is a road less traveled, and hopefully thus, a road also less patrolled. Sadly, but not surprisingly, this also means that it is a road less maintained. Seriously bumpy in fact.

The surface was so irregular that it limited the speed at which I was prepared to punt the Hornet along. The bike was leaping all over the place requiring constant steering corrections. Too thrilling by far!

One day Sensei advised me that there was a suitable Ohllns for sale on Tardme, so I went after it and bought it. The difference was amazing. The bike would track perfectly straight over the same bumps that had previously proved seriously unsettling. This at considerably higher velocities than formerly. Some preload had been dialed into the forks, but otherwise the only difference was the rear shock.

I'm at the stage in my motorcycling career where I'm more interested in comfort than speed but my last three bikes have had Ohlins, and the next one definitely will too. The only reason I haven't put one in the Triumph is that I wasn't sure how long I was keeping it, and it really isn't too bad as is.

Were I to squirt the Triple at warp speed down that same road less traveled though, who knows?

The whole point is missed on so many...
No body has said (ever) that Ohlins is anything but what it is..excellent gear.
Personally..and this is just me, I will never need or use the full extent of what Ohlins suspension has to offer.
I dont do trackdays, I ride basically within the speed limit...
I am sure it says so in the first post (maybe said differently)
I ride between 100-120...thats it.
Thats what I enjoy doing and fitting top of line suspension aint going to change a thing.
You (or anybody else for that matter) wont change my view on that.

Most of you dont even know me or how I ride and I cant explain that any clearer.
I just like changing my bike every two-three years...why the fuck would I want to spend all that money of something that I wont get the benefit of?

This bit makes me laugh...its my view point on the FZ8..couple of years down the road, and I'll be up for another new bike...again.
''The only reason I haven't put one in the Triumph is that I wasn't sure how long I was keeping it, and it really isn't too bad as is''.

[Owl]

Were I to squirt the Triple at warp speed down that same road less traveled though, who knows?

Unless there's a major difference between 05-09, I'd imagine pretty bad. Mine was certainly a shocker (excuse the pun).:laugh:

In saying that, I've just got off a Bonneville SE that had Ohlins fitted to the rear yesterday by RT. Light years ahead of the OEM, in fact far better than I expected. Hitting bumps mid-corner has turned from "Oh Jesus" to "Cooooool". Even much more stable in higher wind and doesn't want to dart all over the road like it did before.:scratch:

[Robert Taylor]

Unless there's a major difference between 05-09, I'd imagine pretty bad. Mine was certainly a shocker (excuse the pun).:laugh:

In saying that, I've just got off a Bonneville SE that had Ohlins fitted to the rear yesterday by RT. Light years ahead of the OEM, in fact far better than I expected. Hitting bumps mid-corner has turned from "Oh Jesus" to "Cooooool". Even much more stable in higher wind and doesn't want to dart all over the road like it did before.:scratch:

Thanks Al, and the rider is typical of many Ohlins customers. She doesnt neccessarily want to travel faster, she wants suspension that will absorb bumps, not deflect off them! Plus more surefooted chassis control. That is a main salient point that is lost on many who think its just about going faster.

[Kickaha]

That is a main salient point that is lost on many who think its just about going faster.

They only think that because they're idiots

[pritch]

Unless there's a major difference between 05-09, I'd imagine pretty bad. Mine was certainly a shocker (excuse the pun).:laugh


Triumphs reportedly can have a propensity to go "baggy" with mileage. Mine though has still traveled only a modest distance. About 7,000 Ks when I got it earlier this year, still less than 18,000. So far so good.

Maha,

Recent history suggests that I seem to have been keeping my bikes two years. I wasn't sure I'd be keeping this one much more than one year. (More bike than I needed?)

One thing about Ohlins though is that once you have one, you don't have to buy a new one each time you change your bike. The necessary arrangements can be made for considerably less than the cost of a new shock.

Then again if you don't want an Ohlins, for whatever reason, you don't want one. Either way it's fine by me.

[nzspokes]

They only think that because they're idiots

Or dont believe the hype.

[Kickaha]

.why the fuck would I want to spend all that money of something that I wont get the benefit of?
Actually you'd get the benefit from it for the 2-3 years you owned it every time you rode it

[Maha]

Actually you'd get the benefit from it for the 2-3 years you owned it every time you rode it

Did you miss this bit form the first post?
'I had $2600 (of there abouts) worth of Ohlins in my Triumph front and rear, and never got used to it'.

I had to send the first shock back, the wrong spring rate was used. (the highest rate possible from memory, I have all the emails here) The ''revised'' shock was sent back, and put in...(if felt no better than the one prior, or in fact, the OEM shock that was originally replaced)...
I read somewhere on here by Mr Taylor that...''is not just a case of plug and play''..
Well, sorry but if I spend that kind of money with any business, whatever the purchased is, it will work properly without any fucking around...

[Kickaha]

Did you miss this bit form the first post?
'I had $2600 (of there abouts) worth of Ohlins in my Triumph front and rear, and never got used to it'.
No I didn't miss that but it's pretty obvious it was poorly set up


I had to send the first shock back, the wrong spring rate was used. (the highest rate possible from memory, I have all the emails here) The ''revised'' shock was sent back, and put in...(if felt no better than the one prior, or in fact, the OEM shock that was originally replaced)...
Who did the suspension work?

I read somewhere on here by Mr Taylor that...''is not just a case of plug and play''..
Well, sorry but if I spend that kind of money with any business, whatever the purchased is, it will work properly without any fucking around...
Contrary to popular belief one size doesn't fit all, if both you and the bike were at at workshop and it was being done I would pretty much expect "plug and play"

If stuff is being sent back and forth I wouldn't

[Maha]

No I didn't miss that but it's pretty obvious it was poorly set up

Who did the suspension work?

Contrary to popular belief one size doesn't fit all, if both you and the bike were at at workshop and it was being done I would pretty much expect "plug and play"

If stuff is being sent back and forth I wouldn't


Robert Taylor did the work ..why?.
A mate of mine in Auckland (who knows about this shit) couldn't correct the initial shock to suit our needs. He ended up corresponding with Mr Taylor for me.
I will give anyone a second chance..not a thrid or fourth.

....and never the twain shall meet.

[Kickaha]

Robert Taylor did the work ..why?.
A mate of mine in Auckland (who knows about this shit) couldn't correct the initial shock to suit our needs. He ended up corresponding with Mr Taylor for me.
I will give anyone a second chance..not a third or fourth.

....and never the twain shall meet.

It was curiosity more than anything as my one experience with Ohlins and RT have been very good and as a result I will be fitting more to a bike I am building

[Maha]

It was curiosity more than anything as my one experience with Ohlins and RT have been very good and as a result I will be fitting more to a bike I am building

Like have said before Kick, its just not for me...:corn:
I would rather add a few extra cosmetic extras to a bike without being stupid about it. The financial loss when selling/trading after a few years is bad enough without adding that loss...did I mention I am a tight bastard?

[reggie1198]

I remember the first new bike I ever had, a bright red 748 bip, with showa front and rear, thankfully that bike was stolen within 5 months, I then bought a 998, wow, the Ohlins rear end made the showa feel like crap, It was so obviously me, and my lack of any sort of suspension understanding. I did not feel comfortable on the 748 and it felt like I was one corner away from crashing the whole time.
I can see where Maha is coming from, if the suspension doesn't feel right how can you enjoy the ride. And if you'd paid good money for it even worse.
Reading this thread now and I can see where I went wrong, if the Showa system was setup from the OEM at 60-65kgs that would explain the back end bottoming out.
The Ohlins must have been setup for the ....."more weightloss challenged" rider.
It felt right straight away.

Maha,

You can try the Ohlins on the 1198s if you want, watch the brakes though, those monoblocks will scare the shit out of you until you get used to them.

The offers there for a spin on the cape ride.

Reggie

[nathanwhite]

The offers there for a spin on the cape ride.

Reggie

Even for us on our L? :shit: :gob: :woohoo:

[Robert Taylor]

The most recent comments actually highlight the difficulty of achieving individualised setup when the customer is several hundred kilometres away. 9 times out of 10 we get it right, and in fact very right. You will find 99% of our customers very happy.
But it also highlights my immense frustration at finding someone in especially the Auckland area that will ''pick up the ball and run with it'' by setting up suspension to the standards expected. Frustrating that, the world is now such an open and cut throat marketplace there really is a struggle for there to be two margins anymore, making it nigh impossible for there to be service agents, who would otherwise have that ''second margin'' to help offset the '' individual optimisation'' costs.
Of course, if you purchase such product off the internet then you have to pay to get it optimised for the conditions that the overseas resellers have little idea of. Thats happened more than a few dozen times.
Those running small businesses that read this post will be painfully aware of what I am driving at.
It is my sincere wish that everyone we sell product and services to is very happy with same

[Maha]

It would be absolutely wonderful to have a bike set up to suit the the one and only individual who rides that particular bike. I will never again, engage the idea of attempting that scenario ...remotely. (ie: via email)

[blackdog]

Horse. Flogged. Dead.

[Edbear]

Horse. Flogged. Dead.

You do realise this is KB...? :innocent:

[blackdog]

You do realise this is KB...? :innocent:

I was unsure. Have been spending alot of time on playschool.com recently and the differences have become blurred.

[Gremlin]

<img src=http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=248625&d=1318732371>

[reggie1198]

Even for us on our L? :shit: :gob: :woohoo:

She's a little over the legal 33bhp your allowed, but if you put five L platers on it at the same time you'd be ok.
250cc x 5 = 1250cc - it's only 1198 (you're within tollerance there)
33bhp x 5 = 165bhp - it's about right.

you only need four other takers and it's a goer......lol....not.

see you in a few weeks.

Reggie

[avgas]

Tell that to Valentino Rossi...................
Try telling him anything.

[avgas]

Why do you need these fancy suspenders now. Those of us that started racing in the 70's didnt need fancy garter belt suspenders.We knew the limitations of our ride and grew bigger testicles to compensate for the shortcomings of the suspenders tyres and brakes. Seems nowadays the more money you throw at a bike the less skill you need.
You don't.
Just like in the 70's you didn't need OHV.
But it doesn't mean it isn't a want.

[Maha]

Horse. Flogged. Dead.

Stoney said the same about you last week....:niceone:
If only readers of this thread would pick up on the real topic, instead of romancing thier own ideas of what its all about...all it needs now is for Jim Walsh to poke his nose in to tidy things up and job done...:corn:

[blackdog]

Stoney said about you last week....:niceone:
If only readers of this thread would pick up on the real topic, instead of romancing thier own ideas of what its all about...all it needs now is for Jim Walsh to poke his nose in to tidy things up...:corn:

Shame I missed something StoneY said.

Actually, I am trying to think of a reason why I would give a fuck what he said. Have just got home from the pink ribbon ride, he didn't show up. Maybe that is because he is getting married and all the bikes are for sale. Don't get me started Maha!

[blackdog]

Oink ribbon pics.

[nzspokes]

She's a little over the legal 33bhp your allowed, but if you put five L platers on it at the same time you'd be ok.
250cc x 5 = 1250cc - it's only 1198 (you're within tollerance there)
33bhp x 5 = 165bhp - it's about right.

you only need four other takers and it's a goer......lol....not.

see you in a few weeks.

Reggie

I weigh as much as 5 normal L platers, do I get to ride?:bleh:

[caspernz]

Oh boy....the original post showed ignorance beyond belief. Shoot me for saying so, but properly setup suspension isn't just for speedy riders....regardless of whether it's the OEM or aftermarket gear. Compliance (or proper damping control) gives you better control of your bike, makes it more comfy to ride, for me it's about giving me a bigger safety margin. Yep, I'm a slowcoach on the road, 120 max. The thing that cracks me up is I see riders spending money on go-fast gear when they've already got more power than they can handle?? Ignorance in bliss....

Yep, I got my bike sorted at Crown Kiwi Technical. Mind you, I decided that if I was gonna do this, then a personal visit to New Plymouth was the only option. Spent less than two grand and it's easily the best money I've spent on a bike. Mind you, if you've never had a bike set up to suit you....you'd never know. Ignorance is bliss....oh, I already said that didn't I?

You can say whatever you like about CKT, I'll be back to see Robert and Dennis when I buy my next bike.

[reggie1198]

I weigh as much as 5 normal L platers, do I get to ride?:bleh:

ummmmm no, sorry, how can I put this nicely........


I can't.

The pillion seat would suit a nice firm size 4 to size 6 bum though. blokes need not apply.
I am not an equal opportunities kinda guy.

[Virago]

This argument could go on forever - and probably will.

Very few would argue that a budget-priced and low-spec bike would not have its handling improved with an after-market suspension upgrade.

I ride a crusty old cruiser. Its suspension and handling were crap when it was new. 22 years later - well, it certainly hasn't improved...

It doesn't matter. I ride within the bike's capabilities.

There is a notable tendancy for those riding sportsbikes with upgraded gizmos to fall off. For some reason (touch wood), I don't. Go figure...

If that makes me ignorant too, then so be it. It is indeed bliss...

[Maha]

My thoughts also Ken.
I said as much in the first post.
How many would pay $1600 for a helmet?
Not many I would venture to suggest.
$300 helmets would be the bigger sellers.

[kiwifruit]

Everyone has different priorities. I consider fixing the suspension a safety and enjoyment thing as much as a performance upgrade.

Some people will happily ride on tyres i consider dangerous. Same goes for suspension. One man's pogo stick is another man's fz8 :p

Can't wait to get the forks and shock back for my bike! It's only worth 3k but i know 1.5k on sus will make it feel a million bucks.

[Quasievil]

I ride a crusty old cruiser. Its suspension and handling were crap when it was new. 22 years later - well, it certainly hasn't improved...

It doesn't matter. I ride within the bike's capabilities.



Then the Bike youre riding is unsafe, you say in one breath its handling is crap and it hasnt improved then you say you ride it within its capabilities kind of an oxymoron of a statement (clearly you ride it fast/well/hard enough to know its crap).
You should get the poor handling bike sorted out end of story.

Especially as a senior member of a biker site you should not be throwing out there comments suggesting its ok to ride a bike handles like crap, as it isnt, and the age of the bike isnt an excuse

If I had any vehicle that handled like crap It would be sorted, good handling = Safer to operate in .........period !!

This whole thread is clearly a "dig" at RT under a B.S based smoke screen as far as I can see it.

[sinfull]

I needed shocks on my heavy cruiser (as mine were fucked) so i bought shocks (service was great and offer of free service in the future if i felt they needed tweeking was cool too)
Thanks CKT
A mate went with a cheaper option (only a few hundy) around the same time (late last year) They were problematic and he sent them back to be tweeked, refitted by a mechanic the company instructed the job done by (in case he fitted them wrong ? DUH !) and now he has just thrown them off the bike and gone with the same option as me !

Same bikes, with the same twin shocks (now) it only cost him $800 odd more than me and a fuck around for the learning curve !!

On the other hand, my other bike (Speed 3) which don't have A fucked shock and DIDN"T need re-spinging (as it turned out to be a good spring rate for my weight) still has the OEM shock and forks !
Sure i could have knocked off a second or 3 in lap times on the track, if i had spent 2 or 3 k on it, but i was just playing and enduldging an adrenilyn need and wasn't a serious racer out for a podium ! I find it to be just fine on the road and can (if i feel the urge) handle the jandel when it comes to it !
If and when (i hear that the OEM shocks on these bikes do fuck out now and then) the shock gives out i will probably spend the coin and go top of the market !

Bit like my stereo amp really, a mate of mine who needs the perfect sound from his system to listen to thrash metal (where i can't even understand the lyrics) keeps harrassing me to buy a new amp !!! Hello !! It plays the beatles just bloody fine now, I'll wait till it fucks out, then think about it !

[Ronin]

^ wot he said there. Thats it.

[caspernz]

Then the Bike youre riding is unsafe, you say in one breath its handling is crap and it hasnt improved then you say you ride it within its capabilities kind of an oxymoron of a statement (clearly you ride it fast/well/hard enough to know its crap).
You should get the poor handling bike sorted out end of story.

Especially as a senior member of a biker site you should not be throwing out there comments suggesting its ok to ride a bike handles like crap, as it isnt, and the age of the bike isnt an excuse

If I had any vehicle that handled like crap It would be sorted, good handling = Safer to operate in .........period !!

This whole thread is clearly a "dig" at RT under a B.S based smoke screen as far as I can see it.

Nicely put....but yeah the mind is like a parachute for some folks huh?

[Owl]

but yeah the mind is like a parachute for some folks huh?

What sort of parachute?

Docile roundy, or a super zippy fast elliptical?:confused:

[HenryDorsetCase]

Bit like my stereo amp really, a mate of mine who needs the perfect sound from his system to listen to thrash metal (where i can't even understand the lyrics) keeps harrassing me to buy a new amp !!! Hello !! It plays the beatles just bloody fine now, I'll wait till it fucks out, then think about it !

Amps are the least important part of any system: spend the money where you notice it: Turntable/CD player, speakers/headphones.

[Maha]

This whole thread is clearly a "dig" at RT under a B.S based smoke screen as far as I can see it.

Well cleary you dont know shit from chewed dates where this thread is concerned Quasi.
Why the hell would I start a thread to have ''dig'' at someone who generously offered to fix a the potential problem of a brand new bike?
Mr Taylor knows where I stand and vice versa...PM's sorted that out.
The guy knows his stuff, no two ways about it..
One this occassion...you are WRONG!.

[Voltaire]

Amps are the least important part of any system: spend the money where you notice it: Turntable/CD player, speakers/headphones.

I used to say the records were the most important part.....:innocent:

[bogan]

I used to say the records were the most important part.....:innocent:

that and making sure it's turned on! had a guy going on about how much better his new sub made the music sound, until it was pointed out it wasn't plugged in and the sound was in fact just coming form his old speakers :killingme

[Quasievil]

One this occassion...you are WRONG!.

Sorry then, but im comforted in the knowledge that every other time im right :innocent:

damn now I got to drive up your way to, what time is the jug on ?

your friend Quasi
0275430329

[Maha]

Sorry then, but im comforted in the knowledge that every other time im right :innocent:

damn now I got to drive up your way to, what time is the jug on ?

your friend Quasi
0275430329

Just boiled..
But listen, I am not adverse to getting the work done on the Yamaha at all..
And if theres anyone that I would let at it, it is Robert Taylor.
But...and heres the thing, I will never again have work like that done via emails and postage/courier. It will be done in house (so to speak)

[imdying]

Why the hell would I start a thread to have ''dig'' at someone who generously offered to fix a the potential problem of a brand new bike?Because you're an ungrateful little cock who didn't like to hear mean things about the bargain basement piece of shite motorcycle you wasted your money on :facepalm:

[Maha]

Because you're an ungrateful little cock who didn't like to hear mean things about the bargain basement piece of shite motorcycle you wasted your money on :facepalm:

Thats tame, even for your uneducated standards, is your herpes playing up again?..:violin:

[AllanB]

But...and heres the thing, I will never again have work like that done via emails and postage/courier. It will be done in house (so to speak)

That's how I ordered mine - it worked out bloody well for me!

[imdying]

It's mildly satisfying when some little cry baby who purportedly (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/141848-Ignore-now-includes-quotes?p=1130168344#post1130168344) has you on ignore quotes your post. Mind you, that pales against the mirth generated by that same loser starting a thread trying to trash another members products because his little feelings were hurt. You're so transparent.. we can all see what you're really like.

<img src="http://www.techimo.com/forum/attachments/debateimo-politics-religion-controversy/22641d1253107100-oppose-obama-your-racist-crybaby.jpg" />

To be fair it should be a picture of a baby having a wank, but I'm not image searching for that :laugh:

[Hitcher]

Personal attacks will see more serious actions taken by the Moderators.

The current nonsense is not really off topic at the moment, but any more of this and the Red Cards(TM) will come out and this thread will end up in RorR or worse.

[Robert Taylor]

Personal attacks will see more serious actions taken by the Moderators.

The current nonsense is not really off topic at the moment, but any more of this and the Red Cards(TM) will come out and this thread will end up in RorR or worse.

I agree but your post 14884 ( now in pointless drivel ) treads a fine line in that respect?

[Quasievil]

Thanks for the Cup of Tea Maha you Bastard, I just got back and Im dry as a bone
horrible person..................yes take that as a personal attack BWAAAAHHH

[kiwifruit]

I agree but your post 14884 ( now in pointless drivel ) treads a fine line in that respect?

What are you doing on here, you could be doing my forks and shock! :Oi:

[Deano]

What are you doing on here, you could be doing my forks and shock! :Oi:

Shouldn't you be out running or something ?

[Kickaha]

Shouldn't you be out running or something ?

Yeah, this time wear the motorcycle boots as well

[Maha]

Thanks for the Cup of Tea Maha you Bastard, I just got back and Im dry as a bone
horrible person..................yes take that as a personal attack BWAAAAHHH

That wasn't suger either..it was hormone growth dust...:shifty:

Check your pits and bits in a few days...:blink: