Ohlins availability in NZ?

[tigertim20]

Who else stocks ohlins steering dampers in NZ?
I know I can get them a lot cheaper online, but would like to see who has them on the shelf, in stock in NZ before I go sending money around the world

[AllanB]

http://www.kss.net.nz/kiwi-suspension-solutions/catalogue/


Robert Taylor. Flick him a e-mail.

[onearmedbandit]

http://www.kss.net.nz/kiwi-suspension-solutions/catalogue/


Robert Taylor. Flick him a e-mail.

New website.

http://kiwirider.co.nz/ckt/

[tigertim20]

I sent an email to the address on the kiwirider page, and it bounced straight back as 'undeliverable'.
sent one to the address on KSS - seems to have gone through but I wont hold my breath.

Are there any others that sell them? surely there are others that stock / supply them since they are such a common item?

[trustme]

Robert Taylor has the NZ agency, he is extremely good at suspension set up, arguably no one better in the country. If you import your own he will not provide any warranty, any repairs or alterations etc will be charged at market rates.

[nzspokes]

I sent an email to the address on the kiwirider page, and it bounced straight back as 'undeliverable'.
sent one to the address on KSS - seems to have gone through but I wont hold my breath.

Are there any others that sell them? surely there are others that stock / supply them since they are such a common item?

sales@kss.net.nz

Yes this is the current address. Ive bought a shock and seals off him in the past few weeks.

[onearmedbandit]

I sent an email to the address on the kiwirider page, and it bounced straight back as 'undeliverable'.
sent one to the address on KSS - seems to have gone through but I wont hold my breath.

Are there any others that sell them? surely there are others that stock / supply them since they are such a common item?

Fair enough, the first link won't open for me so I googled it.

[BMWST?]

I sent an email to the address on the kiwirider page, and it bounced straight back as 'undeliverable'.
sent one to the address on KSS - seems to have gone through but I wont hold my breath.

Are there any others that sell them? surely there are others that stock / supply them since they are such a common item?

such a common item?Just about every model of bike would have a different shock.not many bikes of any one model will ever have an ohlins shock fitted.RT may have the most common shock he uses in stock ,anything else would be ordered i wager.That way he can order it custom built for YOU

[Gremlin]

Who else sells Ohlins? Honestly... I wouldn't even bother thinking about anyone other than KSS. Granted, I'm a customer, but his knowledge is on par, or above, the rest of the world (which he does advise). Shock dyno and tech to match that knowledge...

Open and shut case for me anyway... I went with Ohlins because of that knowledge and backup.

[nzspokes]

Think I have one kicking about in the shed thinking about it.

[jasonu]

sent one to the address on KSS - seems to have gone through but I wont hold my breath.

Are there any others that sell them? surely there are others that stock / supply them since they are such a common item?

If I were you I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for Mr. Taylor (or any other dealer for that matter) to reply to you as you have already 'tipped your hat' when you posted you only want a free look before ordering overseas.

[Bass]

you have already 'tipped your hat' when you posted you only want a free look before ordering overseas.

Serious question.
The OP enquired about steering dampers, not suspension, so how much of the subsequent commentary is appropriate?
When I put a steering damper on my DR, I didn't even look seriously at Ohlins as there were much easier to use products out there.

[onearmedbandit]

Serious question.
The OP enquired about steering dampers, not suspension, so how much of the subsequent commentary is appropriate?
When I put a steering damper on my DR, I didn't even look seriously at Ohlins as there were much easier to use products out there.

Why'd you quote jasonu about this? He never mentioned suspension.

[Bass]

Why'd you quote jasonu about this? He never mentioned suspension.

Fair question and my bad. Not the best quote I agree.
However, pretty much everyone else who replied went down the suspension road and my point was that the original post never mentioned that.

[jasonu]

Serious question.
The OP enquired about steering dampers, not suspension, so how much of the subsequent commentary is appropriate?
When I put a steering damper on my DR, I didn't even look seriously at Ohlins as there were much easier to use products out there.


Why'd you quote jasonu about this? He never mentioned suspension.


Fair question and my bad. Not the best quote I agree.
However, pretty much everyone else who replied went down the suspension road and my point was that the original post never mentioned that.

The OP said he /she is looking for an Ohlins steering damper. I am pretty sure anyone who sells Ohlins steering dampers is an Ohlins dealer which will include suspension components.

[onearmedbandit]

The OP said he /she is looking for an Ohlins steering damper. I am pretty sure anyone who sells Ohlins steering dampers is an Ohlins dealer which will include suspension components.

Yup he is.

[nodrog]

You can get an ohlins steering damper from aliexpress for $80us.

[onearmedbandit]

I'm surprised they don't say Uhlins or similar...

[tigertim20]

If I were you I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for Mr. Taylor (or any other dealer for that matter) to reply to you as you have already 'tipped your hat' when you posted you only want a free look before ordering overseas.

That would be a piss-poor bussines model - not bothering to engage a customer because you think they might not go through with a purchase . . .

However, he was actually fairly quick to reply this morning.

I asked the question because the only other listing I found was asking over a thousand bucks:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/parts-for-sale/suspension/auction-970227790.htm - fuck that when they CAN be had from the US etc much cheaper than a grand.

Delivery of the item would unfortunately take a little longer than the timeframe in which I hoped to be able to use it - so I wont order it this week, however, Robert's pries were much more reasonable than I anticipated, and are within a close enough price to overseas options, that I will absolutely purchase from him in the coming weeks.

I certainly prefer to buy in NZ, and in my own city when possible. I dont mind paying a little extra for good service, knowledge and the benefits that come with a local supplier - but it is tough to justify on some items that are 2 or 3 times the amount you can purchase from elsewhere.

[nzspokes]

That would be a piss-poor bussines model - not bothering to engage a customer because you think they might not go through with a purchase . . .

However, he was actually fairly quick to reply this morning.

I asked the question because the only other listing I found was asking over a thousand bucks:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/parts-for-sale/suspension/auction-970227790.htm - fuck that when they CAN be had from the US etc much cheaper than a grand.

Delivery of the item would unfortunately take a little longer than the timeframe in which I hoped to be able to use it - so I wont order it this week, however, Robert's pries were much more reasonable than I anticipated, and are within a close enough price to overseas options, that I will absolutely purchase from him in the coming weeks.

I certainly prefer to buy in NZ, and in my own city when possible. I dont mind paying a little extra for good service, knowledge and the benefits that come with a local supplier - but it is tough to justify on some items that are 2 or 3 times the amount you can purchase from elsewhere.

He has always been quick to respond to me ad his service cannot be faulted. We bought a $1400 shock which is not something you do everyday, but it has done exactly what Robert said it would do.

And I bought a set of $130 fork seals. Im a tight ass and spending that much on seals means I trust what he says. Yes they worked as he said they would.

[nzspokes]

I'm surprised they don't say Uhlins or similar...

I believe they are NOhlins.

[AllanB]

Mr Taylor is the springy guru of NZ.

[jasonu]

That would be a piss-poor bussines model - not bothering to engage a customer because you think they might not go through with a purchase . . .

However, he was actually fairly quick to reply this morning.

I asked the question because the only other listing I found was asking over a thousand bucks:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/parts-for-sale/suspension/auction-970227790.htm - fuck that when they CAN be had from the US etc much cheaper than a grand.

Delivery of the item would unfortunately take a little longer than the timeframe in which I hoped to be able to use it - so I wont order it this week, however, Robert's pries were much more reasonable than I anticipated, and are within a close enough price to overseas options, that I will absolutely purchase from him in the coming weeks.

.

This one for 1/2 the NZ price. Even with freight and possible customs fees I bet you would still save an easy $300.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ohlins-Steering-Damper-04-08-Yamaha-YZF-R1-SD027-NEW-/171550484295?hash=item27f134a747:g:oTUAAOSwQJhUblM G&vxp=mtr

If you ordered now you would have it in a week.

[AllanB]

This one for 1/2 the NZ price. Even with freight and possible customs fees I bet you would still save an easy $300.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ohlins-Steering-Damper-04-08-Yamaha-YZF-R1-SD027-NEW-/171550484295?hash=item27f134a747:g:oTUAAOSwQJhUblM G&vxp=mtr

If you ordered now you would have it in a week.

If you are purchasing off shore you would be advised to use a reputable US business - avoid Ebay. I can think of one but it appears you have already been offered a good price in NZ so I'm sure that's where you will purchase and get the best after sales guarantee.

[nodrog]

I'm surprised they don't say Uhlins or similar...


I believe they are NOhlins.

nobody on KB would even be able to tell the difference.

the only visual difference is the shade of gold anodising on the adjuster knob, and its so minimal you can only pick that up when you have a genuine one next to it to compare.

[onearmedbandit]

nobody on KB would even be able to tell the difference.

the only visual difference is the shade of gold anodising on the adjuster knob, and its so minimal you can only pick that up when you have a genuine one next to it to compare.

Yeah I don't trust an $80 knock-off steering damper to not fail...

[nodrog]

Yeah I don't trust an $80 knock-off steering damper to not fail...

If you brought a bike with one on you wouldn't know if it was a knock off or not.

[onearmedbandit]

If you brought a bike with one on you wouldn't know if it was a knock off or not.

You're right, until it (possibly) failed. It's like the accounts of people buying knock-off cheap brake levers, they didn't think anything was wrong until their brakes got stuck on due to incorrect tolerances.

[nodrog]

You're right, until it (possibly) failed. It's like the accounts of people buying knock-off cheap brake levers, they didn't think anything was wrong until their brakes got stuck on due to incorrect tolerances.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not into buying cheap shit that needs to perform an important function. I'm saying if you didn't actually purchase it yourself, you wouldn't have a clue what you have.

[Maha]

Having Ohlins components on your bike does not increase the value to a buyer. It is false economy to think otherwise when purchasing the product.

I know a number of people who buy this gear from overseas for this reason.
Same could be said for any number of bike products, when you can land a product in NZ cheaper than buying local, then why not?

[jasonu]

If you are purchasing off shore you would be advised to use a reputable US business - avoid Ebay. I can think of one but it appears you have already been offered a good price in NZ so I'm sure that's where you will purchase and get the best after sales guarantee.

I've been using ebay for years and never had a problem. Checking the sellers profile and feedback gives a good idea of what to expect.

[onearmedbandit]

Don't get me wrong, I'm not into buying cheap shit that needs to perform an important function. I'm saying if you didn't actually purchase it yourself, you wouldn't have a clue what you have.

Can't argue with that.


Having Ohlins components on your bike does not increase the value to a buyer. It is false economy to think otherwise when purchasing the product.

True.



Same could be said for any number of bike products, when you can land a product in NZ cheaper than buying local, then why not?

Can't argue with that either. Maybe with the exception of Ohlins suspenders, buy here and you get looked after by the rep. Sure you pay for it but that I don't mind. But say a slip-on exhaust, or a power commander, levers, rearsets, etc etc I'll more often than not buy from overseas. I'm in the states at the moment and even with the shit exchange rate I've picked up some more A* riding gear cheaper than I could back home.

[nzspokes]

Having Ohlins components on your bike does not increase the value to a buyer. It is false economy to think otherwise when purchasing the product.

I know a number of people who buy this gear from overseas for this reason.
Same could be said for any number of bike products, when you can land a product in NZ cheaper than buying local, then why not?

Having a bike that works properly is of value to some. And these days many of the Ohlins/Nitron products are somewhat modular so can move with you from bike to bike.

Not buying local may make the service side a lot harder.

[tigertim20]

This one for 1/2 the NZ price. Even with freight and possible customs fees I bet you would still save an easy $300.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ohlins-Steering-Damper-04-08-Yamaha-YZF-R1-SD027-NEW-/171550484295?hash=item27f134a747:g:oTUAAOSwQJhUblM G&vxp=mtr

If you ordered now you would have it in a week.
Nah, Ill buy from mr Taylor. His price is actually quite fair - unlike the $1000+ item I linked earlier. I know we live in paradise (compared to much of the rest of the world) and that commands a slightly higher price - so be it, I am ok with that, I just dont accept the 100% or 200% markup bullshit that some pricks think is acceptable!

Having Ohlins components on your bike does not increase the value to a buyer. It is false economy to think otherwise when purchasing the product.
?

agreed. I have a habbit of returning a bike to as close to stock as possible when selling it, then selling the goodies separately on trademe, or the forums I go on, as I tend to end up with substantially ore in my pocket at the end, than if I sold the bikes 'fully tricked up'

[eldog]

Nah, Ill buy from mr Taylor. His price is actually quite fair - unlike the $1000+ item I linked earlier. I know we live in paradise (compared to much of the rest of the world) and that commands a slightly higher price - so be it, I am ok with that, I just dont accept the 100% or 200% markup bullshit that some pricks think is acceptable!

I am sure he used to visit these haloed halls, but got so much 'feedback' I suppose he lost interest.

I am all for a balanced technical discussion.

If I get the chance I will most likely pay him a visit and see what he thinks he can do with my steeds sometime.

I am not a brand person but like to get what I think is the best I can afford from each manufacturer, no matter what item it is.

[Maha]

Not buying local may make the service side a lot harder.

How so?
Years ago I bought Ohlins gear and had it fitted locally, could the mechanic who fitted the gear not also service it?

[Katman]

I just dont accept the 100% or 200% markup bullshit that some pricks think is acceptable!

Is that seriously the sort of mark-up you think New Zealand motorcycle shops operate with?

[bogan]

Is that seriously the sort of mark-up you think New Zealand motorcycle shops operate with?

Perhaps the plurality of pricks points to a possibly plausible postulation.

[nzspokes]

How so?
Years ago I bought Ohlins gear and had it fitted locally, could the mechanic who fitted the gear not also service it?

Can you average motorcycle wrench open and service an Ohlins and do a half decent job of it?

[Maha]

Can you average motorcycle wrench open and service an Ohlins and do a half decent job of it?

Why use an average mechanic?

[nzspokes]

Why use an average mechanic?

I dont. I use RT for suspension.

[bogan]

Meanwhile at the Pulling Teeth Championship...


Can you average motorcycle wrench open and service an Ohlins and do a half decent job of it?


Why use an average mechanic?

... I think spokey has it by a nosehair :bleh:

[AllanB]

I've been using ebay for years and never had a problem. Checking the sellers profile and feedback gives a good idea of what to expect.

I don't disagree - probably need to clarify use a reputable Ebay dealer. And most of those have a real shop one can purchase from too.


Value of added goodness to your bike? Any extra goodness should be added because you want it - not to add a value. I see too many TM adverts with high asking prices for a bike/car or similar with a list of the extras and what they paid for them trying to justify the above average asking price. If you spent $5 k on goodies you won't get bike value + $5k in asale.

[tigertim20]

Is that seriously the sort of mark-up you think New Zealand motorcycle shops operate with?

Bike shops as a rule? no.

But when there is a $300 difference between an item from an NZ based seller, whether it be a bike shop or other retailer, and the same item shipped to your door off ebay, it's hard to justify the extra expense for the sake of 'keeping it local' especially when that extra coin would be better suited providing for your family.

as I have already said though (3rd time now?) In this instance I was pleasantly surprised at the difference between overseas sellers, and RT's prices, and the difference was small enough that Im happy to spend my coin here.

[jasonu]

Is that seriously the sort of mark-up you think New Zealand motorcycle shops operate with?


Perhaps the plurality of pricks points to a possibly plausible postulation.

It doesn't matter if it is just the bike shop making a huge profit or if it is several 'handlers' all clipping the ticket. The fact is that if an item is selling for 30%, 50% or more in NZ, people will look seriously at importing themselves.

[jasonu]

Value of added goodness to your bike? Any extra goodness should be added because you want it - not to add a value. I see too many TM adverts with high asking prices for a bike/car or similar with a list of the extras and what they paid for them trying to justify the above average asking price. If you spent $5 k on goodies you won't get bike value + $5k in asale.

Yes, adding bling might increase the salability of your bike but probably not the price. Better to return it back to stock and on sell the blingy bits separately.

[bogan]

Yes, adding bling might increase the salability of your bike but probably not the price. Better to return it back to stock and on sell the blingy bits separately.

First road bike I sold was a GN with LED 'neons'. Now I know better, cos that was also the last bike I sold :laugh:

[Maha]

Yes, adding bling might increase the salability of your bike but probably not the price. Better to return it back to stock and on sell the blingy bits separately.

But the replaced stock bits were fucked, hence them being replaced.