Ohlins, White Power or other?

[Shaun Harris]

Hi, Shaun here. Thanks to the guys that have spoken up about the work I do.

I have changed my suspension focus, from being an agent for Ohlin;s New Zealand, to simply being a set up service of exsisting product.

I spend way to much time awnsering PM's and text messages and emails from people that are just searching for info, and then go direct and buy from Robert- I have no problem with that at all, except the time thing for my buisness ( It costs me to try to help you for no return)

As an agent, I only have a very small margin in the Ohlins product, and this is not viable for me to continue with.

Thanks to those that purchased there Ohlin's product from me in the past, and if you require any further help or information, just get in touch.

[DMNTD:Me]

...to simply being a set up service of existing product.

PM sent mate

[rogson]

It's time to upgrade the suspension........

Why, what's wrong with the existing suspension?

[TONO]

Why, what's wrong with the existing suspension?

He followed some one around the Coro loop with decent suspension!
Jap bikes only have mediocre suspension......if they had good suspension they would be as expensive as "Aprillia" for example.
So I'm told

[BarBender]

Why, what's wrong with the existing suspension?

Probably nothing...which is why he's upgrading and not replacing...

[TDC]

I have known Robert Taylor longer than most, more than 20 years and since he was the Technical Manager for the then Yamaha distributors, Moller Yamaha. He was passionate then (often annoyingly so) about full and proper after sales service and he is still exactly the same. I make no habit at all of contributing to forums but this thread prompted me to do so. As an ongoing Ohlins customer of Roberts I phoned him today about the positive comments but also recited Shaun Harris's comments about no longer wishing to on-sell Ohlins. To which Robert expressed complete surprise by responding (as only Robert can) ''well I certainly haven't been afforded the courtesy of in the first instance hearing of that decision directly from Shaun. And as for slender margins that is an unfortunate harsh reality because of competing with the offshore parasites and parallel importers that will sell into this country. Shaun will remember such conversations''.

I have no doubt that Shaun Harris can set up a bike quite well with all the external adjustments at his disposal. However you can not "adjust" in to poor quality suspension, performance that is simply not there in the first instance. As such it shouldn't be forgotten that Robert is the guy that knows about the inner workings of suspension (shit its all he does all day long!) and does all that sort of work which is on a higher plane than what Shaun can do. Robert is also pretty handy at setting up a bike trackside as National champs Robbie Bugden, Sam Smith, Andy Bolwell and most of those snapping at their heels will testify. And guess who has built Shaun's racing suspension for years....

I have owned a number of roadgoing litre class bikes including ZX10's and felt I was pretty handy at setting up the stock suspension. I then moved (on sound advice from Robert) (actually persistant nagging ;-)) to Ohlins components. I know people will tell you the stock stuff is all you need (I used to think so too), don't listen to them (especially if they don't the shiny gold goodness on their own bikes), find out for yourself just how good suspension can be! When I fitted Ohlins the difference was / is very very impressive and really highlighted just how average ( at best ) the stock suspension is. If you need setup advise call Robert he is very helpful at the after sales stuff, once he has your money the quality contact does not stop! Don't forget to have your shock serviced (this is where its gets even better) as all the tricks learnt at the race track are yours for the having, very cool!

So in a nut shell is Ohlins the best in the world, some would argue it is not, but there is a progressive flat earth society from them ;-). Seriously though here in NZ, the country's only full time suspension tuner and his abundant skill, customer service, and support network make Ohlins the only sane choice of brand. Call the doctor and order up your prescription....

[DMNTD:Me]

Why, what's wrong with the existing suspension?

Probably nothing...which is why he's upgrading and not replacing...

He followed some one around the Coro loop with decent suspension!
Jap bikes only have mediocre suspension......if they had good suspension they would be as expensive as "Aprillia" for example.
So I'm told

Upgrading the internals in the forks and complete replacement of the shock

Why?
As WeeStromer mentioned...following another Jap bike around Coro and watching the way it handled in comparison to mine was all I really needed to convince myself that I'd best stop "managing" with what I've got and get on with doing what I've intended to do.

Knowing that when riding our RSVR how much safer I feel riding it,far better ride.

I'm not a complete nana when riding and looking to improve and develop my skill levels.

I want the stickers to make my bike go faster...er

[blast]

this would be what ya looking 4

[DMNTD:Me]

this would be what ya looking 4

Yes indeed...is it yours? Keen to find out all opinions of before and after

[Matt Bleck]

I'm not a complete nana when riding and looking to improve and develop my skill levels.

Best ya chop ya toes off then Bubby!

[Sensei]

I have known Robert Taylor longer than most, more than 20 years and since he was the Technical Manager for the then Yamaha distributors, Moller Yamaha. He was passionate then (often annoyingly so) about full and proper after sales service and he is still exactly the same. I make no habit at all of contributing to forums but this thread prompted me to do so. As an ongoing Ohlins customer of Roberts I phoned him today about the positive comments but also recited Shaun Harris's comments about no longer wishing to on-sell Ohlins. To which Robert expressed complete surprise by responding (as only Robert can) ''well I certainly haven't been afforded the courtesy of in the first instance hearing of that decision directly from Shaun. And as for slender margins that is an unfortunate harsh reality because of competing with the offshore parasites and parallel importers that will sell into this country. Shaun will remember such conversations''.

I have no doubt that Shaun Harris can set up a bike quite well with all the external adjustments at his disposal. However you can not "adjust" in to poor quality suspension, performance that is simply not there in the first instance. As such it shouldn't be forgotten that Robert is the guy that knows about the inner workings of suspension (shit its all he does all day long!) and does all that sort of work which is on a higher plane than what Shaun can do. Robert is also pretty handy at setting up a bike trackside as National champs Robbie Bugden, Sam Smith, Andy Bolwell and most of those snapping at their heels will testify. And guess who has built Shaun's racing suspension for years....

I have owned a number of roadgoing litre class bikes including ZX10's and felt I was pretty handy at setting up the stock suspension. I then moved (on sound advice from Robert) (actually persistant nagging ;-)) to Ohlins components. I know people will tell you the stock stuff is all you need (I used to think so too), don't listen to them (especially if they don't the shiny gold goodness on their own bikes), find out for yourself just how good suspension can be! When I fitted Ohlins the difference was / is very very impressive and really highlighted just how average ( at best ) the stock suspension is. If you need setup advise call Robert he is very helpful at the after sales stuff, once he has your money the quality contact does not stop! Don't forget to have your shock serviced (this is where its gets even better) as all the tricks learnt at the race track are yours for the having, very cool!

So in a nut shell is Ohlins the best in the world, some would argue it is not, but there is a progressive flat earth society from them ;-). Seriously though here in NZ, the country's only full time suspension tuner and his abundant skill, customer service, and support network make Ohlins the only sane choice of brand. Call the doctor and order up your prescription....

Fuck thats Gold TDC , some have known this for awhile .

[Shaun Harris]

Just to clarify a couple of points on this post from my side of the table, as well as to say good on you for being such a good freind to Robert by watching his back and reccomending his fantastic service. It is a shame more people do not speak up in favour of, instaed of the good old Internet bashing attitude.

As an ongoing Ohlins customer of Roberts I phoned him today about the positive comments but also recited Shaun Harris's comments about no longer wishing to on-sell Ohlins. To which Robert expressed complete surprise by responding (as only Robert can) ''well I certainly haven't been afforded the courtesy of in the first instance hearing of that decision directly from Shaun. And as for slender margins that is an unfortunate harsh reality because of competing with the offshore parasites and parallel importers that will sell into this country. Shaun will remember such conversations''.

Yes I do remember this conversation! And I will let Robert know this personally when I speak to him about it today Monday during buisness hours, but thanks for ringing him and informing him off what I have chosen to do with MY BUISNESS

The reason behind my post to let people know that I will no longer be selling Ohlin's equipment is a simple buisness decision, I sell on average 1 unit per month, but spend on average 10 hours replying to email, text, PM messages, hence the small profit margin does not add up. I am a one man band, and simply cannot justify this time.

I have no doubt that Shaun Harris can set up a bike quite well with all the external adjustments at his disposal. However you can not "adjust" in to poor quality suspension, performance that is simply not there in the first instance.

However there are people/riders that either cannot, or do not want to spend big money for top quality Ohlin's product, so I "adjust" there standard gear as best and safe as it possibly can be, so they can enjoy there road bike more! There are many posts on this site from riders that have said thanks for the improvement to there standard gear that I have "adjusted" for them.

As such it shouldn't be forgotten that Robert is the guy that knows about the inner workings of suspension (shit its all he does all day long!) and does all that sort of work which is on a higher plane than what Shaun can do.

All the customers that have had Internal mods done through my buisness have been 100% aware that I use Robert for this work, as he is the Jeweller in this area

And guess who has built Shaun's racing suspension for years....

Yes it was Robert who did all the Internall work He is brilliant at it, It was me who set up the bike settings after that though that make the best use of the work Robert had done.

I have owned a number of roadgoing litre class bikes including ZX10's and felt I was pretty handy at setting up the stock suspension. I then moved (on sound advice from Robert) (actually persistant nagging ;-)) to Ohlins components.
I know people will tell you the stock stuff is all you need

Stock stuff was what I won two Isle of man road races in the front of my bikes ( Apart from springs and oil and after I had adjusted) So it can actualy be made to work very well ( Not as good as Ohlin's, but good enough to win 2 of the hardest road races in the world

So in a nut shell is Ohlins the best in the world, some would argue it is not, but there is a progressive flat earth society from them ;-). Seriously though here in NZ, the country's only full time suspension tuner and his abundant skill, customer service, and support network make Ohlins the only sane choice of brand. Call the doctor and order up your prescription....

I agree, hence I informed the forum to go direct to Robert. But if any rider wants help with setting up externall settings of there bike, I offer this service from a rider to rider point of view, I can test ride there bike and give my oppinion as a rider.

So my suspension service is based on getting the best out of what you have got, be it Ohlin's product or any other product, Standard can be made a lot better that out of the crate settings, believe it, as I have proved it on many occasions, and have NO product barrow to push here either.

Any of my customers have also been offered the opportunity to use me again to change things after they have had there first adjustments changed, if they are not 100% happy with it Free of Charge.

[roogazza]

I have known Robert Taylor longer than most
I have owned a number of roadgoing litre class bikes including ZX10's and felt I was pretty handy at setting up the stock suspension.

So in a nut shell is Ohlins the best in the world, some would argue it is not, but there is a progressive flat earth society for them ;-).

Hey "Porn Star" Just watch out for that old Bandit ! No ohlins there !

(Flat earth society) G.

[Sanx]

Stock stuff was what I won two Isle of man road races in the front of my bikes ( Apart from springs and oil and after I had adjusted) So it can actualy be made to work very well ( Not as good as Ohlin's, but good enough to win 2 of the hardest road races in the world

Your turn, TDC. I'd love to see the comeback to that comment...

[bistard]

Hey "Porn Star" Just watch out for that old Bandit ! No ohlins there !

(Flat earth society) G.

Hey Gazza,you might need some of my tyre warmers to get of your street though
hahaha