Rear Shocks - Ohlins Dreaming / Questions

[Warr]

Looking at options to improve my '84 XJ900 rear end.
Is currently fitted with the factory units with the attached/remote reservoir.
Problem currently trying to sort is the rear bottoming out when 2 up.
Is there any dampening on the compression stroke ??

If not then my problem is the springs.... ??

I understand Hawera Motorcycles is the Ohlins agent, Unfortunately I could prob double the value of the bike if it were possible to fit new Ohlins.
What are my options for not-new units ?
Even contemplating spending $500 would be extreme, .. considering the value of the bike..
So to consider fitting anything with the Ohlins name on it am I dreaming ?
_____________________________________
WarrenN XJ900

[Sensei]

Hey Warr You would be looking at around $1000 for a second rebuilt Ohlin's or $1600-2500 for a new one depend's how trick you want it . You should be able to rebuild your shock for around $200 -350 Robert Taylor at Hawera
could do this for you as well as sell you a new or second hand shock if he had one
SENSEI

[WINJA]

Looking at options to improve my '84 XJ900 rear end.
Is currently fitted with the factory units with the attached/remote reservoir.
Problem currently trying to sort is the rear bottoming out when 2 up.
Is there any dampening on the compression stroke ??

If not then my problem is the springs.... ??

I understand Hawera Motorcycles is the Ohlins agent, Unfortunately I could prob double the value of the bike if it were possible to fit new Ohlins.
What are my options for not-new units ?
Even contemplating spending $500 would be extreme, .. considering the value of the bike..
So to consider fitting anything with the Ohlins name on it am I dreaming ?
_____________________________________
WarrenN XJ900

TGEBE BRUIN ON THE NORTH SHORE CAN REBUILD REVALVE AND RESHAFT TO YOUR SPEC AND CHEAPLY

[F5 Dave]

The problem of course is the springs which were not designed to cope with 2 people the size of what we call normal. (how the Yanks get on would be an eye opener). You need to get stiffer springs, either by getting some made up or modifying your own

click here

You will have to make up some spacers to replace the length you remove & Have to make sure they don’t coil bind when fully compressed.

Then a re-oil/regas of the old shocks will help keep them in control.

[vifferman]

Y'know - this is where my VF500 was great: the suspension had air valves so you could add extra air when carrying a passenger, supposedly just acting as preload, but it worked OK.

Not many shocks like that around now, apart from Fournales (if they're still made).

[F5 Dave]

Yeah, but air is a crap suspension medium. Fournles are crap as well.

[vifferman]

Yeah, but air is a crap suspension medium. Fournles are crap as well.

Why is air a crap suspension medium (apart from the obvious one of it getting hot)? The spring rate changes as it's compressed, which should be good, yes?
And wouldn't air be good when used in conjunction with springs, as it was on the VF500, and in the forks of all (?) bikes?

[BM-GS]

Nah, air's good - natural rising-rate, etc. The problem is keeping the air inside and getting the damping right.

Rebuilt stock shocks is better then Ohlins in this case, I think. If you didn't have the budget restriction I suspect another bike would be your first choice?

Hagon (UK?) used to make aftermarket shocks for bikes. I had one on a ZZR600, and it was loads better then the stocker. ~200 English quids in 1997... There are mail-order places you could check for alternative makes.

Happy hunting,

[Lou Girardin]

Looking at options to improve my '84 XJ900 rear end.
Is currently fitted with the factory units with the attached/remote reservoir.
Problem currently trying to sort is the rear bottoming out when 2 up.
Is there any dampening on the compression stroke ??

If not then my problem is the springs.... ??

I understand Hawera Motorcycles is the Ohlins agent, Unfortunately I could prob double the value of the bike if it were possible to fit new Ohlins.
What are my options for not-new units ?
Even contemplating spending $500 would be extreme, .. considering the value of the bike..
So to consider fitting anything with the Ohlins name on it am I dreaming ?
_____________________________________
WarrenN XJ900

There are Hagon, Ikon available at the budget end. You may need uprated springs although the Hagons are a stiffer rate as standard.
Hagons = $750.00 pair. Ex - UK
Ikons = $650.00 approx. I pr left
I'm pretty sure stiffer springs are available for both.
Call me at AMPS for more info

[F5 Dave]

Yes you are right, air is a great suspension medium & White Power, Ohlins & Penske have all released a media statement that they have been wrong all these years & will swap over post haste.

MX bikes with bleed screws for releasing pressure will now be fitted with valves again so you can pump 'em up like in the old days.



Obviously he doesn’t want to spend a whole bunch of money on an old bike, but it is a perfectly serviceable tourer, he just wants to stop the thing wallowing & bottoming so much.

[Warr]

Thanks guys for all your help... I like the idea of rebuilding my old units as doing anything else could double the value of the bike.
Might see if I can get air valves fitted too. Have done to forks on some bike I previously owned so I wonder if I could with the rears!!
Will have to see.

Thanks again for all the comments.

Regards Warren