Ducati Monster Forum

696/796/1100  rear showa shock vs ohlins shock?

any feedback thanks 

PM DoWorkSon ...  he swapped in an Ohlins unit from an 1100....

Before picking up my new 796 from Duc Pond, I had an Ohlins DU-737 fitted. Cost is ~ $615. It was built and sprung for my weight and intended rough backroad use. I did this because the demo 696 I rode had a Sachs which didn't seem to be doing much. The Marzocchi forks seemed not that bad. While this shock only has a rebound adjustment, the tech at Ohlins explained to the parts manager that this adjustment tightens or loosens the compression damping in concert with the rebound and was very enthusiastic about this shock for new Monsters.

When Donnie (who is a certified Ohlins tech) set up the bike, he also changed the fork oil and level and set up both ends for him, since he weighs 185 and I weigh 175 plus gear. He thrashed the bike on the roughest roads he could find around Winchester. According to him, the shock transformed the bike.

I'm an old geezer, so take my word for what it's worth, but I find both ends nearly perfectly balanced, and while firm(ish), at no time so far is it jarring or uncomfortable. I expect correct set-up is important, but I have zero complaints. Donnie did say that, after setting the sag, he had backed off one click on the rebound from the way the shock was shipped.

Give Donnie a ring and ask him first hand.

William

I replaced the Sachs on my M1100 with the Ohlins unit.  Rear feels more planted on rough pavement but at the same time, I think it has a slightly more plush ride over large bumps.

I swapped a 1100s ohlins for my wife's 696 sachs.  Much better precise dampening, I also swapped the spring as she is using a 70, the 1100s comes with a 130.