I've searched this topic to death. After seeing all the viewpoints, I wanted to see if, based on your opinions, I've got it more or less right.
1) Swapping a SBK shock onto a Monster can be good for some Monsters that came with shitty Sachs shocks.
2) SBK shocks in general though, are not great because of the weight bias difference between SBKs and Monsters. You can re-spring the SBK shock to something stiffer, but then the valving might be screwed and you will get effectively no rebound dampening and too much compression dampening.
3) At this point your bargain bin Ohlins off the last gen SBK, after re-valving and re-springing, is not so cheap anymore. Especially if you get a suspension place to do the shock rebuild for you.
4) Many people do this because of the bling factor of Ohlins, even though other options may yield better results.
Now my questions:
I have a 2004 Monster S4R, and it feels very soft on the back (I'm 185 no gear).
Would my money be better spent getting my Showa shock re-valved and re-springed with a Traxxion or RaceTech kit? Or Maybe just go ahead and get the cheapest Penske option (already dialed in specifically for my bike and weight and riding style) at about $600.
I guess what I'm getting at is that, I get the feeling from reading (but not from experience) that a properly dialed in shock on the lower end with good internals will perform better than an Ohlins TTX that was built for a different bike's geometry and rider, even if it is awesome on paper.
I think you have it right.
Any route you take for a shock that is dialed in for your bike and you is a better alternative to a shock that is just plain wrong for the application.
For what its worth, the cheapest penske will apparently not work onthe sss bikes. Something to do with cavitation and emulsion.
as a poli sci major, with technical aptitude but not knowledge, could someone explain cavitation and emulsion in regards to suspension?
Quote from: nizfiz on April 04, 2013, 04:15:36 PM
as a poli sci major, with technical aptitude but not knowledge, could someone explain cavitation and emulsion in regards to suspension?
Cavitation is when gas and oil mix in a shock that doesn't use a bladder to separate the two.
The mix is less effective at it's damping duty.
Apparently that's the design of the lower end Penske's.
Interesting. Anyone know the design of the stock showa? Also, are there some alternative shocks in the lower end of adjustability, but good quality? I'll call traxxion tomorrow and post my findings
I don't know the answer, but I know someone that does. I do know that a shock with no reservoir is automatically the emulsion type.
I can try to find out if you like.
By all means, I want to learn
Now that I am not on my phone and trying to remember what someone told me in the summer of 2012...
From Dan at Traxxion:
" I talked to Penske about your shock, the issue is the 800 has too much travel, which means the piston can leave the oil on extension."
The S4R has the same swingarm design AFAIK as my baby S2R... ergo, my assumption that Dan's statement applies to all SSS monsters.
I did get a remote reservoir Penske, and I love it.
cool, i guess i'll save and wait then. or see what traxxion and racetech think of redoing the showa one.
Quote from: nizfiz on April 04, 2013, 07:16:02 PM
cool, i guess i'll save and wait then. or see what traxxion and racetech think of redoing the showa one.
I know a guy that will re-do your shock and you'll love it if you tell him the truth about what you weigh. ;D
He's even a sponsor here.
I have a stock Showa on my 996 and it works great.
hook me up with his info! i'll give it a shot
Quote from: nizfiz on April 04, 2013, 08:15:37 PM
hook me up with his info! i'll give it a shot
You can email eric@clubhousemotorsprts.com ...
or call 603-393-8945.
Tell him Frosty sent you. He won't hold it against you. ;D
Quote from: ducpainter on April 04, 2013, 08:19:58 PM
.........
Tell him Frosty sent you. He won't hold it against you. ;D
Of course he will ;D
(, but I think he will do magic to a stock shock anyway)
Penske 8900E is an emulsion shock.
Emulsion shock have the nitrogen mixed with the oil, no piston or bladder seperating the two.
All of the OEM Monster shocks have a piston seperating the oil and nitrogen, whether they're singe-tube or reservoir style.
Cavitation occurs when the local pressure in the fluid gets below the vapor pressure of that fluid at that temperature.
A vapor bubble forms, then when the pressure increases, the bubble collapses, with generally dire results on the surface it's next to.
Cavitation and it's damage can be seen regularly on boat propellers.
Cavitation can occur in a shock, but if the nitrogen pressure is to spec, it's not drastic.