Ducati Monster Forum

I was reading a UK bike mag article on suspension where the author stated that OEM Ohlins units (as fitted at the factory) are not as good as customer sourced Ohlins. Suggesting that you can get better quality aftermarket units from your Ohlins dealer.

Anyone know whether this is BS or not?

its true. OEM ohlins is much higher spec (and cost a hell of a lot more).

You have that backwards, but yes the aftermarket ohlins is better than the stuff that comes equipped on your bike from the factory.  If you do have OEM Ohlins though, you can buy a valving kit that will bring it up to par - last I checked I think it ran around 300 bucks or so.

im meaning OEM as in Original Ohlins equipment, not factory ducati.

Am i suppose to say Factory Ohlins (aka from ohlins factory) vs OEM (OEM Ducati Ohlins?)

Thanks for that.

I was wondering; if I wanted the very best Ohlins suspension package on a new S4R, would I get an S4RS and re-valve or get a S4R and buy the aftermakrket units.

Assuming that money was not an issue, what would you do?

If money was not an issue, why not get the gas charged forks for 30grand?  [thumbsup]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_equipment_manufacturer

No matter what I would buy the S4RS.  I would then upgrade the internals, get it sprung for my weight and be done with it.  The S4RS offers many upgrades besides simply suspension - engine, wheels, brakes (I think).  Add that all up and it's a hell of a deal compared to what you'd spend to bring an S4R up to those specs.

engine, wheels, and brakes are the same.

Oh, well then make the beast with two backs that.  Buy an S4R and get your forks and shock done and be done with it.

Ahh. cleared up.  thanks [thumbsup]

If money were no object, i wouldnt get an S4Rs. Id get a 1098R but if you really wanted a monster..and money was no object, it would make no difference if you bought the S4Rs and went aftermarket or S4R and went aftermarket, casue youd still be rich enough to do it.

If you are under 190 lbs. in gear then the S4RS will exceed your ability to out ride the suspension as delivered, when properly set up. If you are much over that and money is not an issue there are certified Ohlins shops (Bevard, NC) that can re-valve and re-spring the fork and rear shock to exactly match your riding and physical specs.

The factory (Ducati) will do a better job at "upgrading" an older model s4r or s4r Testa to the RS specs. than an individual can.  That's what I determined when I considered upgrading my old 04-s4r to RS specs. Cheaper and better in the long run - by far.

As always, YRMV. ;D

LA

Nope! I ride like a nana .

Just wanted to clarify the comment made in the bike mag.

But I do wonder what a  top quality Ohlins setup would feel like compared to my current S4 Showa/Sachs.

The OEM Ohlins forks that I have seen are basically "road & track" units, the same as you would buy in the aftermarket. If you want the "best forks" Ohlins makes, bring your wallet & understand that they probably won't work very well on the street. If you want more info, my son is an Ohlins tech & his shop is about 30 minutes from Ohlins USA. Jeff Brown - (828) 551-7386

Sounds like some solid info, norm, on a controversial topic. I'm very impressed with my S4Rs fork. Any word on the OEM Ohlins shock? My guess it's as good as any of the 'traditional' Ohlins units (i.e. any that are adjustable only for low-speed damping). But I'm wondering whether Ohlins has sprung both ends for the city rather than the open road.