Fw: Ohlins, Wilbers and Works, Oh my!

["Al P." <albeemer@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 20:22:49 -0500
> From: Bruno Valeri <bvaleri@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: Re: Ohlins, Wilbers and Works, Oh my!
>
> - ---- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Robert Silas" <robert.silas@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
> To: <oilheads@xxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Sunday, March 20, 2005 8:00 AM
> Subject: Re: Ohlins, Wilbers and Works, Oh my!
>
>
>> It's not that I doubt others opinions, I just would like to know,
> technically, mechanically, what goes wrong with shocks.  I assume the RS'
> shocks are oil shocks, so if they don't leak, the preload and the 
> dampening
> adjustment still work, what went wrong???
>
> Robert,
>
> In shocks, there are always different levels of performance available. The
> quality of the valving etc will affect how it performs and this also has a
> dramatic effect on how a bike (car) feels with a different shock on). It's
> probably the single component that can most change the way your bike 
> feels.
>
> To me, that's not a problem. Just a  fact. A better shock will perform
> better and thus feel better.
>
> What is a problem is when an OEM shock is purported to have an unusually
> short life. Across many lists, it seems that riders accept this as a 
> given.
> I don't. There is no reason for it. If it does occur, it is the result of
> unusually poor specs.
>
>> Can it happen that shocks are OK for 3-4 hours of riding but after that
> they are not acceptable?? (as one of the response stated)
>
> Yes. This is heat-induced fade. When the shock cools back down, 
> performance
> returns. This just means that you are working the shock slighly outside 
> its
> performance enveloppe. If this happens frequently, then the fix is a 
> higher
> performance shock. In off-road situations, where the shock goes through
> sustained high frequency and high amplitude cycles, heat will cause them 
> to
> fade. Better ones are more effective in resisting this.
>
>> Or, am I just lucky with my Beta-bike???  In the beginning BMW may have
> provided better shocks. I am 165 lbs, no passenger but the boxes are 
> heavy,
> the Corbin Rambler seat is also heavy.
>
> This may have something to do with it. I weigh approx 160lbs. So my shock
> doesn't work as hard as a rider that weighs 230lbs, for example.
>
> But one thing is for sure. Putting on better quality shocks will make a 
> bike
> feel way better.
>
>
> Bruno
> Montreal, Canada
> CBR 929
> http://pages.videotron.com/mcrides
>
> My experience with my 97 RT is that the front shock gradually deteriorated 
> until it had lost much of its dampening ability by 15k.  I replaced the 
> front shock with a Works, and the back stock shock was o.k. until about 
> 40k, when I replaced it with a new Works.  Presently the ride and handling 
> equal or exceed my expectations.  So my recommendation is to replace the 
> front shock first.  When you are dissatisfied with the handling, you can 
> always replace the back.  But just the front may satisfy you. Why not give 
> it a try?  I have no idea why the front shock wears out prematurely, and 
> the rear lasts a reasonable time.
>
> I have ridden them all, and the Works and the Wilbers are about equal in 
> quality.  In my opinion, the Ohlins are fine, as well,  but they are not 
> worth the premium price that you pay, unless you count the yuppie factor 
> of having the most expensive shocks at the Sunday breakfast meet.  You get 
> the same technology and the same quality in the Works or the Wilburs.  And 
> Works and Wilburs will build the shock to your specifications.  And they 
> both offer expert rebuilding facilities right here in California and New 
> Jersey, respectively.  And they both will last a surprisingly long time 
> before a rebuild is ever necessary.
> There is a certain amount of subjectivity involved.  Happiness and 
> satisfaction are largely a state of mind, determined by the individual. 
> Do you tour, or do you race at Pocono?  Do you ride with squids on Ninjas, 
> or do you ride with other mature riders?  Etc.
>
> Al

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End of oilheads-digest V2 #69
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