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Technical Talk -> Performance Mods.	Progressive 430s Now At Xch... - I have succumbed to the BB ...

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Topic : Ohlins Shocks Possibility ~ An FYI

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narsisco_lopez

Thor

Reg. Date	:	09/09/2010
Posts	:	2,765
Location	:	Golden (Showers!), Colorado, United States

Posted : 24 Mar 2011 - 12:56 Post title : Ohlins Shocks Possibility ~ An FYI

So, after reading and re-reading not only the Hagon Shocks Thread but the AdvRider.com ZX1200 + Ohlins = OMFG Thread as well, I decided to email Ohlins America last night to ask if Ohlins had a performance shock that would fit the Thunderbird.

I honestly wasn't expecting a reply... especially NOT a reply in less than 24 hours! Here's what Jerry Wohlgemuth, Ohlins Customer Support Manager, wrote me this morning...

Hello David,

Thank you for your email.

I don't see a shock set for the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird in the Ohlins catalog. It is possible to use another 'twin-shock' set from another motorcycle. There are a couple pairs of Triumph twin-shocks listed. Perhaps one of these will work on your bike.

To fit a set of 'twin-shocks' to your bike we need the following information:

Length (eye to eye)
Bolt hole size & width
Rider weight
Shock 'type' (chrome, piggyback reservoirs, etc)
If you are uncomfortable doing the shock measurements yourself, you can send the shocks to us to be spec'd out here.
I have attached a catalog which shows the various shock types, lengths & other information.
Please call or return email with any questions.

Thank you,

Jerry

Jerry Wohlgemuth
Customer Support Manager
Ohlins USA, Inc.
703-C S. Grove St.
Hendersonville, NC 28792
(828)692-4525 ext. 313
Sweden: www.ohlins.com USA: www.ohlinsusa.com

Here's a link to the PDF catalog he sent... Ohlins Catalog

It may not amount to anything, but I thought it was very cool of him to reply so quickly. Eddy, maybe if a shock IS available to fit, you might want to look into selling them, too? Ohlins is some BAD ASS SHIT!

2012 Storm (SOLD!)
Other Bikes:
2003 Suzuki DRZ400E (plated - my dual sport/mountain trail/camping bike)
Past Bikes:
2012 K13S
2009 KTM 990 Adventure
2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 (the Alien Queen)
2009 Triumph Sprint ST (another great bike!)
2007 Kawasaki ZX10R
2000 Kawasaki ZRX1100
1975 Honda SB550T "Clubman"
1981 Kawasaki KZ1000J
1985 Suzuki GS550E
1978 Yamaha 650 Special

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Birdy68

Thor

Reg. Date	:	16/07/2009
Posts	:	3,352
Location	:	Bad Zurzach, Aargau, Switzerland

Posted : 24 Mar 2011 - 13:10 Post title : Re: Ohlins Shocks Possibility ~ An FYI (Re: narsisco_lopez)

Oehlins

I too was thinking about that above yellow beauty with the reservoir and adjustable. I saw it on one of my dealers custom models - I believe it was a Bonnie T100 cut up to a cafe racer - it looked WONDERFUL.

Mmm... would e nice to know if they would fit.

Thanks for the heads up Dave.

Birdy68
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Leave the pork pies for now - get the sausage rolls while they're hot!

-x-

more info at Fuelly.com

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DizzE

Thor

Reg. Date	:	12/07/2010
Posts	:	3,141
Location	:	Sunnyvale, CA, United States

Posted : 24 Mar 2011 - 19:38 Post title : Re: Ohlins Shocks Possibility ~ An FYI (Re: Birdy68)

do they come in red?

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narsisco_lopez

Thor

Reg. Date	:	09/09/2010
Posts	:	2,765
Location	:	Golden (Showers!), Colorado, United States

Posted : 24 Mar 2011 - 20:23 Post title : Re: Ohlins Shocks Possibility ~ An FYI (Re: DizzE)

DizzE wrote:

do they come in red?

You can see from Jerry's email they obviously come in chrome, but an email asking about color would get you your answer.

So, does anyone happen to know the OEM shock bolt hole size and width? I'm pretty serious about seeing if they've got a shock for me.

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Leethal

Zeus

Reg. Date	:	24/01/2011
Posts	:	6,589
Location	:	Australia

Posted : 24 Mar 2011 - 23:29 Post title : Re: Ohlins Shocks Possibility ~ An FYI (Re: narsisco_lopez)

When I had my shocks changed by that recall I got an immediate improvement to the amount of bump transfer to my bum.I think if I could get at least that much improvement again from some quality aftermarket items it would almost cure my problem. On my latest ride(see Aussie Rides/Short) discomfort came in after about an hour, but got worse quickly once the road surface deteriorated.Sounds obvious I guess, but the crap roads attribute to more soreness than actual time in the saddle.

If you look at where the tops of the shocks are, right under your arse, it's no wonder we feel a lot. I found some relief from sitting forward a bit(my seat has been modded so I can do this)or using the pillion pegs for a while.

Anyway I'd be keen on Ohlins,Hagans etc if we can get some info.

Experience is something you get just after you needed it

1600,Foran Razorbacks, Meerkat bypass, Dyno tune, real headlight,plenty of chrome,switchblade pegs, Nitron R3 shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.

Author

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narsisco_lopez

Thor

Reg. Date	:	09/09/2010
Posts	:	2,765
Location	:	Golden (Showers!), Colorado, United States

Posted : 25 Mar 2011 - 00:08 Post title : Re: Ohlins Shocks Possibility ~ An FYI (Re: Leethal)

So, does anybody know the OEM shock bolt hole size/width? ANYBODY?

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Thatch

Thor

Reg. Date	:	24/06/2009
Posts	:	3,655
Location	:	Savannah, GA, United States

Posted : 25 Mar 2011 - 00:27 Post title : Re: Ohlins Shocks Possibility ~ An FYI (Re: narsisco_lopez)

I'm about 5000 miles from my bike so I don't... but I'd be VERY interested in an Ohlins option as well. (fingers crossed)

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ducman

Set

Reg. Date	:	29/09/2010
Posts	:	30
Location	:	Hendersonville, NC, United States

Posted : 25 Mar 2011 - 00:44 Post title : Re: Ohlins Shocks Possibility ~ An FYI (Re: narsisco_lopez)

narsisco_lopez wrote:

So, does anybody know the OEM shock bolt hole size/width? ANYBODY?

I don't live very far from their office in NC. See if it would help for me to take the bike by his office for a look, and if so, send me a PM and I will see if I cannot work something out.

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narsisco_lopez

Thor

Reg. Date	:	09/09/2010
Posts	:	2,765
Location	:	Golden (Showers!), Colorado, United States

Posted : 25 Mar 2011 - 01:02 Post title : Re: Ohlins Shocks Possibility ~ An FYI (Re: ducman)

ducman wrote:

narsisco_lopez wrote:

So, does anybody know the OEM shock bolt hole size/width? ANYBODY?

I don't live very far from their office in NC. See if it would help for me to take the bike by his office for a look, and if so, send me a PM and I will see if I cannot work something out.

VERY COOL, Duc! I just emailed Jerry with, what I thought, was the right bolt hole measurements, but I also mentioned your offer. It's after-hours now, but I'll also follow-up with a call to Jerry tomorrow and see if he thinks it would be helpful to see the bike.

This is all very exciting stuff... I don't want to get too excited, as it may not happen, but it would be nice to have yet another suspension option... especially if that option is Ohlins.

I'll PM you either way to let you know what he says!

Author

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narsisco_lopez

Thor

Reg. Date	:	09/09/2010
Posts	:	2,765
Location	:	Golden (Showers!), Colorado, United States

Posted : 26 Mar 2011 - 14:27 Post title : Re: Ohlins Shocks Possibility ~ An FYI (Re: narsisco_lopez)

So, got another email from Jerry Wohlgemuth of Ohlins USA...

Hello David. Regarding the "bolt hole" size. We need the measurement inside the shock eyelets.
We list a Triumph Bonneville twin-shock set (TR 326) at 341mm (13.4"). These are priced at $617.48 a pair.
I have attached some info on these shocks.
Please contact your local motorcycle dealer or look online to order.
You can refer them to me for info.
Please call or return email with any questions.
Thank you, Jerry

Jerry Wohlgemuth
Customer Support Manager
Ohlins USA, Inc.
703-C S. Grove St.
Hendersonville, NC 28792
(828)692-4525 ext. 313

Here are the links to the Ohlins Catalog and T326 Instructions

I'm gonna speak with Jerry on Monday morning about potential issues with the Thunderbird weight/wheel-tire width vs. the Bonneville and if there are other shock options in this size. Will post back after that conversation...

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Thatch

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Reg. Date	:	24/06/2009
Posts	:	3,655
Location	:	Savannah, GA, United States

Posted : 27 Mar 2011 - 04:44 Post title : Re: Ohlins Shocks Possibility ~ An FYI (Re: narsisco_lopez)

Really gorgeous shocks there... would look great on a black bird

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narsisco_lopez

Thor

Reg. Date	:	09/09/2010
Posts	:	2,765
Location	:	Golden (Showers!), Colorado, United States

Posted : 27 Mar 2011 - 13:54 Post title : Re: Ohlins Shocks Possibility ~ An FYI (Re: Thatch)

Thatch wrote:
Really gorgeous shocks there... would look great on a black bird

It's VERY possible that these bad boys are gonna be looking/performing great on MY 'Bird very soon!

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Thatch

Thor

Reg. Date	:	24/06/2009
Posts	:	3,655
Location	:	Savannah, GA, United States

Posted : 27 Mar 2011 - 15:11 Post title : Re: Ohlins Shocks Possibility ~ An FYI (Re: narsisco_lopez)

Have you gotten more info on them working for the bird? Any word on effects on ride height? I don't want to go higher even for Ohlins. I think a proper performance shock could go lower and have negligible effects on the bird though (a small amount lower, assuming this then decreased sag)

Author

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narsisco_lopez

Thor

Reg. Date	:	09/09/2010
Posts	:	2,765
Location	:	Golden (Showers!), Colorado, United States

Posted : 27 Mar 2011 - 15:27 Post title : Re: Ohlins Shocks Possibility ~ An FYI (Re: Thatch)

Thatch wrote:

Have you gotten more info on them working for the bird? Any word on effects on ride height? I don't want to go higher even for Ohlins. I think a proper performance shock could go lower and have negligible effects on the bird though (a small amount lower, assuming this then decreased sag)

No additional word yet... calling Jerry tomorrow morning, though. From what I've read on the Ohlins USA site, it sounds like any Ohlins shock can be customized with either stiffer or softer springs (for higher/lower overall height) and then adjusted with pre-load/dampening, but I want to confirm this during my conversation with him. Will let you know what I learn.

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Birdy68

Thor

Reg. Date	:	16/07/2009
Posts	:	3,352
Location	:	Bad Zurzach, Aargau, Switzerland

Posted : 28 Mar 2011 - 12:16 Post title : Re: Ohlins Shocks Possibility ~ An FYI (Re: narsisco_lopez)

narsisco_lopez wrote:
No additional word yet... calling Jerry tomorrow morning, though...

... and...and...and...?
It's 'tomorrow morning' already....
Any woooooorrrrd?

Birdy68
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Leave the pork pies for now - get the sausage rolls while they're hot!

-x-

more info at Fuelly.com

Author

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narsisco_lopez

Thor

Reg. Date	:	09/09/2010
Posts	:	2,765
Location	:	Golden (Showers!), Colorado, United States

Posted : 28 Mar 2011 - 13:58 Post title : Re: Ohlins Shocks Possibility ~ An FYI (Re: Birdy68)

Ok, I just talked with Jerry and have more answers...

1. The TR-326 (Bonneville) shock WILL fit as both this one and the OEM Thunderbird shock have 14mm eyelets. Keep in mind that the OEM shock has an eyelet-to-eyelet measurement of 13" and the TR-326 Ohlins shock has an eyelet-to-eyelet measurement of 13.4", so are a TINY bit taller. This can be compensated by subtracting a bit of your expected weight on order (ie: tad softer spring... see #2 below)

2. Springs for any Ohlins shocks are always customized for the rider weight, so you'll have to be certain you're not gonna either be gaining or losing a 100lbs before you order! Jerry mentioned that if you plan on adding pillion weight i more than 50% of the time you ride, you may want to consider that extra weight when ordering, but just remember the bike will definitely ride higher and differently when no pillion is present. He suggests you rate your springs to the rider weight, then use pre-load when adding a passenger.

3. The HD shock with reservoir (1st photo in this thread) will ALSO WORK as its eyelet is 14mm (comes with a sleeve the box for the HD bolt)... same thing applies: spring hardness/softness set to order.

4. you CANNOT direct-order from Ohlins... have to find yourself a reliable retailer. He says any Ohlins retailer (either brick and mortar or online) will know what questions to ask you for rider weight, etc.)

So... there you have it: Ohlins WILL work on the Thunderbird!

Now, I just have to see if I can find another $620 bucks under those sofa cushions!

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narsisco_lopez

Thor

Reg. Date	:	09/09/2010
Posts	:	2,765
Location	:	Golden (Showers!), Colorado, United States

Posted : 28 Mar 2011 - 17:23 Post title : Re: Ohlins Shocks Possibility ~ An FYI (Re: narsisco_lopez)

More updates...

Just talked with David over at 303cycle.com and they are an authorized Ohlins dealer. He's walking me through the finer points of static sag, proper pre-load adjustment vs. hard/soft springs and the true reality of what's to be gained by upgrading to a true performance shock like the Ohlins.

From what I'm hearing from both Jerry and David, it's way better if you can work closely with your performance shock tech rep to get a near PERFECT profile (ie: get the RIGHT measurements/requirements) for shock set-up before ordering these very expensive shocks, otherwise you not realize a true performance benefit and may end up feeling you've thrown away your money.

By the way... David just quoted me $610 total for the TR-326

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DC13

Set

Reg. Date	:	01/08/2010
Posts	:	347
Location	:	Westbrook , Maine, United States

Posted : 12 Apr 2011 - 18:11 Post title : Re: Ohlins Shocks Possibility ~ An FYI (Re: narsisco_lopez)

Did you ever pull the trigger on these? I also am looking for better suspension for my bird. I dont think I weigh enough, hell my wife and I don't seem to weigh enough. I have them spun all the way down and they still don't handle like i would like them too.

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Flash

Set

Reg. Date	:	07/02/2010
Posts	:	165
Location	:	South Coast, MA, United States

Posted : 13 Apr 2011 - 02:36 Post title : Re: Ohlins Shocks Possibility ~ An FYI (Re: narsisco_lopez)

narsisco_lopez wrote:

More updates...

Just talked with David over at 303cycle.com and they are an authorized Ohlins dealer. He's walking me through the finer points of static sag, proper pre-load adjustment vs. hard/soft springs and the true reality of what's to be gained by upgrading to a true performance shock like the Ohlins.

I vote for David as head of our R&D Department!

2010 Blue TBird-1700
Triumph Rally: May 28,29,30, 2020; Bennington, VT, USA
Link

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narsisco_lopez

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Reg. Date	:	09/09/2010
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Posted : 13 Apr 2011 - 13:17 Post title : Re: Ohlins Shocks Possibility ~ An FYI (Re: DC13)

DC13 wrote:

Did you ever pull the trigger on these? I also am looking for better suspension for my bird. I dont think I weigh enough, hell my wife and I don't seem to weigh enough. I have them spun all the way down and they still don't handle like i would like them too.

I decided to hold off for now... I needed a new camera and we just had to spend to have our solar hot water system repaired, so a new set of shocks took a back seat. The stockers work pretty well for me... again, for now.

I sure do like getting new performance parts, so I may give 'em a try eventually.

Flash wrote:

I vote for David as head of our R&D Department!

More than happy to act in that role (I actually had a job for 12 years with that exact title) All you guys have to do it contribute $5-10 bucks each and I'll happily test these Ohlins.

Of course, for your $5 bucks, you'll get a nice write-up and even a video.