I got my bike suspension professionally set up today. Whilst there I asked about the Showa suspension and primarily about the rear shock. The answer was that its cheap and built to a cost and is ok but an aftermarket one would be a world apart, but then we all know this. So it's upgrade time the question being Ohlins or WP. I was recommended an Ohlins shock but its like hens teeth to find. So what do other members think, what are the ones to go for ??
Surely the OE shock cant be that shite.. For your avg build bloke / woman n riding capabilities?? For sure anyone wanting to service or upgrade part/s of your bike will always say after market stuff is much better, pls insert your credit card here n we'll do the rest??
TBH the guy wasn't trying to sell me anything, just said that I should have a look on the net. I asked about the TTX, but was told told that they can be too harsh for our roads, fine for track or roads in Spain !!
Tom what years your bike? How many miles are on it? Are you unhappy with the feeling/feedback from the current suspension? A lot of good feedback with regards to the newer 2012+ rear shock after getting the internals reworked and not too expensive either! But like everything in the biking world you can always throw money at it and get something better!
Mine is an 07, the front end can be revalved as the forks are ok, it's he rear that would benefit from a change
I'd be looking at Maxton or Nitron shox on an older bike. Ohlins, K-Tech etc are just too expensive and too race orientated for road use on an older bike IMHO Nitron are doing a decent Road Shock on offer at the mo for around £380 I think. Here ya go! Honda CBR1000RR (04-07) NTR Sport Shock 1-Way
TBH it's hard to tell, the roads are too greasy to push it really, the front end was set rock solid it's now been softened up, bumps and road imperfections are less of an issue now. The suspension guy said that with current cold temperatures the oil will be like treacle even with spirited riding and the response of the damping wont be great till warmer weather. He said that I could go back if I felt the setup wasn't quite right for myself, he would adjust it free of charge.
I have Ohlins TTx on my 06 and I do not do tracks. Set up properly it's perfect for the roads for spirited riding but perhaps not ideal if someone wants to poodle around, not that many want to on a Blade. Bought one second hand on flea bay and had it serviced, cost £600. Front forks have been fully reworked , springs, valves and pistons and lighter oil by MCT and are excellent, cost £500.
