Hi folks, It's been a while since I've posted on here - been a member for a while but more of an 'observer' rather than an active poster... I was hoping I could tap into the collective wisdom on here for a bit of advice. I'm looking to replace the rear shock on my 2010 'blade. It's mostly road-riding that I do, but I also do maybe 8 trackdays per year. I wouldn't class myself as a particularly quick rider (I put myself in the Novice group on track although may look to dip a toe in the water of the Inters this year...) Originally I was planning on simply replacing my current standard rear shock with the standard Honda item. However, it looks like it's about £830-ish for a standard Honda shock, from Honda. If I'm going to spend that kind of money that puts me into the realms of some pretty tasty aftermarket gear, so I've decided I'm going to go down that route. Based on some initial internet research I've got 2 favoured options. I know there's more out there, but for some reason I've spent most time looking at these two: - Ohlins TTX RT - Maxton GP10 I'm drawn to the Ohlins as their reputation is good and all the ones I've seen on other bikes look cool as f*ck. I'm drawn to the Maxton option as, having spoken to them on the phone, theirs seems a bit more bespoke (spring selected for my weight, and they'll set it up for my type of riding, etc...) Since I don't consider myself particularly quick I don't reckon I'll be able to split hairs when it comes down to the finer points of performance. That said, I don't want to get one that's generally considered to be worse than the other. So, after that long-winded intro, what would you guys do? I very much appreciate if you could give me some advice/opinions...
If you want to go standard route, get one off a bike thats been converted for racing from new, you could potentially pick one up thats had very little or no use pretty cheap. Not much of a change though unless yours is knackered. I've got Ohlins on my bikes, but i'm sure I couldn't tell the difference between them and a maxton one. They are gold and shiny though , and both should have more adjustment over the standard one. If you're buying an Ohlins from new can you order it with a different spring? Mine have always been second hand purchases so had them resprung to suit me when I had them serviced. Cheers Mike
2012 shock is a fair improvement over the older model. Mate of mine went the maxron route over ohlins, something to do with high speed compression?
Both maxton and ohlins will make a big difference. I have used both and would use both again. Currently running an ohlins on my 13 year bike. Richard @Maxton is very helpfull. I would say the ohlins would possibly hold its money better ( if that is consideration to you ) HTH
Chaps, thanks very much for the help. Mike / Tuktuk, good suggestions with regards to as-new standard shock or 2012- shock, but if I'm being honest with myself I'm looking for an excuse to spend some cash and tart up the bike... Yeah, the thing I can't get out of my head with the Ohlins one is that, come re-sale time, everyone knows what Ohlins is, so will be a bit of a selling point, whereas a lot of folk might not have heard of Maxton. On the other hand, I really like the idea of the Maxton spring stiffness being a value that suits my weight, etc. I mean you could have the best spec shock in the world with infinite damping adjustability, but the spring stiffness pretty much defines the stiffness of the whole back end of the bike, so if it's the wrong value it likely wouldn't perform as well as a lesser shock with a more suitable stiffness. Tuktuk: good point re the compression damping - it looks like the Maxton has the ability to adjust both low and high speed compression damping, whereas the Ohlins doesn't. Noste500: Agreed re Maxton being helpful - I spoke to them on the phone last week and the lad was very helpful. He also mentioned that their shock could be serviced and upgraded by them over its life, and they would be on hand to assist with set-up and tweak it for me if required. Also, I asked him how their shock compared to Ohlins and he didn't take the opportunity to bad-mouth a competitor, which I thought was very professional of him. The only other thing that would make a difference is the overall build quality, quality of fit & finish and resistance to corrosion/tarnishing. Noste500, if you've had both would you say there was a tangible difference between them in this regard?
Also heard good things about the ktech rear units. Not sure where they fall price wise with the other 2?
Just be aware the K-Tech DDS lite if you want to adjust spring preload you need to remove the shock!! Proper design fault and a reason why I didn't purchase one!
In answer re finish and corrosion. ive not had any issues with either. I ran the Maxton on a different bike, I have a ttx on my current 13 rr.
Dave you must own the cleanest honda in the world! Mine looks like an abused motorcross bike in comparison.
Hi, New here but to add my 2ps worth....given you mainly do road but want track capability have a good look at Nitron~mid range sportshock with rideheight adjuster is exceptionally good value for money, has good anodising and general finish. IF you have money look at BiTurbo~ive used their forks and rear shock on my previous Kawasaki ZX10r and barring you need to be very methodical and document every adjustment ive never used better imho (downside is the 5K frt and 1100 rear cost) but upside is people do race sucessfully on them.
Chaps, thanks very much for all the responses. Tuktuk, I had thought of K-tech, although I had the impression they were pretty costly. That said, I didn't really research it fully. Also, Dave, that's a good point about pre-load adjustment: I had no idea. Looks like, in order to get pre-load adjustment, you have to go for the DDS Pro with remote preload adjuster and that looks to be about £1200. Agree with Tuktuk - that bike of yours Dave is ridiculously clean. NJAY10r, you make a good point about Nitron's lower priced options. To be honest though, I like the bling (and adjustment potential) of the higher spec units. To be honest, I think it's going to be a case of mulling it over for the next wee while and then just pick one and go for it. I'll keep an eye on the thread in case anyone else offers some advice in the meantime. Thanks again!
So I know of someone selling an Ohlins TTX rear shock if you're interested. I just bought the FGRT forks from him so know he's an honest man.
There is also one going from a race bike in the For Sale section mate. Guide price for a second hand TTX is about 600-700 quid. Paid 625 quid from Daz. He had two available, may still have one of them.
