Ohlins full suspension replacement: advise please

[alquimista]

Hello,

I have an FJ-09 2016 that I got 2nd and in 2017 (the model 2018, was the last sold in the country where I live). What I love of this bike, and maybe the only reason I keep it so far, is the CP3 motor; yet the suspension, is not good for me: too harsh and hard; after a long trip, its tired and you start not to get the fun of the bike, after 2 hours driving. A couple of years ago, a supposed suspension "specialist", sold me the idea that Racetech would improve significantly the driving experience, and calibrated springs for my weight (275lb) were to be used. So, front springs with gold valves, and rear shock spring, were changed. Result, no improvement at all; was indeed, a  frustrating experience.

Now, I'm considering to go full Ohlins, as I have read reviews that with this suspension, the experience of the FJ-09 is a whole new world of improvement. Its an important quantity of money for me, yet, out of some small issues with ergonomics, I think that with a comfortable, soft and functional suspension, the bike will be the perfect high way ship for me.

The parameter I have of comfort in a suspension, is the softness of multipurpose bikes, like the old Tenere xt660z or the  Honda XRE 300, which are very soft and comfortable; imperfections on the road  are very good absorbed. I'm aware that these suspensions have a larger travel that the one in the FJ-09.

Here, some questions for those of you that now have Ohlins (rear shock and spring, front springs, valves...):

1- Being 0 the worst, and 10 the best in comfort, how Ohlins qualify for you, in your FJ-09 ? (for me, the OEM suspension of the FJ-09, its a 4)

2- Do you consider that it is worth the money for the results you got on Ohlins, being this brand I think, the most expensive of all suspension options ?

3- In 2 years from now, my bike will be 10 years old (I don't use it that much, so I keep it in very good condition); from your perspective, is it worthy to pay Ohlins, for an old bike like this? Or you'd rather consider buying another newer bike? (even when the CP3 experience, is kind of unique).

4- Bottom line: are you much happier with Ohlins, in your FJ-09?

 

Thank you!

 

Edited March 7 by alquimista

[Ride365]

Wrong bike for you IMHO, something like a Suzuki V-Strom or Super Tenere makes more sense for where you live/ride and the size of ya.  

[betoney]

For a suspension upgrade, I wouldn't get hung up on the brand name.  Ohlins is only as good or bad as it is configured (springs and internal valving).  ANY brand can be configured to be plush and comfortable if it is set up correctly. 

If you had a suspension specialist change the springs and revalve the forks and you didn't notice ANY difference, they must have done something horribly wrong or you could possibly have unrealistic expectations for how a a road-only bike should feel?

I have never used Ohlins but have had the suspension on EVERY bike I have owned set up for my intended use and the difference is an immediately noticeable improvement.  I have the forks revalved with correct springs and replacement shocks, My current and previous Yamahas used Penske shocks and my Honda has a YSS shock.

[RaYzerman]

Yes don't get hung up on brand, and you will pay a little extra for that yellow.... the FJ is already soft on springs, so I'm maybe not understanding what you mean by soft..... however, getting proper springs to start with is a good start.  Rule #1 is the springs have to hold you and the bike up, without overly preloading the existing springs.  Upgrading springs is the first things to do.  You may be totally happy with just that.... and be able to tweak the OEM damping to suit.   Springs first, ride, tweak, and if later you want new valving, then you can spend money then.

[Lone Wolf]

19 hours ago, alquimista said:

...too harsh and hard  ...suspension "specialist", sold me the idea that Racetech would improve significantly the driving experience, and calibrated springs for my weight (275lb)

The parameter I have of comfort in a suspension, is the softness of multipurpose bikes, ...which are very soft and comfortable; imperfections on the road  are very good absorbed.

Are you ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN you are not bottoming out your suspension - when you experience "too harsh and hard"?

Put a zip-tie on the front fork, see if it is pushed to max travel when you have experienced "too harsh and hard"

Sometimes the rear shock bottoms and you sense it in the front due to jarring and pogo. Look for dust on the shaft of your shock, it likely is cleaned all the way through the stroke. You can dust something like confection sugar or talcum powder on that rear shock shaft and go for a ride on a bumpy road. See if it is bottoming out.

Of course we want our suspension to enjoy all of it's travel, but by the time it hits the end the hydraulics should have softened the movement so it isn't jarring. If you aren't hitting the end of stroke on suspension then the suspension guy set it up for very high speed track valving and the hydraulics are making it ride like a brick on the street.

Do a search on this forum for "sag". That is the purpose of correct springs and the preload adjustment. As others have said, correct springs (sag) is number one. From there you can make adjustments.

I put a very affordable YSS shock on one of my vintage bikes and it totally transformed it. You don't have to throw money at it - and a great musician can make a cheapo guitar sound amazing.

Edited March 7 by Lone Wolf