Ohlins springs - what oil/air gap etc?

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Corners R Us
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Ohlins springs - what oil/air gap etc?

Post by Corners R Us » Fri Dec 10, 2010 6:32 pm

I'm just about to overhaul the front forks and install a set of Ohlins springs that came with the bike. I think they are 80 kilo spring rate which is about right for my weight (11 stone/70 kilos).

Now my quandry. I've searched the forum and found various details:

20wt oil, 510ml vs 485ml stock.

10wt oil, 483ml oil, 6 rings preload, 2 clicks rebound.

5wt oil, 513ml oil, 3 rings preload, 2 clicks rebound.

150mm air gap, 15wt oil.
140mm air gap, 10wt oil.

I'm confused!!!

Bike is used for brisk road riding, some brisk long distance touring and the odd track day, normally in the noddy group but we might venture into the inters this year.

Bike currenlty has 25-30mm of fork poked through the yokes and 6 rings of preload and stock rebound (I think!).

I'm quite tempted to go 5wt oil with the new springs and 510ml oil? I don't want a rock solid, track focussed ride more a plusher compliant ride on the road when pushing on a bit.

Any pointers appreciated.

Corners

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Re: Ohlins springs - what oil/air gap etc?

Post by cobbadiggabuddyblooo » Sat Dec 11, 2010 8:45 am

If you check the search you will find how to set up the static sag on the spring so that will allow you to get the preload set.
Are you aware of the spring rate as such which is mm/kg. As an example I have a set .9mm/kg..... I weigh 76kg and these are rated for track use. .85mm/kg for sports/track use or .8mm/kg for just your average sportsbike.
So you get the picture.....
As for oil??? I can only suggest go with the std fluid level as per the manual and maybe split the difference on the weight and go for a 10..
use that as a starting point.

I was contented with the slightly heavier spring(if I read it right) than you and a 20 weight oil at std level which was a just a little stiff or slow to respond sometimes over the slow stuff but well worht it once I wanted to have fun.
Once you read how to set up the sag right you'll notice a difference straight away.
Hope this is of some help
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cobbadiggabuddyblooo
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Re: Ohlins springs - what oil/air gap etc?

Post by cobbadiggabuddyblooo » Sat Dec 11, 2010 8:59 am

Oh yer...as for damper adjustment.. I'd suggest start at 2 clicks and go for a ride then wind your way around ,three, ride then four.. I think you'll suddenly find how primitive it is... :) :) :) Enjoy
laughter is the best medicine

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Corners R Us
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Posts: 265
Joined: Tue Mar 04, 2008 8:54 pm
Location: Gloucester, Down South!

Re: Ohlins springs - what oil/air gap etc?

Post by Corners R Us » Sat Dec 11, 2010 10:53 pm

Thanks for the pointers cobba. I'll be setting up the static sag as suggested then trying and tweaking slowly to see what works best for me. the mechanic mate doing the overhaul is very knowledgeable about these matters so I'll be calling on his experience to assist!

Watch this space....

Corners

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