Ohlins vs Penske shock advice

[roy]

The Tenere fork kits are 1650. They make hundreds of kits for your sport bike that are (some what) mass produced in Sweden. There are / were only ten hand made kits for the Tenere for a 350 difference. But of course it doesn't really matter what anything cost, people can spend there money any way they want .
I'm just sticking with a stock bike. Lol

Massed produced and they still need tweaking to perform right. I get your point on the numbers concerning the Tenere. Still seems like a ripoff to me.

And yea my Tenere works fine up front stock for me, the rear I've changed out.

 

[snakebitten]

Might be a ripoff. Pretty sure there are folks that agree.

But if you wanted Ohlins forks, you had to get them FROM Ohlins themselves. Nobody else was in a position to build Ohlins forks for the Tenere.
I, for one, kinda liked the idea that Ohlins techs were building my forks for me. I did have to schedule around the GP race in the US because the tech that was building mine was "rented out" to one of the GP teams. So I waited to send them until he said go.

I have no complaints. Just the opposite. I was treated like I mattered. Worth every penny. I woulda paid more.

 

[avc8130]

I woulda paid more.

Don't let Jaxon read that!

 

[Ironhand]

There's no ripoff there. Look at he development money that had to be recovered on a few sets vs a cookie cutter bike like a GSXR.

 

[avc8130]

There's no ripoff there. Look at he development money that had to be recovered on a few sets vs a cookie cutter bike like a GSXR.

Realistically I don't feel $1650 is that bad...and I only paid $625 for my fork mods.

1st of all, ANY cartridge kit is going to be $1200+. Making a fork cartridge isn't "easy". The inner cartridge is very precise in both dimension and finish. The piston is a complicated machined component. The piston rod must be very straight and well-finished. Add in the fact that Ohlins provides a replacement, blingy, fork cap.

To have one "custom" made to a bike for only $350 premium is quite a "bargain".

The reason Stoltec's kit is such a value is that he is able to re-use the Yamaha (Soqi) cartridge tube and rod. He replaces the pistons with high-quality CNC pistons and installs his own custom-developed shim stack.

As I have always said, you get a heck of a large percentage of the performance gain (80-90%+) for a heck of a lot less money (<50%).

Now, if someone popped up with a Gas-Charged cartridge or a dual cartridge setup, then we would REALLY have something to compare!

ac

 

[Dallara]

Realistically I don't feel $1650 is that bad...and I only paid $625 for my fork mods.

1st of all, ANY cartridge kit is going to be $1200+. Making a fork cartridge isn't "easy". The inner cartridge is very precise in both dimension and finish. The piston is a complicated machined component. The piston rod must be very straight and well-finished. Add in the fact that Ohlins provides a replacement, blingy, fork cap.

To have one "custom" made to a bike for only $350 premium is quite a "bargain".

The reason Stoltec's kit is such a value is that he is able to re-use the Yamaha (Showa) cartridge tube and rod. He replaces the pistons with high-quality CNC pistons and installs his own custom-developed shim stack.

As I have always said, you get a heck of a large percentage of the performance gain (80-90%+) for a heck of a lot less money (<50%).

Now, if someone popped up with a Gas-Charged cartridge or a dual cartridge setup, then we would REALLY have something to compare!

ac

I don't think it's a bad price, either, given all that's involved... And as I've said before I think as long as the folks who bought 'em are happy and enjoying them that's all that really matters. ::008::

One minor point, AVC...

The Super Tenere has Soqi forks (or perhaps Kayaba, depending on the info source you choose to believe) - not Showa. Just wanna' keep the record straight!

Dallara



~

 

[scott123007]

The Super Tenere has Soqi forks (or perhaps Kayaba, depending on the info source you choose to believe) - not Showa. Just wanna' keep the record straight!

Dallara



~

Speaking of which, Dallara, (and sorry for temporarily changing the topic of this thread) might you know who makes Yamaha's front calipers? It looks like the Rotors are Galpher and the Master cylinder is Brembo, but I cant tell who makes the calipers.

 

[Dallara]

Speaking of which, Dallara, (and sorry for temporarily changing the topic of this thread) might you know who makes Yamaha's front calipers? It looks like the Rotors are Galpher and the Master cylinder is Brembo, but I cant tell who makes the calipers.

To be honest, I don't know... Or I should say, I don't remember. They look very similar to '06 FJr calipers, and I used to know who made those. If I recall correctly it's either Tokico or Aisin (part of Toyota, who Yamaha does a ton of business with). The only thing I know with reasonable certainty is that the Super Tenere's calipers are not Brembo, nor Nissin (which is part of Honda).

I'm not sure if the discs are Galfer, either... I seem to recall they are made for Yamaha by Kiriu.

I could be wrong, though, but that's what I remember. I'll see what I can dig up.

Dallara



~

 

[avc8130]

To be honest, I don't know... Or I should say, I don't remember. They look very similar to '06 FJr calipers, and I used to know who made those. If I recall correctly it's either Tokico or Aisin (part of Toyota, who Yamaha does a ton of business with). The only thing I know with reasonable certainty is that the Super Tenere's calipers are not Brembo, nor Nissin (which is part of Honda).

I'm not sure if the discs are Galfer, either... I seem to recall they are made for Yamaha by Kiriu.

I could be wrong, though, but that's what I remember. I'll see what I can dig up.

Dallara



~

I updated my thread to show the proper fork supplier.

I believe the rotors say "Galfer" right on them. In fact, I think it says something like "Produced for Yamaha by Galfer" or similar.

ac

 

[Dallara]

I updated my thread to show the proper fork supplier.

I believe the rotors say "Galfer" right on them. In fact, I think it says something like "Produced for Yamaha by Galfer" or similar.

ac

Cool about the Galfer rotors. I've never looked that close to see any ID stamping, etc. I'm gonna' try and do my necessary oil, filter, and final drive change tomorrow (if it'll stop friggin' raining) so I'm gonna' take a look. I think it's great Yamaha sourced the rotors from Galfer.

All I posted above is from when I was first interested in the Yamaha FJR, did tons of research on 'em, and the early US models ('03 - '05) had calipers that look literally identical to what we've got on the Super Tenere.

Thanks for the info!!!

Dallara



~

 

[avc8130]

Cool about the Galfer rotors. I've never looked that close to see any ID stamping, etc. I'm gonna' try and do my necessary oil, filter, and final drive change tomorrow (if it'll stop friggin' raining) so I'm gonna' take a look. I think it's great Yamaha sourced the rotors from Galfer.

All I posted above is from when I was first interested in the Yamaha FJR, did tons of research on 'em, and the early US models ('03 - '05) had calipers that look literally identical to what we've got on the Super Tenere.

Thanks for the info!!!

Dallara



~

I think the calipers on the Tenere are "parts bin". I'm pretty sure they have made appearances on the R1/R6 and even the FZ series throughout the years.

ac

 

[Dallara]

I think the calipers on the Tenere are "parts bin". I'm pretty sure they have made appearances on the R1/R6 and even the FZ series throughout the years.

ac

I think you're right, and that's another reason I think they are Tokico- or Aisin-sourced, two of Yamaha's often "go-to" suppliers for brake components. I need to take a closer look at mine tomorrow when I look at the discs.

Dallara



~

 

[platty]

Well I for one have found this thread very very damn interesting … I have read every suspension thread here on this site in full and feel for once that finally we have here some clarity :lamp:

Suspension is one of those things that certainly creates passion and consequently the normal suspects have wadded in with their own personal perspectives and stated position :-\

By the way I do want to say that I have absolutely no problem with how much anyone spends on anything … and so I do value you being candid about your project(s) and the associated costs … your motivations are your own but the results and overall satisfaction you achieve are what I appreciate.

Hell ... if money was no object I’d plan a trip and fly home with a full set of Ohlins ;D

O/k to summarise the overall suspension position as I comprehend it:

• The S10 is either totally fine out of the box or entirely deficient
  As the say .. You makes your choice and you pays your money (intended use, budget and personal preference play a big part)
  Having a good working relationship with an expert suspension shop / tuner is advisable
  Locality and product availability can play a part as well
  A rear suspension upgrade is a more simple bolt in replacement whereas the front has to be somewhat engineered

So after a careful read and an intention to improve the overall handling of my blue beast ... post flash ... but still working within personal budget considerations my current thinking can most probably be summarised as follows:

Front: Nick Stoltec rebuild kit together with replacement (Wilbers - maybe) linear springs

Rear: Wilbers 641 (remote reservoir with separate high & low speed compression control - hydraulic preload option available)
or
Ohlins YA013

It would seem from the thread that this option would give a high level of performance at an affordable price. I’m planning to schedule the forks for next month ::001::

 

[Rasher]

As I have always said, you get a heck of a large percentage of the performance gain (80-90%+) for a heck of a lot less money (<50%).

Same with all things in life, hard to put any hard figures on anything, even stuff that can be "measured", a hi-fi with 10% distortion compared to one with 5% distortion will not sound twice as bad to a human, maybe an amp with 10% distortion cost you $100, and for £200 you get one with 1% distortion, doubling your money again may only get you one with 0.8% distortion - the returns keep diminishing, and there is a point at which people cannot tell the difference, yet folks out there wills pend huge amounts of cash on stuff others would insist is irrelevant.

Many bike mods are the same, numbers never convey the difference of a Flash or Suspension mod, and one folks ideal setup is not anothers, generally lower cost improvements are noticed by all and agreed as good value, a change of springs / oil makes a good difference for most folk, lets call this 50% better than stock for a few hundred bucks, the next level up may be a cartridge kit at 60% better than stock, or 20% better than the spring swap - but a 20% improvement that comes with a 500% premium- fewer people will agree this is "good value" and many may not be able to tell the difference even if they spent the money.

With infinite money I sure would go for the best of everything, cars, bikes hi-fi, suspension - all the gear and no idea

O/k to summarise the overall suspension position as I comprehend it:

So after a careful read and an intention to improve the overall handling of my blue beast ... post flash ... but still working within personal budget considerations my current thinking can most probably be summarised as follows:

Front: Nick Stoltec rebuild kit together with replacement (Wilbers - maybe) linear springs

Rear: Wilbers 641 (remote reservoir with separate high & low speed compression control - hydraulic preload option available)
or
Ohlins YA013

It would seem from the thread that this option would give a high level of performance at an affordable price. I’m planning to schedule the forks for next month ::001::

Similar to what I did, fork rework at UK suspension specialist and fitted the Wilburs 641 unit - could not be happier, both came to far less than cartridge kit for forks, IMO a lot of bang for the buck, if I had more bucks the bike would be "All Gold", but for ME this was a great balance between cost and performance. I am sure you will find the same ::008::

 

[avc8130]

If I had all the money I would not LIMIT myself to Ohlins...

LOL

I agree with Rasher. If you are budget-minded, a set of proper straight rate springs and some fresh oil in the front is a good improvement for ~$100 if you can wrench yourself.
MANY guys are very happy with ~$625 spent on springs/oil/pistons/re-shim from Stoltec.
A FEW guys are very happy with ~$2000 spent on Ohlins cartridge kits.

For the rear, pick your poison/budget. Stock sucks. There is no REAL solution working with the stock shock. Options IN THE US, that actually have SUPPORTING dealers:
Penske
Ohlins

Penske 8983: <$900, comp/rebound/ridge height/manual preload
Penske 8987: <$1200, same as 8983 but with separate high and low speed comp adjustments (this is AWESOME)
Ohlins: ~$1100-1250? comp/rebound/hydraulic preload

ac

 

[fredz43]

Ohlins: ~$1100-1250? comp/rebound/hydraulic preload

ac

My Ohlins YA013 was $951 delivered.

 

[platty]

Fred

I have seen you mention that price for the YA013 before. Based on an internet price search that would seem to be an extremely attractive cost.

Was that a special deal for you or is that "standard pricing" from a local source. If it's standard pricing are you able to advise your source.

At that price it's over $330 cheaper than the equivalent Wilbers 641 with hydraulic preload so I would have to be interested

 

[fredz43]

Fred

I have seen you mention that price for the YA013 before. Based on an internet price search that would seem to be an extremely attractive cost.

Was that a special deal for you or is that "standard pricing" from a local source. If it's standard pricing are you able to advise your source.

At that price it's over $330 cheaper than the equivalent Wilbers 641 with hydraulic preload so I would have to be interested

That was the result of a google search my sons did last December, when they bought the shock for a Christmas present. It was from Phatperformanceparts.com, who had a price of $1001 and they had a on line Christmas special of 5% off of any order, so it ended up at $951. Yes, it was a great deal. In checking their site now, it looks like their price is $1113.95

http://www.phatperformanceparts.com/Ohlins_Rear_Shocks_Yamaha_p/ohlinsshock-yamaha.htm

 

[avc8130]

My Ohlins YA013 was $951 delivered.

I knew someone would correct me. I used Google Shopping to develop my range.

I see that deal is gone and my price is now correct

ac

 

[fredz43]

I knew someone would correct me. I used Google Shopping to develop my range.

I see that deal is gone and my price is now correct

ac

Yes, you are correct, Sir! We were lucky to find that price last Christmas. I recall reading that Ohlins had a price increase the first of this year.

Maybe a Black Friday sale will turn up?