General Suspension Improvements

[Happy Clappy]

I love the size of the 14 but the handling when riding enthusiastically leaves a lot to be desired. There's lots to read on this site about this subject and the first thing I should do, or should have done years ago, is get it set up properly. But the bike's done 45k now and the stanchions need replacing so I think it's time to spend some dosh!
A tuning house in Surrey has suggested Ohlin shocks at around £1100! I like to think I'm a pretty good rider. When I had a Blade, not often passed in the intermediate group on track days. So would I notice the difference between Ohlins or maybe something a little cheaper?
Also, I've never tried jack up blocks, but is it worth having the shocks built 40mm longer?
And where's the best place to go?

[Andre]

I am having my originals rebuild for 300€ total. Getting four rebuilds for what a decent pair costs that has the adjustment ability of the originals is a good option imo.

[Blubber]

I am too torn between a revamp or a decent replacement.

The problem is... When someone replaces their knackered shock with a new one... The feel will obviously be 100% better.

But is it better than a fully functional original item..... I really dont know. ( yet)

Makes it difficult for me to justify the difference between a revamp for €300 and a replacement €800 till €1200.

[daveh]

I've had many folk who are much smoother and faster than me tell me Ohlins are the best.
We all agree our bike is the best.
If you can afford Ohlins why would you not?

[gsxbarmy]

I love the size of the 14 but the handling when riding enthusiastically leaves a lot to be desired. There's lots to read on this site about this subject and the first thing I should do, or should have done years ago, is get it set up properly. But the bike's done 45k now and the stanchions need replacing so I think it's time to spend some dosh!
A tuning house in Surrey has suggested Ohlin shocks at around £1100! I like to think I'm a pretty good rider. When I had a Blade, not often passed in the intermediate group on track days. So would I notice the difference between Ohlins or maybe something a little cheaper?
Also, I've never tried jack up blocks, but is it worth having the shocks built 40mm longer?
And where's the best place to go?

I had WP Stereo Spins on the back of mine - WP equivalents of Ohlins - and it transformed the back end, much much better response, as you could control both high and low speed damping. The downside was that it showed up the short comings in the front end, but a set of Ohlins Progressive springs and getting it all set up by a suspension specialist sorted the handling out completely.
I got mine from FTR suspension (http://ftrsuspension.co.uk/), who were the WP importers, and who now are Ohlins (and others) specialists.
So were they worth the money - for me, absolutely.

On the subject of jack up blocks, its subjective, Remember with Ohlins, WP's and other specialist shocks of that price, the ride height can be adjusted up to a point by winding out the bottom of the shock. Jack up blocks will give you a slightly faster turn in, however they can cause weaving at higher speeds (sometimes this can be "fixed" by getting you suspension setup, sometimes it can't, with jack up blocks you either love them or hate them).

Incidentally - by suspension shop in Surrey - do you mean Steve Jordan Motorcycles? If so, listen to what they say, as they know their business, they set mine up, and it was th ebest money I spent on my bike, the guys there know their stuff

[Tony Nitrous]

I have jack up blocks.

I find without them the 14 has a nice stable feel but drags its pegs way
to easy on corners.

IMO they are a fraction too high.
I've gone back to a 190/50 after using a 190/55 and a 200/50 tyre.

I don't think the factory shocks are at all bad if they are in good condition
and set up properly. I'd like to try slightly longer shocks, lower than jack up blocks.

Downsides to the jack ups can be a lack of top end stability and a different feel from the seat and issues for those of short legs.

For me personally I'd much rather run a 14 with them than without,
but I agree they aren't an idea solution.