[Josephd14]

Hi peter,

So my question is i'm thinking of replacing my oem rear shock with something.. or maybe i don't need to, you telll me..

So I have an 02 TLR.. I notice alotta poeple seem to go with the Ohlins .. But this seems to me atleast for the non-track guys.. which i am a non-track guy, any ways it seems to be more of a statement rather then a need.. I only ride my bike on the street I mean i ride pretty aggressive on the back twistie roads, so I'm basicly looking to smooth out the performance of my machine on the street.. So the question is what do you recommend to a suspension noob like my self, I mean maybe I don't need to replace it. Or maybe there is something between Ohlins and my OEM.. or maybe for the money if i can find a deal, ohlins is my best bet.. anyways, Any Advise would be appreciated.. thanks again..

-Joe

[gmdboston]

Unfortunately there are not too many options for the TL series. The Ohlins is the only one we currently sell. I'll have to ask if they even still import them. The problem with the stock damper is that the rotary style dampers do not give good damping curves for motorcycle suspension. I'll see what I can dig up. Your forks can benefit greatly from a revalve and that is just as straight forward as any other fork.

[Josephd14]

Thanks for the info, It just so happend my rear linkage has started making some nasty Sounds as in not well lub'ed or something and now this kid told me if i don't tend to it I.E. take it apart and regrease it i can break my frame??? I didn't plan on changing the rear shock til this winter Prob after Christmas.. Is this Kid right have you ever heard of this? I am assuming he means if it seizes ???

[legalspeed]

Call Pete. Bring it to him.

Make him jump up and down on it, and then make him tell you what is going on.

[Josephd14]

Originally posted by gmdboston
Unfortunately there are not too many options for the TL series. The Ohlins is the only one we currently sell. I'll have to ask if they even still import them. The problem with the stock damper is that the rotary style dampers do not give good damping curves for motorcycle suspension. I'll see what I can dig up. Your forks can benefit greatly from a revalve and that is just as straight forward as any other fork.

So what am i looking at for an ohlins rear? and a good time to do the forks would be when i have them off the bike this winter when i powder coat the frame..

[gmdboston]

Retail on the Ohlins is $1023, your cost is $921. We may need to order it several weeks before you need it, as it may have to ship from Sweden. They list 1998-2001, I am assuming they are the same as your 02?

[Josephd14]

I probably be stripping the bike towards the end of January, so I'lll look to order just after Christmas, and yes the TLR is the same form '98-'03 just no one ever lists anything right for it, I think they confuse it with the TLS sometimes... The only thing they changed year to year was the paint and decals..

[Josephd14]

Anyone hear of a Bitubo shock, On my TL forum they seem really popular with the TL riders, and there half the price of a Ohlins? They elminate the whole stock rear system, rotary damper and all..

[gmdboston]

I've seen them, not too bad, but parts may be an issue.