Has anyone fitted an Ohlins Shock and what is the feedback?

-- Richard Burnett (ryburn@mweb.co.za), September 19, 2004

Answers

Can't comment on the MV, but I fitted one to my last bike (Apr Mille) and it made a world of difference. I also had the front revalved ky K- Tech, Best improvement you can make to a bike, if you want it to handle correctly.

The standard MV suspension is pretty hopeless in comparision, so I would say its worth doing if you are planning to keep the bike a while.

-- Craig (craig_whiteway@hotmail.com), September 21, 2004.

Sorry that I don't know anyone who has fitted an Olines on the MV, but I disagree with Craig. The stock MV suspension is far from hopeless. If it was, there would have been plenty of others putting alternative suspension on the bikes. Costs can be a consideration. The set up from the factory is probably one of the best in production bikes. If you plan on changing it, a re-valve is a very good answer. On mine, I had to re-spring the rear, as the Italian rear springs are a little soft, and I had the front and back revalved by Aftershock. Mind you, the valving according to the dyno was only a little bit off. If I need any more stability on this bike, I will go back to four wheels! i hope this helps.

-- Cali-Kane (mvagusta@sbcglobal.net), September 22, 2004.

I'm a little confused here Cali, you claim "The set up from the factory is probably one of the best in production bikes", and then tell us that you've had both front and rear modified.

I stand by my claim, the STANDARD suspension setup is pretty hopeless

-- Craig (craig_whiteway@hotmail.com), September 23, 2004.

Sorry Craig, I am not trying to get into a pissing match. If you readup on most all of the articles written on the MV, suspension is not a weakness. In my case, I purchased my bike wrecked pretty badly. As a result the forks leaked and were in need of service. I had them dynoed and inspected at the same time. As for the rear, the early modle monos had a weaker spring on some of the production run. I was one of the lucky ones. Since I could not get the sag setting right, I had it resprung and inspected due to the previous crash. If you talk to most of the people who actually ride the MV's hard, most all will attest to the fact that they only need minor adjustments, ie: set sag, rebound, compression and ride height as you should with any bike! None of these require alterations, simply adjust and go. I am sorry that I was not clearer on this earlier. If you should wish to discuss it further, please email me instead of having to post here on someone else's inquiry. Best reagrds...

-- Cali-Kane (mvagusta@sbcglobal.net), September 23, 2004.

Richard I fitted an Ohlin to my Senna not cause it needed it but the chance came to pick one up on a deal. A batch of 25 had been built for the F4 and a few came up on ebay. I know some of the heavier blokes have found the standard shock to be limited under heavy use but I dont come into that category and the standard sachs was always great. Obviously when you compare the sachs and ohlin the ohlins is a superior build and on a base line standard setting a stiffer ride when compared to the sachs.

-- Tony beckwith (mcbeck709@blueyonder.co.uk), September 25, 2004.

I fitted a olins shock on my mv, but honestly the problem is not the stock shock the problem is the damn seat.Change your seat and put extra form and you will notice a big difference.

-- Clifford Proctor (navflyn@aol.com), October 02, 2004.