Ohlin's or Penske?

[natehawk750]

I'm looking to replace my rear shock in the near future. I'm at 30k on my 2015 A and the suspension is killing me and my wife said as soon as I finish the last set of cabinets for our house then I can spend the money on getting the suspension setup.

In shopping I've settled on either penske or ohlins they are right around the same price range. I'm a self proclaimed LDrider and I'm looking for comfort on the hwy and to be able to rail it in the twisties while loaded and with Aux tank.

I've seen a lot of good talk here about traxxion and they aren't too far from me about 500 miles or so which would be nice for servicing and rebuilds and such... plus there is the advantage of when I do ride in for a service I can you know take it for a test ride through North Georgia afterwards!

There are Ohlins service shops within a few hours of me as well with out the benefit of the twisty test ride afterwards.

My biggest thing is being able to talk to someone that understands the needs of an LDrider and not just pushing total performance riding on me.

Both are reputable shocks I just can't decide should I just throw a dart?

I've also talked to Pants about his Hagon I'd just prefer to do a ride in with someone that I can talk to and who can see my bike setup and have a good understanding of what I want and need.

[natehawk750]

Oh yeah and do we have any cabinet makers in here that could help a brother out so he can spend money on his bike faster?

[Bounce]

I would like Ohlins but they tend to always stretch my budget. I like my Wilburs from the first group buy though. WP, Wilburs, or Ohlins would be on my list. After the clevis fiasco, I don't think I could be convinced to risk a Penske.

[wheatonFJR]

Oh yeah and do we have any cabinet makers in here that could help a brother out so he can spend money on his bike faster?

Haven't done cabinets but feel qualified. Here is an example of some recent work:

[natehawk750]

I would like Ohlins but they tend to always stretch my budget. I like my Wilburs from the first group buy though. WP, Wilburs, or Ohlins would be on my list. After the clevis fiasco, I don't think I could be convinced to risk a Penske.

Yeah the clevis deal kinda has me hesitant of the penske.

[natehawk750]

Oh yeah and do we have any cabinet makers in here that could help a brother out so he can spend money on his bike faster?

Haven't done cabinets but feel qualified. Here is an example of some recent work:

That is about the caliber of my work as well lol.

[jwilly]

I have Penske and have been happy with it but I can't ride for shit in general.. If you decide to use Traxxion Dynamics they're about 10 minutes from my house so if you need somewhere to crash for an evening just lmk.

[escapefjrtist]

Penske, mainly due to performance, simplicity and I can rebuild them. Slightly modified bottom bolt fixes the (blown out of proportion) clevis issue.

YMMV

~G

[natehawk750]

Penske, mainly due to performance, simplicity and I can rebuild them. Slightly modified bottom bolt fixes the (blown out of proportion) clevis issue.

YMMV

~G

Slightly modified as in the bolt is supplied? Or I have to modify? Would I have to source out the bolt from penske?

[natehawk750]

I have Penske and have been happy with it but I can't ride for shit in general.. If you decide to use Traxxion Dynamics they're about 10 minutes from my house so if you need somewhere to crash for an evening just lmk.

Did you have your forks reworked by traxxion as well or are the still stockish. The forks feel fine to me the PO had had them respring.

Thanks for the offer although I prefer not to use the term "crash" at your place!

[wheatonFJR]

I have Penske and have been happy with it but I can't ride for shit in general.. If you decide to use Traxxion Dynamics they're about 10 minutes from my house so if you need somewhere to crash for an evening just lmk.

Watch out. Jwilly moved there specifically to pick up guys in this fashion.

Be forewarned.

[jwilly]

Did you have your forks reworked by traxxion as well or are the still stockish. The forks feel fine to me the PO had had them respring.

Thanks for the offer although I prefer not to use the term "crash" at your place!

My forks are stock at this point.

[extrememarine]

Ohlins via Rick at Cogent.

The YA707 will give you remote preload adjustment so you can adjust based on mode - solo, 2 up,etc.

In a perfect scenario, you'd want to do some work on the front end as well.

I can take mine from nearly goldwing plush to "haulin jwilly's busted ass back to the hotel".

Either option will net an improvement over stock, the key will be in the spring rate and valving.

Good luck...

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[raYzerman]

Pick one or something else. Too much myth about who can do what, all can rebuild any of them. Remote preload very convenient if you're varying loads and carrying pillions. Most come with (or should) come with compression and rebound adjusters. Some have only rebound adjusters which partially affect compression, but separate is always better.
The Penske has a new redesigned clevis, no worries, problem gone. If you have the old one, shim it, done.
Me, I'd talk to Cogent. He does multiple brands, even his own (former Ohlins engineer).

As for forks, spend money on a spring upgrade and ride it for a year. That's where the bang for the buck is, the OEM valving is sufficient IMHO unless you're doing track days, which apparently what the Marine does every time he goes riding in the twisty stuff. I did RaceTech valving on my '07 forks, wasn't worth it.
Fer now, crank the preload all the way down on your '15A.... progressive springs, all the way in and you're still not at a 1.0 spring rate you likely need. But, it will be a big improvement.

[natehawk750]

Is there a website for Cogent?

[escapefjrtist]

Slightly modified as in the bolt is supplied? Or I have to modify? Would I have to source out the bolt from penske?

I believe Penske is now using an R6 design clevis and supplies a new bottom bolt.

~G

[raYzerman]

Cogent site. Be prepared for the suspension shops to be busy........
https://www.motocd.com/

[Steel_Gin]

I bought a Penske 8983 the summer after the clevis issue popped up. I called Penske twice asking questions and brought up the FJR issue, the guy was very nice and knew exactly what I was asking about. They were not sending a bolt with the shock and had people use the bolt off of the OEM shock. I was told because that OEM bolt was a step bolt that was the cause and they now ship the shock with the bolt they want you to use. I am in my third season on the shock and there is no crack; I just went out and checked. In my opinion, the clevis issue is in the past and this was a great upgrade. It made me realize how shot the OEM shock was. It also goes up on the center stand much much easier.

I had the forks rebuilt at the same time, went with Traxxion Dynamics 1.1 springs. Came as a kit and this was a great upgrade as well. I talked to them twice as well, very nice guys. In fact, one of them told me they make the springs for Penske. Front and back combined cost quite a bit and it was worth every penny. Huge improvement in how it handles!!

As Ray said this is their busy season, the Penske tech told me their busy time starts in April and are hoping until September. With so many people staying home and car racing not in full swing you might get lucky. I ordered my Penske in April when things were just starting to get busy for them and I had to wait 4-5 weeks, when they are really busy it's more like 6-8 weeks.

[natehawk750]

Thanks Stteelgin
I'm not exactly in a rush and I'll talk to traxxion when it's time to order if they say I can get the shock earlier by riding up and picking it up that's fine by me.

I emailed traxxion and cogent lastnight. A gent named Dan emailed me back today... I'm really leaning towards them everyone here has good things to say and they are fairly local to me as in regionally.

[raYzerman]

FYI, the Traxxion fork springs are a plug and play kit, the spacers come pre-cut and you just replace your old springs. Cheaper than other kits where you have to do the work......