New Rear Shock Needed

hello, well after the success and loads of help given last time i posted a modification question i am now trying again, hoping for the same results.

I have been shopping around now for a few months looking at which set up to get and am now more confused than ever.  The brands i have been looking at and shortlisted are Ohlins (HO 203 - S46DR1S), Penske (8970 Series), Nitron (NTR Track), Elka (2 Way) and Hyperpro (461). All with the remote reservoir.  I am 220 Lbs and 5'10" just for reference.  Anyone with any of these models fitted and would you let me know the pro and cons.  All info any of you can provide is appreciated. Plus I appreciate all the help.  I will also be doing the Race Tech front upgrade as well at the same time, but got all that squared away.

Cheers.

Penske - hands down.

You can buy them directly from the factory in Pennsylvania. They have a great motorcycle staff. If you buy one through Traxxion Dynamics, Lindemann, etc, all they're going to do is turn around and order it from Penske. I have Penske's on my VFR, KTM, and ST1300. Penske's can be rebuilt, upgraded, etc.

I just re-read your profile. Nottingham's not in the USA is it? I'd still recommend Penske. Atleast the guys there do read and write English.

P.S. Do you know Robin Hood? :fing02:

I have the Elka and setup was good right from the start , they are also a Canadian company and might avoid some of the duties and hassels of import from the US as we are still part of the commonwealth.

I just bought an Elka, CDN company, great shock that can also be rebuilt. FWIW there's a group buy that just ended on Fri, you may be able to get on it if you're ready to buy. I also was curious about which shock would be the "best" to get. Never really found an answer to it, everyone I spoke with was quite partial to whatever shock they owned or sold. I am convinced that Ohlins, Elka and Penske are great shocks. I think an Ohlins may be slightly overpriced though due to the big name.

[image: View Post]jasonsmith, on 23 December 2009 - 06:27 PM, said:

I think an Ohlins may be slightly overpriced though due to the big name.
I don't think that's the whole story, as Ohlins probably spend a lot more on R&D than the other companies, and also have a lot more experience with suspension for road bikes.
'Overpriced'? I think it's more you get what you pay for.

[image: View Post]enzed_viffer, on 23 December 2009 - 08:47 PM, said:

[image: View Post]jasonsmith, on 23 December 2009 - 06:27 PM, said:

I think an Ohlins may be slightly overpriced though due to the big name.
I don't think that's the whole story, as Ohlins probably spend a lot more on R&D than the other companies, and also have a lot more experience with suspension for road bikes.
'Overpriced'? I think it's more you get what you pay for.

okay, didn't mean to ruffle any feathers, just stating my opinion that's all.

[image: View Post]jasonsmith, on 23 December 2009 - 09:09 PM, said:

[image: View Post]enzed_viffer, on 23 December 2009 - 08:47 PM, said:

[image: View Post]jasonsmith, on 23 December 2009 - 06:27 PM, said:

I think an Ohlins may be slightly overpriced though due to the big name.
I don't think that's the whole story, as Ohlins probably spend a lot more on R&D than the other companies, and also have a lot more experience with suspension for road bikes.
'Overpriced'? I think it's more you get what you pay for.

okay, didn't mean to ruffle any feathers, just stating my opinion that's all.



I agree with both of you.   :fing02:

Yes, Ohlins are "over priced" but they have earned it and have no problems selling at their prices.  

I've had just about all of them:  Ohlins, Penske, Wilbers, Elka, Fox, and the "higher end" more adjustable showa's.  They are all better than stock so pay what you want for the features you want.  Me?  I've found a 3 way adjustable (hi/lo compression) that has been valved and sprung specifically for the rider to be the best.  They take a little more fiddling to get right but once you do: like butta'.

[image: View Post]Pete McCrary, on 23 December 2009 - 02:23 PM, said:

Penske - hands down.

You can buy them directly from the factory in Pennsylvania. They have a great motorcycle staff. If you buy one through Traxxion Dynamics, Lindemann, etc, all they're going to do is turn around and order it from Penske. I have Penske's on my VFR, KTM, and ST1300. Penske's can be rebuilt, upgraded, etc.

I just re-read your profile. Nottingham's not in the USA is it? I'd still recommend Penske. Atleast the guys there do read and write English.

P.S. Do you know Robin Hood? :fing02:

+1 to Penske... I have the 2 way adjustable and would buy it again. Super nice.

MD

[image: View Post]jasonsmith, on 23 December 2009 - 09:09 PM, said:

okay, didn't mean to ruffle any feathers, just stating my opinion that's all.
No feathers were ruffled in the posting of your post. :D
Just stating an opinion. I saved about NZ$250 (US13.25) buying an Elka rather than an Ohlins, and in hindsight it wasn't really much of a saving. I'll have to get the Elka serviced by the Ohlins agent anyway. If I'd got an Ohlins to start with, the agent would've guaranteed it was perfectly matched to my bike, weight, and riding style.