Morning Gents.


Apologies if this has been covered before, I have had a reasonable dig through the forums and can't find anything. Here we go:


Bought an Ohlins shock from a 97 CBR9900RR. I want to fit it to my '97 CBR1100XX.

Ohlins Blade = 48HRCL/HO601. Ohlins Bird = 48HRCS/HO639


A suspension chap has advised: "Ok, I have now briefly cross referenced the relevant spec cards. There are a lot of similarities but none the less the CBR900 shock would need lengthening as its too short, the hose length and clocking angles are incorrect as is the spring rate and internal valving".

I don't really want to spend any more money on the shock if I can help it.


Shock condition:
As new. We reckon it has seen less than 5000kms. Maybe a lot less.

Length:
The shock is length adjustable to original Blackbird specs. This is as easy adjustment. Bird = 319mm, Blade = 305+12mm adjustability. I can fit a small spacer to cover the missing 2mm.

Hose Length:
This is for the remote compression res. It's about 150mm shorter than ideal, but we can fit it in and still get access to it.

Clocking angle:
The suspension chap said the clocking angle is wrong on the Blade shock. WTF is the clocking angle?

Spring:
The spring rate on the OEM 'Blade shock is 14kg/mm compared to 16kg/mm for the 'Bird. I am assuming that the Ohlins springs are similarly spec'd. The lighter Ohlins Blade spring could suit me as I have comparable mass to a wet tissue. 75kg in my birthday suit. I would also imagine that the Ohlins 'Bird shock is set up a bit stiffer for two up touring with bags as compared to the fireblade with a more sporting single-rider bias.

Internal Valving:
Okay, I have removed 20kg+ (pipes, centrestand, CBS etc) from the 'Bird (hovering around the 200kg mark) so it now is roughly in the same weight ballpark as a 97 Blade (190kg). As far as I can work out, the compression and rebound should be similarly setup on both shocks? If not close, surely there will be sufficient range of adjustment in the C and R circuits to produce an acceptable ride? The other side of valving is fluid flow. I can't imagine that there is a huge difference between the two Ohlins shocks?

Shock Linkages:
This is the only question mark. Are the linkages on the two bikes hugely different?

Preload:
There is no remote preload res on the Ohlins Blade shock, but if I lift the tank I can get to the rings. These shouldn't need changing once they are set.


Stroke:
Blade Ohlins = 60mm, Bird Ohlins = 52mm.


Your advice please. Gaz.

Would the clocking angle me the direction the remote res comes off the shock?

Seems you've made a good case for it working. Why not try it, and if you're not happy with it then spend the $$ to adjust to your preference. I agree it seems to be pretty close in all respects, workable in the others. No doubt it will be better than the stock shock.

I know the early model RR shocks will fit the 'bird, I think the eye to eye length is longer on the later models. If the ride height adjustment is long, you might be able to make it work and just find a way to mount everything else.

Morning Gents.

Cheers for the feedback. After sleeping on it, and negotiating a deal with The Suspension Guru, I have decided to buy a brand spankers new Ohlins shock for the Bird and have sold the CBR900 unit to said Guru. Also getting the forks done (ohlins internals, springs, spacers, seals).

I've been off the road for 30+ months (a juicy and publishable indiscretion in May, oops) and calculate that I have saved NZ$100 a week on fuel, tires and coffee, so used this as a flimsy justification for shelling out for the new kit. Works well for me...but don't have the conviction or the balls to tell the Cook about the spend! ;-)

Later, Gaz.

That Guru sounds like the real thing. Smart choice!

If 'er inside sees you putting in the shock you can always claim you had it out to clean it..................

Dogpilot: Good thought. Could be. I'll ask Dr Bob when I talk to him next and post answer.

X1Rider: Yeah, the 900 shock will physicly fit into the Bird but the valving is way out. Spoke to a chap who tried a similar arrangement on a (quiet voice) yamaha, said the non-specific ohlins shock was a good step up from the OEM soggy breadstick but when he fitted an ohlins specific to his bike the thing just felt like it was riding on a cloud.

Skapan: "No dear, it's not new, I have just had the spring powder coated yellow and slapped some ohlins decals on it. I know I'm shallow, but I have saved lots of money that I can spend on you..." Hrrrhumphbullshithumph. ;-)