K-Tech Showa Mods. V\'s Ohlins?
 

Okay people,
Anyone got any experience of the relative merits of having a set of Showa forks reworked by the guys at K-Tech, who obviously know their stuff, as opposed to splashing (or should that be forking?) out on a set of Ohlins R&T replacements? - Which I've heard benefit from being modded from stock - even more expense!

No experience personally, but I reckon the K-Tech modded Showa route (with Ohlins internals) would give you just as good as set up as the Ohlins R&T, but for a fraction of the cost.

Pete,

I had the original Showa Forks on my 748R (mine was bought in 2000 before Ohlins were standard) re worked with Ohlins springs and different oil etc. by JHP (Ducati Coventry), the difference was simply staggering.

I used my bike on the road at the time as well as for trackdays.

Later fitted a set of Ohlins forks and I have to admit to being disappointed initially, personally I didn't find them anything like as good as the original re worked and well set up Showas.

The Ohlins were re valved and this was a vast improvement.

I suppose it really boils down to what you want to spend. Personally, I think if you want a cost effective upgrade that will make a significant difference then re work the Showas. If money is not an issue buy some Ohlins and have them re valved.

My bike was also fitted with an Ohlins rear shock to replace the original Showa item at the same time. This is definately an essential mod.

If you have a Showa rear shock I have an Ohlins rear For Sale.

I would also add that making sure the ride height is set correctly is essential to the overall balance of the bike - JHP did mine.

Hope this helps.
Regards,

[Edited on 1-4-2005 by Garry Smith]

I think Garry is spot on. Several racers I race with had their Showas modded by K-Tech for around 250-300 quid, I think. The difference is very noticable.

If you want Ohlins, buy them, simple as that. If you want better suspension, get the Showas modded.

Lastly, also as Garry said, don't run the standard Showa shocker. It may be worth upgrading that first before you do the forks. At the back, definitely go with a new unit like Ohlins, WP, or similar.

That Suzook in the pic below has K-Tech modded forks with a WP rear shock. It goes well around corners!

[Edited on 1-4-2005 by Felix]

Much though i like the bling factor of Ohlins, a set of modded Showas set up specifically for you would definately be the best option, unless of course you get the Ohlins and get them modded (vast expense for this option)

How much better would modded Ohlins be versus modded Showa? Surely not much, if any at all? Yet the Showa set-up would be over £1000 cheaper.

Is the Ohlins bling really worth £1000+????

K-tech internals in my Showas (after a previous revale by another so called dealer ) & its much better than the originals & better than the first revalve !!

Ohlins R&T might be good but they are still not set up for you !

Personaly speaking a K-tech are the way to go , check out my old post re fork revale


Phone K-tech up & speak to them about your requirements & tell em the DSC sent you ,you will get an honest answer !!!

Maybe not quite as much bling as Ohlins, but you get a nice little K-Tech sticker on the fork leg bottoms. For those in the know, it says it all.:D

The simple answer is NO.

Even if the bike comes with Ohlins as standard, and especially depending on the age its worth getting the suspension serviced/set up for your individual requirements.

IMHO i'd rather spend money on suspension before money on the engine, but thats from my personal point of view for road riding rather than just track use, but i'm sure a lot of regular track dayers/racers would agree as well.

I've got Ohlins springs, and a set of Gold Valves in my Showa's, and had them set up for me.

Awesome feel. Less than £200 all in, had the work done by a local guy who has a few TT replicas and now helps out BSB privateers (Alan Hesselden). He's only round the corner from me, so on hand for advice etc on setup.

I'd be fairly confident in saying that a pair of well setup Showa forks are as good as a well set up pair of Ohlins. It all boils down to the quality of the internals you replace.

That's what I thought Mr_S :)

Looking at Harv748's thread, it would look like Ohlins fork seals are a bit "delicate" too....

Yeah, they're famous for it. They go regularly on Aprilai RSVs and Tuono Racings.

Thanks for the response guys, it's about what I thought.
I agree with the comments re. suspension work as opposed to engine mods. aswell. I've already had the stock suspension ride height etc. set and it's miles better than previous. It's already got an Ohlins rear with hydraulic pre load adjuster, just wanted to get the front end really sorted.
Thanks again.
Pete

So let me get this straight...

I thought that there was a big difference between the standard Ohlins forks on 999S' and the like and a set of Ohlins R&T forks. I thought the R&T's were pretty much the best you could get from Ohlins unless you're a BSB team.

So are we saying that a set of £200 revalved Showas, set up just for me, would be as good as a pair of £1700 R&T's... cos if we are that'll be my next spend

This is a very pleasing thread for anyone looking at fork sorting - like me.

Thanks for asking the question Pete.

Spinoli

I can confirm that, after 2 sets, but am told that the latest type of seals are better, (maybe not been clubbed as much)......believe it when i see it.

I have had my Showas fully reworked by K-Tech with their own complete cartridge kit and their own springs to suit my weight.
Not that cheap at £400 ish but worth every penny!!
I gave K-Tech 2 options, either they could sell me a pair of Ohlins R&T`s or rework my Showas... the advice was rework the Showas as they would be BETTER than the Ohlins!

Gav

PeteA, just in case you needed more evidence to decide which way to go. My team mate is doing an ACU test day at Croft in preparation for this weekend's racing. He just had his forks done by K-Tech. As he started pushing his speed, he noticed some "patter" and other symptoms.

A quick call to K-Tech and it gets sorted! Just remember to use this resource when needed. They are more than happy to take your call.

And no, I have no connection to them whatsoever.

You can also get an Ohlins sticker if you have had Ohlins internals fitted. Just for that extra bling factor:)

Good thread fellas, Ime in need of getting my suspension tweaked al round and ride height set. I cant find K TEC number can any point me in the right direction also I live on the Herts/Essex borders so would be nice to get somewhere local other than harris which is beyond my pocket.

Regards

Wosser