| Didn't know Ohlins did progressive fork springs, I always use their single rate springs usually the 0.9kg/mm ones for my weight. I have fitted them to several of the CBRs that I have raced both 600s and 900s, I also have them in both of my R6s and in two sets of my Ducati forks, I also fitted them in the GSXR forks in my Harris Magnum 4 and fitted single rate Race Tech springs to my TL1000S.
I prefer the feel of single rate springs especially when grabbing a handful of brake as no matter where you are in the fork travel they feel the same. I consider progressive springs a compromise allowing for different weights, surface types and riding styles. I prefer to set my bike up so that it suits the way I use it.
As for the rear end of a bike again my prefered choice is Ohlins although I have used Fox, WP, Maxton and EMC. In most cases I find that the standard Ohlins spring fitted to a shock is quite adequate, but on a few occassions I have found the need to change it, on bikes like my magnum4 I plotted the rising rate curve generated by the bell crank and then sellected a linear (single rate) spring that allowed me to use the maximum stroke of the damper and give me the desired amount of sag.
Although I am mainly refering to race bikes I do include the Isle of Man TT bikes among these, last year my R6 was ridden to 21st place in the Junior lapping at around the 115mph mark on single rate springs, which I would class as fast road use.
What they would be like for touring I have no idea, I think thats why you can get air shocks.  |