Most Öhlins shock absorbers for motorcycle are equipped with spring preload, compression and rebound adjusters. Due to limited space in some vehicles it is not possible to have all adjusters in certain models. The three adjusters men-tioned above will be discussed in the following chapters. A deeper understanding for the different types of adjustments will give you a good knowledge of how you can get better performance from your Öhlins shock absorber. When you adjust the spring preload, you move the spring seat. This will lower or raise the ride height. Compression damping controls the energy absorption when the shock absorber is being compressed, thus controls how easy the shock absorber compresses when you hit a bump. Rebound damping controls the energy absorp-tion when the shock absorber is being extend-ed and, thus controls how fast the shock absorb-er returns to its normal position after being compressed.
FGK kits and Piston kits
Öhlins Racing also produces complete Racing Cartridge Systems, for front forks, as well as piston kits to upgrade your front fork to a higher performance level.
Prepare the Settings
By adjusting the shock absorber and testing by trial and error you can learn how the different settings affect your motorcycle.
Always begin your setting by taking a test ride with all adjustments at their recommended basic setting. Choose a short run of varying character,for example with long as well as sharp bends,hard as well as soft bumps. Stay on the same run and adjust only one setting at a time.
Mechanical Adjuster
Use a C-spanner. Loosen the lock nut (1A).Move the lower spring platform (1B) to the desired position. Turn clockwise to increase the preload, turn counter clockwise to decrease it.Before adjustment use penetrating oil (WD-40 or similar) on the threads.
Hydraulic Adjuster
Turn the Hydraulic Adjuster knob to set the spring preload. Turn clockwise to increase the preload and turn counter clockwise to decrease.
Integrated Hydraulic Adjuster
Turn the hexagon screw on the hydraulic adjust-er to set the spring preload. Turn clockwise to increase, turn counter clockwise to decrease.
Mechanical 3-Step Adjuster
Use two C-spanners. Turn the adjustment rings.There are three [3] adjustment positions (A, B and C).
Mechanical Adjuster
Unlock the nylon screw on the spring adjuster with a screwdriver (5A). Use tool (03199-01) and turn the spring adjuster clockwise to increase the preload (5B), turn counter clockwise to decrease it. Before adjustment use penetratingoil (WD-40 or similar) on the threads