Rear Shocks

[rac3r]

Are there any significant differences between the Hyperpro, Nitron and Ohlins shocks for the S2R800? I will be going for the base versions without remote adjuster and I don't do any track riding (I barely ride on the road nowadays!)

Are there any other brands worth looking at?

[Nickj]

Mostly price I'd say as unless you're really picky or pushing the envelope on handling you probably won't notice too much difference if it''s set up for your weight and riding style.

Having said that my 748R has the top end, for their era, showas front and back and compared to any of the Monsters I've owned or ridden feels a bit like a magic carpet to ride.

[chris.p]

Take a look at Wilbers.

Importer, https://wilberssuspension.co.uk/

Wilbers base rear shock.

https://www.wilbers-shop.de/en/Motorcycle/Ducati/ST4-ST4-S-S2-S3/shock-absorber-type-540-Road.html?cur=1&year=2000

[stopintime]

Don't know about the others, but despite it officially only being rebound adjustable - the Öhlins is 'automatically' compression adjusted when the rebound is adjusted - a nice bonus.

My experience is that the S2R800 front is even further off than the rear. Have you done the front?

[rac3r]

Thanks for the responses

Not done the front yet. My plan was rear shock then potentially get the andreani kit or something for the front later on. On the subject of the front would a simple spring upgrade be sufficient for normal riding?

[stopintime]

Thanks for the responses

Not done the front yet. My plan was rear shock then potentially get the andreani kit or something for the front later on. On the subject of the front would a simple spring upgrade be sufficient for normal riding?

"Normal riding"?

If you're more or less happy with it as it is, maybe you don't actually need upgrades. Just a thought....

Spring change might help a little, but the damping is still lacking. Cartridge kits are almost affordable, so....

If you get a good shock the front will feel quite a bit worse than it does now. My experience is that harmony front/rear is key. Better to have medium front and rear than one good and one lacking .

[Jez900ie]

Are there any significant differences between the Hyperpro, Nitron and Ohlins shocks for the S2R800? I will be going for the base versions without remote adjuster and I don't do any track riding (I barely ride on the road nowadays!)

Are there any other brands worth looking at?

I made this price comparison a couple of moths back.

Prices inc VAT
Ohlins DU046 £998 with remote preload – discontinued but available via eBay in Italy
Ohlins FE 321 £564 without remote preload
Nitron £462 Lightweight aluminium/ add £180 for remote preload
Hagon £358 -Stainless/ add £151 for remote preload
Wilbers £455 add £183 for remote

I read every review I could find, spoke to suppliers, fitters and riders with the shocks. All seem to have their fans, though none had any very major complaints.

I bought a used Nitron from Zimbo, with servicing £120 and spring £70 shipping I saved some money which was nice. It also made my decison simple!

I think you have the same front forks as I do? I haven't made a final decision yet -no hurry as its ****e out!- though I'm leaning towards:

"Maxton Fork Conversion" (no cartridges) approx £516
"Maxton Fork Conversion (with cartridges SD25) £830
Andreani (full internals change) Misano complete £870
KTECH piston kit £660

All prices include drive in / drive out fitting.

The majority of the shops are reccomending the cheaper upgrades based on my description of normal road riding as I don't plan on track days.

Being able to turn up and have the work done is important to me, so location is a consideration. Richard the owner/ CEO of Maxton was really helpful and informative too and that counts a lot to me.

I found it confusing when making comparisons with different suppliers. A "Fork Conversion" at one shop will be valves and springs, at the next place "Fork Conversion" includes cartridges but reuses your springs, at a third place its different again...

[rac3r]

Thanks Jez that's really useful, saves me some work!

Normal riding for me is just local city roads and some bumpy B roads, I don't ride that hard. However, I'm not that heavy and I've found the bike gets quite unsettled over bumps. The worst was a bump I hit whilst joining a dual carriageway, it shook it's head like crazy!

[Flip]

My two penn'orth worth.

Firstly suspension is a very personal thing as everyone will 'feel' something different. I also think the various ages and types of suspension fitted to Monsters over the years adds another dimension to this 'feel'.

The standard set-up on any motorcycle will always be a compromise as the manufacturers need to cater for all shapes and sizes so having the correct suspension spring weights for your own weight (remember to add that of your riding kit) will be the biggest thing you will notice, particularly if you are at the ends of the 'average' spectrum i.e. like Danny Pedrosa or Yamamotoyama.

Moving on from this if you have never touched the suspension, changed the fork oil etc. and your motorcycle has either covered a big mileage or is knocking on a bit then again, you will notice the change a refresh will make.

Quite rightly, the suspension does need to work in harmony so changing the rear will almost certainly make the front feel worse (although overall, riding the bike may well still feel better if that makes sense?).

As Nick has mentioned referencing his 748 'magic carpet ride' comparison, is that the earlier bikes (up to the 6/796/1100 on I would say) are inherently quite 'flighty' when pushing on a bit down bumpy B roads and the like because their suspension is quite basic.

The standard (certainly Marzocchi) forks, have too much compression damping over small movements making them kick off bumps under acceleration, but not enough compression to support them over large movements such as hard braking. Couple that with not enough rebound damping making them 'pogo' when you release the brake and a spring that is too stiff for most rider weights means there is a lot that can be improved upon.

Starting off with Showa forks gives you more options and I cannot really comment on those other than to say that personally I am a big fan of Maxton's customer service and the improvements their cartridge conversion made for me. You can go around a lot of houses spending a lot of money and still not be a whole lot better off, so going to a well respected suspension company/specialist will be a lot cheaper with a greater (and quicker) reward in the long run.

As for the rear shock, again I can only comment on the original fitted to my 1997 900 which never really felt nice compared to that of my Suzuki GSX-R750WT which I owned at the same time. The shock was eventually changed at about 8000 miles in 2005 (my mate who bought my Monster new only put 800 miles on it in two and a half years or so) for Nitron's NTR R1 (Sport as it was known back then) which has quite simply been brilliant over the last 25,000 plus miles.

It went back for it's latest service a couple of years ago, came back like new with a new spring fitted as I'd put on a little weight- (middle age spread) and my bike has never been better to ride as a result and I love it more than ever.

However after all that, by comparison my 12,000 mile 1996 Yamaha Thundercat still on it's standard original suspension (fork oil changed and linkages stripped and greased etc. recently mind) along with it's extra 20 (or so) Kgs. is still a much more composed ride down a bumpy road though.

The last thing to consider is probably cost versus how long you intend to keep your Monster- quality work costs but if it's a keeper then do it, if you get it done right you will not regret it.

https://i.postimg.cc/fW5sYvs4/IMG_4053.jpg (https://postimg.cc/z3L4rK3p)

[Jez900ie]

Thanks Jez that's really useful, saves me some work!

Normal riding for me is just local city roads and some bumpy B roads, I don't ride that hard. However, I'm not that heavy and I've found the bike gets quite unsettled over bumps. The worst was a bump I hit whilst joining a dual carriageway, it shook it's head like crazy!

We have a great deal in common! Skinny/ Monster / fun relaxed riding and bouncy B roads!

Glad to share the info. I'll let you know what happens next.

[Jez900ie]

However after all that, by comparison my 12,000 mile 1996 Yamaha Thundercat still on it's standard original suspension (fork oil changed and linkages stripped and greased etc. recently mind) along with it's extra 20 (or so) Kgs. is still a much more composed ride down a bumpy road though.

https://i.postimg.cc/fW5sYvs4/IMG_4053.jpg (https://postimg.cc/z3L4rK3p)

Great advice Flip and very clean bike! Impressed...

This is a very important point imo. Changing the suspension on a bike to make it corner better, may not make it more comfortable/ composed to ride leisurely down bumpy roads & lanes.

Its really important to get across to the supplier how you want your bike to ride like after the suspension has been upgraded/changed. Otherwise you might find it turns on rails but is bone hard and that might not have be the desired result!

[Flip]

Great advice Flip and very clean bike! Impressed...

Thanks- it does get used though honest! But it also cleans up pretty well for an old'un.

This is a very important point imo. Changing the suspension on a bike to make it corner better, may not make it more comfortable/ composed to ride leisurely down bumpy roads & lanes.

Its really important to get across to the supplier how you want your bike to ride like after the suspension has been upgraded/changed. Otherwise you might find it turns on rails but is bone hard and that might not have be the desired result!

To clarify my statement there, don't get me wrong, my Monster simply feels more 'alive' than the heavier and softer sprung Yamaha. Along with the motors' character, it's what makes it such an engaging ride that never gets tiring or fails to put a smile on my face.

The fact I physically fit the Monster well means I can easily do 300+ miles days in comfort on it but now the suspension is sorted it just feels so much nicer to ride whatever road or speed.

[Blah blah]

S2r 800 front forks are pretty poor and they were the first thing I noticed when I bought mine, they lacked any feel and really crashed over bumps but I felt that the rear was alright if a bit soft / wallowy.

However I'm now running (occasionally!) ST4s TiN front forks and ST4s ohlins rear shock, and the difference is night and day - the forks came in a box with the bike with unknown history and the shock was bought second hand but both have been through MTC for a service and set up (stuck in a box and in the post, then returned a couple of weeks later and thrown on)

Now the bike feels a lot more settled when on a mission allowing me (you?) to not worry about what the suspension is doing but to just press on, find a corner, chuck it in, onto the power and away to the next... Lovely and with plenty of 'feel' although it has taken a bit of time to get used to as it's like a different bike.

The ST4s rear shock is virtually the same length as stock but the back of my bike was raised about 15-20mm (static) which suggests that the original shock had too much static sag despite trying to reduce it. The only problem I have though is the 2 reservoirs for the rear shock and where to put them - I've had the hoses changed twice and I still can't get them to fit as I'd really like them to, IE hidden under the seat and out of sight so they may get hung from the frame (or it may get sold and replaced)

I do have a spare ohlins spring if you fancied changing the stock S2r one (it was cheaper / quicker for me to buy a new ohlins spring than to get the old ohlins spring powder coated) and I have read that that can make a bit of difference to the stock shock.

If you aren't adverse to moving one of the coils and cutting other bits off then other Ducati shocks can be made to fit (IE 999) relatively easily and may be another slightly cheaper option.

And for the price of a set of fork cartridges from Maxton, you could get a used set of ST4s / S4r forks, then get them serviced / re-sprung and they bolt straight in, you'd also have cash left over for a shock - I also seem to remember that GSXR600 forks could be used but it's been a while since I've looked into it and I may have had a glass of wine or 2 :mand:

If I had my time again, I'd probably go with the ST4s / S4r front forks (serviced and set up) and Nitron shock without the remote reservoirs so I didn't have to fug about trying to get stuff to fit where there isn't any space, but if it were one or the other then I'd go for forks first.

If you're in the area, you're welcome to have a look at mine.

[rac3r]

The bike is a keeper so I plan to do it all bit by bit. Ideally I'd just like to change the fork internals rather than get new forks which are a different size which makes things more complicated/long winded. Also I don't I have a suspension place nearby so my plan is collect the parts and get Proteam to fit them (not sure I have the skill to DIY). Then if need be I can ride to Harris Performance to have the setup fine tuned.

Also on the comparison front I also have a CBR500 which feels like a sofa in comparison, but that is only on potholed city roads. I'm sure it won't be great when pushing on. I'm not looking to have the Monster become a sofa, I just want a bit more composure to give me that confidence in not going to be thrown off when I hit a bump. The bike I've been most confident on has been a second gen Street Triple R, I did no suspension mods or setup to it at all!

[Flip]

It can seem a bit daunting when you start looking at what's available, particularly when it comes to the forks.

If you don't want to go down the Maxton route of them junking the original internals and fitting their own cartridge conversions, then the first thing to find out is what can be done to yours using what is in there. This will range from basic spring change to one of a more suitable weight matched to perhaps different weight fluid to re-valving and shims tuning.

Changing forks for those from a better spec'd model is great in principle (it's a bit more difficult to find some for the earlier bikes with 17mm axle, different brake callipers and front mudguard etc.) but you do need to know which ones are going to fit and can still bring it's own problems if as I said earlier you are at either end of the weight spectrum.

If that's the case then you will likely need to change springs anyway, along with any other valving adjustments that are required and as with most modifications, this is made more awkward (expensive) if you are then going to get someone else to do the labour fitting them etc.

The rear shock is probably an easier decision as much of it can be down to how much you want to spend as even the cheapest will be better than a tired bouncy original but if the bike is a keeper as you say, then consider the future costs of getting it serviced- do the manufacturers offer that service themselves such as the likes of Öhlins, Nitron etc. who know what they're doing and will have the parts or will you have to trust a third party to carry out what they can and hope for the best?

Or worse and it be another 'consumable' type unit like the original where you'll be going through this again in a few years time.

My advice would be as Jez has done most recently, ping out some emails or better still chat, either in person or on the phone and get a feel for the people you'll be dealing with.

Factor in a time scale as those companies who supply race teams will be getting booked up soon ready for the new season and people who are busy are usually busy for a very good reason and those who aren't....well that's probably for a very good reason too. :D

[rac3r]

I emailed Maxton but they were unable to advise without having the bike there, which I can't do because it's bloody miles away.

Anyone know any places near London? Harris Performance can do setup but that's it I think.

[Flip]

What did you ask them exactly?

I’m surprised they weren’t able to advise you as they must have done loads of Showa forks for road use and the Desmo Due racers etc.

They’ve never needed to see the ones they’ve done for me (my Monster and 1965 Mach 1 race bike) before being able to advise on what they can do for them.

[rac3r]

I asked for general advice, front or rear first etc. Basically the same as what I've written here. They said they'd not done an 'S2' before only an S4

[Blah blah]

How far away is Stowmarket from you? MCT apparently do a ride in - ride out service so might be worth a chat...

[Jez900ie]

I emailed Maxton but they were unable to advise without having the bike there, which I can't do because it's bloody miles away.

Anyone know any places near London? Harris Performance can do setup but that's it I think.

It does seem odd. They were able to chat about all kinds of things without seeing my bike, -though they did a few weeks later.

It could be that they only comment once they have worked on a particular model I suppose? If I were you I'd do two things...

1. Are the S2 forks unique to the model? I expect Neil a Cornerspeed would be able to confirm (or Moto Rapido etc) If these forks are fitted to another model bike, you could confirm that to Maxton and possibly they have worked on one of those already at some point?

2. Unless you spoke to Richard, I would call back and ask to speak with him directly. He will difinitely clear this up. Though perhaps you did speak to him already!

I will be curious for another update.

[Flip]

What Jez said!!!

[rac3r]

It was Richard that responded.

I could be wrong but I think the S2R has the same setup as the 620, 800 etc??? Marzocchi forks and Sachs shock

Unless the SSS means it uses a different shock?

[Flip]

Someone will correct me if I’m wrong but I’m pretty sure your bike would be fitted with Showa forks(?).

[rac3r]

I think the S4R has Showa forks and the S2R has the Marzocchi forks like the other Monsters. Again could be wrong myself!

[stopintime]

I think the S4R has Showa forks and the S2R has the Marzocchi forks like the other Monsters. Again could be wrong myself!

You're right. (S2R1000 is Showa though)

The (almost) consensus is that these forks can't be helped. "Closed cartridge, maybe springs and oil". However, there is a handful of real experts who can transform them. If your guy isn't among them, he and you are better off with something else instead of blindly chasing solutions you will have to pay for.

If you go the cartridge route ... remember that the Marzocchis have slightly different fork cap threads. Even if the cartridges for "Showa" bikes otherwise fit, the caps might not.

[Jez900ie]

I think the S4R has Showa forks and the S2R has the Marzocchi forks like the other Monsters. Again could be wrong myself!

My 900ie has Showa inverted type, adjustable on 43mm stanchions. So if yours were like that, Maxton know them well.

[rac3r]

As confirmed above mine are the non adjustable Mar****ty forks.

I think I'll try the shock first and work my way forwards. The forks seem more complicated and involved to sort out.

Is the Ohlins shock worth the £100 or so premium over the others? (Have to say I hate the fact it looks exactly the same as the stock Ducati one lol)

[Jez900ie]

As confirmed above mine are the non adjustable Mar****ty forks.

I think I'll try the shock first and work my way forwards. The forks seem more complicated and involved to sort out.

Is the Ohlins shock worth the £100 or so premium over the others? (Have to say I hate the fact it looks exactly the same as the stock Ducati one lol)

The owner of Mar****ty forks also owns Ohlins.
https://bikerumor.com/2018/11/15/former-marzocchi-owner-tenneco-buys-ohlins-suspension/

All Ohlins products cost at least £100 imo more than their competitors at all levels. They are heavily marketed as the best so are priced above...

Ohlins are good, no doubt and I quite like the gold, but Nitron blue/torquoise is fine too.

[rac3r]

Looks wise the Nitron shock looks better. I've actually found them both at almost the same price!

Shame that the shock doesn't have any 'Ohlins gold' like the forks

[Blah blah]

The forks on the S2r800 are pretty special / unique to the model and all of the research I did suggested that the simplest way to improve them was to put them in the corner and replace them with something else.:chuckle:

[Jez900ie]

Looks wise the Nitron shock looks better. I've actually found them both at almost the same price!

Shame that the shock doesn't have any 'Ohlins gold' like the forks

Ohlins DU046 with remote preload includes maximum gold - just £998

https://i.postimg.cc/9f9jTQjs/gold.jpg (https://postimages.org/)post a picture (https://postimages.org/)

[rac3r]

I'm going for the poor man spec without the adjuster, which looks pretty much the same as the stock Sachs shock!

@blah blah yep that's what I've gathered from everything I've read lol

[rac3r]

Ohlins do a new Blackline range now, the shock is entirely black...as in no other colour on it at all!

[Jez900ie]

I'm going for the poor man spec without the adjuster, which looks pretty much the same as the stock Sachs shock!



Haven't seen them yet. I'd never pay an extra £100 unless I got the goldiness!

[Flip]

The forks on the S2r800 are pretty special / unique to the model and all of the research I did suggested that the simplest way to improve them was to put them in the corner and replace them with something else.:chuckle:

In that case, then yes I’d agree, as that is a very similar situation that owners of Marzocchi equipped early bikes are/were in.

Unless of course, rather than put then in a corner you give them to Maxton for a couple of weeks and then they will rip the original insides out, machine the fork bottoms where required and fit them with their very excellent cartridge conversions and post you back a pair forks that will work in a way the originals never could. :D

As for the rear shock, you also have to remember that the likes of Öhlins have to subsidise their Moto GP, WSB and BSB commitments by selling ‘a product’ to the general public.

[Blah blah]

...you give them to Maxton for a couple of weeks and then they will rip the original insides out, machine the fork bottoms where required and fit them with their very excellent cartridge conversions and post you back a pair forks that will work in a way the originals never could. :D

True but then...

...Maxton Fork Conversion (with cartridges SD25) £830


I'm not knocking it, it just seems like a lot for what it is when there are other options available

[Flip]

True but then...

I'm not knocking it, it just seems like a lot for what it is when there are other options available

True but then...

I'm not knocking it, it just seems like a lot for what it is when there are other options available

Again, I agree with you but I think perhaps we’ve all got a little confused.

In both my Monster and my race bike I went for Maxton’s GP20 cartridge conversion which they fit in instances where either the original is a sealed unit or of a very basic design.

https://www.maxtonsuspension.co.uk/files/gp20.htm

I think the price that Jez quoted there was for Maxton’s multi adjustable replacement cartridges which probably aren’t suitable for the S2R.

I also think to be honest, that because rac3r is looking for somewhere to take the bike and have them do everything it’s going to be a tough call to come up with an economical complete service that is going give the kind of results a pure suspension specialist can achieve when they given just the forks to work on as is the case for most of them.

[Jez900ie]

Again, I agree with you but I think perhaps we’ve all got a little confused.

In both my Monster and my race bike I went for Maxton’s GP20 cartridge conversion which they fit in instances where either the original is a sealed unit or of a very basic design.

https://www.maxtonsuspension.co.uk/files/gp20.htm

I think the price that Jez quoted there was for Maxton’s multi adjustable replacement cartridges which probably aren’t suitable for the S2R.

I also think to be honest, that because rac3r is looking for somewhere to take the bike and have them do everything it’s going to be a tough call to come up with an economical complete service that is going give the kind of results a pure suspension specialist can achieve when they given just the forks to work on as is the case for most of them.

Agreed.

The more you look into a "suspension upgrade", the more questions come up, almost as fast as the prices do. Its really not straight forward at all.

I've come to the following conclusion (at the momment!)
Everything twenty years newer is works far better
The amount I spend will likely reflect the improvement -provided I use a reputable supplier.

[rac3r]

Part of me thinks I won't be able to make the most of an all out upgrade so at the moment I'm thinking shock first and then probably the Andreani cartridge kit. Then I can ride over to Harris Performance and have them set it all up for me (After someone has fitted it because they don't do fitting :( )

Like this https://www.omniaracing.net/en/andreani-misano-evo-adjustable-hydraulic-cartridge-for-marzocchi-for-ducati-monster-s2r-800-p-19744.html

[Blah blah]

I think that we're all agreed then, a suspension upgrade is worth it.

Now the question is, how much do you want to spend??? :D

MCT seem to do a ride in ride out service if that's what you're looking for, might be a bit more of a distance but if they can fit it and set it up in a day... I'm sure there are other places as well

And all this looking at suspension again has got me thinking about swapping my ohlins shock for something else, best not tell the Minister for War and Finance though, she'll not be happy... :look:

[Jez900ie]

Part of me thinks I won't be able to make the most of an all out upgrade so at the moment I'm thinking shock first and then probably the Andreani cartridge kit. Then I can ride over to Harris Performance and have them set it all up for me (After someone has fitted it because they don't do fitting :( )

Like this https://www.omniaracing.net/en/andreani-misano-evo-adjustable-hydraulic-cartridge-for-marzocchi-for-ducati-monster-s2r-800-p-19744.html

Those Andreani look good. There's apparently a fair amount of work required to cut the shrouds etc to fit them and its not reversible. They are the ones I was quoted £870 inc ride in/ out fitting.

[Darren69]

I would look at replacing the s2 forks/calipers and disks with S4/S4R or ST4/S items first of all because they are better quality and cheaper and give a bit more adjustment although not ideal they are a little bit better than what you have currently and the brakes will be much better too. So you may not need to pay 800 quid for fork upgrades and as a bonus you get better stoppers too.

The Ohlins DU046 is without doubt a great quality upgrade which I have done to mine BUT with the titanium linkages and fixings it has the bling factor BUT the standard Ohlins that I bought is either sprung for a very light rider or mine has been re-sprung as such. I got a deal from an ex DD racer which had done 2 seasons DD races and it is really nice condition and it is noticeably better than the standard one' and the hydraulic preload adjuster was a god send since it seemed quite a bit undersrprung for me but now that no longer works its too soft so I am stuck with an expensive re-build for it. the Nitron looks to be good value and the pre-load adjuster is 150 extra so I would ask yourself if you need it? If you do pillion rides or luggage its a no brainer but if you don't then save yourself £150.

[Darren69]

Oh, and if you do replace the shock put an aftermarket SBK ride height adjuster in the mix too. Its a bit longer than standard, has better adjustment and will give you better handling as your original one is too short and will probably be seized and useless anyway.

[rac3r]

I've already done the brake upgrade. I'll start with the rear and have think over the front! Most probably Nitron shock I'll go for, don't need the remote adjuster

[rac3r]

Hyperpro have suggested for my bike and weight their Streetbox option which consists of a rear shock, fork springs and oil for about €600

[Jez900ie]

Hyperpro have suggested for my bike and weight their Streetbox option which consists of a rear shock, fork springs and oil for about €600

Does £600 inc VAT & fitting?

An average price of a good rear shock is £450, an Ohlins front fork spring £40 to £100, so with fitting that might be an interesting deal.

[Mr Gazza]

600 Euros is about 500 of your English quids.

[350TSS]

"600 Euros is about 500 of your English quids."

Somewhat less since last Thursday - or is that too political for this forum?

[Darren69]

The Hyperpro fotk kit. Is it progressive springs. They didnt work too well in my fotks and difficult to tune because they're not linear. The valving in most forks is designed for a linear spring so adjustment can be a bit hit n miss.

[Jez900ie]

600 Euros is about 500 of your English quids.

Ah! Misread the Euro sign for a regular quid logo! Which probably means there isn't fitting unless you take the ferry?

[rac3r]

Includes VAT but no fitting. It seems to me with the forks that you either spend big or don't bother lol

[Jez900ie]

Includes VAT but no fitting. It seems to me with the forks that you either spend big or don't bother lol

You could be right! My forks will get a professional set up & oil change before I splash the bigger notes -thats for sure. Its about £40 around here, so if it works out its a major saving.

[Flip]

You could be right! My forks will get a professional set up & oil change before I splash the bigger notes -thats for sure. Its about £40 around here, so if it works out its a major saving.

What are they doing for £40 is what I’d be asking- that’d be cheap for an hours labour and that isn’t long to strip, clean, check and refill a pair of forks even with them off the bike

The main reason forks cost so much to improve is because generally speaking they're so rubbish to begin with.

But even if you haven’t changed your fork oil for a couple of years or more you’ll probably notice some improvement just by doing that. But honestly, once they’ve been sorted properly you’ll wish (as I did) you’d done it years ago.

By the way, fork oil is really smelly when it’s old- why is that?

[350TSS]

"By the way, fork oil is really smelly when it’s old- why is that?"

I thought this an interesting question - and I could not find an answer but I did come across this which I thought was quite interesting and worth sharing.

http://www.mototribology.com/articles/suspension-fluids/

[Jez900ie]

What are they doing for £40 is what I’d be asking- that’d be cheap for an hours labour and that isn’t long to strip, clean, check and refill a pair of forks even with them off the bike

Sorry my post wasn't too clear... The fork oil will get changed and then the £40 suspension set up guru mystical magic happens! Though the magic is not guaranteed to happen, the potential savings on £500 to £850 forks has to be tried.

[Nottsbiker]

Just for info (haven't read whole thread) I have some early 916 fork legs for my never started build which I have had anodised black and re-valved by Maxton who also supplied a new remote reservoir rear shock with total bill being £1300 inc vat. The other "mod" was boring the yoke and sourcing the correct diameter spindle for the forks.

PS these are not for sale :)