The Ohlin’s shock is a premium shock absorber for the 1000RR, it features high and low speed compression damping and rebound damping adjusters. It also comes with a Hydraulic preload adjuster.

Photos By Mad Mardigen

In my quest for a more comfortable ride, I decided to replace the stock shock, that to me, felt like a solid piece of steel on a good day. The stock shock is sprung for a 200 pound plus rider and even if I had decided to change the spring then I would have had to get the shock re-built to work with the new spring. It's just too much money and work for a shock that most people think belongs in a land fill.

I have read on many vendor sites how the Ohlin’s was suspension bliss compared to the stock shock and that the bike would be transformed; they even compared it with a Cadillac suspension.

The truth be told. After I put this shock on and went for a ride I did notice that the ride was a little better than stock but not like the advertising had led me to believe. It was still a pretty stiff set up, so all in all I was disappointed.

Until that is, I put it into a corner.

I was always pretty careful going into corners on 1000RR because the smallest bump would cause the rear end to lose traction. To say the least, it was not confidence inspiring but with the Ohlin’s installed WOW!!!! a thing of the past. The rear wheel stays planted; it just soaks up the bumps. It has raised my level of confidence and has made the 1000RR a joy to ride.

And one final note I finally managed to get that, well, almost Cadillac feeling. I installed the HRC suspension link. Now the rear end stays planted and feels great too.

So let's get to it!!

To install the Ohlins you will need the following tools. 14mm & 17mm wrench, 14mm & 17mm socket, 8mm Allan head socket, 3/8 ratchet, torque wrench and a floor jack.

This job can be performed by one person (I did it) but it would be a great deal easier with a helper.

Removing the right side faring is required to install the new shock, instructions on removing the fairing can be found in the oil change article on this site.

Photos By Mad Mardigen

The first thing you have to do is un-spring the rear suspension. Place the floor jack under the oil pan, then place a piece of wood between the jack and the oil pan so you don’t damage the oil pan.

Raise the bike until the wheel is almost off the ground. The trick here is we just want to unload the suspension, this way the bolt attaching the dog bone to the frame will slide out easily

Photos By Mad Mardigen Remove the frame to link nut with the 8mm Allan head socket and 17mm wrench. You have to reach under the bike to hold one end while you turn the other this is why another person is helpful. Then gently tap and pull out the bolt.

Photos By Mad Mardigen Use the 14mm wrench and the 17mm socket to remove the lower shock absorber nut.