Mophead
Site Supporter
Totally useless question but why can you buy a pair of fully adjustable shocks (think Japanese standard bike) for $5/600 and a single shock (ST or similar) scares a $1500 bill?
Shock price difference
- Thread starter Mophead
- Start date
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2006
- Messages
- 973
- Location
- Cow Head, Newfoundland, Canada
- Bike
- ST1300A '05
- STOC #
- 5967
Supply and demand, costs of tooling up, heavier duty spring and damping system, the single shocks are engineered for individual bikes/brands. So, no discounting for volume. I can remember paying $150 for a pair of generic shocks to fit my '80/81/82 Honda CB750 (it was starting to be a Frankenbike). Those shocks would fit almost any 650-750 regardless of brand from '79 to '85 if you weren't too picky on the specs. And last but not least, they know you'll pay it.
GGely
Site Supporter
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2018
- Messages
- 709
- Location
- Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
- Bike
- 2001 ST1100 Non ABS
- STOC #
- 8997
I bought a Hagon with remote preload for my ST1100 last year for $900 CDN taxes and shipping included, so under $700 USD. The HyperPro is currently about the same price, while the BiTubo and YSS are under $600 USD and $500 USD respectively. The Progressive was $550 last time I looked.
I don't know how much they are now but I bought an OEM ST11 shock for about £400.00 about three or four years ago.
Upt'North.
Upt'North.
Uncle Phil
Site Supporter
I bought several Wilbers for all my girls and they were around $750 USD (they did not have the 'remote' adjuster as I ride by myself 99% of the time).
I would guess that the Ohlins is priced above that but they did not have them for the ST1100s when I looked.
Is there is a big price difference between ST1100 shocks and ST1300 shocks?
It seems they would be pretty close in function.
I would guess that the Ohlins is priced above that but they did not have them for the ST1100s when I looked.
Is there is a big price difference between ST1100 shocks and ST1300 shocks?
It seems they would be pretty close in function.
GGely
Site Supporter
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2018
- Messages
- 709
- Location
- Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
- Bike
- 2001 ST1100 Non ABS
- STOC #
- 8997
Just realized I may be coming across as a jerk here, feejer, but that isn’t my intent. I was startled at the $1500 USD number.
Upt’North, I checked on Partzilla and the OEM is $338 USD.
We’re both addressing the ST1100 so I checked and the ST1300 rear shock is $594 USD on Partzilla. Not sure which you were thinking of, feejer.
Upt’North, I checked on Partzilla and the OEM is $338 USD.
We’re both addressing the ST1100 so I checked and the ST1300 rear shock is $594 USD on Partzilla. Not sure which you were thinking of, feejer.
ST1100Y
Site Supporter
Ohlins are focused on track use, hence very harsh and stiff... wouldn't want that for touring...
- Joined
- Feb 11, 2006
- Messages
- 9,681
- Location
- Jacksonville
- Bike
- GL1800 R1200RT NC700
- 2024 Miles
- 008131
- STOC #
- 6651
I respectfully disagree with the suggestion that Ohlins suspension is stiff and harsh. That couldn't be further from the truth. Most Ohlins (I'd say all but they do sell a few standard body shocks to suspension builders) are built to specification of the intended use and the rider's weight. They are highly customized. Spring rate, valving, and features are specified to the intended use. An Ohlins shock on a track focused racing bike would be harsh and stiff. An Ohlins shock built for a touring bike would be sprung and valved completely differently than a track bike.
I believe the higher pricing on aftermarket suspension has been covered by other posters. There is little economy of scale, the most expensive shocks offer premium performance and can include extra features like separate compression & rebound damping, remote preload adjustment, and adjustable ride height. If the suspension shop carries all the springs in 10 lb increments to cover a wide range of riders there is significant cost in held inventory.
I believe the higher pricing on aftermarket suspension has been covered by other posters. There is little economy of scale, the most expensive shocks offer premium performance and can include extra features like separate compression & rebound damping, remote preload adjustment, and adjustable ride height. If the suspension shop carries all the springs in 10 lb increments to cover a wide range of riders there is significant cost in held inventory.
OP
OP
Mophead
Site Supporter
I was thinking of Ohlins. Tried to find one for my BMW R1100S. They don't make it anymore and the folks who still have one are very proud of them.
Uncle Phil
Site Supporter
I went through a similar process when I was 'shocking' my ST1100s.
I guess Ohlins pretty much sticks what is 'current' stuff now.
If youve ever seen phil ride, they're the right shock...
Uncle Phil
Site Supporter
Actually I have Wilbers on all of mine since Ohlins no longer makes them for ST1100s AFAIK.
ST1100Y
Site Supporter
Nah, not on our frost-beaten, patch-worked Alpine roads...
Constant hammering due a too stiff suspension is tiring, even leading to pain like sore wrists, etc...