STOCK vs. PENSKE,OHLINS!!!!!!!

[flyingbutterknife]

I want to hear some racer feedback on what shock you think is the best,a revalved stock shock by G.P Suspension, a Penske or Ohlins.....Ive ran a Penske on my 06 CBR 600rr and it just rocked.I will be running a stock G.P revalved on my 07 R6 and a Penske on my 07 GSXR 750 and would like to know what others think of them? Anyone run a stock revalved shock on the 750's? Its sure alot cheaper to run stock vs. aftermarket.

[Speedracer42]

I am interested in this too. I have only run a GP set up stock shock. Last bike being a 2005 GSXR1000. I am not fast, consistant low 1:11's at PIR. I can't help but think an aftermarket shock is the way to go. I had every intention of running one this year on my new bike, but budget may prohibit that.

[Ed Who?]

i for one am HUGE believer in Ohlins. Penske's are good too. I just like how much easier to use and adjust the Ohlins are and also im a squid so i like the look A LOT more. Personally, its Ohlins for me!

[Chunke1]

I spoke to Dave from GP about this last year and he stressed the adjustability of the Ohlins and Penske over the stock revalved setup. Apparently, you can only do so much to the stock system. However, even with the Ohlins, it needed to be revalved anyway to account for the rough tracks here in the US versus the smooth Euro tracks the factory shock valving was developed on. Hell, I can't tell the difference anyway.....

Edit: Forgot to mention that with the Penske, GP can order it with the specific valving for the tracks in this region. :signs004:

[AdamBowen]

I have run a GP Suspension setup stocker, and Penske. I have used Ohlins stuff on the dirt. In my opinion, Ohlins are a bit pricy especially considering that whatever shock you do end up with, needs/should be revalved and setup for you personally anyway. My choice is Penske, a little cheaper outta the gate before having the GP guys work there magic. Eric..I know you hate when guys talk about initial cost...but I'm a poor racer who barely makes each limited season happen and every little bit helps. Just my thoughts.

[Suitor]

The problem with revalving your stock shock is it's cheaper up front, but it's worth nothing when you are done with it. With a Penske or Ohlins you can at least sell it for a decent amount if you part out your race bike when you get something new. If you spend $400 or whatever to redo the stocker you aren't going to get much for it down the road. Just my $.02

besides, all you guys that run Dunlops are going to need all the extra adjustability of an aftermarket shock LOL.

[EmDee]

Ohlins man here myself like Eric. http://edrperformance.com/insider/images/icons/icon14.gif

I simply like the remote preload adjuster of the Ohlins over the collar adjustment for preload on the Penske. For basically the same price, I get an easier way to adjust preload. I've had both and both performed flawlessly. I also like the "gold" look of the Ohlins too better than the dull blue of the Penske...gotta have a little Bling for the ding in the wallet! :D

Both work great and another feature is the lower clevis has ride height adjustment on either one. So adjusting is so easy to maximize your bikes handling. Some OEM shocks are beginning to do this, but not all. So another reason to go aftermarket rather than a revalved OEM.

[dpwracing]

I've used Penskes for years now, and I think they're great shocks. I haven't used Ohlins, but obviously a lot of people have used those as well. The one observation I have made is I've heard of many people (especially lighter riders) having to revalve Ohlins before they'll work correctly.

[beer gut racing]

I've used re-valved stockers on GSXR 750's for years with no real issues (GP Suspension parts). I ran a Penske on my 750 last last year, and on my 1000 for a couple years...honestly couldn't tell much difference. I think if you're running a 25 lap superbike race, the stockers get hot quicker and change characteristics towards the end of the race compared to aftermarket shocks with remove reservoir. For a 10 lap race in the NW, I'm not so sure it makes the difference. The resolution of clicker adjustment is nice though, especially if you're trying to fine tune the compression side, definitely makes a difference.

Tough call, my two cents says if you're on a budget, spend the money somewhere else. GP does a great job making the stockers work good.

[flyingbutterknife]

If you run stock on the GSXR's ,how do you adjust ride height?

[beer gut racing]

I forgot to mention...Belly Wressel might have a little something to do with my success with stock shocks ;) The guy kinda knows what he's doing, even with his belly getting in the way!

[beer gut racing]

If you run stock on the GSXR's ,how do you adjust ride height?

You can buy a longer clevis AND you use washers under the clevis. Dave makes the washers, but my Dad and I cut a notch into them so you can slide them into place without totally undoing the top shock nut. Some people think they are prone to fall out, but we've never had trouble, as long as the shock nut is tight.

[flyingbutterknife]

Good input brutha!!!Belly Wrinkles hooked me up big dog style on a Penske triple for the 750 so I should be set. But on the R6 I am running stock shock with a spacer in it for ride height,any one had success with the R6 stocker or does it blow???? Looks super adjustable and nicely made....am I wrong? I was told from a high up suspension tech that the stock R6 shocks are really tunable.

[Barry Wressell]

I did testing back in 2005 on stock revave and penske. I thought that the revalve stocker worked as good if not better. The nice thing about the aftermarket shocks is ease of adjustment. The R6 shocks revalved by GP are awesome! You can ask Berk, Bertram, Sully, McCarty, Zach Gordon, they all did the revalve job and were extremely happy! The cost is low, and I don't agree with Suiter, they do have value if you sell them. I sold mine for about $250.

A bunch of current bikes come with ride height spacers from the factory, so using shims is perfectly fine to do. If you are mainly running in the NW, you can get your bike geometry setup for you and then you don't need to adjust ride height all season. So having the quick adjustment is not too necessary after that. Also, most stock shocks come with high and low speed compression and in the past they did not, so the stockers are a great choice!

As far as fading, we did a bunch of endurance racing on my R6 and had no problems with the stock revalve fading. We even did the 8 hour in Spokane! GP stuff is on par with the aftermarkets in my opinion. I will also say, some stock shocks suck and we will tell you if so, but most of the time they work great!

[beer gut racing]

there are people all over the NW reading that post and thinking...what a smart mutha fucka! You da man, belly man.

[D-Rail]

I did testing back in 2005 on stock revave and penske. I thought that the revalve stocker worked as good if not better. The nice thing about the aftermarket shocks is ease of adjustment. The R6 shocks revalved by GP are awesome! You can ask Berk, Bertram, Sully, McCarty, Zach Gordon, they all did the revalve job and were extremely happy! The cost is low, and I don't agree with Suiter, they do have value if you sell them. I sold mine for about $250.

A bunch of current bikes come with ride height spacers from the factory, so using shims is perfectly fine to do. If you are mainly running in the NW, you can get your bike geometry setup for you and then you don't need to adjust ride height all season. So having the quick adjustment is not too necessary after that. Also, most stock shocks come with high and low speed compression and in the past they did not, so the stockers are a great choice!

As far as fading, we did a bunch of endurance racing on my R6 and had no problems with the stock revalve fading. We even did the 8 hour in Spokane! GP stuff is on par with the aftermarkets in my opinion. I will also say, some stock shocks suck and we will tell you if so, but most of the time they work great!

What is your opinion on the Elka shocks?

[Suitor]

The cost is low, and I don't agree with Suiter, they do have value if you sell them. I sold mine for about $250.



It's SuitOR, dork LOL. My reference is from some of the older shocks. I couldn't get anything out of my 03 R6 shock that had been reworked. It sounds like some of the newer stock stuff is decent. What do you think of the stock 05-06 GSXR 1K shock?

[mtobin]

I love my ohlins rear shock after gp suspension did the trick to it. Huge difference and I could totally tell. The place where I really noticed was under heavy braking the bike stayed settled no major movement from the rear of the bike.
Tire wear was another area that treally improved.

[AdamBowen]

I did testing back in 2005 on stock revave and penske. I thought that the revalve stocker worked as good if not better. The nice thing about the aftermarket shocks is ease of adjustment. The R6 shocks revalved by GP are awesome! You can ask Berk, Bertram, Sully, McCarty, Zach Gordon, they all did the revalve job and were extremely happy! The cost is low, and I don't agree with Suiter, they do have value if you sell them. I sold mine for about $250.

A bunch of current bikes come with ride height spacers from the factory, so using shims is perfectly fine to do. If you are mainly running in the NW, you can get your bike geometry setup for you and then you don't need to adjust ride height all season. So having the quick adjustment is not too necessary after that. Also, most stock shocks come with high and low speed compression and in the past they did not, so the stockers are a great choice!

As far as fading, we did a bunch of endurance racing on my R6 and had no problems with the stock revalve fading. We even did the 8 hour in Spokane! GP stuff is on par with the aftermarkets in my opinion. I will also say, some stock shocks suck and we will tell you if so, but most of the time they work great!

Barry took a stock Gixxer 600 shock, revalved it, put an Elka Spring on it, machined the clevis, and put it on my 03 636! Friggin thing worked awesome!! Then, my bike was forever known as the Kawazuki!!

[Barry Wressell]

It's SuitOR, dork LOL. My reference is from some of the older shocks. I couldn't get anything out of my 03 R6 shock that had been reworked. It sounds like some of the newer stock stuff is decent. What do you think of the stock 05-06 GSXR 1K shock?

I know 2 O's in Goose, sorry! The 05 GSXR revalve stocker was not that great, but the 04-05 750 shock was awesome. You can put that on a GSXR 1000.

[Barry Wressell]

Barry took a stock Gixxer 600 shock, revalved it, put an Elka Spring on it, machined the clevis, and put it on my 03 636! Friggin thing worked awesome!! Then, my bike was forever known as the Kawazuki!!

Kawasuuuuuuukkkkkkiiiiii!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !