Building an Ohlins Shock

The shock had plenty of clearance on my MK3, as shown earlier in this thread, but unfortunately the bike does not have the stock MK3 rear caliper and hose bracket, which does look like it would interfere. Sorry I didn't catch that earlier.

Ken

I serviced the Öhlins today and found they were low on nitrogen charge.
8 bar vs 12 bar
After reinstalled the new free sag and rider sag (8/30)more closely fit with Kens findings.

Ride feels slightly firmer. Rear tire worn out needs replace.
100 mile ride today in great weather.



Norton Mk3 country ride near Unger, WV
The Farnham Colossi,14633 Winchester Grade Road, Unger, WV

A tool I have that is very handy when servicing the bottom left shock mount on a Commando is an eBay $10 free ship,
Capri Tools Super-Thin Open End Wrench 1/2 x 9/16.
Just grind the 9/16 end to fit the chain guard pocket.

Ken, Have you tested the springs to a point of having a preference for 05, 06, 07?
Thanks for being the test bed for these Öhlins springs.

p400 said:

Ken, Have you tested the springs to a point of having a preference for 05, 06, 07?
Thanks for being the test bed for these Öhlins springs.

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Unfortunately, no. Along with the rear shocks, I also decided to go ahead with the Ohlins cartridge conversion on the front forks, but it's taken longer than I expected. With the front end apart, I haven't been able to ride the bike to sort out the rear springs. I expect to have it back together soon, and will continue trying different springs on the rear (and on the front ) .

Ken

Please give us an up date on the Öhlins cartridge kit for Roadholder forks.
Some photos would be good to keep our interest happy.

p400 said:

Please give us an up date on the Öhlins cartridge kit for Roadholder forks.
Some photos would be good to keep our interest happy.

Click to expand...

Shock and steering damper parts are done, to the anodizer next, I should have them sometime next week.

Fork cap parts should also be done next week, the caps are stainless steel, so they will come directly to me.

For anyone who missed it, the link to Dan's thread on the Ohlins cartridge conversion for Norton forks is here:


Edit - Oops. Just noticed that I started that thread, not Dan. But it's really about the conversion he's developing, so it's still sort of "his" thread. Sorry for the misinformation, Dan.

Ken

I see 2 different spring clips, steering damper mounts plus washers of some type. Looks like a great commitment to Norton Öhlins products.
Keep this thread in the loop please. I like photo posts.

Been a while since I updated my results. I was unable to ride for almost two months after almost severing my right index finger. I'm back in the saddle again, and have ridden the bike enough to be comfortable that the current setup suits my weight and riding style. The 00360-06 springs are just right for me at a weight of 195 lbs. without riding gear. I ended up with preload at 11 mm (8 turns on the adjuster). My grandson also likes the way they feel, but says it is still a little stiff for him. It's his bike, and he weighs 35 lbs. less than I do, so we will probably try the 00360-05 spring for him, once we get the front end sorted out enough that he can do some test riding. I doubt if we will try the 00360-07 spring, unless the bike is regularly used for two-up riding, which seems unlikely at the moment. These are definitely the best shocks I have used on a Commando.

Ken

lcrken said:

Been a while since I updated my results. I was unable to ride for almost two months after almost severing my right index finger. I'm back in the saddle...……. These are definitely the best shocks I have used on a Commando.
Ken

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Dang it Ken, glad you didn't lose that trigger finger. amazing that we have such good support for these bikes...who'd have ever thought that we'd be able to get ohlins for our front forks. Cj

lcrken said:

I was unable to ride for almost two months after almost severing my right index finger.

Click to expand...

Ouch. Did you you get it back on?

gortnipper said:

Ouch. Did you you get it back on?

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Yep. Didn't cut it off, just half way through. Very fortunate to have no serious tendon damage. Stitches and a splint for a month, and then just waiting for it to heal enough for riding. Probably won't have quite the full motion back, but enough to ride bikes and pull triggers.

Ken