Rear shocks question on 961SF

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Sep 17, 2014
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Could someone tell me the exact model of the Ohlins rear shocks used on the 961 SF? I have a 2014 and scratched up my right rear shock, just above the spring. Trying to decide whether to buff it out or just replace it, but not sure where I'd order a perfect match. I don't want to go through Norton as they have taken forever to get me other parts, and I'm assuming I could order the shocks from any Ohlins dealer.

Have any of you upgraded to something else? If there's a better rear option it'd be a good time for me to consider making the switch.
 
Would think you could save a lot by just buffing out, but have you tried contacting Ohlins?
 
I haven't contacted them yet. Just thought someone here may have already replaced/upgraded them before and have some advice.

The scratches are deep enough where a good buffing will make it better, but not perfect. I'm still leaning that direction though unless I can replace/upgrade for a good price.
 
I am not a suspension expert, but from what I have read, it would be difficult to upgrade an Ohlin.
 
Having recently upgraded my Daytona 675 to Ohlins, I would expect that one of the 961 shocks new would be $500-$750, or perhaps even more.

I doubt you'll find many folks having upgraded the 961 Ohlins shocks, but we'll see.
 
DBono said:
Having recently upgraded my Daytona 675 to Ohlins, I would expect that one of the 961 shocks new would be $500-$750, or perhaps even more.

I doubt you'll find many folks having upgraded the 961 Ohlins shocks, but we'll see.

That's about what I'd expect. I know a good metal guy that should be able to get it almost like new for about 1/5 the price of a new one. I'll probably just do that since it's really the only blemish on the whole bike and it seems a waste replacing a whole shock just because of the scratches. I may ask Ohlins if I could order just the top part that got scratched.
 
You're not going to find a better shock than Ohlin. They are about the most expensive out there too, hence the price of the bike. Those Ohlins and Brembos added about 40% of the total cost. Buff it out and live with the "character" and the fact that you won't make THAT mistake again.
 
Ohlins itself has very much different shocks, so there could be even better options within the brand. The shocks on our bikes are not top of the line Ohlins.

I would go to a ohlins service center and show them. I think every part of the shock is replaceable. You might get away with only the body. (i see now you suggested it yourself already) ;-)

Buffing out is hard. They are clear anodized aren't they? Real hard to get good results without doing the complete body.
 
dimitri said:
Ohlins itself has very much different shocks, so there could be even better options within the brand. The shocks on our bikes are not top of the line Ohlins.

I would go to a ohlins service center and show them. I think every part of the shock is replaceable. You might get away with only the body. (i see now you suggested it yourself already) ;-)

Buffing out is hard. They are clear anodized aren't they? Real hard to get good results without doing the complete body.

Thanks, yeah not all Ohlins are created equal and I thought it might be a good time to upgrade. I'll talk to an Ohlins parts dealer about possible upgrades vs. just ordering the part I need.
 
Can't you swap them over, left to right to left then the scratched bit would be out of sight?

Skiddy
 
skidmark said:
Can't you swap them over, left to right to left then the scratched bit would be out of sight?

Skiddy

I think that would work for part of it. I'll probably just pay the metal guy to do what he can and leave it at that. It's not that bad anyway. Just a character scratch I guess... Then later I might upgrade both shocks if there's a better Ohlins option.
 
Hi GoingCommando

Gutted to hear about the scratch on the RSU. Just thought I'd let you know that the suspension unit part numbers are unique to Norton so it might be difficult to get the exact ones through a non Norton dealer. If you haven't found a resolution to your problem yet please give our sales team a call and I'm sure they will be able to give you a price and availability of the item, (should be able to get one out to you relatively soon). The part you are after is R/H RSU = Norton P/N 6050002.

It is technically possible to swap the units left to right but they are handed so if you did this then the pre-load adjuster handle would be on the inside of the bike and may be awkward to use. Alternatively we may be able to organise a refurbishment of your existing unit (or put you in touch with the right person who can) but depending upon which part it is that is damaged it may be more cost effective to buy a whole new unit.

Norton UK Sales number is 01332 812119 alternatively drop me a PM on here and I can put you in touch with the sales team directly.

Other than that I hope your enjoying your SF otherwise, its my personal favourite of the Commando range as well.
 
NortonFactoryUK said:
Hi GoingCommando

Gutted to hear about the scratch on the RSU. Just thought I'd let you know that the suspension unit part numbers are unique to Norton so it might be difficult to get the exact ones through a non Norton dealer. If you haven't found a resolution to your problem yet please give our sales team a call and I'm sure they will be able to give you a price and availability of the item, (should be able to get one out to you relatively soon). The part you are after is R/H RSU = Norton P/N 6050002.

It is technically possible to swap the units left to right but they are handed so if you did this then the pre-load adjuster handle would be on the inside of the bike and may be awkward to use. Alternatively we may be able to organise a refurbishment of your existing unit (or put you in touch with the right person who can) but depending upon which part it is that is damaged it may be more cost effective to buy a whole new unit.

Norton UK Sales number is 01332 812119 alternatively drop me a PM on here and I can put you in touch with the sales team directly.

Other than that I hope your enjoying your SF otherwise, its my personal favourite of the Commando range as well.

Thanks for your reply! I ended up going with the metal guy and very glad I did. Turned out great, and no one should ever notice it was scratched in the first place.
Here's the before and after:

Rear shocks question on 961SF
 
Hello Goingcommando , Can you resend the after image only it is cut off . Did the bike fall over into something in the garage I suppose ? Can you give us the Ducati vs Norton impressions now ?
 
That fix looks like new, pity the forum cuts out the fix but if you go direct to the hosting site its there in its full glory.
 
kommando said:
That fix looks like new, pity the forum cuts out the fix but if you go direct to the hosting site its there in its full glory.


Not the forum's fault. If you hit CTRL - that's control Minus sign, it will shrink the page so you can see it. Ctrl + brings it back. It will shrink or enlarge each time you do it.

It is a great job by the metal guy. Seems like he's a good paint guy too!
 
Hello , ctrl minus worked great . The shock looks like new. I wonder what work went into making it nice again ? Did it have to be completely disassembled and then blasted or refinished ?
 
TonyA said:
Hello , ctrl minus worked great . The shock looks like new. I wonder what work went into making it nice again ? Did it have to be completely disassembled and then blasted or refinished ?

He removed the shock and did a great job with his polishing tools. He's done metal blending for many years. After smoothing it all out he touched it up with a little silver paint to help match the original finish. He also slightly shortened my kickstand so the bike rests at a safer angle and modified the bracket on my right South Bay torque exhaust pipe so that it sat at the same level as the left one and never rubs against the chain anymore. What did he charge for these three very desirable fixes? Only $200 !!!
 
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