Ohlins Livewire suspensions

if I could get the LiveWire 2-3 inches higher, I would definitely chip in

Interesting.

I have to say, I spent a lot of time playing around with preload, compression and rebound. I also lost 30+ pounds since buying the bike. All together I am much happier with the bike's suspension. I just need to see if I can dial in the rear a bit better but isn't far off for most of my riding.

While I love Ohlins and have them on my Ducatis, and have had them on other bikes, I think I would be at the point of diminishing returns with the LW. For the outlay of cash I'd have to spend, I don't think I'd get enough improvement to justify it. At most I might be willing to dump a grand into a rear shock. Above that it isn't worth it for me.

Congrats. Yeah I am thinking about a shock spend but hoping to gain some ground there.

My front fork started making knocking noise. Also it doesn't how I set it just couldn't get the ride I'm looking for. The stock shock just a bit too harsh even at the softest setting. I'm not looking for floating ride but slightly better ride quality. I have ohlins on other bikes as well as well as the semi-active skyhook on my Ducati. I just couldn't get the same cushion ride how I dial these Showa.

Your complaint with the rear shock is the same as I mine. I've dialed back the compression dampening to the min and it is still too harsh. I can only imagine how bad it is for someone lighter. I am not look for a cushy ride, just not jarring over even small bumps.

My front and rear, I'm medium build 90kg with all the gears on. Yes its a bit too rough and jarring. I think the spring is too hard and the shock is not that great. Also I have zero preload front and rear still hard.

Menoche said:

if I could get the LiveWire 2-3 inches higher, I would definitely chip in

Click to expand...

This need to completely change the whole front fork tubes and the rear shock will have to replace for a longer travel unit.

Changing the whole tube assembly is a given to get more a significant longer travel. The stock suspension would go into a nice little box

Well I am definitely at the point to toss the rear shock. The sharp-edged bumps get transferred directly to my spine where I am riding now. I have the compression dialed totally to soft and it still is terrible.

Maybe try swapping a lower spring rate first? I'm not sure whats the rear spring rate is but definitely on the hard side.

I am a pretty big guy and I don't think the spring rate is the issue. I have to run a fair amount of preload to not end up with too much sag.

I am a big and tall guy, preload has really helped me, also I am lowering the comp, manual says that is common problem.

I would also like a few more inches of height, thinking about a custom seat, 2 inches would be great.

I wanted a high seat to give me a bit more legroom. I ended up using something similar to an Airhawk seat cushion. It was a win/win. More legroom (about an inch) and better comfort without adding a ton of extra weight like most aftermarket seats do. Is it as comfortable as a Corbin on some of my other bikes, no. OTOH, I am not going to be riding for more than an hour without any stops anyway so it works out well.

hluxhoj said:

I am a big and tall guy, preload has really helped me, also I am lowering the comp, manual says that is common problem.

I would also like a few more inches of height, thinking about a custom seat, 2 inches would be great.

Click to expand...

My seat guy worried it would mess up the balance. But I do sort of regret not pushing to just go up in size. Maybe after a second season I will be sure and just add the extra height.

While there would be some effect, it isn't going to be huge. Many companies offer different height seats. BMW is a great example of that. The bike is fairly long and low so a 1" height increase isn't going to ruin anything on it. It might a touch more wheelie prone but I have ZERO issues with wheelies as it is. I'll take the extra comfort myself.

There is a knock on effect though. My windscreen that works pretty well for me now, will be less effective if I sit highe up. I might have to go with the Xophere LWing edition screen. The LWing is my branding for it and I plan to trademark it.

OK. I will be sure to use the proper naming in future ironic posts. Given he only charged my for the time I wont feel bad going back for round two. Though that much change may require a new cover.

I really thought about replacing the seat but the airhawk clone has been working great. It raised me up about and inch as well as being more comfortable.

Your LWing screen would be great here with some morning temps in the 30's. What I really miss is heated grips.

Yeah I am still being stubborn and saying power for the bike not for heat. But the hands get cold. Maybe the barkbusters will work. I just need to see if revzilla will let me return if they don't.