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1993 900ss Refresh Suspension

Discussion in 'Supersport (1974-2007)' started by bikemad, Apr 22, 2018.

  1. I have a 1993 900ss that I'm looking at refreshing the suspension.
    The options are getting the front revalved with Racetech valves and springs and the same with the rear shock.
    or, replace the rear shock with Nitron, Wilbers or Ohlin's.
    Can anybody advice me which way to go?
    We have a local bike shop(one man band) who is the Racetech go to guy so he can undertake the work, but would a revalved/new spring to suit me rear shock be as good as just forking out for a new Nitron rear shock that is set up for me and new?
    Nitron r2($1100aust) Wilbers 642 piggy back($1300aust) ohlins DU235($1490aust).
    Racetech valved, new spring rear shock is the cheaper option(though I haven't been given final costs yet) I've been advised.
    Any advice gratefully accepted!
     
  2. It depends what you want it to do different to what it currently does.
    If you want to go fast, particularly on a track, I would say that no, a Showa shock rebuilt to suit you will not be as good at maintaining traction under every condition as one of the three you mention (also set up for you) as the shim and valve tech used for damping is not able to match the fine control of the more modern units. If you want it to be more forgiving / plush though, I think the difference would be a lot smaller and you will get a noticeable difference from a standard shock rebuild.
    Jon
     
  3. Simply putting thinner oil in transformed my SS forks
     
  4. I have a Maxton rear shock and Maxton internals in my Forks, set up for my weight. It's set up for fast road and could probably be quite a bit more plush. However once the pace picks up it's the best handling bike I have ridden, sticks to the road and gives great feedback. I love the suspension on it and would certainly agree that anything you suggest will improve what you have. I looked at Maxton, Wilbers, Ohlins, Nitron and others and they are all good. If you can afford it then its a worthwhile upgrade to replace the shock. At the very least get it rebuilt. The front forks are very good anyway as they are fully adjustable, if you can get them resprung and revalved it makes them better. I went with Maxton as they were so helpful on the phone and explained things really well. They told me the front forks are pretty good and worth keeping.
     
    • Useful Useful x 1
  5. I've heard very good things about K tech too.

    Curious Bikemad, is there no local forums as good as this one in Australia? Local knowledge may help greatly.
     
  6. Thanks very much for all your replies, all good info.
    I joined the Aussie Ducati forum but it doesn't seem very active and as you can see with this one you get knowledge answers within hours.
    Problem with Oz is that it's a big country so the main suspension guys are on the East coast 2000+ miles away(I'm in West Australia) and even the Local suspension guys are 250 miles(Perth) from the smallish town I live in. We have a one man band Racetech guy(good reputation) here in our locality so I was looking at using him for a refresh at least.
    I was inclined to buy a Ohlins for the rear as Ducati themselves upgrade their S and R models with that brand.
    But, the suspension guys steer me more towards Nitron and Wilbers as they produce good gear at sharper prices but they can supply Ohlins.
    This is a road bike so I just need the bike set up for occasional quick blasts!
    I have few good mates who have raced or worked in decent workshops who I ask but it's always helpful to talk to people who have the same bikes and have done the same things!
    Yes it would be nice if Maxton were close by!!
     
  7. Hi there :)
    have you tried ringing Brook Henry at VeeTwo if they're still going?

    Personally If it's just a good raod blast then you're probably better off rebuilding your forks and shock with racetech internals - which will probably run you the same price as a decent ohlins rear.

    The thing with buying old shocks is that they're probably tired anyway so will need a birthday. On my SS I had an ohlins rear and stock fronts. However had I not done that, I would have got a company called K-Tech here to do both for me.

    in Oz they're suplied through these guys:
    http://ridedynamics.com.au/k-tech.html

    Setup wise I found 15-20 mm sag front and rear was about right for me on the road. :)
     
  8. Yep, we visited Brook Henry a few weeks ago but his business is very busy building Beveldrive Hailwood replicas. Only 12 being built so will be pretty special.
    They have relocated to a very small Town called Nannup in WA. They are very much Bevel Specialists and produce some lovely gear!
    I didn't ask about suspension for the 900ss.
     
  9. He knows his shit though and he did me proud years ago on my SS. He sold me all the alloy clutch basket assembly and made sure that the customs invoice meant that I wasn't screwed over this side when it landed.

    He'll know who to talk to :)
     
    #9 Sev, Apr 22, 2018
    Last edited: Apr 22, 2018
    • Agree Agree x 1
  10. Ohlins are great but you can get more economical options. The Maxton was about 550gbp, cheaper than a new Ohlins whereas Nitron are about 350 iirc
     
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