Ohlins front fork cartridges
#141
05-20-2017, 10:37 AM
Just for some info that may help you guys install them, when I did my Wide Glide I got both of the special tools for the job. They were a hold up tool that screws on the top of the cartridge because it wants to slide down, and a "Y" shaped piece of flat steel to go between the top of the spring and the nut on the threaded section. You can very easily use a piece of rubber hose for the hold up tool, and a body washer with a slot cut out of the edge so it will slip over the shaft of the cartridge to keep the spring in place. The spring tool wasn't even needed on my install, but may have been due to the very light springs installed due to me weighing 117lbs. Also the bottom hex screw on the fork is a 12mm. To get the screw out cut off most of the end of the wrench so you can put it in a 12mm socket and use an impact to zip them out due to locktite on the threads. When you install them don't use the impact, but install by hand. Here's some pics of the tools.
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Mchad (05-20-2017)
#142
05-20-2017, 12:24 PM
Club Member
Just for some info that may help you guys install them, when I did my Wide Glide I got both of the special tools for the job. They were a hold up tool that screws on the top of the cartridge because it wants to slide down, and a "Y" shaped piece of flat steel to go between the top of the spring and the nut on the threaded section. You can very easily use a piece of rubber hose for the hold up tool, and a body washer with a slot cut out of the edge so it will slip over the shaft of the cartridge to keep the spring in place. The spring tool wasn't even needed on my install, but may have been due to the very light springs installed due to me weighing 117lbs. Also the bottom hex screw on the fork is a 12mm. To get the screw out cut off most of the end of the wrench so you can put it in a 12mm socket and use an impact to zip them out due to locktite on the threads. When you install them don't use the impact, but install by hand. Here's some pics of the tools.
#143
05-20-2017, 12:46 PM
I posted about them somewhere on here, and i'll see if I can locate the thread. But to make it easier I did the Blackline 762's on the back first, and then did the NIX22's about a month later. All I can say is there is no comparison to stock. The rear shocks made a huge difference in ride quality AND handling, and the NIX22's made an even bigger difference. No brake dive, and it keeps the tires planted. Now it makes you want to corner like your on a crotch rocket. I have NO regrets on either purchase, and would buy them again. I'd have to double check, but my rebound is setting at 9 clicks out, and compression is 13 or 14 clicks out. The settings in the instructions will be very close and will ride pretty dang good out of the box after you set your spring sag.
#146
05-21-2017, 06:34 AM
Road Captain
#148
05-21-2017, 08:39 AM
I figure your total fork travel will be about the same as my wide glide which is 5" total. You'll want 15-30% FREE sag and 20-40% ride height.(your weight on the bike). I set my free sag at 1" (no weight on the bike, but standing up) and 1 1/4" ride height ( my boney azz in the seat) those came out to 20% and 25% which is within the guide lines. Mine came out to 12 turns, but it was with Ohlins lightest springs, and i'm sure the heavier springs wouldn't need as much preload. I could also go down a few turns on mine and still be within specs so my guess is 5-6 turns will be very close, and if you want it a tad higher go a couple of more turns.
#149
05-21-2017, 08:45 AM
I agree! I had to order another bottle to finish mine. Each Wide Glide tube held 6/10ths of a bottle of fluid. With that said the Ohlins tech told me 1 bottle would do it, and most likely 1/2 a bottle in each leg would be fine.
