Z1OwnersClub GB

So question is A new set of twinshock ohlin ka 140 at £650 worth the extra outlay for spirited road riding than a set of rebuilt marzocchi strada's, bike is the z1000h I've just bought, motor is going to be played with to some extent, with a more modern front end, maybe usd or decent rwu, will be on 17" rubber possibly a 160 in the back, now for the the fun bit I'm a bit of a bloater at over 20st. So is it worth the extra outlay for the ohlins, I love the period look of the strada's but are they any good, did have a quick look at maxtons to

Stradas are actually ok, and have the advantage of being rebuildable in your own garage! There are a couple of limitations though, in that you may struggle to find springs to fit as you will find them to be too softly sprung (mine were for me - 16ish stone on my J) and without changing shims the compression-to-rebound ratio was incorrect, though I don't think that heavier shims compression were available (you then change the oil weight to adjust the rebound). But, they look great and are proper period!

There are plenty of other options though. Dave at Saisei sells YSS and may be able to spring them to suit. I really need a set of these, so depending on what length you're after my CB1300 shocks might be up for sale (365mm), which are much better than they should be. They're a little oversprung for me but might be on the money for you?

I'm in the looking stages at the moment, love the look of the ohlin black range, but £1200, will do a bit of research on springs for the strada's see if they are available, as I love the period look, but if not feasible will have to look elsewhere

I've got a YSS shock on my Yamaha FZ750, it's a good shock, cost about £300 and if you talk to Firefox racing they'll get it buily by YSS to the correct spec for your weight, I think the twin shocks also cost about £300 for similar spec to my FZ monoshock one, preload and damping adjustable, no remote resovoir.

I've got a really cheapy set of remote resovoir shocks on my J, they work as well as the original shocks, doubt if they'd survive a British winter though.

Ohlins are great I have them on my ZRX.
However, I really rate YSS. They are much better than other similar priced stuff in terms of performance, build , materials and looks.

Swirl wrote:I'm in the looking stages at the moment, love the look of the ohlin black range, but £1200, will do a bit of research on springs for the strada's see if they are available, as I love the period look, but if not feasible will have to look elsewhere

YSS also do a black range....

I think Anders Andersen works for YSS, he used to work for Ohlins

I have a pair of TEC on mine completely re-buildable adjustable for rebound and 16 way damper adjustment with the bonus of being adjustable for length, OK low priced but they do the job and do it well, that said i have gone form almost 16 stone to just under 11 in the last year so the need for super dooper shocks is not required for my riding style or weight these days

Coose wrote:

Swirl wrote:I'm in the looking stages at the moment, love the look of the ohlin black range, but £1200, will do a bit of research on springs for the strada's see if they are available, as I love the period look, but if not feasible will have to look elsewhere

YSS also do a black range....

Thanks for the replies and advice people, YSS Black range now that's interesting, will have a look

Anyone using the Hagon Nitro's.?
I understand they are built to order...

I have Marzocchi Stradas on my zed. Can’t fault them.

Its a bit like trying to compare the old Kawasaki H2 with the new one ....Strada's and Ohlins are chalk and cheese.

Zocchi's look right on an old bike and can be made to handle OK if you rebuild 'em with modern suspension fluid - Ohlins are night and day better even out of the box, but look wrong on a period bike.

I have both - Strada's on my Z650, Ohlins on my ZRX12 ....

The Zed has a 150 fitted on the rear in a Zephyr swingarm ....it needed spacers for the frame to get the shocks straight

Who's the outlet for the Stradas now please ?

I don't think you can buy them new now, but all rebuild spares are available.

Ebay and rebuild. The company went to the wall years ago.

Even rebuild kits (which were available up to a couple of years back) are like hens teeth now. There are sources in Italy though (for the seals) if you can get hold of the shocks themselves