Traxxion vs. Ohlins

[Thingy]

Here is a very interesting read from another forum.  While it is interesting, I am also kind of a loser because I read through 31 pages of the posts and may go back for more.  Long story short, it is a discussion about which fork cartridges are better, Traxxion or Ohlins. 

There is plenty of name calling, rants, and other childish stuff.  However, there is also some useful information with discussion about how the parts are built, quality of components, and an actual test of the systems on the track.  My suggestion, read as far as you can.  When you get sick of it, jump ahead to page 27 to read about a back to back comparison.

Enjoy:
http://www.1000rr.net/vb/showthread.php?t=17093&page=1&pp=10

[Super Dave]

Penske thinks theirs are better. 

[Protein Filled]

My 600 has the 25 mm Ohlins cartridge kit and my 750 has the 20 mm Traxxion kit. I know it's not fair since they are different bikes and the 750 isn't setup properly for me since I got it really late in the season and barely rode, but I like the front end feel that the 600 has better.

[251am]

 Interesting is right. Unfortunately the 'net has just become a trolling ground for the credit card bolt on biker. 1000rr.net and SuperBike Supply help fill that void for them...


As a suspension guy I know says, ..." I could build your Showas to almost be Ohlins, but if you can't recognize the difference what's the point?"

  I like my Eds.

[kylbie]

Interesting is right. Unfortunately the 'net has just become a trolling ground for the credit card bolt on biker. 1000rr.net and SuperBike Supply help fill that void for them...


As a suspension guy I know says, ..." I could build your Showas to almost be Ohlins, but if you can't recognize the difference what's the point?"

  I like my Eds.

funny thing... thats the same thing he told me.....

[jimmyboost]

Max knows his stuff pretty well and makes a fine product.  Ohlins makes some dang sexy suspension too though (the rear on my SV is sweeeet).  Its interesting that Ohlins is switching to 20mm cartridges though. 

[Super Dave]

Really?  With no option for 25's?  Where's your info from?

[Jeff]

The other piece which is critically overlooked most often is setup.  The greatest, most expensive suspension bits in the world won't make a shit bit of difference if they're not properly setup...

Can you do this via mail-order?  Not to my personal liking...  I know you can get in the ball-park via email or phone exchanges, but having a tuner get hands-on with your bike and talk to you throughout the season is WELL worth the money.

Setups vary from day to day, track to track, temps, surfaces, etc.. .Hell, I know people who adjust their suspension based on how much tire they have left (as in, one race it's set up one way, the next race it's set up different).  Suspension by RonCo ("Set it & Forget it") does not work very well.

[jimmyboost]

My mistake....I'm an idiot, it happens alot.  They're changing their rod size, not their piston size.  From Traxxion's AK-20 FAQ:

Q: Wouldn't the rebound valves be larger on a 25mm cartridge and doesn't the rebound valve assembly also displace fluid?
Max: An interesting thing to note is that the relationship of the size of the rod and bore in the 25mm aftermarket cartridges. The rod is 12.5 and the bore is 25, which is 2:1. This is similar to a 20mm cartridge with a 10mm rod. I believe it is better to have a relationship that is lower than 2:1. I have seen some kit Showa parts from Japan that used a 25mm piston, but the rod was bigger than 12.5mm (I can't say how much bigger...haha!). I think Ohlins is aware of this problem with their cartridges, as they are going to a bigger rod. I don't know if they are available to the public yet.
As far as the 25mm rebound piston displacing more fluid, it does not. It is already submerged in the oil, and moves in it. It does not displace any more or less fluid as a result. Again, only the rod entering and leaving the cartridge has any effect.
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[tstruyk]

I think Ohlins is aware of this problem with their cartridges, as they are going to a bigger rod.

interesting to see if this actually pans out... max is a pretty good at spin.

[mdr14]

I want my 5 minutes back

[Jeff]

I want my 5 minutes back

Hey!  did my wife tell you you could use that line?