Opinion on new Ohlins TTX GP Rear Shock vs Electric-to-Manual Conversion kit

I’ve been contemplating for a week or so but would love your opinions.

So options would be —

A: New Ohlins TTX GP Rear Shock Unit (DU569) — $1,120 shipped

-or-

B: Used electronic adjustment Ohlins TTX unit off of a 1199s/1299s w/ a manual conversion service + new 80nm spring replacement (assuming the unit is good condition and doesn’t need additional parts/service) — $900 all-in

(Edit - forgot about Option: C)

-or-

C: Used TTX GP w/ new spring (also assuming it wouldn’t need additional service/parts)— $1,020



I’m definitely leaning towards the new unit but 20% or so is quite substantial in the thick of things. What would you guys do? I don’t know… maybe I just need to hear what I already know in the back of my mind?

Also, for those with experience regarding the upgrade — Is the Ohlins rear shock really worth the $900-1,100+ over the stock unit? For what it’s worth, I’m running a 190/55 tire on a Marchesini Forged 17x6 rear wheel (vs stock at 17x5.5 on a 180/60). Ride feels great, but seems to sit a tad higher and noticed the rear not feeling as planted as it did on a stock setup but that could just be psychological &/or just wanting to find an excuse for another upgrade of some kind. Lastly, I don’t track the bike but maximizing ride quality/comfort/control matters a lot For what it’s worth.

Any advice/suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks fellas

I would have no problem with the second hand item, as long as its been serviced.

Paul G said:

I would have no problem with the second hand item, as long as its been serviced.

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Me neither. Only thing making me more hesitant is the possibility of the used item needing additional service or parts once opened up for conversion. In that case it would potentially end up costing more than the new unit price.

I’d go new unless you can get one for less than $1k. I think I’ve seen them go for $600-800

The other factor is that if its being serviced then you could talk to the Ohlins tech about revalving it for your particular requirements

I done a similar job on my 1299 base. Got a TTX shock from an R model, had it revalved and re-sprung by MCT in the UK. Very pleased with the work done. Also imported the Ohlins manually adjusted forks from a Pani R, had these resprung/revalved too, as most of my miles are not racetrack smooth! My bike tracks the surface really well on the roads I ride, and is a revelation compared to the stock suspension. Obs none of this was cheap, but money well spent for me. Hope this helps.
BTW, I'm only an average rider, but really notice when the sussies aren't up to scratch! Dave

V4Missile said:

I done a similar job on my 1299 base. Got a TTX shock from an R model, had it revalved and re-sprung by MCT in the UK. Very pleased with the work done. Also imported the Ohlins manually adjusted forks from a Pani R, had these resprung/revalved too, as most of my miles are not racetrack smooth! My bike tracks the surface really well on the roads I ride, and is a revelation compared to the stock suspension. Obs none of this was cheap, but money well spent for me. Hope this helps.
BTW, I'm only an average rider, but really notice when the sussies aren't up to scratch! Dave

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Which would you say was a bigger improvement over stock — front or rear?

Also, did you need to upgrade the triple-tree setup or retrofit the forks from the R?

SuperDomestique said:

I’d go new unless you can get one for less than $1k. I think I’ve seen them go for $600-800

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Would the $600-800 you’ve seen be for the manual adjustment TTX unit?

If youve got the sachs/showa combo then the shock will make the biggest difference, but so much is "depends" I know people with the stock suspension on V2's that absolutely rip on track and are not bothered at all with changing. Regarding your question over the triples, the only sure way you are going to be sure is measure yours both top and bottom and make sure whatever model Ohlins you get matches them. Sounds like you want to spend wisely in that case id get the shock first, see how that goes then maybe consider upgrading the internals on your forks unless you particularly want "gold" or get a great deal on some second hand ones.

Paul G said:

If youve got the sachs/showa combo then the shock will make the biggest difference, but so much is "depends" I know people with the stock suspension on V2's that absolutely rip on track and are not bothered at all with changing. Regarding your question over the triples, the only sure way you are going to be sure is measure yours both top and bottom and make sure whatever model Ohlins you get matches them. Sounds like you want to spend wisely in that case id get the shock first, see how that goes then maybe consider upgrading the internals on your forks unless you particularly want "gold" or get a great deal on some second hand ones.

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Thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated!

After the rear, I’ll likely look at swapping out the internals since the difference in price is a bit much, even though the black/gold FG 43 forks look so damn good…

dkc111 said:

Which would you say was a bigger improvement over stock — front or rear?

Also, did you need to upgrade the triple-tree setup or retrofit the forks from the R?

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Sorry for the delay. Difficult to say, as I done both at similar time. When I changed to the R model Ohlins forks/shock they were (obviously) racetrack firm. On the UK's bumpy B roads, the bike initially felt like I was bouncing off the hedgerows R & L! So after spending LARGE, I had to get both ends tweaked for my usage. The main reason I swapped from OEM forks was no difference on front max and min rebound damping, and if repaired likely to fail again. Had to change top triple also to fit, then handlebar clamps. Maybe Andreani do an internals kit cheaper than Ohlins. This way might be the best option, AFTER a shock which is easier to get to suit your riding and weight off the shelf and fit to the bike yourself. Hope this helps, Dave

Soz, forgot to say that the things I notice most on the new suspension were fantastic stability on the brakes, and a really planted feel even when barrelling down a reasonably bumpy road. When coming hard out of a corner, there is no squat at the rear, or headshake from the front. Impressive.

V4Missile said:

Soz, forgot to say that the things I notice most on the new suspension were fantastic stability on the brakes, and a really planted feel even when barrelling down a reasonably bumpy road. When coming hard out of a corner, there is no squat at the rear, or headshake from the front. Impressive.

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I finally got around to installing the Ohlins TTX Shock and putting some time on the road to make minor adjustments to my liking and I’ve got to say that you described it perfectly here.

I wasn’t sure what to expect at first and even thought that the settings were too stiff because I was used to some squatting/diving on the stock shocks. But by the end of the ride, I found myself riding significantly more confident and comfortably through any road imperfections, accelerating, or hard braking. There wasn’t a single moment where I didn’t feel firmly planted on the road