Hey racers. Is this Nitron rebound normal?

[StrayAlien]

I would only point out that your shock us only going to work properly once it has some heat in the oil.

Fair point, and worth remembering. However, here is a vid of my (I think revalved before I bought the bike) OEM shock with the rebound all the way out - it is a pogo ... kind of what I would expect.

http://youtu.be/tnXCCQRZ40o

[speedy231278]

I guess the idea of returning slower is to avoid the pogo affect as you want the bike to be as stable as possible. However, the vids of the new shock look a bit odd, as I could imagine that at the rate of return it's showing, the thing would stay compresses over a series of bumps and only return to the normal position once the road/track flattens out. Of course, the point about the oil needing to be warm is an interesting one, and you may well find it responds quicker. I can't say that I wouldn't be a bit concerned though!

[CMSMJ1]

It is a dodgy one - just looked at the vids and would agree that this does not seem right.

However..

I had my Mille setup when at a trackday by Colin Leeder at 100% Suspension. It was running wide, generally shit handling and making me grumpy.

We had 4 set sessions after each track session - as the bike had to be as hot as possible to get it into the range. When he was asking me how it handled, how I thought etc - he was giving it some bouncy bouncy - it was fast as fook straight off the track. After the 40 mins cooling down between sessions it was very stiff indeed.


Dunno really, it is your money, but perhaps that shock is right - or only a touch too stiff. It also seems to be jerky..and that would make me think that the linkages are tight, dry or something else is interfering.


Your last vid with OEM shock would worry me more...that is bolloxed and in no way should represent the stroke of a shock.

I'd not send it back - I'd go and get some proper testing at a track on it, ride the arse off it for 20 mins - it won't fade...it will probably settle after 3 or 4 laps into a decent stroke and you might just have a need to get it setup properly.

[Lane]

I have two RVF's with Penske and Fox shocks and both rebound fairly quickly even when stone cold in the garage.

I'm no expert but when I think about that set up at 100+ kmh and how much track or road you would cover in the second it takes to rebound, each subsequent bump will compress further.

Most rear shocks are built using 5w oil so although more responsive once warm, are still fairly viscous at room temp.

It's not right.

[Cammo]

I'm no expert but when I think about that set up at 100+ kmh and how much track or road you would cover in the second it takes to rebound, each subsequent bump will compress further.

Yep, would be pretty dangerous on track when it (eventually) tops out.

I'd be going elsewhere (for a Nitron or other shock).

[StrayAlien]

Agreed, at 200+ kmh down Phillip Island straight and into turn one this would just be dangerous. That is why I was so surprised at their insistance that it was correct.

So, Nitron have now agreed the shock is wrong. Wow that was easy. But I can close off this whole sad affair with an update here.

I sent an email with the video links to the Nitron dealers in South Australia, Race Bike Services, who were very helpful. While I was one the phone with them they took one look at the videos and (honestly) laughed aloud saying in a few short words the shock was no good.

Terrific that one part of Nitron is actually encouraging me to get on a track with a dangerous shock while the another thinks it is dangerous. Not great eh.

The issue went to CEO level and there were some email exchanges - nothing nasty, I always try to be constructive.

Their CEO apologised a lot and offered to build a fourth shock (in the UK) but, I have to say, I am a little past it now. My trust has evaporated. I am just thankful I didn't get it on a track and trust their idiotic advice - I might have been writing this from hospital. So, I have sent the damn shock back, again ... again.

To their credit they offered to pay for the shredded tyre.

You what the real shame is - I *really* wanted a Nitron shock. I have been told they are quality items and they sure look the business. There are actually a lot of reason *not* to own a Nitron in Australia (over, say, Ohlins) and you have to get past those. So you have to really want one.

If you do want a Nitron in Australia, then Race Bike Services are your guys - they know their stuff.

Me? I now couldn't give a rats left testicle.

Thanks for your help and advice here guys.

[VFRkieran]

Glad to hear you got it sorted mate, thats good to hear they will cover the tyre too. I hope you do manage to get a decent shock sorted, the thing is Nitron do generally make good quality shocks, well they used to anyway!

[Jashdown]

Go for the Penske triple clicker shock. It's around $1.2k but it's a well known brand, sprung and valved for the track and extremely high quality.

[StrayAlien]

What spring did the Penske come with?