NC30 - Rear Shock upgrade question

[Luke86]

Morning all!

I fecking hate Monday mornings

So after going a bit nuts on a ‘major service’ at the weekend (props to Drunkn Monkey for being a hero and doing it for me and showing me the ropes, legend), i’m now looking at overhauling the suspension on the bike, starting with the rear shock. It’s the stock shock and with 20 years of use, it’s pretty much only good for being a paperweight.

I’ve done a fair bit of reading around, and read previous forums posts, there’s a lot of options (recondition, RS250/BMWS1000/Other), but only one that I’m really considering – which is to by a new one, atm I’m looking at a Nitron - all opinions welcome here and on if new is worth it, and what your experiences have been.

In terms of my riding, it will be a mix of commuting in London (lucky if I hit 40mph!), fast road rides at the weekend (usually all dayers weather permitting!) and I’m hoping to get to a track a couple of times a year. I’d also have a pillion with me on occasions (once or twice a month). I wanted to get your thoughts, on if a Nitron Sport or a Nitron Track would be best here? I’m leaning towards the Sport, partially because the money saved can go towards something else such as Rick O’s front fork upgrade and partially because i can't see me needing all the extras of the Track version, but what are people's thoughts here, does anyone have experience with both?

I hear the Nitron shocks can also give you an extra 10mm on rear ride height, but would it also be worth getting a new RVF linkage?

Cheers
Luke

[NGneer]

Welcome to the forum

For my 2p worth I would say that the overhaul (with Rick O springs) of the forks was the bigest and best diffference I made to my bikes and for not much money.

As far as the rears go I currently have one fitted with the Nitron track shock and the one I am riding at the moment has a tired old OEM item, which I have to admit is still good enough for 'sporty' general riding and even takes the girlfriend on the back without any complaints on occasion, though she is a lightweight.

[bikemonkey]

As above, Rick O's fork kit is probably the best money you can spend.

Speak to Rick O about the shock though, he'll definitely be able to help you out

[Luke86]

thanks NGneer and Bikemonkey

I think i'll definitely be investing in the upgrade kit from Rick O then, i've seen a lot of good things about them, i'll ask him about the rear shock at the same time.

Interesting you still get use out of your rear shock - i'll keep mine on for the time being then, and see the difference the fork upgrade makes, then make a call afterwards.

thanks for the advice chaps

[Dynamohum]

Just as the guys said the rick oliver fork upgrade kit is the best value upgrade you can get for these bikes well worth it
Regarding rear shocks I have one bike running a penske shock expensive but top quality kit another fitted with a revalved resprung rs250 shock and a third bike running a rebuilt standard shock with a modified dogbone to increase the rear ride height.
There are many other options including cbr600 BMW rs1000 shocks gsxr etc that can made to fit but when you factor in cost of buying getting rebuilt revalved resprung then not such a cheap option after all. Would say unless you weigh less than 10 stone suited and booted then any of the above is better than the standard showa.
If you can afford it then the nitron by all accounts is a very good bit of kit along with the rick oliver forks should transform the handling to another level.

[alexwitham]

I have a Nitron track shock - It's the dogs danglies.

As above - Fork upgrade should be priority number 1

[Luke86]

Hi Dave/Alex - again, thanks for the feedback, really useful information

Yeah, i'm shifting priorities to the front fork upgrade first, seems like the best thing to do first, can't afford to do both front and rear at the same time, though still interested in doing the research on the rear so i'm ready when the time comes.

Less than 10 stone suited and booted! you'd have to be a fart in the wind to achieve that! Ha! i'm about 12-13 stone suited and booted. I agree, it seems that after buying a CBR/RS250/BMWS1000 shock, revalving it and getting a new spring, you're getting on for the cost of a new shock.

Dave - When you fitted your Penske did you get a new linkage too, to increase ride height? I hear increasing the height is very worthwhile, and i also read that the nitron shock raises it too (10mm or so?) so wondering if the shock increases the ride height, is there still a gain to be had from changing the linkage as well?

Cheers fellas

[sil3nt]

Can you not get ohlins for the NC30 in the UK? A guy here in NZ said he will make an ohlins shock for around $2000 NZD (1000 GBP).

It is valved and sprung to suit rider weight and riding style. I figured someone in the UK must offer a similar service.

As ohlins no longer make a shock for the NC30 the parts are scavenged but I would guess this is still a lot better than other options.

[bikemonkey]

Rick O does sell an ohlins option, but its £850.

And to be fair I don't think it's worth the extra premium over a nitron from what I've heard.

[Dynamohum]

I never purchased the penske shock it came fitted on a bike I purchased along with receipts and set up notes for the shock and work done on the forks by reactive suspension york for £823 I paid less than half that for the bike bit of a bargain from gumtree.
In answer to your question yes its longer than stock and raises the the rear without any other mods to the linkage but most aftermarket shocks are slightly longer than the standard showa anyway and give the same increase. I'm guessing the nitron does also.