So I'm in the process of doing to s if maintenance and some upgrades to the '98SH.
Im wanting to have the forks rebuilt and rear shock replaced with the Penske w/ reservoir or the Ohlins as they're priced about the same.

Ive read many threads in this forum about the above upgrades and have reached out to both DMr and Lindemann about their services and product.

So I'm now reaching out to you guys that have been here and done these mods to get an opinion on which shock may be better and who would be the better company for the fork rebuild.

Quick bio I'm 6 foot and weigh about 220.
I plan on mostly street but may do a track day or two to get some experience on track and to learn the finer aspects of riding. I may even attend a riding school. Closest track to me is the NOLA Motorsports about 50 miles away.

Im not so much worried about the cost but searching really doesn't give me the answers I'm looking for about the differences and preferences of the two companies I'm wanting to have work done.
Ohlins or Penske and why.
Any links to previous conversations appreciated.
Thanks.

 

Jamie (DMr)has been with the forum for a loooong time and has an excellent reputation. I would highly recommend you get hooked up with him. Many satisfied Hawkers would back me up if they were still active here.

And to be 100% honest, I've never heard of Lindemann. I've been Hawkin' since 07.

 

Here's the website for the Lindemann Engineering.
Motorcycle Race Suspension - Lindemann Engineering

They have a good history on their revalving front forks and sell the Penske rear shock.
Ed Sorbo was the first to answer my inquiry and then today Jamie also answered my questions about my setup.

The Penske with reservoir is $1145 and full fork upgrade is $580.

Jamie's BD40 is $795 and their full fork service is the same at $580.

Ive done some more searching this evening about both and I'm still on the fence.
I could save that $400 with getting Jamie's setup and get that 520 16/43 chain set I've been looking at. 😂😉

Ohlins was on the list also as it seems like the benchmark of all shocks.
Ive got a week to make a decision but it's one of the hardest to make.
Building cars is so much easier. 😜

 

My .4316 peso is to, what ever brand you choose, is to bias the shock and fork tuning for a plush ride on the street. If it wallows a bit on the track, so be it.

 

Superhawk,, wallow??

@ the time I was about 185/190 fully geared up and I went with an .85 front spring. I wouldn’t change a thing, been very happy to this point.

 

Jim Lindemann was a top-rated suspension tuner used by many AMA pro racers back in the day (80's, 90's & up). He rebuilt the Fox shock on my '85 FZ750. I believe Jim himself passed away but the company is carrying on.

Regarding the Ohlins, I don't believe it offers ride-height adjustment while I believe the Penske does (although one can add a spacer at top of shock). Ride-height allows the rear of the bike to be adjusted taller or lower independent of spring-preload setting.

Most important thing for any shock (or fork) is to get the correct spring for your weight & riding style (street, track, etc.) with the suspension (shock or fork) correctly valved to suit the selected spring.