Suspension question 20 vs 25 vs 30

So I know the numbers are based on mm and I think it is size of the piston? How much of a difference does it make? I know AK-20's were spoken highly of and then Ohlins had the huge sale on the 25's only to introduce the 30's s few weeks later.

Is there a big difference? I'm presuming that a gas cartridge of any size is better than any of the above mentioned, is that correct? My son is currently running a stock RS125 old style front end and even though this stuff isn't probably needed on a 125 I want to learn for the next step up in 1-2 years.

Thanks for the education.
rob

 

Everything else can be hashed out but it's about feel and preference.

But the gas charging is generally to keep the suspension consistent throughout the entire race. Since we generally do short sprints its really not need for WERA unless you do endurance racing. Maybe for the Solo's but someone faster can answer that one.

 

Any of them properly set up are capable of winning races.

The Ohlins 30mm cartridges are not just bigger pistons, they are the next step in their suspension development.

 

Is bigger better?

 

All of them have their advantages and disadvantages.

It all comes down to the old knowing what to do with it is more important than the size.

 

kmfegan,
You sound like you have a bunch of knowledge about these. Can you elborate? Is there enough of a difference that you should pick one over another when buying new, or when choosing between used bikes?

Are the gas cartridges that much better? If so, are they a lot more to rebuild/service?

Thanks,
rob

 

Excellent thread!

 

here was a pretty epic thread about the 20 mil and 25 mil carts to get you started on your research:

http://forums.13x.com/showthread.php?t=201754&highlight=.20+.25

 

That thread is 4 or 5 pages long and there is enough good info to fill up one post.

To the OP, is there a suspension company that shows up to your sons races and if so, do you know who it is?

 

+1

Having reliable, at-the-track support is vastly more important than what brand or model is in your bike.

 

You can ask here too.

 

We have mainly been racing mini's, but did 3 wera rounds last year. I think the suspension guy I've seen the most at either a track day or wera is Tige from Cycle Mall in Tustin.

No one has mentioned any info on the gas stuff?

Thanks,
rob

 

What bike you thinking of getting?
Like kmfegan said, they all work.

 

Because it is expensive and you would be better off spending the large difference in cost on new tires and spares.

What year is the RS125?

 

KMfegan,
1996 Honda RS125. We have the first race of the new year this coming weekend at AAA speedway. If you guys are there look us up Tyler is number 48.

Zoran,
Just getting educated as the next step is probably a 600 or SV650. It would probably make sense to let him ride some trackdays with one later this year.

 

Well, sv is about same as 125 as far speed goes, only thing is extra weight and size, so not really step up, more like weight lifting practice . 600 is step up, is he big enough for 600? I see you there. AAA is one day only for me but if you guys are in Vegas he is welcome to try my sv.

 

That fork has a 20mm cartridge in it which is more than fine for what you are doing.

I am not familiar with the gentleman that you said went to the track. Do you or anyone else that might be reading this thread know what services he offers?

 

Zoran,
Thank you very much for the offer, I think we may try that. So are you driving down all day Saturday and then racing only on Sunday? If so, I can hook you up with a bed in our trailer Saturday night.

Kmfegan,
I went and looked them up and here is the website. http://www.cyclemall.net/ Seems like a knowledgable guy but since we are just getting into the big track stuff, I don't know for sure.

To both of you, I sincerely appreciate your help.

 

The biggest thing people get wrong is that they think that the larger the piston the more fluid it flows. The amount of fluid that flows through the valves is dependent upon the damping shaft diameter, piston design, and velocity of the shaft movement.

The biggest advantage with replacement cartridges is that all parts are of a higher quality and are designed to work better than stock. The low speed circuits will have better bleeds that work with a better needle design, they are easier to work on, have better features, etc.

The downside with cartridges can be the cost and needing to purchase special tools to work on them.

 

Thanks for offer, two of us got room already. Yea, I be driving saturday, I see you sunday and we can talk.