Ohlins Shock Calculator

Ohlins Suspension Baseline Calculator

Typical Sag Recommendations (Rear)

Vehicle Type	Use	Total Travel Range (mm)	Static Sag (% Travel)	Static Sag (mm)	Rider Sag (% Travel)	Rider Sag (mm)
Sportbike	Street/Sport	120-140	5-10%	6-14	25-30%	30-42
Sportbike	Track/Race	120-140	3-8%	4-11	20-25%	24-35
Cruiser/Touring	Street	80-130	5-15%	4-20	25-35%	20-45
Dirt Bike/ADV	Off-Road	250-310	10-15%	25-46	30-35%	75-108
Race Car	Track	50-100	0-5%	0-5	15-25%	7-25
Street Car	Street	80-150	5-10%	4-15	20-30%	16-45

General rear suspension sag recommendations. Exact values depend on specific model and rider preference.

What is an Ohlins Shock Calculator?

An Ohlins shock calculator is a tool designed to provide motorcyclists and car enthusiasts with baseline suspension settings for their Ohlins shock absorbers, or similarly adjustable suspension. Based on inputs like rider/driver weight, vehicle type, riding style, and rear wheel travel, the Ohlins shock calculator estimates starting points for static sag, rider sag, rebound damping, and compression damping.

It’s important to understand that the results from an Ohlins shock calculator are just starting points. Fine-tuning based on feel, tire wear, and track/road conditions is crucial for optimal performance and comfort. This tool simplifies the initial setup process, which can otherwise be daunting given the range of adjustments available on high-quality suspension like Ohlins.

Who Should Use It?

Anyone with adjustable suspension, especially Ohlins or similar brands, on their motorcycle or car can benefit from using an Ohlins shock calculator. This includes:

• Motorcycle riders (sportbike, cruiser, dirt bike, ADV) looking to optimize handling and comfort.
• Car drivers (street performance, track day, racing) wanting a better suspension setup.
• Mechanics and suspension tuners as a quick reference for initial settings.

Common Misconceptions

A common misconception is that an Ohlins shock calculator provides exact, perfect settings. In reality, suspension setup is highly subjective and depends on many variables beyond the calculator’s scope, such as rider skill, specific track/road, tire type, and ambient temperature. The calculator gives a scientifically-backed starting range.

Ohlins Shock Calculator Formula and Mathematical Explanation

The Ohlins shock calculator uses established suspension tuning principles to estimate settings:

1. Sag Calculation: Sag is the amount the suspension compresses under weight.
   • Static Sag (bike/car weight only) is typically 5-15% of total travel, depending on vehicle type.
   • Rider Sag (with rider/driver and gear) is typically 20-35% of total travel.
   • Formula: Sag (mm) = Total Travel (mm) * (Sag Percentage / 100)
2. Damping Calculation: Rebound and compression damping are estimated based on rider weight and riding style relative to a baseline. Heavier riders or more aggressive styles generally require more damping (fewer clicks from fully closed/hard). The calculator uses a base number of clicks (e.g., 12-16 from fully hard for many Ohlins shocks) and adjusts it. For instance, a heavier rider might need 2-4 fewer clicks (more damping) than a lighter one.

Variables Table

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
Rider Weight	Weight of the rider/driver with gear	kg	50 – 130
Total Travel	Total rear wheel vertical movement	mm	80 – 310 (bike), 50-150 (car)
Static Sag	Suspension compression under vehicle weight	mm / %	5-15% of travel
Rider Sag	Suspension compression with rider/driver	mm / %	20-35% of travel
Rebound Clicks	Rebound damping setting	clicks from full +	8 – 20
Compression Clicks	Compression damping setting	clicks from full +	8 – 20

Our Ohlins shock calculator uses these principles to give you a solid baseline.

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Example 1: Sportbike Rider

A 75kg rider on a sportbike with 130mm rear travel, riding on the street/sport style, uses the Ohlins shock calculator.

• Inputs: Weight=75kg, Vehicle=Sportbike, Style=Sport, Travel=130mm
• Outputs: Static Sag ~6-13mm, Rider Sag ~32-39mm, Rebound ~12 clicks, Compression ~14 clicks
• Interpretation: The rider should aim for rider sag within the 32-39mm range and start with 12 clicks out for rebound and 14 for compression.

Example 2: Dirt Bike Rider

A 90kg rider on a dirt bike with 300mm rear travel, riding off-road, uses the Ohlins shock calculator.

• Inputs: Weight=90kg, Vehicle=Dirt Bike, Style=Normal, Travel=300mm
• Outputs: Static Sag ~30-45mm, Rider Sag ~90-105mm, Rebound ~14 clicks, Compression ~16 clicks
• Interpretation: The rider should aim for rider sag around 90-105mm and start with the suggested clicker settings, adjusting based on terrain.

How to Use This Ohlins Shock Calculator

1. Enter Rider Weight: Input your weight including all your gear.
2. Select Vehicle Type: Choose the type that best matches your vehicle.
3. Select Riding/Driving Style: Choose your predominant style.
4. Enter Total Travel: Input the rear wheel travel of your vehicle in millimeters. You can find this in your vehicle’s manual or online.
5. Calculate: Click “Calculate Settings”.
6. Read Results: The calculator will display recommended ranges for static and rider sag, and baseline clicks for rebound and compression damping (from fully closed/hardest setting, then backed off).
7. Decision-Making: Use these as starting points. Measure your sag and adjust preload to get within the recommended rider sag range. Set clickers and go for a ride/drive. Adjust 1-2 clicks at a time to fine-tune based on feel. Learn more about suspension tuning basics.

Key Factors That Affect Ohlins Shock Calculator Results

The following factors significantly influence suspension settings and how you might deviate from the initial Ohlins shock calculator recommendations:

• Rider/Driver Weight: Heavier individuals require more preload (to achieve correct sag) and often more damping.
• Spring Rate: The calculator assumes a suitable spring rate for the weight. If your spring is too soft or too hard, achieving correct sag and good handling is difficult, even with the Ohlins shock calculator. See our spring rate calculator.
• Oil Viscosity and Level: Damping is affected by the shock oil’s viscosity and the oil level within the shock or forks.
• Linkage Ratio (for bikes): The rear suspension linkage ratio affects how wheel travel translates to shock travel, influencing spring and damping needs.
• Riding/Driving Style and Conditions: Aggressive riding or racing requires stiffer settings (less sag, more damping) than cruising. Rough terrain may also require different settings.
• Temperature: Oil viscosity changes with temperature, affecting damping. Settings may need slight adjustments between cold and hot days.
• Tire Choice and Pressure: Tires are part of the suspension system. Changes in tire type or pressure can affect feel and optimal settings from the Ohlins shock calculator.
• Internal Valving: The internal shim stacks and pistons within the Ohlins shock greatly influence damping characteristics. Our Ohlins shock calculator assumes standard valving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What if my measured sag is outside the recommended range from the Ohlins shock calculator?

If your rider sag is too much, increase preload on the spring. If it’s too little, decrease preload. If you run out of preload adjustment, you may need a different spring rate. Our Ohlins shock calculator helps identify this.

2. What does “clicks from fully closed” mean?

Turn the rebound or compression adjuster screw clockwise until it gently stops (fully closed/hardest setting). Then, turn it counter-clockwise the number of clicks recommended by the Ohlins shock calculator.

3. How often should I check my settings?

Check sag periodically, especially if you gain/lose weight or carry different loads. Damping may need slight adjustments based on conditions.

4. Can I use this Ohlins shock calculator for forks?

While the principles of sag and damping are similar, fork settings (especially travel and recommended sag percentages) can differ. This calculator is primarily for rear shocks, but the sag percentages might give a rough idea for forks if you input fork travel.

5. What if my shock has high and low-speed compression adjusters?

The Ohlins shock calculator provides a single compression value. Assume it’s for the primary (often low-speed) adjuster or split it if you have experience. Start with high-speed more open (softer) if unsure.

6. The Ohlins shock calculator gave me a range for sag. Where should I aim?

For street/comfort, aim for the higher end of the sag range (more sag). For track/sport, aim for the lower end (less sag).

7. Why doesn’t the Ohlins shock calculator ask for spring rate?

It provides baseline sag and damping assuming an appropriate spring rate for your weight is installed. If you can’t achieve the recommended sag, your spring rate is likely incorrect. We have a motorcycle spring rate guide.

8. Is more damping always better for performance?

No. Too much damping can make the ride harsh and prevent the suspension from recovering quickly over bumps, reducing grip. Too little makes it feel bouncy and uncontrolled. The Ohlins shock calculator aims for a balanced starting point.

Related Tools and Internal Resources

• {related_keywords[0]}: Understand the fundamental principles of vehicle suspension.
• {related_keywords[1]}: Calculate the appropriate spring rate for your weight and bike.
• {related_keywords[2]}: A detailed guide on selecting the right spring for your motorcycle.
• {related_keywords[3]}: Learn how to correctly measure static and rider sag.
• {related_keywords[4]}: Tips for fine-tuning your suspension after using the Ohlins shock calculator.
• {related_keywords[5]}: Information about different Ohlins shock models and their features.