HaulinAshe
Well-known member
I have a friend that’s a big guy. He’s been riding for years and years and…
He owns four bikes including an ST and a FZ1. He’s been searching for performance suspension that doesn’t compromise the plush ride needed for touring. Here’s what he said after we took an hour test ride swapping bikes…
“Holy shit! There’s no way I would ever have believed it if you told me. I was sure you were somehow trying to justify the money spent, just like anyone would. But this takes suspension to a new order.”
A couple years ago I went on the hunt for the best price for an Ohlins rear shock. I never bought one, mostly because the more I learned the more frustrated I became. I’m very familiar with Ohlins quality and reputation from years in the dirt. But finding someone who could guarantee me an Ohlins setup for ME, the very first time, simply did not exist. Everyone had to sell me a shock, then turn around and re-spring, re-valve and charge for it all. I simply got pissed and gave up.
Rick Tannenbaum/Cogent Dynamics (www.motocd.com) has put together a special fork and suspension package for the FJR. It uses Ohlins pieces along with some special fork parts made by Cogent. Cogent is located in Hendersonville NC, which just happens to also be where Ohlins USA calls home. Cogent has a long relationship with Ohlins, RaceTech and several other vendors. But what truly sets them apart is their experience in custom suspension components, design, manufacturing and service.
It’s here where I need to point out that Rick is never satisfied with anything he does. That anal-retentive perfectionist approach to suspension is oddly tempered with a near total absence of ego. He really LOVES motorcycles and motorcycle suspension work. And he constantly searches for ways to improve even his best work.
Joyce is Rick’s wife and the organizational driving force of the business. Rick freely admits that without her he tends to sway aimlessly. She keeps Rick and the business on track and moving. They both are great people to deal with and it’s been my pleasure to work with them (and Ohlins) on the Cogent/Ohlins FJR project.
So let’s cut to the chase and give you the kind of straightforward answers you’ve come to expect from me.
Q.) What exactly is this suspension upgrade or package?
It’s a 25-mm cartridge assembly that replaces the stock springs, spacers, 20-mm OEM cartridge etc. Basically everything inside the fork gets replaced. The rear is the well-established and extremely successful Ohlins YA-707 shock for the FJR, with some spring and setting changes customized by Cogent Dynamics.
Q.) What makes HaulinAshe think it’s so special?
Performance suspension for the FJR is available from several sources nowadays. What sets the Cogent/Ohlins package apart from competitors is the retention of a truly plush ride for slabs and distance, along with a superb performance in tight twisties, with very little compromise in either extreme. Their suspension runs gnarly washboard gravel roads in 3rd gear with zero discomfort, hammers NC-28’s patched twisties like a GSXR, sweeps the Cherohala with symmetry and glide, and soaks up the concrete edges of I-40 all day long. Does that get wood?
Q.) How much does it cost?
The fork package is $1,100 and the Ohlins YA-707 rear shock with remote preload adjuster retails for $1,136. Cogent has agreed to do both as a FJR Group Buy opportunity for $2,000 even.
For those solo riders who rarely change their bike loading, the soon-to-be-available Ohlins YA-036 is the same shock WITHOUT remote preload and will be less expensive since it retails for $875. The FJR Group Buy price will be $1,800 for that setup.
Q.) Do I have to do both front and rear or can I step into it slowly?
Yes, you SHOULD upgrade both your front and rear suspension at the same time, or you will be wasting all my research, testing, and your money. The only thing worse than poor suspension is imbalanced suspension. The Cogent/Ohlins package won’t balance with stock/OEM on the opposite end. They simply will NOT play nicely together.
Q.) Can Cogent help me with other brands and setups?
Yes, Rick is well-seasoned with Penske, HyperPro, Wilbers and many others. If you already own an aftermarket suspension piece, he has one of the few computerized dyno setups in the USA and knows how to use it. Plus, a big part of our test project was to compile dyno results specifically for the FJR and various suspension setups. So the data is there to both predict results and make intelligent decisions before changing a thing.
Rick and I worked on my 2007 bike with the RaceTech package and managed to make some substantial improvements on that setup. Like most businesses, it’s the people supporting the products and services that make the real difference.
I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished with this project. Yes, I got mine at a special price in exchange for all the trailer trips hauling two FJRs across the state, the photos suggesting changes, measurements taken, evaluations recorded, and miles upon miles of test riding. Don’t you feel sorry for me now!!!???
Stay tuned for details on the Group Buy opportunity.
HA
Cogent/Ohlins 25mm FJR Fork Parts
Ohlins YA-707 Rear Shock w/Remote Adjustable Preload
He owns four bikes including an ST and a FZ1. He’s been searching for performance suspension that doesn’t compromise the plush ride needed for touring. Here’s what he said after we took an hour test ride swapping bikes…
“Holy shit! There’s no way I would ever have believed it if you told me. I was sure you were somehow trying to justify the money spent, just like anyone would. But this takes suspension to a new order.”
A couple years ago I went on the hunt for the best price for an Ohlins rear shock. I never bought one, mostly because the more I learned the more frustrated I became. I’m very familiar with Ohlins quality and reputation from years in the dirt. But finding someone who could guarantee me an Ohlins setup for ME, the very first time, simply did not exist. Everyone had to sell me a shock, then turn around and re-spring, re-valve and charge for it all. I simply got pissed and gave up.
Rick Tannenbaum/Cogent Dynamics (www.motocd.com) has put together a special fork and suspension package for the FJR. It uses Ohlins pieces along with some special fork parts made by Cogent. Cogent is located in Hendersonville NC, which just happens to also be where Ohlins USA calls home. Cogent has a long relationship with Ohlins, RaceTech and several other vendors. But what truly sets them apart is their experience in custom suspension components, design, manufacturing and service.
It’s here where I need to point out that Rick is never satisfied with anything he does. That anal-retentive perfectionist approach to suspension is oddly tempered with a near total absence of ego. He really LOVES motorcycles and motorcycle suspension work. And he constantly searches for ways to improve even his best work.
Joyce is Rick’s wife and the organizational driving force of the business. Rick freely admits that without her he tends to sway aimlessly. She keeps Rick and the business on track and moving. They both are great people to deal with and it’s been my pleasure to work with them (and Ohlins) on the Cogent/Ohlins FJR project.
So let’s cut to the chase and give you the kind of straightforward answers you’ve come to expect from me.
Q.) What exactly is this suspension upgrade or package?
It’s a 25-mm cartridge assembly that replaces the stock springs, spacers, 20-mm OEM cartridge etc. Basically everything inside the fork gets replaced. The rear is the well-established and extremely successful Ohlins YA-707 shock for the FJR, with some spring and setting changes customized by Cogent Dynamics.
Q.) What makes HaulinAshe think it’s so special?
Performance suspension for the FJR is available from several sources nowadays. What sets the Cogent/Ohlins package apart from competitors is the retention of a truly plush ride for slabs and distance, along with a superb performance in tight twisties, with very little compromise in either extreme. Their suspension runs gnarly washboard gravel roads in 3rd gear with zero discomfort, hammers NC-28’s patched twisties like a GSXR, sweeps the Cherohala with symmetry and glide, and soaks up the concrete edges of I-40 all day long. Does that get wood?
Q.) How much does it cost?
The fork package is $1,100 and the Ohlins YA-707 rear shock with remote preload adjuster retails for $1,136. Cogent has agreed to do both as a FJR Group Buy opportunity for $2,000 even.
For those solo riders who rarely change their bike loading, the soon-to-be-available Ohlins YA-036 is the same shock WITHOUT remote preload and will be less expensive since it retails for $875. The FJR Group Buy price will be $1,800 for that setup.
Q.) Do I have to do both front and rear or can I step into it slowly?
Yes, you SHOULD upgrade both your front and rear suspension at the same time, or you will be wasting all my research, testing, and your money. The only thing worse than poor suspension is imbalanced suspension. The Cogent/Ohlins package won’t balance with stock/OEM on the opposite end. They simply will NOT play nicely together.
Q.) Can Cogent help me with other brands and setups?
Yes, Rick is well-seasoned with Penske, HyperPro, Wilbers and many others. If you already own an aftermarket suspension piece, he has one of the few computerized dyno setups in the USA and knows how to use it. Plus, a big part of our test project was to compile dyno results specifically for the FJR and various suspension setups. So the data is there to both predict results and make intelligent decisions before changing a thing.
Rick and I worked on my 2007 bike with the RaceTech package and managed to make some substantial improvements on that setup. Like most businesses, it’s the people supporting the products and services that make the real difference.
I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished with this project. Yes, I got mine at a special price in exchange for all the trailer trips hauling two FJRs across the state, the photos suggesting changes, measurements taken, evaluations recorded, and miles upon miles of test riding. Don’t you feel sorry for me now!!!???
Stay tuned for details on the Group Buy opportunity.
HA
Cogent/Ohlins 25mm FJR Fork Parts
Ohlins YA-707 Rear Shock w/Remote Adjustable Preload
