The facts.
| Brand | Öhlins |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 00281-31 |
| Spring Rate | 74 N/mm |
| Free Length | 220 mm |
| Inner Diameter | 46 mm |
| Stroke | 102 mm |
| Construction | Straight |
| Finish | Powder-coated yellow |
| Country of Origin | Sweden |
DescriptionThe whole story▼
Öhlins part number 00281-31 is a shock absorber spring rated at 74 N/mm, 220 mm long with a 46 mm inner diameter. Adding a pillion or luggage changes the load enough that the standard rate stops working.
Key Features
- Powder-coated yellow
- Measured spring rate 74 N/mm
- Inner diameter 46 mm
- Free length 220 mm
- 102 mm of usable stroke
- Öhlins part number 00281-31
- Straight-wound, constant rate
Why the Rate Holds
Every Öhlins dealer can re-valve the unit, because the shim stack is a documented, serviceable assembly. Production is Öhlins' own in Sweden, and the tolerance on the rate is what separates these from a generic replacement. Seals are specified for temperature stability rather than for the lowest unit cost.
Dimensions
Dimensionally this is a 46 mm × 220 mm spring; within that envelope Öhlins offers a range of rates, and this one is 74 N/mm.
Where This Rate Belongs
This end of the range suits heavier riders, two-up use, or a machine ridden hard enough that fork dive becomes the limit. A firm rate holds the chassis attitude when the front or rear is loaded hard. A firm rate keeps the fork high in its stroke under braking, which preserves the geometry when the front is loaded hard. Road surfaces are the hardest test of a spring rate, because the fork has to cope with both a smooth stretch and a broken one.
What the Rear Spring Decides
On a linkage-equipped machine the wheel moves several millimetres for every millimetre the damper moves, and the spring rate has to account for that ratio. Öhlins sells rear springs separately precisely because rider weight varies more than machine weight does. Because the linkage is progressive on most modern machines, a small change in rate moves the sag more than riders expect.
Applications
Rather than a model list, use the measurements: a fork that accepts this diameter and length is a candidate, and the rate follows from rider weight. This spring is chosen by its dimensions rather than by motorcycle model: check inner diameter, free length and rate against the fork it is going into. Any workshop with the fork or shock in front of it can answer whether this spring fits — the three figures above are all it needs.
Installation
Set static sag after fitting; the rate is only right if the sag figure lands where Öhlins specifies. The job needs no special tools beyond a fork spring compressor and a measuring rod for the oil level. Fitting is a fork-oil job: the legs come apart, the springs go in, the oil level is set to specification.
Road Approval
Road approval: not applicable to the spring on its own. Öhlins issues approvals against complete suspension units, not individual springs.
Fitting and Setup Service
Öhlins suspension rewards careful fitting. We recommend having the work done by an authorised Öhlins service centre — and we are one ourselves: we fit, service and set up Öhlins components in house. If you would like us to handle the installation, just ask and we will quote it with the order.
Specifications
- Brand: Öhlins
- Part Number: 00281-31
- Spring Rate: 74 N/mm
- Free Length: 220 mm
- Inner Diameter: 46 mm
- Stroke: 102 mm
- Construction: Straight
- Finish: Powder-coated yellow
- Country of Origin: Sweden
FitmentWhich bikes this fits▼
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