
The facts.
| Brand | Öhlins |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 00281-66 |
| Spring Rate | 33 N/mm |
| Free Length | 170 mm |
| Inner Diameter | 46 mm |
| Stroke | 96 mm |
| Construction | Straight |
| Finish | Powder-coated black |
| Country of Origin | Sweden |
DescriptionThe whole story▼
Öhlins part number 00281-66 is a shock absorber spring rated at 33 N/mm, 170 mm long with a 46 mm inner diameter. Rear spring rate sets ride height, static sag and how much of the damper's stroke is actually usable.
Key Features
- Powder-coated black
- Öhlins part number 00281-66
- 96 mm of usable stroke
- Straight-wound, constant rate
- Inner diameter 46 mm
- Free length 170 mm
- Measured spring rate 33 N/mm
Why the Rate Holds
Shafts are hardened and surface-treated so the seal has a consistent surface to run against. Öhlins winds, heat-sets and then measures every spring individually — the rate on the label is the rate you get. Öhlins publishes recommended sag figures for its springs, so the setup has a reference rather than a feel.
Size and Rate
The 46 mm bore and 170 mm length are the two figures that decide whether it physically fits; 33 N/mm decides whether it suits the rider.
Choosing 33 N/mm
A softer rate keeps the tyre loaded on a poor surface, which is worth more than outright support on most roads. Rates in this range suit lighter riders and machines that spend their time on real roads rather than smooth circuits. Comfort and grip come from the spring moving early; this is the end of the range where that happens. A road machine spends most of its life in the first third of the fork's travel — that is the part the rate governs.
How a Rear Spring Works
Rear spring rate sets ride height and static sag, and those two decide the chassis attitude before any damping click matters. 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. A rear spring is the cheapest part of the suspension and the one that decides the most.
Applications
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. 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.
Fitting
Set static sag after fitting; the rate is only right if the sag figure lands where Öhlins specifies. Work on both legs in one session so the fork stays symmetrical. Torque the fork caps to the manufacturer's figure; the springs change nothing about the assembly torque.
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
Fitting matters as much as the part. We are an authorised Öhlins service centre and carry out installation, servicing and setup ourselves — get in touch and we will arrange it alongside your order.
Specifications
- Brand: Öhlins
- Part Number: 00281-66
- Spring Rate: 33 N/mm
- Free Length: 170 mm
- Inner Diameter: 46 mm
- Stroke: 96 mm
- Construction: Straight
- Finish: Powder-coated black
- Country of Origin: Sweden
FitmentWhich bikes this fits▼
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