The facts.
| Brand | Öhlins |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 08438-70 |
| Spring Rate | 7.0 N/mm |
| Free Length | 450 mm |
| Inner Diameter | 38.5 mm |
| Packaging Unit | Pair |
| Country of Origin | Sweden |
DescriptionThe whole story▼
Öhlins part number 08438-70 is a pair of fork springs rated at 7.0 N/mm, 450 mm long with a 38.5 mm inner diameter. Rate decides where in the stroke the fork sits; damping only decides how fast it gets there.
Key Features
- Öhlins part number 08438-70
- Inner diameter 38.5 mm
- Supplied as a pair
- Free length 450 mm
- Measured spring rate 7.0 N/mm
Manufacture and Tolerance
Öhlins winds, heat-sets and then measures every spring individually — the rate on the label is the rate you get. Seals are specified for temperature stability rather than for the lowest unit cost. Every Öhlins dealer can re-valve the unit, because the shim stack is a documented, serviceable assembly.
Dimensions
At 450 mm free length and 38.5 mm inner diameter, this spring is dimensionally interchangeable with anything of the same size — the rate is what makes it a different part.
Choosing 7.0 N/mm
The trade is fork dive under braking — noticeable, but rarely the limiting factor on the road. A soft rate favours grip and comfort over support: the fork moves early, which keeps the tyre loaded on a poor surface. On a machine ridden solo and mostly on the road, softer is often the honest choice. A road machine spends most of its life in the first third of the fork's travel — that is the part the rate governs.
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. Rate is the variable that depends on the rider, not on the machine. Two people on the same bike may well want two different numbers. The safest way to choose is by static sag: set the target figure, and the rate follows from whether you can reach it with preload.
Fitting
Fitting is a fork-oil job: the legs come apart, the springs go in, the oil level is set to specification. Preload spacers usually need shortening or lengthening so the installed length stays correct. Oil level is measured from the top of the tube with the fork compressed and the spring removed.
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
This is not a part to rush. Öhlins recommends installation by an authorised service centre, and we are an authorised Öhlins service centre — fitting, servicing and setup all happen here. Get in touch if you would like the work done with the order.
Specifications
- Brand: Öhlins
- Part Number: 08438-70
- Spring Rate: 7.0 N/mm
- Free Length: 450 mm
- Inner Diameter: 38.5 mm
- Packaging Unit: Pair
- Country of Origin: Sweden
FitmentWhich bikes this fits▼
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