
The facts.
| Part Number | FKS 203 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Öhlins |
| System | NIX 22 cartridge |
| Position | Front fork |
| Spring Series | 08429 series (springs sold separately) |
| Recommended Fork Oil | 01309 |
| Air Gap | 130 mm |
| Supplied As | Pair |
| Fitment | Yamaha YZF-R3 (2015–2018) |
DescriptionThe whole story▼
Transforming the stock fork of the Yamaha YZF-R3 into a genuinely capable, adjustable front end is exactly what the Öhlins NIX 22 Cartridge Kit FKS 203 is built to do — and it does so in a way that makes everyday riding more rewarding without demanding a race team to set it up.
Key Features
- 22 mm cartridge system delivers precise, consistent damping on both road and track without the vague, one-size-fits-all feel of the stock internals
- Compression damping and its adjuster are housed in the left fork leg; rebound damping and its adjuster sit in the right leg — keeping adjustments intuitive and separate
- Spring preload is set conveniently at the fork cap, so dialling in your preferred ride height takes seconds rather than a workshop session
- Sold as a pair, ensuring perfectly matched damping characteristics on both sides of the front end
- Fitment-specific design for the YZF-R3 2015–2018, with ABE approval (Germany) for both year ranges and an additional TÜV component certificate for the official type RH07 covering 2015–2016
- Installation guide included; professional fitting at an authorised Öhlins Service Centre is recommended for optimum results
Genuine Upgrade, Practical Setup
The NIX 22 system replaces the factory cartridge with a purpose-engineered Öhlins unit that separates compression and rebound circuits. This separation means you can tune each independently — soften the rebound for a smoother commute, stiffen compression for track days — without one adjustment compromising the other. All controls are accessible at the fork caps, so there is no need to remove the wheel or dismantle the front end every time you want to experiment with settings.
The recommended fork oil is Öhlins reference 01309, and an air gap of 130 mm is specified to ensure the correct spring behaviour once your chosen springs from the 08429 series are fitted. Note that springs are not included and must be ordered separately — this allows you to select the spring rate best suited to your weight and riding style rather than accepting a generic rate.
Road Use and Track Performance
For riders who split their time between weekend blasts and occasional track days, the FKS 203 offers a meaningful step up in front-end feel without the cost or complexity of a full fork replacement. The improved stability under braking and through corners translates directly into confidence on unfamiliar roads, where the stock fork's limitations become most apparent. On circuit, the independent adjusters allow rapid baseline changes between sessions.
Fitment and Compatibility
- Yamaha YZF-R3 (2015–2016) — with ABE (Germany) and TÜV component certificate for official type RH07
- Yamaha YZF-R3 (2017–2018) — with ABE (Germany)
Fitting and Setup Service
We are an authorised Öhlins service centre, so the installation does not have to be your problem: we fit and set up Öhlins components in our own workshop. Ask us when you order and we will include the work.
Specifications
| Part Number | FKS 203 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Öhlins |
| System | NIX 22 cartridge |
| Position | Front fork |
| Spring Series | 08429 series (springs sold separately) |
| Recommended Fork Oil | 01309 |
| Air Gap | 130 mm |
| Supplied As | Pair |
| Approvals | ABE (Germany); TÜV component certificate for type RH07 (2015–2016) |
What's includedEverything in the box▼
- 1x Öhlins NIX 22 cartridge kit (pair)
- 1x installation guide
FitmentWhich bikes this fits▼
- Yamaha YZF-R3 (2015–2018)
Questions, one topic at a time.
Get the real shipping cost for this item to your address — the same rates as checkout.
Choose a destination and hit Estimate — we fetch the live rates for this item.
We’re based in Germany. Standard delivery goes by DHL and national postal services and takes about 2–5 days within Germany, 1–2 weeks within the EU and 2–6 weeks outside the EU. Need it sooner? Express delivery reaches most of the world within a few days — just choose it at checkout where available.
Your exact shipping cost is calculated by destination and weight and shown at checkout before you pay — no hidden fees. Express delivery is selectable at checkout where available.
Yes, we ship to over 130 countries. Prices, taxes and delivery times for your destination are calculated automatically at checkout.
Within the EU, no — our prices already include all duties and EU VAT. For deliveries outside the EU (e.g. Switzerland, the UK or the USA), your order may be subject to import duties and taxes set by your country. These are collected by the carrier when your parcel arrives, aren’t included in our prices, and are outside our control.
As soon as your parcel ships we email you a tracking link, so you can follow it all the way to your door.
On out-of-stock items you can request a delivery time or leave your email to be notified the moment it returns — just use the notification box on the product.
You have the right to cancel within 14 days of receiving your order. Register your return by email first; once it’s approved you have a further 14 days to send the goods back. Items should be unused and in their original packaging.
Register your return by email with your order number before sending anything back, and we’ll send you the return instructions. Please note: returns that aren’t registered in advance can’t be accepted.
The quickest way is to place a new order for the size you need and register a return for the original by email — just let us know it’s an exchange.
We’re sorry — that shouldn’t happen. Contact us with your order number and a photo as soon as you can, and we’ll arrange a replacement or refund right away. Faulty goods are always covered by your statutory warranty.
Refunds go back to your original payment method, usually within 3–5 working days of your return reaching our warehouse.
PayPal, all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), Klarna (pay later and instalments), Apple Pay, Google Pay and more — all processed securely via PayPal and Mollie.
Yes. Choose Klarna at checkout to split your purchase into flexible monthly installments.
Your payment is taken when you place your order. If you choose Klarna, you pay later according to Klarna’s terms.
Every payment runs over an SSL-encrypted connection through certified providers. We never see or store your full card details.
If your order hasn’t shipped yet, contact us as soon as possible and we’ll do our best to change or cancel it.
No — you can check out as a guest. An account simply lets you track orders and reorder faster.
For customers in the EU, prices are shown including your country’s local VAT. For customers outside the EU, prices are shown without VAT — instead, your country’s import taxes and duties may apply on delivery (see the customs question).
Yes. Your invoice is attached to your order confirmation email and is also available in your account.
Yes. We’re an authorised dealer, so every product is 100% original and comes with the full manufacturer warranty.
Yes. Everything we sell is genuine and comes with the manufacturer’s warranty, on top of your statutory rights. Keep your invoice as proof of purchase and contact us if you ever need to make a claim — we’ll help you through it.
Our team is happy to help. Use the contact button below and we’ll personally help you choose the right gear or part.
Measure your head circumference about one centimetre above your eyebrows and compare it with the size chart on this page. Between sizes? Choose the smaller one — the padding beds in with use.
Yes — it’s tested and approved to the current ECE 22.06 standard and road-legal across the EU.
Most of our touring and sport helmets are Pinlock-ready and many include the insert. Check the ‘What’s in the box’ section on this page for this model.
Yes — the cheek pads are channelled so the arms of your glasses slide in comfortably.
Take out the washable lining and hand-wash it in lukewarm water. Clean the shell and visor with a soft cloth and water only — never solvents.
Our team will personally help you choose the right gear or part — around 24h for a reply.