
The facts.
| Brand | Öhlins |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 08686-85 |
| Spring Rate | 8.5 N/mm |
| Free Length | 285 mm |
| Inner Diameter | 27.5-25.5 mm |
| Position | Vorne |
| Recommended Öhlins Oil | 01309 |
| Air Gap | 140 mm |
| Construction | Tapered |
| Packaging Unit | Pair |
DescriptionThe whole story▼
Öhlins part number 08686-85 is a pair of fork springs rated at 8.5 N/mm, 285 mm long and 27.5-25.5 mm inner diameter. Getting the rate right restores the static sag the chassis was designed around.
Key Features
- Öhlins recommends oil 01309 for this application
- Supplied as a pair
- Inner diameter 27.5-25.5 mm
- Öhlins part number 08686-85
- Air gap 140 mm as specified by Öhlins
- Tapered wound
- Free length 285 mm
- Measured spring rate 8.5 N/mm
Manufacture and Tolerance
The finish is applied after setting, which means the coating does not affect the rate. Production has stayed in Sweden since the company was founded in 1976. The unit is rebuildable: seals, shims and oil are catalogue items, not a reason to buy a new one.
Applications
Öhlins lists this spring for Honda CB600F Hornetx (2002–2003). Öhlins lists these applications from its own fitment work; rate selection on top of that is a matter of weight and use.
The Numbers That Matter
The 27.5-25.5 mm bore and 285 mm length are the two figures that decide whether it physically fits; 8.5 N/mm decides whether it suits the rider.
Where This Rate Belongs
A mid rate balances support under braking against compliance over the surface, which is why it is the usual starting point. This is the middle of Öhlins' range — the rate most riders of average weight end up on once sag is set properly. 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 Fitting Involves
Both legs are done together, and both take the same rate. Öhlins states an air gap for this application, and that figure is part of the setting rather than a detail. Fork oil should be replaced at the same time — it is already out of the leg.
Road Approval
Road approval: a German ABE exists for the listed applications. Keep the document with the vehicle papers.
Fitting and Setup Service
Öhlins recommends that its suspension is fitted by an authorised service centre. We are one, and we do the work here: installation, servicing and a proper setup. Ask us and we will include it with the order.
Specifications
- Brand: Öhlins
- Part Number: 08686-85
- Spring Rate: 8.5 N/mm
- Free Length: 285 mm
- Inner Diameter: 27.5-25.5 mm
- Position: Vorne
- Recommended Öhlins Oil: 01309
- Air Gap: 140 mm
- Construction: Tapered
- Packaging Unit: Pair
FitmentWhich bikes this fits▼
- Honda CB600F Hornetx (2002–2003)
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