I'm happy with the Ohlins shock (105N spring) on my 18 ATAS and fork cartridges. I raced on Ohlins and worked previously at an authorized Ohlins dealer/service center so know the products and know that service + parts availability is solid.

I also looked at Tractive who make the rebranded Touratech shock. I didn't consider the Touratech due to the inflated pricing for rebranded products. I was hesitant mainly due to no experience with the brand and service/parts availability while Ohlins is probably one of the best supported, if not the best supported aftermarket suspension brands worldwide. I would look at what suspension tuners near you are offering and servicing as a starting point.

When replacing the rear shock, for me it's easiest with the bike on the centerstand, rear wheel removed and swingarm supported with a block of wood or jack stand. Remove the link and shock bolts then drop the shock while rotating a bit and positioning the swingarm to drop the shock through the swingarm. Comes out and goes back in pretty quick that way. Opportune time to check chain tension with the swingarm, pivot and front sprocket in line too and see if it's too tight (it probably is).

 

I'm happy with the Ohlins shock (105N spring) on my 18 ATAS and fork cartridges. I raced on Ohlins and worked previously at an authorized Ohlins dealer/service center so know the products and know that service + parts availability is solid.

I also looked at Tractive who make the rebranded Touratech shock. I didn't consider the Touratech due to the inflated pricing for rebranded products. I was hesitant mainly due to no experience with the brand and service/parts availability while Ohlins is probably one of the best supported, if not the best supported aftermarket suspension brands worldwide. I would look at what suspension tuners near you are offering and servicing as a starting point.

When replacing the rear shock, for me it's easiest with the bike on the centerstand, rear wheel removed and swingarm supported with a block of wood or jack stand. Remove the link and shock bolts then drop the shock while rotating a bit and positioning the swingarm to drop the shock through the swingarm. Comes out and goes back in pretty quick that way. Opportune time to check chain tension with the swingarm, pivot and front sprocket in line too and see if it's too tight (it probably is).

Nomadic_adv
Thanks for your reply and I completely agree with everything you said so I've pushed the button on the Ohlins. I have a 2016 AT in Thailand and fitted an Ohlins shock to it and I'm pretty happy with it, Ohlins was actually all that was available of the shelf/
However

I did have to order and fit the heavier spring which I fitted myself by means of a home made press, as you said it's a relatively straightforward task and a good opportunity to grease up al the linkage at the same time. The shop offered to fit the new spring but I prefer to do all the work on my bikes myself anyway so having the shop do it wasn't an option
Cheers
Stu