RXF38 m.

2 Front fork

FGXXX 38XX 22XX

Owner’s Manual
 Öhlins Headquarters Upplands Väsby, Sweden

Öhlins Racing AB - The Story

It was the 1970’s, a young man named Kenth Congratulations! You are now the owner of an
Öhlin spent most of his spare time pursuing his Öhlins product. More than two hundred World
favourite sport: motocross. Championships and other major world titles
Being a careful observer, Kenth’s attention are definitive proof that Öhlins products offer
was continously drawn to one specific detail - outstanding performance and reliability.
motocross bikes had more engine power than Every product has gone through rigorous
their suspension could handle. It was not long testing and engineers have spent thousands
before Kenth realised that better performance of hours, doing their very best to use every
could be achieved by improved wheel possible experience from our almost 40 years
suspension. within the racing sport.
Öhlins Racing was established in 1976, and The product that you now have in your
just two years later the company won its first possession is pure racing breed that is built to
World Championship title. Despite being in the withstand.
business for almost 40 years, the search for By installing this product on your bike you
perfection and new functions is still the main have made a clear statement… you are a
focus of the company. serious rider with a focus on getting the maximal
handling ability and outstanding feedback from
your bike. Along comes the fact that your Öhlins
product will be a long lasting friend, delivering
the very best of comfort and performance every
time you go for a ride. Go explore!
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
General Warnings SAFETY SYMBOLS
1 Note! In this manual, mounting instructions and other
The fork is an important part of the bicycle and will affect technical documents, important information concerning
the stability. safety is distinguished by the following symbols:

1 Note!
Read and ensure you understand the information in this The Safety Alert Symbol means: Warning! Your safety
manual and other technical documents provided by the is involved.
bicycle manufacturer before using the product.
⚠ Warning!
1 Note! The Warning Symbol means: Failure to follow warning
Öhlins Racing AB can not be held responsible for any instructions can result in severe or fatal injury to anyone
damage to the shock absorber, bicycle, other property or working with, inspecting or using the Product/Fork, or
injury to persons, if the instructions for mounting, usage to bystanders.
and maintenance are not followed exactly.
✋ Caution!
⚠ Warning!
The Caution Symbol means: Special precautions must be
After you have installed the Öhlins product, take a
taken to avoid damage to the Product/Fork.
test ride at low speed to ensure that the bicycle has
maintained stability.
1 Note!
⚠ Warning! The Note Symbol indicates information that is important
If the suspension makes an abnormal noise, or the regarding procedures.
function is irregular, or if you notice any leakage from
the product, stop the bicycle immediately and return the
product to an Authorized Öhlins MTB Service Center. 1 Note!
Please note that during storage and transportation,
⚠ Warning! especially at high ambient temperature, some of the oil
The product warranty shall only apply if the product and grease used for assembling may leak and stain the
has been operated and maintained in accordance with packaging. This is in no way detrimental to the product,
recommendations in this manual. If you have any questions wipe off the excessive oil/grease with a cloth.
regarding usage, service, inspection and/or maintenance
please contact an Authorized Öhlins MTB Service Center. ⚠ Warning!
This product contains pressurized air. Do not open, service
1 Note! or modify this product without proper education and proper
When working with the Öhlins product, always read the tools. All hydraulic servicing must be completed by an
bicycle manufacturer’s manuals. Authorized Öhlins MTB Service Center. All other servicing
must be completed by an Authorized Öhlins MTB Service
1 Note! Center alternatively you can conduct the service yourself
This manual shall be considered as a part of the product
if you have the necessary skills, genuine parts and tools.
and shall therefore accompany the product throughout its
In some cases the product may need to be sent to another
life cycle.
region for service.
1 Note! 1 Note!
Please retain the original packaging for warranty or service
Please note that the images in this manual are a general
needs.
representation of the product and may differ slightly from
⚠ Warning! your product.
This product was developed and designed exclusively for
bicycles and shall only be installed on intended bicycle
models in its original condition as delivered from the
bicycles manufacturer.
© Öhlins Racing AB. All rights reserved.
Any reprinting or unauthorized use without the written permission of Öhlins Racing AB is prohibited.
3
THE ÖHLINS RXF38 M.2 FRONT FORK
Congratulations on your excellent choice of
purchasing this high performance Öhlins front
fork.
This product is designed for the upcoming,
next generation of stars and has been
developed by Öhlins’ mountainbike department
in Sweden, with their experience from the world
stars of today.
We recommend you to read this manual
carefully for proper bike set up to get the best
possible performance out of your suspension
components.

Contents
Safety precautions........................................ 3
The RXF38 m.2 Front Fork........................... 4
1 How it works.............................................. 5
2 Mounting instructions................................. 6
3 Air spring setup.......................................... 8
4 TTX18 Setup............................................ 11
5 Maintenance............................................ 14

4
1 HOW IT WORKS
To get your suspension set up correctly the front
fork and shock absorber must be in balance.
To achieve this, both must be considered when
setting up the new product.
To set up the fork there is two systems to
consider.

Spring
The main purpose of the spring is to support the
rider and bike and restore the set ride height
after impact.
Setting up your sag is the most important
aspect of tuning your fork, and this is done
by correctly tuning your air spring. Sag is the
percentage of suspension travel that is used
when you assume normal, static riding position
on the bike. See separate chapter for air spring
setup procedure.

Hydraulic damping
The damping controls the forks movement in
compression and in rebound by converting
the kinetic energy in to heat. Valves and shim
stacks are used to regulate the oil flow and thus
controlling the amount of damping.

5
2 MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS
⚠ Warning!
It is advisable to have an Authorized Öhlins MTB Service 1
Center install the front fork.

⚠ Warning!
If the bicycle is mounted in a work stand please make sure
to hold the frame when front fork is removed to prevent
damage to paint and (or) finish.

1 Note!
Before installing this product clean the bicycle thoroughly.

1
Remove the original front fork.

2
Place the front fork. Install stem and tighten 2
headset according to manufacturers’
instructions.

3
Install the brake caliper according to the brake
manufacturer’s instructions. Minimum rotor size
200 mm.

6
2 MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS
4
Attach the brake cable to the hose clamp and 4
tighten the screw. Use a 2.5 mm Hex wrench.
Tighten the bolt to 0.5 Nm.

5
Apply Grease on threads before installation. Use
a 5 mm Hex wrench to tighten the Wheel Shaft
and tighten both screw A and screw B to 6 Nm.
Tighten screw A before screw B.

✋ Caution!
Ensure that all screws are tightened to the correct torque
and that nothing fouls or restricts movement of the front
fork when the suspension is fully compressed or extended.
Please check suitable clearance between the fork and
frame when turning. 5

7
3 AIR SPRING SETUP
A correct spring setup is the most important
part of setting up your fork. Start with the 1
recommended pressure and sag and go
throught the tuning steps described below.
A poorly setup air spring can never be fully
compensated by adjusting your damping
system.

1 Note!
For a more progressive spring characteristics contact an
Authorized Öhlins MTB Service Center.

Setting sag is a crucial part of setting your 2

bicycle since it affects the height of the bicycle
and the fork angle. In the following chapter we
will describe how to set the sag. Please check
pressure recommendations printed on the fork.

1 Note!
This procedure must be performed on a flat surface. Do
not jump or bounce on your bicycle as it will result in an
inaccurate sag measurement.
3
Setting sag:

1
Unscrew the cap to the lower valve (ramp up
chamber) and assemble the air pressure pump.
Pump to desired pressure. Disconnect the pump
and put the cap back on.

2
Unscrew top air cap (Main chamber) and
assemble the air pump. Pump to desired
pressure. Disassemble the air pump and
reinsert the compression air cap.

3
Set the O-ring (sag indicator) at the position
according to illustration.

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3 AIR SPRING SETUP
4
Dressed in full riding gear assume normal riding 4
position on the bicycle.

5
Step off the bicycle and measure the distance
the O-ring (sag indicator) has moved. Sag
should be set to approximately 10-15 % of the
fork travel.

General recommendations:
5
• too little sag: release air from main chamber
• too much sag: fill up with more air in main
chamber

General recommendations:
X
Heavy hard charging rider may require less
sag while a smoother rider may benefit from
more sag. If you have any questions, contact
an Authorized Öhlins MTB Service Center for
advice.

Rider weight Main chamber Ramp up chamber

50-60 kg (110-132 lbs) 70-80 psi 160-170 psi

60-70 kg (132-154 lbs) 80-90 psi 170-180 psi
70-80 kg (154-176 lbs) 90-100 psi 180-190 psi
80-90 kg (176-198 lbs) 100-110 psi 190-200 psi
90-100 kg (198-220 lbs) 110-120 psi 200-210 psi
100-110 kg (220-243 lbs) 120-130 psi 210-220 psi
110-120 kg (243-265 lbs) 130-140 psi 220-230 psi

9
3 AIR SPRING SETUP
Reset to original ride position
After reducing the air pressure in the main
chamber, it is necessary to reset the fork to its
original length.

Example: If you are lowering the pressure from

130 psi to 80 psi, the fork will get a lower ride
position (shorter travel). Reset the fork to original
Ride position by extending the fork by pulling the
handlebar up, while your friend is holding the

Wiper seal to crown

wheel tight to the ground. Repeat the extension
about 10 cycles, until you have reached the
original length.

Original fork lengths:

Axle to crown
Fork travel Wiper seal to crown Axle to crown
[mm] [mm] [mm]
160 162 573
170 172 583
180 182 593

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4 TTX18 SETUP
Compression damping controls the energy 2. Adjust high speed
absorption when the front fork is being To adjust, turn the black coloured adjuster on
compressed, thus controls how easily the front the top of the TTX cartridge. Turn clockwise to
fork compresses when you hit a bump. Rebound increase damping, turn counter clockwise to
damping controls the energy absorption when decrease. For additional platform control, turn to
the front fork is being extended and controls fully closed (position 0 [zero]).
how fast the front fork returns to its normal
position after being compressed. 1 Note!
Position 0 [zero]: Additional platform control is designed to
To set the adjusters be used for long climbs and not for normal riding. If used
Turn the adjuster clockwise to fully closed for normal riding you may experience loss of traction and
position. Then, turn counter clockwise to bump absorption.
open, and count the clicks until you reach the
recommended number of clicks.
2
✋ Caution!
Turn gently not to damage delicate sealing surfaces.
Tighten with your hand only.

Compression damping adjuster

1. Adjust low speed
To adjust, turn the blue coloured adjuster on
the top of the TTX cartridge. Turn clockwise to
increase damping, turn counter clockwise to
decrease.
Rebound damping adjuster
3. Adjust rebound
Turn the gold coloured adjuster on the end
1 eye/ bracket. Turn clockwise to increase
damping, turn counter clockwise to decrease.

11
4 TTX18 SETUP
Stability and traction Adjustment range
All bicycles are designed with a suspension The RXF fork is designed for use within the full
geometry that include height and fork angle. adjustment range, and using the front fork fully
Changing any components may affect the open or closed is normal for some riders.
suspension geometry and it is therefore
essential that the front and rear ends match
Rebound damping
each other. Changing to Öhlins suspension If the bike feels loose, nervous over bumpy
gives optimum performance only when both sections and kicking in jumps, close the rebound
the front fork and the rear suspension interact adjuster one click.
properly. It is very important that the front and If the bicycle feels hard, harsh (no ­comfort),
the rear ride heights are within the specified packs down under bumps and is difficult to enter
values. corners with or does not stay in line over bumpy
sections, decrease the rebound ­adjuster 1 click.
General setup If the bicycle feels
By adjusting the front fork and testing by trial - unstable
and error you can learn how the different - loose
settings affect your bicycle. Always begin - bouncy
your setup process by taking a test ride → Increase rebound damping
with all adjustments at their recommended
If the bicycle feels
basic settings. Choose a short run of varying
- hard
character, for example with long as well as
- nervous
sharp bends, hard and soft bumps. Stay on the
- low traction
same run and adjust only one setting at a time.
→ Decrease rebound damping
When you set up your bicycle you need to do
it together with the front fork and on all types of
tracks that you want to optimize, there are no
setups that will be 100% perfect on all tracks,
some compromises will need to be made.

Always keep priority at

- safe feeling
- stability
- comfort

This will allow you to ride safer, with more

confidence and use less energy.

12
4 TTX18 SETUP
Low speed compression damping Position 0 [zero] is for those long climbs where
The low speed adjuster is used for controlling the need for traction is limited and additional
the chassis movement towards the ground. platform control helps to gain efficiency.
If you feel that the front fork feels soft, spongy, The front forks are delivered with the ­adjuster
or the bicycle feels unstable (for example when set to position 3 (fully open). This is the best all-
going into a corner), close 1 click (clockwise). round setup and has the function that should
If you feel that the bicycle feels hard and has suit most riders and tracks.
poor traction, open 1 click (counter-clockwise). If the bicycle feels

High speed compression damping - soft

The high speed adjuster has four positions. - low

When the adjuster is fully closed it has position - is bottoming

0 [zero] and when the adjuster is fully open it → Increase compression damping

has position 3. If the bicycle feels

Turn clockwise to increase the high speed - harsh
damping and make the fork firmer. Turn counter - hard
clockwise to reduce the high speed damping. → Decrease compression damping
Position 1-3 is suitable for trail riding.

13
5 MAINTENANCE
Extreme riding in adverse weather conditions or lack of cleaning will shorten service intervals.

Maintenance Interval

Clean dirt and debris from front fork Every ride

Check air pressure and set sag Every ride
Check torque on front fork mounting bolts Every ride
Remove lowers, clean and inspect bushings and seals, change oil 50 hours
bath if necessary
Full front fork air spring service 100 hours/1 year
Remove and clean lowers, replace seals and bump rubbers, change 100 hours/1 year
oil bath
Full front fork damping cartridge service 100 hours/1 year

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 Owner’s Manual | Part No. 07258-10_2 | Issued 2021-03-16 | © Öhlins Racing AB

Your Öhlins retailer:

Öhlins Racing AB
Box 722 Phone: +46 (0)8 590 025 00
SE-194 27, Upplands Väsby Fax: +46 (0)8 590 025 80
Sweden www.ohlins.com