R1200s Suspension

[Grant]

As I only got 120 miles done on my 1200 before I came off it I've very little experience with the standard settings. I softened everything up after I 'got better' to ease the pain on my collarbone. Has anyone else softened up theirs? I must admit it sems fine now and it's such an arse of a job to adjust the preload that I'm loathe to touch it again. Btw I'm around 12 stone and my bike has the Ohlins.

I'd appreciate any comments.

[peter f]

As I only got 120 miles done on my 1200 before I came off it I've very little experience with the standard settings. I softened everything up after I 'got better' to ease the pain on my collarbone. Has anyone else softened up theirs? I must admit it sems fine now and it's such an arse of a job to adjust the preload that I'm loathe to touch it again. Btw I'm around 12 stone and my bike has the Ohlins.

I'd appreciate any comments.

Well,

1. set-up with regard preload should comply with damping and rebound as well (say "like" the WP ESA found in 08 GS bikes). IMHO playing with spanners and the likes in a modern bike > a bit stone age. That said, the ugly user's Manual does provide some basic set-up help.

2. spend some time here > http://www.gostar-racing.com/club/motor ... set-up.htm

3. Stock 12S Ohlins (front : a cheapo emulsion shock, a GREAT shame for a brand like BMW) > not my cup of tea anymore. You can convert them in fully (manual) adjustable stuff (preload, damping, rebound) in PPR-USA (http://www.propilotsuspension.com/ ) cost : 988 USD. Problem is that PPR doesn't sell stuff outside US > you'll need some relative living in US.

4. if we forget PPR Ohlins, absolute solution for 12S (so far)
Rear : WP 4618 spin + PA option, Front: WP WB103 4014 spin + custom PA option (PA = hydraulic manual preload).

5. sell your stock Ohlins (I just did that) and go there > https://eshop.t-online.de/epages/Store. ... ahrwerk%22

[Grant]

Thanks for the info Pete. Not had much experience with Ohlins before. I fitted WP suspension to my last Triumph and was very impressed with it. I'm going to check my sag this week although the bike feels about as good as I'm going to get it now. The front end is worst....fiddling doesn't seem to make much difference, unlike the 100s I had several years ago. It just feels hard.

[peter f]

Thanks for the info Pete. Not had much experience with Ohlins before. I fitted WP suspension to my last Triumph and was very impressed with it. I'm going to check my sag this week although the bike feels about as good as I'm going to get it now. The front end is worst....fiddling doesn't seem to make much difference, unlike the 100s I had several years ago. It just feels hard.

Well,

1. BMW has made some sort of nasty "deal" with Ohlins with regard these stock shocks (if you search the Ohlins web sites > no R12S on the list > why?). LOT'S of warranty claims here in Greece with these things. Why? well ....combine the "roads" in Greece (some "sort" of tarmac) and HOT climate > shock works overnight > after a while > adios amigos.

2. list price for these shocks (BMW parts) is 2700 USD - the non modified PPR Ohlins (EXACTLY the same thing) = 2100 USD (+ the modification).

3. the location of the front shock makes any "tool based" adjustment/variation possibility a joke (let's be realistic > similar shocks without knob operated controls > why bother talking?) . Telelevel (brake AND steer AT THE COST of front end "sensitivity") makes things worst > this system requires the best shock in order to shine.

4. if you are familiar with windsurf > one top shock "feels" like a Neil Pryde race sail (http://www.neilpryde.com/sails-2008/rac ... mk-ii.html) > that unique combination of "easiness" with the capability to take any wind force with ease...

You'll miss that feeling with these OEM Ohlins shocks....

[peter f]

PS: one out of many Ohlins cases (gone kaput) > http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthre ... b&t=411334

[Grant]

Yeah, the adjuster ring on the rear shock appears to be made of putty. WTF do the make the adjuster of some sort of plastic yet the locking ring is metal???

Mine is starting to break up so I'll point it out at the service.

Thanks for the info.