Suspension setup

[Rico]

I've gone from a BMW G650 X-Country to the R1200S, and obviously the ride is completely different, but I'm finding the suspension on the new bike too hard, I get jolted from the seat whenever I hit the smallest bumps in the roads, and it doesn't go too well with my bad back... I've got the stock suspension, so I'm aware I can't tune things as nicely as I might be able to with the Ohlins, but what would recommendations be about changing the settings on the stock? I've not played around with suspension much previously, so I'm not sure how careful I need to be.

Advice will be appreciated!

[eyore]

Have you set everything back to standard settings to begin with and use that as a starting point?

[Rico]

No, I'll try that, if I can figure out what the standard settings are...

[eyore]

I am nowhere near mine right now, but are they in the owners handbook?

[popsky]

Hello you should be able to D/l to your PC from here, just in case you don't have the owners manual. Page 61


http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/com/en/inde ... _main.html¬rack=1

[Rico]

Actually I have the manual at home, I'll check when I get home. Being relatively inexperienced with this sort of thing I just wanted to check if there were any mistakes I might make. Thanks for the advice

[eyore]

You need to start from a known point, which is why you need to be sure where you are on the settings before you start twiddling . I suppose the way you ride and your weight are the first considerations, but start from scratch, ride the bike and report back and let us know what the problems feel like if there are any. The alternative is to get it set up professionally by a suspension expert to suit you. Needless to say being in Ireland I haven't a clue who the nearest to you might be ,but it may be the best few quid you will ever spend and shouldn't cost much at all.

[colm cummins]

You need to start from a known point, which is why you need to be sure where you are on the settings before you start twiddling . I suppose the way you ride and your weight are the first considerations, but start from scratch, ride the bike and report back and let us know what the problems feel like if there are any. The alternative is to get it set up professionally by a suspension expert to suit you. Needless to say being in Ireland I haven't a clue who the nearest to you might be ,but it may be the best few quid you will ever spend and shouldn't cost much at all.

Good advise to go to an expert. Standard settings are for 85kg rider I think.
Going on Saturday to NDM (Ohlins main agent) to see what they can do for mine. Quoted €85.00 for new spring as mine is showing a bit of wear / rust at the bottom.

[Rico]

I am a light rider, just over 60 kg, so that might explain it!

[Phil Thomas]

I don't know about the 1200S, but on my 1100S I installed Hyperpro Progressive springs and found it to be a worthwhile improvement...relatively cheap as well.

Regards to all,

[eyore]

I am a light rider, just over 60 kg, so that might explain it!

Yes indeed.

[Corvus]

I am a light rider, just over 60 kg, so that might explain it!

My two pennuth. Don't know if anyone agrees?

Definitely note the settings as they already exist before you start fiddling, as has already been suggested. I'd make sure tyre pressures are the same (checked cold) for each test. Don't carry any extra load for one test, but not for another.

To my way of thinking, your relatively light weight will mean backing off the spring preload slightly less than stock. I'll bet (50p) you will need a lower spring rate too.

A the end of the day though, the bike is orientated towards sports riding so will always feel a bit stiffer than your other bike.

[eyore]

I am a light rider, just over 60 kg, so that might explain it!

My two pennuth. Don't know if anyone agrees?

Definitely note the settings as they already exist before you start fiddling, as has already been suggested. I'd make sure tyre pressures are the same (checked cold) for each test. Don't carry any extra load for one test, but not for another.

To my way of thinking, your relatively light weight will mean backing off the spring preload slightly less than stock. I'll bet (50p) you will need a lower spring rate too.

A the end of the day though, the bike is orientated towards sports riding so will always feel a bit stiffer than your other bike.

Yes, I think that all makes perfect sense Corvus.

[Herb]

The standard suspension is pretty basic. The front can't be adjusted at all, and on the back is just preload and a single damping adjustment.

The standard setting is preload position 2 and damping full clockwise, then back off 3/4 of a turn. These setting are for an 85KG rider so you might have to make adjustments.

I found preload had a noticeable effect (I am 100KG plus gear) but the damping adjustment did not seem to have much effect at all.

I get on well with the stock suspension, and I can have the bike on its ear, but then I have never ridden one with the Ohlins.

[sandbar]

I'll bet (50p) you will need a lower spring rate too.

He is probably right!

IMHO, the first thing you need to do is get the sag settings right. If you haven't done that, then you are wasting your time doing anything else.

sandbar