R1200S Questions

tanneman · Post by **tanneman** » Sun Jun 23, 2013 10:08 pm

Two questions actually.

1) Does the bike have a gear position indicator and where is it displayed?

2) What is the adjustment available on the front and rear Ohlins suspension? Like preload, rebound and compression.

I have probably looked at a R1200S once or twice before but never in detail so the info would be greatly appreciated.

eyore · Post by **eyore** » Mon Jun 24, 2013 7:10 am

Gear indicator is the same as a GS on the small lcd panel on the dash, yes Ohlins suspension is fully adjustable.

tanneman · Post by **tanneman** » Mon Jun 24, 2013 11:11 am

Thank you. So back and front fully adjustable including ride height or is that only on the rear?

Next question, how good is the standard Ohlins suspension, middle range, top notch or budget Ohlins?

David_S_Walker · Post by **David_S_Walker** » Mon Jun 24, 2013 11:28 am

Hello,

Both are fully adjustable as I recall - Took a while to set up to my liking (becasue I didn't really know what I was doing) but a mate came over who did and set it up according to my weight, height etc.

I wish I had the ability to use the R1200S capability though but I am getting better - Trouble is that during the week I go up and down the A2 in London with a pillion on my old K1100LT and when I get onto the R1200S it comes as a shock to the system and takes a while to get used to.

Not having experienced other Ohlins set ups and only comparing it to the K1300S with ESA - I would say I prefer the R1200S for handling but the K1300S did have an amazing burst of power!

Best regards,

David

eyore · Post by **eyore** » Mon Jun 24, 2013 11:44 am

I have had the bike set up for me by a suspension expert and find it superb for such a big bike.
I'd say the Ohlins set up is pretty good, and compares well to my Ducati with fancy Ohlins.
You wont find the standard Ohlins setup wanting on the road, and even on track I imagine you would want to be pretty good to utilise its full potential.

popsky · Post by **popsky** » Mon Jun 24, 2013 12:18 pm

As far as I'm aware the adjustment is front has Preload and rebound only no ride height, and the rear has Preload Rebound & Compression with ride height, get it set up well with a matched set of tyres and you'll be well away.

Bit of interesting reading c/o the Pelican Forum

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/bmw-r110 ... hlins.html

ianbcr · Post by **ianbcr** » Mon Jun 24, 2013 2:13 pm

for those in the west mids, take it here. http://www.revsracing.co.uk/ and they will set it up for you free of charge.

gus · Post by **gus** » Mon Jun 24, 2013 6:03 pm

Hi
As phil has pointed out. Front is preload and rebound only. Rear is preload ,rebound and compression with a adjustable length bottom bracket. I have taken my shocks to revs for rebuild in the past and I have discussed with them what can be done to make the r1200s shocks better. I will be taking a set there during the winter for a bit of work for track use. For road riding they are pretty good standard if correctly set up and have been serviced.
All the best
Gus

tanneman · Post by **tanneman** » Mon Jun 24, 2013 7:13 pm

Thanks for the replies.

Gus, that is my concern. I have the 11S which I really like but it is wanting on the track regarding suspension especially the front. Damoace had his Showas reworked by MCT for less than £500. I also found the engine restricted but predictable in delivery but not so much a concern now. It is a good bike and surprises people on the track. There is a good selection of R1200S's on sale now. Some with aftermarket exhausts which would help the engine. A few have the sports pack fitted. Hence my question because it looks like it would be cheaper to buy a new bike than modifying the 11S. It will be fun to do so, only a few bits to change but at what cost.

A recent thread on pelican had me thinking.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/bmw-r110 ... -bike.html

gus · Post by **gus** » Mon Jun 24, 2013 7:32 pm

Hi
I modded my 1100s about as far as you could go regarding chassis , suspension and brakes. I left the engine alone apart from exhaust, airfilter inlet duct and a PC to sort out the fueling. I removed a lot of weight which in turn gave everything else an easier time. It was a fun project , but also a fruitless one in the end because I realised after buying a 1200s that i would not use the modded 1100 again. The 1200 with sports pack and a few choice mods is leagues ahead of a 1100 , even a modded one. Start adding some decent mods and you can have a serious track bike which is also a very good road bike. It's a no brainier really.
Gus