Anyone switch to Ohlins?
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44 Posts
Or Wilbers or Hyperpro?
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1,705 Posts
Talk to Ted Porter. He sells them all and will give you the advice you seek.
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163 Posts
I'm not a fan of the stock suspension. The high speed compression dampening is way to firm, especially in the front. Going of expansion joints on the highway and you really feel them bounce the bike. A good suspension will soak up those imperfections and you will hardly notice them giving you a plush ride. I'm eventually going to change to Wilber's myself.
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1,242 Posts
:iagree:
But as I told Classic11, I'm still really curious to ride the same bike with an "upgraded" suspension, and if really improves, figure out if it's worth the walletectomy.
Sounds like you've never ridden a bike with really good aftermarket stuff. Sorry, but really ... the difference is unbelievable. Not that the BMW gear is bad, by any means, but once I get to 30-40,000 on mine I'll be looking at Ohlins or Wilber or K-Tech ... just pick one.
i have an '09 r1200r. after about 15,000 miles the dealership service department told me my shocks were done and needed to be replaced. 15,000 miles is not alot and i was disappointed the factory equipment did not last longer but most of the riding i had done to that point were twisty, challenging roads (tail of the dragon twice, backroads of southampton, ny, new hampshire, then canyons in southern california). i'm 6'3", 210lbs. i switched to ohlins before my first track day out here in California and the difference was amazing. it was as if the bike was made for ohlins not visa versa. stiffer when needed, softer on adjustment for touring, huge difference at speed/cornering and the track, etc. i raised the back end a bit, set the preload/sag properly and it transformed my bike that's all i can say. for the suspension noob, i'd say it is adjustable in a way that allows you to deal with rough road conditions, weather changes, and comfort, and when you need additional performance at corners and speed, the ohlins deliver.
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359 Posts
Still waiting for my money tree to flower, until then I'll drool at yours.
As far as adjusting for different riding, how long does it take to make the adjustments. aka how much time is ESA really saving me?
classic 11, making the adjustments on the ohlins is pretty simple, just a twist of the knob a few clicks one way or the other and you're good to go. that being said it's a bit more compicated than ESA and you will want to get to know how compression/rebound/preload all work together for the given riding style you have and the roads your on. personally, i have just set it to a more sporty set up and lived with the rougher ride when touring or riding on highways. in the end, right is right according to my friend and mechanic so i just set it firm and leave it alone. all that being said, ESA is awesome and for anyone who rides anywhere but the track i think ESA does more than enough to get you ready for the road conditions
I loved the way my 2010 handled when new, but I did seem to notice it get softer as the kilometers and abuse added up. I'm a big boy, at 240lbs. and nearly always have my bike overloaded up with touring bags, top box, women, and gear for weeks of road trips. At 38,000km I installed the Ohlins front and rear, and it immediately transformed the bike, made it feel new and more nimble than ever before. Even easier to wheelie too :clown:
Now at 48,000km, I can definitely say, aftermarket shocks are worth every penny. I was even thinking of getting a new bike, but I am glad I upgraded, as I fell back in love with my beastie. Handling is so much better, tires are wearing better... I was worried it would not be as comfortable on long journeys... nope, just rode 25 hours straight from cali to BC. I was worried it would be too firm off road and for potholes, nope, soaks them up with even more confidence. All around, could not be happier. especially once you find the sweet spot for naked, loaded, and loaded 2up situations.
Now at 48,000km, I can definitely say, aftermarket shocks are worth every penny. I was even thinking of getting a new bike, but I am glad I upgraded, as I fell back in love with my beastie. Handling is so much better, tires are wearing better... I was worried it would not be as comfortable on long journeys... nope, just rode 25 hours straight from cali to BC. I was worried it would be too firm off road and for potholes, nope, soaks them up with even more confidence. All around, could not be happier. especially once you find the sweet spot for naked, loaded, and loaded 2up situations.
If I may ask, what does a set of Ohlin's cost, including to have them installed?
Are the Wilbur's as good? Other brands?
I can imagine a better shock on the bike. It handles some surfaces a bit roughly.
Sounds like the after market shocks sort this out pretty well.
Are the Wilbur's as good? Other brands?
I can imagine a better shock on the bike. It handles some surfaces a bit roughly.
Sounds like the after market shocks sort this out pretty well.
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696 Posts
I upgraded from the stock Showa shocks to Yacugar on the advice of Ted at The Beemer Shop.
I was getting shocks one way or the other, was looking at Wilburs, but I am delighted with the Yacugars. They are made by Hyperpro and are an upgrade from stock Hyperpro.
Handling is night and day different. Comfort - now it has it.
I took a road trip with a buddy, one week tour of California with the stock Showas and the side bags loaded and a pillion bag loaded - much weight. Bike seemed to wallow, but I was surprised at how well it handled and the comfort, no longer harsh - smooth.
Took the bags off when I got home and the ride was back to harsh.
New suspension cured that AND the handling is 100% improved - total increase in confidence in the twisties. Different bike altogether.
If any one thing is true, the stock Show suspension is inadequate and an upgraded suspension is NOT a waste of money.
I was getting shocks one way or the other, was looking at Wilburs, but I am delighted with the Yacugars. They are made by Hyperpro and are an upgrade from stock Hyperpro.
Handling is night and day different. Comfort - now it has it.
I took a road trip with a buddy, one week tour of California with the stock Showas and the side bags loaded and a pillion bag loaded - much weight. Bike seemed to wallow, but I was surprised at how well it handled and the comfort, no longer harsh - smooth.
Took the bags off when I got home and the ride was back to harsh.
New suspension cured that AND the handling is 100% improved - total increase in confidence in the twisties. Different bike altogether.
If any one thing is true, the stock Show suspension is inadequate and an upgraded suspension is NOT a waste of money.
Put Wilburs on my 1200RT and it totally transformed the bike. Handling became super confidence inspiring. No more vague feel. The tires were always connected to the road. And it was more comfortable.
Had a previous RT with ESA, and this is much better.
Wilburs for the R are due in next week, cant wait.
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Had a previous RT with ESA, and this is much better.
Wilburs for the R are due in next week, cant wait.
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696 Posts
I went with Yacugar (Hyperpro) with under 2k miles on my 2012.
The difference is beyond words, not even in the same league, total transformation.
I went even further and got a triple valve rear so I could control the high and low speed compression.
rear
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front
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The difference is beyond words, not even in the same league, total transformation.
I went even further and got a triple valve rear so I could control the high and low speed compression.
rear
front
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133 Posts
Just purchased the hyperpro combi kit that is new springs front and rear. Worked great on my 1050 Tiger so giving it a shot on the Roadster. I found the stock suspension bouncy and somewhat hard on small bumps when just me on the bike. Loaded with luggage it wasn't too bad. Anyways front spring on and riding it tomorrow. Rear spring in the next week or two. I'll report back on the cheap upgrade.
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