Ohlins Fodder for the Shock Discussion

[Ves]

Ok, so I bit the bullet... got some Ohlins for the Rockster, installed them, tried them... It's all here.

[Biff's R]

Ves, did you get the rockster shocks, or the roadster shocks? The roadster has a longer front shock, than the rock.

[sweatmark]

Ves -

Thanks for great info & documentation. We learned the hard way when first installing Ohlins on Mrs. Sweatmark's Roadster: the rear shock's preload adjuster hose can kink if the hose contacts the surrounding surfaces. The R1150R airbox+fusebox+rear wheelwell structure has recess that's rounded on one side and square on the other; when viewed from the top it's obvious where there's more room for the preload hose to run down towards adjuster mount position.

Had to get the preload hose replaced after the kink caused rupture and leak.

You've caused Ohlins envy... must eBay some stuff during Spring cleaning to get Ohlins for my Rockster!

[boxermania]

Ves

Great pics and description. I'm sure it will be helpful to those that move in that direction.

Just a couple of comments, from personal experience.

Rear shock
Biff's R and sweatmarks comments are right on. Also make sure that the preload hose does not rub against the swingarm is it will wear through it.

Front shock
If you have the front tire off the ground, and you loosen the shock top attachment the "A" frame will drop down only to be held by the brake line....not good....shim the front tire at it's maximum extension and then proceed.

The shock can be turned around relative to the bottom mount, to gain access to the adjustments....see the blue locking nut at the bottom, lossening allows you to turn the shock on it's axis.

[duke]

And if you (Ves) are kind enough to tell us how long did it take to complete the job?

Cheers

Francisco

[Ves]

DOH! Sigh... Sure enough, apparently there was a miscommunication between Kyle and Ohlins and I got the R1150R shocks by mistake...

Now I have to do it again...

To answer the question about how long it took... NOW, about twice as long as it should... Wasn't really timing myself, but basically two evenings, so I figure about 5 hours... Course being that now I'm going to get the CORRECT shocks, and now that I'm experienced, I should be able to do the second installation in HALF the time... right?

They will call Ohlins tomorrow (Ohlins on East cost Kyle West Coast), verify it all, and they should ship the new one's out right away. Kyle will send me the package for the return same time.

Stay tuned for the second round of installations...

[duke]

Ouch ... at least it was not your fault!

I have managed to bust my rear lower suspension link bolt ... and somebody (a dear friend and a competent mechanic) extracted what was left inside the swingarm.

So I now have new rear Wilbers with removed lower mounting sleeve (the bit where the bolt goes through the shock), and I am using the old shock. Feels a bit like riding a hardtail, and the bike slips the rear a bit round the corners, especially when wet.

Sure enough Wilbers are GREAT as they agreed to repair it under warranty (after I explained it is my fault - me being a moron).

All I have to do it is send the shock to Wilbers ... sometime next year

[Ves]

...

Front shock
If you have the front tire off the ground, and you loosen the shock top attachment the "A" frame will drop down only to be held by the brake line....not good....shim the front tire at it's maximum extension and then proceed....

Good point. I didn't even think about that when I was doing it. Hopefully I didn't do any damage to the line. However during the uninstall... (Yeah, just unistalled the R1150R shocks... waiting for the Rockster shocks) I unbolted the union from the frame, that gave me much more slack and the shock came out no problem. (Go to my writeup... I have some new shots there...) Also, same is true on the rear. If you don't take your caliper off the rear when you remove the wheel, don't let the swingarm drop too low when you take the rear shock out, or it will put strain on the rear brake line.

[sweatmark]

Ves,

Any feedback from Dan and/or Ohlins re: range of possible springs used for the R1150R shock applications? This is an area that puzzles me, as the expected load range for our "do everything" bikes is quite wide; from riding light with just rider, to two-up with luggage up to GVWR. How do those suspension folks choose a "best" spring option to meet a wide load range? The spring preload helps moderate the situation, I guess.

When I had a custom Penske built for my Buell, the Penske folks had a definite idea re: best spring for my application, given that the expected load wouldn't vary much and the bike's mission would stay the same.

I wouldn't have a guess how to choose spring rates that best accomodate the BMW bike's intended do-all mission.

Also, are the Rockster application shocks both length-adjustable? Did Ohlins tweak their standard recipe for rear Rockster shock to acommodate your short Paralever arm modification?
=======
Your latest install & deinstall info pushed me into "go" mode for Rockster/Ohlins fund! Just finished photos for eBay auctions and fundraising.

[Ves]

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[Ves]

The springs get chosen based on your weight and usage. If you do mostly two up touring they would use a different spring vs. mostly solo street vs. mostly track. But it's not just the spring, the dampening has to be matched to the spring. Dan says the Rockster would get stiffer springs by virtue of it's more aggressive riding style (just like a sports car has a stiffer suspension than a luxury car).

I asked Dan regarding how it is that they would make a shock with no compression adjustment, because it's a compromise. He asked me back how is it that one spring can work for all the different riding; solo, track, two-up touring? Again, it's a compromise. The best they can do is match it to the type of riding you do most often.

The new shocks are in the mail so we'll see what I get. Didn't ask about the rear cause I'm happy with my height, but I did ask about getting a slightly longer front. He said that sounds simple, but it's a big deal. I decided not to pursue it.

I'm suppose to send the R1150R shocks back (UPS will be dropping off a label)... but I think I'll keep them until I get the Rockster shock so I can see them side by side. That should be interesting.

[sweatmark]

I'm suppose to send the R1150R shocks back (UPS will be dropping off a label)... but I think I'll keep them until I get the Rockster shock so I can see them side by side. That should be interesting.

Will do same comparison with OE Showas from Roadster and Rockster when the shocks are removed.

Like you say, the damping changes do make a difference, based on intended use with installed springs. My local suspension tuner rebuilt 2 sets of forks for the Buell with stiff 0.95 springs and custom-damped bottom end; the setup is amazing on a smooth track surface, but too harsh for road riding. He's promised to reduce damping in one fork set as better match for bumpy mountain roads.

Eager to hear your impressions of the combination of Ohlins with GS Paralever arm.

[iowabeakster]

Thanks for sharing this Ves.

Suggestion for the mount on the telelever: Pick up a longish, appropriately sized torx bolt at the hardware store and hold it with vice-grips (after removing curly hair). It might keep that thing in better shape for future mods.

[Ves]

Thanks for sharing this Ves.

Suggestion for the mount on the telelever: Pick up a longish, appropriately sized torx bolt at the hardware store and hold it with vice-grips (after removing curly hair). It might keep that thing in better shape for future mods.

Thanks... that's a good tip.. luckily I have six point sockets... so they work really well too.

[Ves]

OK, I've updated my writeup... The Ohlins for the Rockster came in today, and I still had the R1150R models.. so I installed the Ohlins for the Rock and I have comparison shots of both sets of shocks and how the new Ohlins compare to standard... Go back to my original post and the link there for the updated writeup...

[OU812]

Test ride report?

[jfslater98]

He's probably having too much fun and hasn't stopped riding yet. I am looking forward to this as well, I am suspecting that it is time for mine to be replaced.

[Ves]

Well, been busy, but couldn't wait any longer, had to take it for a short ride. Went and found my favorite bumpy road and S-ramp... Rear feels about the same as the R1150R Ohlins. Front is firmer than the R1150R Ohlins... feels even better... just the right level of control and compliance... responds to small bumps but doesn't bottom over large ones. And mid corner bumps?... What mid corner bumps?

How can I put this into words... It's like this... before, every bump I went over I could feel... the suspension moved but the bike bucked also... I would intentionally loosen my grip on the bars when I saw a bump coming just to minimize the jolt... Now, the bike stays level and the wheels move up and down under it... as it should be. Only the biggest bumps... and I'm talking virtual ramps and potholes really transmit to the rider, but even then they are not as sharp as they use to be. Even my CBR1000RR, with the state of the art fully adjustable suspension on both ends never felt like this. When it was compliant than it was not controlled and when it was controlled it was too stiff. Even the Elka rear shock I bought for the CBR, which had preload, height, high and low speed compression adjustment, rebound, and which cost me more than the Ohlins, never felt this good.

I tend to be the kind of person that hates to part with my hard earned money (Cheap Bastid... right?)... and then when I do spend the cash, I generally have second thoughts about whether it was worth it or not... Mr. Buyers remorse... I can already see I will never regret this purchase. I'm just sorry I never bought Ohlins for my previous bikes. My body would have been subjected to countless fewer jolts and shock over the years, while still allowing me to maintain the sharp handling that I prefer. Yes, you can have controlled AND compliant at the same time... Imagine that... shock absorbers that absorb shocks... what a concept... Ssss-weet!

[sweatmark]

Ves - Many thanks for the great info. My Rockster Ohlins fund is building daily. Will do similar comparison of the OE Roadster and Rockster shocks to supplement your reference info.

[OU812]

VES, the "cheap bastid" may have to go now.