Ohlins for my 1999 R1100RT

[mweiland2]

Hello All,
Do any of you have an opinion on the replacement intervals for the shocks on my 1999 R1100RT?
Are there any indicators that I should know about or what to watch for with worn OEM shocks? The bike has 50K miles at this point and was taken care of by the original owner perfectly.
I was thinking about purchasing some Ohlins if and when the OEM shocks are ready to change out.
Is there anything I need to consider by not purchasing replacement OEM shocks for this bike?
Are these the correct part numbers for the Ohlins?
Ohlins Shock - BMW R1100RT 1996-2001 Rear (S46DR1LS)
Ohlins Shock - BMW R1100RT 1996-2001 Front (46ER)
Thanks for any insight you can provide!
Mark

[bikerfish1100]

50K? yup, pretty much dead. dead, rotting and buried in another season. the
only reasons for staying with OEM (low mileage used, forget new) would be initial cost factor, or you're not planning on keeping the bike for more than a few seasons. if this one will be around for awhile, Ohlins are the way to go (I don't think Wilbers are available for the RT, but i could easily be wrong)

[mweiland2]

Hey Bikerfish,

I am planning on keeping this one as the original owner, who I meet thanks to you, took such good care of it. He and I also talked about replacing the OEM shocks with Ohlins! I think this would be a great upgrade to the bike!

I've put 1300 miles on this bike since November and just enjoy it immensely!

Thanks for your input!

[bikerfish1100]

yeah, that's a sweet bike. it's due for shocks. Ohlins, Wilbers, Penske- they're all quite good. and i have a guy up here in Ft Fun who does rebuilds for pretty cheap.
if you'd like a hand with the installation, gimme a shout.

[cruisin]

yeah, that's a sweet bike. it's due for shocks. Ohlins, Wilbers, Penske- they're all quite good. and i have a guy up here in Ft Fun who does rebuilds for pretty cheap.
if you'd like a hand with the installation, gimme a shout.

I could use the contact info the guy that rebuilds Ohlins. I've mine on for a good while and would like to get them redone next spring when the cruiser comes out of semi-hibernation and gets used every day while the RT gets it normal spring & summer break.

[bikerfish1100]

http://fixmybike.com/Welcome.html

[drummer]

I really like the Ohlins on my bike. Simple to adjust and fast - no tools needed. It came in really handy when in the Blue Ridge Mountains and I was set up for highway riding. Just pulled over, did a couple of adjustments (about 30 seconds) and I was able to take the corners much more tightly.

If you get them, you will not regret them. :thumb

[JimMoore]

I may be the lone voice in the wilderness on this issue, but here goes. I bought a set of Ohlins for my '97 RT with about 80K miles. I couldn't really tell a big difference, certainly not for the price. Since then, I have spent quite a few days at the race track (on other bikes) and I have learned a little bit about suspensions. I have come to the conclusion that most people, myself included, don't ride their bikes hard enough on the street to require exotic suspension upgrades.

So, IMO, buy some Ohlins if you want, but they are overkill. I'd look for a set of lightly used stock shocks, or try to have your old ones rebuilt (Lindeman Engineering maybe?).

[kenk]

I agree with Jim on this one. An RT is like a fat lady that can still dance. :dance It's hardly a sport bike. The limitations of the bike are really more in the design then the shocks. I would have a totally different opinion if you were talking about my Ducati.

I know folks with 300,000 miles on oilheads with stock shocks. I have 110,000 miles on my RT with stock shocks and have absolutely no problem using the bike as intended; loaded like a mule with my wife on the back traveling comfortably on 500 mile days.

Your RT was designed to last well beyond 50,000 miles. That includes the shocks.

[Rollifahrer]

I can't comment on Ohlens as went with Wilbers, but getting the OEM Showas off made a huge difference.

[jlaban]

Mark:
Late this fall I replaced the stock shocks on my 991100RT with Ohlins. I used Bm601 front with 1096-10 spring /46ER; rear is Bm602 with a 1093-79 spring/46DRLS. I am 165# and estimate a passenger 25% of the time. Cost was $676 front and $832 rear and it looks as though I paid $150 to have them installed, it is difficult to tell.

I do notice a difference and it is positive. I don't ride hard, but the improved stability and confidence in cornering and handling is noticeable and, I think, well worth what I paid.

John

[jlaban]

I forgot to mention that I had 61,000 on the bike when I had the Ohlins put on.

John

[jcpuckett]

I agree with Jim on this one. An RT is like a fat lady that can still dance. :dance It's hardly a sport bike. The limitations of the bike are really more in the design then the shocks. I would have a totally different opinion if you were talking about my Ducati.

I know folks with 300,000 miles on oilheads with stock shocks. I have 110,000 miles on my RT with stock shocks and have absolutely no problem using the bike as intended; loaded like a mule with my wife on the back traveling comfortably on 500 mile days.

Your RT was designed to last well beyond 50,000 miles. That includes the shocks.

bike yes; shocks no

[bikerfish1100]

I agree with Jim on this one. An RT is like a fat lady that can still dance. :dance It's hardly a sport bike. The limitations of the bike are really more in the design then the shocks. I would have a totally different opinion if you were talking about my Ducati.

I know folks with 300,000 miles on oilheads with stock shocks. I have 110,000 miles on my RT with stock shocks and have absolutely no problem using the bike as intended; loaded like a mule with my wife on the back traveling comfortably on 500 mile days.

Your RT was designed to last well beyond 50,000 miles. That includes the shocks.

"as intended" is a very subjective concept. for you and your friends, "as intended" sounds like "load it up and ride it from here to there". and that is just fine. but for others, "as intended" means a much sportier ride than that. and the bike will do THAT just fine, if set up to do so. some want an RT to be a light weight Gold Wing, others prefer to think of the RT as a comfy Speed Triple with lots of luggage and protection.
fwiw- my red-haired buddy
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q13/bikerfish1100/cameronpassrt14CO.jpg
ran his RT up to Alaska, broke it in by riding from Atlanta to Phoenix for its 600 mile service, and ate a GSXR 750 for lunch on the Dragon
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q13/bikerfish1100/dragonoverlook-1.jpg

don't sell the bike short. Use it as you see fit, but don't for a second think that is all it can, or should, be able to do!

[enjine]

I have a 1999 R1100RT. It has 36,000 miles on the clock ( I am not a member of the Iron Butt Assoc!!) and is worth, maybe, $6,000.-
Would I put a set of Öhlins for $1,000.- on that bike? Hell no!

ppssshhh I have a '99 R1100R with 92k miles on the clock and just bought a fresh pair of Ohlins. Can't wait for the weather to warm up so I can put them on and ride.


:thumb

[Rollifahrer]

I have a 1999 R1100RT. It has 36,000 miles on the clock ( I am not a member of the Iron Butt Assoc!!) and is worth, maybe, $6,000.-
Would I put a set of Öhlins for $1,000.- on that bike? Hell no!

My RT has 138K on the clock--went to Wilbers w around 110. As I can't afford a new or exotic bike, the 1500.00 was money well spent for me. I guess it's a matter of balancing experience, priorities and resources. I don't think Ducati makes a bike I could ride 16 hours a day and end up in BC or Alaska or Florida (from Ohio) riding through high temps, low temps and storms. Despite it's limitations, I will buy another 11000RT when this one croaks and move my Wilbers and other stuff to it. The value isn't always in the machine, it's in the pleasure of riding it--spending big money on good shocks for a cheap bike might not make sense for everyone, but it did for me.

[Rollifahrer]

Good for you guys! I would be interested in hearing how you asses the improvement and what you think you are doing now better than I with my stock RT?? Are you less tired at the destination? Are you there earlier, because you lean over more (dare you!:) ? The longest I rode my RT so far in one day was 13 hours from home to the National in VT and from there back home in 12 hours on the way back. (about 650 miles each way) The only thing I really needed was a couple of 5 hour energy drinks. I felt fine in the evenings and next day. So how would a $1,000 or $1,500 shock package have improved this trip for me. Inquiring minds want to know!
And so that you know: It's not that I value good suspension. I ride both my Ducatis on the track and I dial in the adjustable suspension before and - if necessary - between the sessions. But we are talking street riding on an RT here, aren't we?




In my case, I have to admit, the shocks were probably well past their intended service life and probably any shock would have been an improvement.

I haven't done any track days, yet, but do long days, and yes I feel better when my bike doesn't bang and jolt over ever bump and joint on the slab. I don't know that I lean farther, but the sensation of being better connected to the road is real. I went with custom Wilbers primarilly to lower the bike a bit, but was (and still am at times) amazed at the improved overall feel of riding that bike. It could be because they were tuned for my weight and "riding style", but the effect was positive and much cheaper than abandoning a great bike that was becoming less fun to ride. I'm pretty sure putting premium custom shocks on a Duc or other rocket will create more net gain than sticking them on a lowly 1100RT, but once again, upgrading made a real difference for me and I encourage anyone considering getting the OEM bits off theirs to do it.

BTW: In my limited experience I have found that increasing comfort helps fight fatigue, which makes long rides (days) safer. Using stimulants tends to help me stay focused on the road, for a while, but ignore numbness and other signs that skills/reaction times may have deteriorated. A 2-minute stop to stretch and drink a little water works a lot better than a cup of joe. Maybe the 5-hour stuff doesn't have that effect, but most of my rides (on the oiler) are 8 -16 hours--can you live on that stuff for a week of all-day riding? You don't need to be an Iron Butt to benefit from the knowledge acquired by the LD community; I also encourage folks to check out the 29 tips offered on the IBA website.

Back to the point: I think you're right; expensive shocks probably aren't all that important if taking an 1100RT to the track or out and back jaunts on the weekends, but for some of us they make enough difference to justify the cost.

[enjine]

For me, I just know that my current oem suspension is shot.
Turning corners, I feel as though the rear wheel slips to the side and on any terrain other than good asphalt, I feel as though the entire bike is going to slip out from under me.

I researched this a lot and from the responses I've found it seems as though this is a pretty common indicator that your shocks (esp on a monoshock bike like these) are dead. There should be a buffer between what the tires feel on the road and what you feel from the tires.

So it was buy a new bike or get this one, which is otherwise an excellent machine, fixed. And if the shocks do what I'm hoping (even if they don't), I'll post the results here.

[mweiland2]

Lots of information and thank you for all of your insights.
I went out to the parts fiche, this evening, located on the Max BMW website and found out that the price for a new set of OEM shocks is $1247.28. I had a quote from BMW of Denver for the Ohlins at $1710.

I am looking at about $462.00 to have a rebuildable set of shocks that can be tuned by me to match the conditions I am riding in and last for the life of the RT. It seems to me to be a good value for the dollar!

I realize the RT is not a sportbike but it sure is fun in the corners and I can carry stuff with me as well! I am not looking to blow away the squidies or anything else except to have a reliable, comfortable bike that will take me where I want to go.

It is also not a GS but I did get a chance to ride it through Owl Canyon, which is a dirt road, on December 31st when riding to Red Feather Lakes, Colorado. Lots of chattering and the ride was really choppy as well. Nothing uncontrollable just unsettling.

I am hoping that a new set of shocks will help in all areas of my riding and make things more predictable as well. The bike inspires confidence and I hope to make things easier in my never ending quest to keep the rubber side down.

[bikerfish1100]

check out Wlbers before you spring for the Ollies. Both are excellent. Labor is easty to DIY.
if the alternative is new OEM at $1.2K or custom @ $1.7, go for the exra $. you will appreciate the upgrade in overall performance much longer than you will miss the $500.

[mweiland2]

check out Wlbers before you spring for the Ollies. Both are excellent. Labor is easty to DIY.
if the alternative is new OEM at $1.2K or custom @ $1.7, go for the exra $. you will appreciate the upgrade in overall performance much longer than you will miss the $500.

I have to agree totally! I've found there are two ways to do something in this world:
The correct way and you only have to take care of the issue once and . . .
the incorrect way where you just keep repairing it over and over again!
Now if the bike wasn't in such wonderful shape I wouldn't have purchased it in the first place. I figure this is just one of those items that I have the money to take care of since I am not making payments on a new bike.
I am starting my research now so I don't have a bunch of down time once things get warm around here. Heck, I want to ride the thing!
Thanks fo the input and I will look into the Wilburs as well!

[TheRoss]

I'm with bikerfish1100. If you ride from point A to B only and do not ride aggressively, keep the OEM shocks.

I replaced my R1100RT's OEM shocks with Ohlins and could tell a huge difference. I waited until 90,000 miles because I am a middle school teacher and shocks are expensive. And I figured it was a trade off - more gas money was worth it. That is until I started rubbing painted pieces in corners. I was scraping pegs on highway 7 in Arkansas and without a passenger or heavy luggage the bike started to bottom out in the curves and it started wearing holes in the plastic. About that time I started noticing what a car owner would call body roll. The body of the bike seemed to sway back and forth. It might have been doing it for a long time, but I started really paying attention about then. I also bought a K1200RS about that time and the comparison between the bikes really made me realize how crappy the RT was handling. The new shocks made a big difference. If at all mechanical, install them yourself and save a few bucks.

[Seeker]

Im with Jim Moore.

I think you could ride two identical bikes except one with ohlins the same day on the same road and you could not tell me which one had the 1500 dollar shocks.
unless maybe your off roading on a GS.

but then some people's headaches will go away if you give them sugar and tell them its aspirin.

[bikerfish1100]

Im with Jim Moore.

I think you could ride two identical bikes except one with ohlins the same day on the same road and you could not tell me which one had the 1500 dollar shocks.
unless maybe your off roading on a GS.

but then some people's headaches will go away if you give them sugar and tell them its aspirin.


you've never ridden top-level suspension, have you?
the cost-to-benefit factor can be debated, as everyone's economics are different. but to think there is no difference in feel & performance?
clearly, you did not sleep at a Holiday Inn Express last night, did you?

[Ozonkiller]

I've had Ohlins on several race bikes and my '96 RS.

Great product and even greater customer service. 'nough said

[jcpuckett]

Im with Jim Moore.

I think you could ride two identical bikes except one with ohlins the same day on the same road and you could not tell me which one had the 1500 dollar shocks.
unless maybe your off roading on a GS.

but then some people's headaches will go away if you give them sugar and tell them its aspirin.

call Klaus Huenecke at 877-786-6543 and talk to him about HyperPro and/or YSS.

remember great shocks like Ohlins, Wilbers and HyperPro need to be rebuilt every 30,000 miles or so.

and you can tell the difference ... ever hit a bif pothole on I-80...

[bikerfish1100]

Yes, "nough said": RACE BIKES!!!!!!

mike- you might be well surprised by the benefit of quality shocks on a street rig.
i push hard, and would never retain stock suspenders.
my g/f is not an aggressive rider at all, but does do IB distances as a matter of course. she loves her Ollies as well.

[Seeker]

race Bike? I would not consider a 1100RT a race bike.
Most riders want to up grade there suspension for comfort which is a mistake.
yes racers use the best but its not for comfort.

And I have had Ohlins.

Have you ever heard of the placebo effect?

[Rollifahrer]

Placebo effect? Are you a doctor? A shrink?

The effects of improving ride quality and comfort, which contributes to safety on long rides, with good shocks is real. You don't need a race bike to benefit from race technology.

Ever hear of respecting the experiences of others?

[Ozonkiller]

I just know that I found the Ohlins to be superior in every aspect. Low speed and especially high speed damping, along with spring rates (it did take 2 tries on the rear, which Ohlins made good on).

Also they're rebuildable (which I do myself).

An example of their exceptional customer service...

I was less than 2 weeks from my departure date for Alaska when I noticed a very slight amount of oil around the shaft seal on the front shock. Knowing Alaska's reputation for their fine roads, I didn't want to take a chance. I called Ohlins direct and had the parts I needed in a couple of days. In stead of selling me the manual for $35, he just offered to send it to me in a pdf file.

Whenever, in the past, I would send my shocks to them, the turn around time was as promised. My advise is to pay attention to the racing schedule as they can get pretty busy.

I think some of you missed the point about the "race bikes" part as I was not implying that we race our RT's... but on that note...

I'll bet that there was a time or two when I've made a manuver or two to get my self out a situation, be it an encounter with traffic or a decreasing radius corner in the mountains that caught me off guard, that would have rivaled just about anything I've ever done on a race track.

THAT's when I'm glad that I spent my money on good suspension components...

... along with brakes and tires.

My two cents,

Tom

[TheRoss]

Tom,

I'd love to see some pics of the rebuilding process (and/or get a PDF emailed to me in exchange for a beer next time I'm in Phoenix).

[Ozonkiller]

Hey Chris,

It has never occured to me that, maybe, I should make a step by step photo diary of this. Maybe if/when I service the rear shock this spring I'll give that a try.

One of the advantages that I have is that I own a Bridgeport mill, lathe, welders and such so many of the "specialty tools" that are called for are fairly simple for me to make. I don't seem to recall any real tricky stuff was required for the front shock when I worked on it last May, but it's reassuring to know that I should be able to over come any novelty item that might be thrown my way.

If you'd like, I have the PDF file that Ohlins sent me which covers all of their shocks and forks. I'd be glad to forward it on to you. There are a lot of diagrams and pictures.:scratch

Just click on my Avatar and feel free to email me. Please put Ohlins in the subject line so I don't pitch it in the trash.

Also, if you, or anyone else for that matter, is ever in the Phoenix area, especially the west side, don't hesitate to drop me a line. I'm always game for meeting up with folks for breakfast or a bite and "talking bikes".:thumb

Tom