Aftermarket shocks

[JerryAttrick]

I know a lot of oilhead riders have upgraded their shocks, and the comments I have seen have been favorable.
But what exactly became better? Comfort? Cornering?

Thanks for your input.

[lazywizard02]

I found better control (ease of control, tracking) at higher speeds, more assuredness of handling at all speeds, much more improved bump/dip responsiveness.

[sdpc2]

The tires just seem to stick to the road under all conditions much better than they did with OEM.

[MotorradMike]

Hey sadpc2:

Don't think lazywizard wants you callin' him a Lady.
Just sayin'

[pffog]

............... Comfort? Cornering?

Thanks for your input.

YES, best $$$ you can spend to improve the bike.

[JimMoore]

I'm in a distinct minority here, but I didn't find much difference when I put Ohlins on my RT, except for a huge hole in my checking account.

If you're the fastest guy in the intermediate group at your local track, and you're ready to move up to expert, you may need to look into a suspesnion upgrade. If you're not that guy, the stock suspension is fine, IMO. If yours is worn out (50K miles or more) try to find a set of lightly used stock shocks.

[bikerfish1100]

i have upgraded the shocks on every beemer i have ever owned (and that is "several " over the last 30 years of beemer riding)- as suspension is an area that most manufacturers cheap out, to bring the price point down to a more saleable level.
Ride is better (softer yet firmer- i think "more compliant" probably sums it up best), control is better, cornering is better, and contact to road is improved. Some riders don't notice the difference, or if they do don't feel that the performance benefit is worth the additional cost. Others, like myself, insist on making our bike the best it can be, dollars be damned.
If you're really curious about it, but don;t want to drop the big bucks to find out, see if you can borrow a bike that has been properly setup to see what it is all about.

[cathdeac]

Talk about "aftermarket shock"... the prices are way out of range...

[bikerfish1100]

Talk about "aftermarket shock"... the prices are way out of range...

not in the least... compared to the price of inferior quality/performance new OEM units. you want bang for buck?- buy a set of low mileage take-offs, from someone who upgraded to Wilbers or Ollies.


cute double entendre'.

[jerngina]

The bike performs better fully loaded with the aftermarket. Popped the heads of spokes on two different wheels (01 1150GS) before a BMW shop suggested that I put on real shocks. That was at 15,000 miles. No problem since. Now at 94,000+ miles, still loading it to the max limit, maybe over at times (2up and camping gear)... just had the rear bearing replaced for the first time too... no other issues. What a bike!


http://web.mac.com/usbygs/Site/Welcome.html

[JerryAttrick]

Thank you all for your inputs.
I will be upgrading soon.
If anyone wants to buy a 20K mile set used, make an offer.

[pffog]

Thank you all for your inputs.
I will be upgrading soon.
If anyone wants to buy a 20K mile set used, make an offer.

Now just make sure you order them from someone that will set them up properly for your riding style and needs, there is no extra cost for most to do this. There are several people that sell the various brands that will. I have used Lindemann Engineering ( http://www.le-suspension.com/ ), and every time I have called get Jim, the owner and they know their stuff.

So whoever you call to order them, make sure they ask questions, and set them up, it will let you get the most bang for the $$$.

[Motor31]

Talk about "aftermarket shock"... the prices are way out of range...

Careful here. You must remember what forum you are on. This is a "it must be better because it costs so much" kind of arena. Have some koolaid and hum the music from BMW uber alles.

:stick

[mcollect]

I found that the stock shocks were less then ideal at 25K, I found this out in a fast sweeper that was not very smooth. I lost the rear wheel contact with the road for fractions of a second stayed upright but just barely. I ordered the Wilbers the next day gave them my vitals and that I ride in a sporting manner. A week later I installed them in under two hours and then went looking for that sweeper. The bike stuck like glue and felt much more planted. All over the bike is better on rough roads, wheel contact and lack of hard jolts.

[Jeff488]

Ride is better (softer yet firmer- i think "more compliant" probably sums it up best), control is better, cornering is better, and contact to road is improved.

What he said.
I just installed a pair of Hyper-Pros on mine(got the 20% rally discount) and they do just what is described above.
The stockers had 47k miles on them and the rear one was leaking oil a bit, so I expected improvement and got it. Worth the $$$.

[Mr. Frank]

Riding in the south where we don't have frost heaves or many potholes (Louisiana excepted), I thought my stock shocks were OK at 50K miles. Then I rode through Pennsylvania one year. High speed sweepers on multi patch roads in traffic got my attention. Your shocks are shot.

[heychooch]

I know what your saying. I live here in PA. When i take a tour I can close my eyes and know when i crossed the border into PA. The roads are crap. I put on a set of Hyperpro's. Klaus set them up for my weight and lowered them 1". They made a big difference in handling on those patched up roads

[jyambrovich]

AFTERMARKET, FOR SURE!! YMMV of course.

First of all, a little background. I have a 2000 R1100RT, been riding it for 3 years and have put 33,000 miles on it. With 57K, it was really past worn out. I weigh 250 lbs. and like to ride with a bit of spirit. I don't ride fast (most of the time) but like to "lean it and dance with the road". Living in the Bay Area of California, we have some nice twisty roads very close to where I live. There had been a couple of instances where I'd dragged a hard part (or two)...

I looked into replacing the stock shocks with stock shocks because of the cost. Not having had a bike that needed new shocks before, I didn't know what to think. Was it worth the cost of "aftermarket" shocks to "upgrade the performance"?

I finally spoke with Ted Porter (BeemerShop in Scotts Valley, CA www.wilbersamerica.com) and we talked about a lot of what goes into a set of "aftermarket" shocks (much more than I suspected). I don't consider myself a very accomplished rider but I love to "dance with the road" (did I already mention that??).

I ordered the Wilbers (adjustable with remote in the rear) and installed them myself (installation was going to cost me $100 if they did it for me). It took 3 weeks for them to come in and about 3 hours for me to install them (I took my time and did a little bit of futzing around too...). Yeah, they're costly (I spent $1500 for what I ordered).

WELL? It is SO worth it!!! As has been said above, the bike is planted firmly now (I didn't realize how much control / feel was missing), the ride is firm and steady, and the dance is BEAUTIFUL! I was able to lead a guy recently on a ride (I knew the road, he didn't) riding a Ducati Corse and when we stopped for gas, he asked me "have you raced before?" I told him NO, and he said, "then you're a maniac"!!
Stock shocks get thrown away after 40-50K, while most aftermarket shocks are rebuildable. The Wilbers will be rebuilt locally (at BeemerShop) when the time comes, which I like.