Riding the Rough Road :Suspension Query

[NYRIDER]

Hi All
I have been planning to replace the ole original shocks on my 1997 R1100RA cruiser for they have seen better days. Was considering replacing them with a premium set, and have read much (online, Ohlins, Werks, etc.) on the benefits (controls for dampening and rebound, rebuildable). But am not sure about the cost to benefit ratio that those controls will actually offer to my bike and environment (plus I just found out that I have to put in a new clutch too :eek )
One thing I am clear about is improving the quality of my ride (potholes that rattle me to the bone, dents in my rims and incidents of my headlight knockedout of the enclosure). Driving is primarily rough city terrain, without passengers. Height adjustment might be a benefit ( I think some shocks can provide?). Sure it would help to move up to a GS, but I am really attached to my Boxer buddy.
Do you feel that the high end shocks really can make a difference on the rough city landscape? or will a pair of OEM shocks work reasonably well?
I welcome your comments
AD

[cat0020]

Personally, I feel that suspension upgrade should be the first thing to do with any stock motorcycle.
Suspension that's well setup for you and your style of riding allow you to use the full potential of your engine and brakes, they will keep the rubbers in contact with the pavement when you need them most.

I have Wilbers front and rear shock installed on my 2002 R1150RS at 18000 miles on the odometer, nine months later, now at 28000 miles I am riding far more aggressive than I used to with OEM shocks. Wilbers have +/- 1 inch of ride height adjustment for both front and rear shock, front shock with damping and preload adjustment, rear shock has remote reservoir for on-the-fly preload adjustment, damping adjustment on the shock shaft and another remote reservoir for seperate high and low speed damping. It took me approx. 2000 miles and 40 minute on the track, just to figure out how everything effects the ride of my machine.
I even took my RS off-pavement a few times, hardpack dirt trails, grassy trails through campgrounds, rocky 2-3 mile long unoaved roads, through mud holes 2-3 in deep on a rainy day, I might have done more off-road riding on my RS than some GS has ever done.

Yes, suspension upgrades are expensive, and more over, they require lots of adjustment to get them to suit your style of riding, time cosuming.. but IMO they are worth al of the hassle, not only increase the performance of your bike in acceleration, braking, overall control (cornering) and comfort, the right suspension setup make your ride safer, more comfident when pushing the limit... or finding your limit.

Whichever brand of suspension you decide for your bike, make sure you take your time to adjust them to suit you and your riding style.

Wilbers importer is in NJ, you should consider visiting the importer to get your shocks installed and adjusted to suit you.

[lorazepam]

BMW suspension is over sprung and under damped from the factory. Just ask your dealer. Make sure when you get the new suspension, you get it for your weight and style of riding. Having the correct baseline makes setting them up way easier than trying to make a set of shocks built for someone who weighs 100 pounds different than you.