1150 Ohlins settings

[Paul G (BHT)]

Just bough a rebuilt secondhand Ohilns for the rear of my 1150GS.

Unfortunately it came with no instructions for setting it up. Has anyone got an idea how many clicks/turns the rebound and compression knobs need to be set to as a starting point?

It will be just for solo riding, no pillion or luggage.

 

[Timolgra]

The Compression knob is really the pre load, I'd start with that backed right off and go with 12 clicks out on the rebound.

Ideally you need to see what the rider sag is before much else but going with the above will get you somewhere near.

 

[Paul G (BHT)]

So wind the compression knob right off.... wind the rebound fully in then back it off 12 clicks?

What is this rider sag you mention, I've only been riding for 40 years so this is all new to me....

 

[Timolgra]

Yes, then add a some pre load to get the height right for the weight of you on the bike. This is really a base setting to go from if you you feel things aren't quite right.

I guess you're confusing rider sag with rider's sag.

It would be quicker for you to google the explanation, even Ange know all about it after the times she's been holding a stick and marking it with a pen when I sit on the bike ....... all will become clear

 

[Jamieboy]

There's one of those 'wisdom' articles on adv rider about setting up ohlins I seem to recall. Typically long winded but I used it to good effect (Inc setting the static sag as a Base for evertyping else).

 

[flatdog]

So wind the compression knob right off.... wind the rebound fully in then back it off 12 clicks?

What is this rider sag you mention, I've only been riding for 40 years so this is all new to me....

For clarity as I too know nothing of this sag and 's sag. but there are two adjustment options on the springs. The remote knobby (sag - I think) and the big nut around the shock itself ('s sag I think) So it's all as clear as mud now.

 

[Timolgra]

For clarity as I too know nothing of this sag and 's sag. but there are two adjustment options on the springs. The remote knobby (sag - I think) and the big nut around the shock itself ('s sag I think) So it's all as clear as mud now.

Yes the free length of the spring is around 180mm and it's pre loaded by 16mm as a base setting, That's why I said start with the pre load knob backed off.

The shock won't work properly without correct free and rider sag to start with.

 

[alanbmwgs]

Surely the auto correct keeps missing the " H ". out of the sag ??? ������

 

[Paul G (BHT)]

So am I right in thinking the bit that needs to be altered on the shock its self is for adjusting the 'free sag'. The preload knob is for setting the 'rider sag'. The clicky wheel on the bottom of the shock for 'rebound damping'?

....I guess you're confusing rider sag with rider's sag..... even Ange know all about it after the times she's been holding a stick and marking it with a pen....

Could Ange pop round with her stick and do anything for my sag?

 

[uncle dick]

I've found that the generic instructions for setting up 'sag' don't really work on a GS - you'll end up rattling your teeth out. I'm with Timolgra on this, start at no preload and damping at 12-14 clicks out. If I'm fully loaded, pillion/camping gear etc, the re-load is wound right up and the damping set at 6 or 7 clicks.

 

[Colm Cummins]

I've found that the generic instructions for setting up 'sag' don't really work on a GS - you'll end up rattling your teeth out. I'm with Timolgra on this, start at no preload and damping at 12-14 clicks out. If I'm fully loaded, pillion/camping gear etc, the re-load is wound right up and the damping set at 6 or 7 clicks.

What weight is this at Uncle Dick?

 

[uncle dick]

What weight is this at Uncle Dick?

I will confess to being a 1100 owner rather than 1150 but I can't see the settings being a lot different. FWIW, the stock Ohlins spring for the 1100 is 160N whilst the 1150 is specced with a 140. I found the 160 great for two-up stuff but could never get it supple enough when solo (I'm 95kg) so I fitted the 140. I've never weighed the total set-up but if you factor in 70kg for a passenger, a pair of well-loaded aluminium panniers and a 60lt roll bag across the back, it's a fair bit. If I'm honest, I'd swap back to the 160 spring for a decent two-up tour but for everything else, the 140 is great.

 

[Colm Cummins]

Great stuff, I am 102 kg myself, that is a great starting point for solo, and I think I need the bigger spring for 2 up. Thanks Timolgra and Uncle Dick.
Off now to try them out.

 

[Udders]

Is the spring the correct strength for you and the bikes weight?
You could end up messing about for weeks trying to get it right but never will if you need a stronger or "weaker" spring.

 

[Comfy Old Boots]

I would be tweeking the rebound after setting the preload. The rebound has the most effect for me, makes the biggest difference, imo. Set the height and then set he rebound. IMO When the rebound is set properly, my bikes run straight with hands off the bars.

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

start off with everything backed right off - fully soft.

then firm it up starting with the damping - not the springs - until you're happy.

 

[Timolgra]

start off with everything backed right off - fully soft.

then firm it up starting with the damping - not the springs - until you're happy.

Absolutely, except there's no compression damping adjustment on the cheaper Ohlins