1150GS Suspension Upgrade

[APE]

I find the rear suspension unit on my 1150GS a bit harsh. I've thought about upgrading to Ohlims. Does anybody have a view on whether this is a good upgrade. Can I get away with just changing the rear shock ? (the standard front seems okay).

Thanks
Mike

 

[Deadskin]

Hi mike
Showa make some great shocks sadly not the ones on the 1150
I'm having the rear shock replaced under warranty.
Ohlins couldn't be any worse, just a matter of finding the best price .The guy who's doing the long term test on the 1150 in
ride magazine changed his but i don't know what to
i'll try to find out.

mark

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

I've got a rear Ohlins on my GS1150 - had on my last 1150 and did 6000 miles with it and now 1200 on this new bike. Find it much better - plusher and more compliant . Other riders on GS's following me say that my bike looks really smoooth and the rear never looks out of shape , even on bumpy 'C' roads with washboard ridges.They complain of riding a ' buckaroo' in comparison.
I must admit my bike rides better and I recently tried a stock bike and found it really harsh like you describe.
Definitely worth the money - I was lucky to buy mine 2nd hand , but as new - less than 1000 miles and 1 month old - it cost me £200.
You have to set them up carefully - I took a lot of time and took the manual out on rides to record different settings. Although I'm 17-18 stone, I ride with the Preload backed off and the same with the rebound - softer than factory settings and only increase it a bit for a pillion and/or luggage. Result = smooth ride with more tyre contact and grip and great lean angles (ask Jim McSharry) and no wallowing on fast sweepers or tyre skip on bumpy rough bends.

 

[Steve]

Another vote for the Ohlins. As Mark (gauloises) says, Steve Rose of Ride Magazine swapped his stock Showas for Ohlins, same as I did. Much improved ride, sharper handling, no fade after 20 minutes. I, too, was fortunate to get mine 2nd hand from a lister.

Steve.

 

[simon thomas]

changing to Ohlins

I'm looking at changing my stock suspension (1100gs) for Ohlins, before Lisa and I leave for our trip next year.

Where is the best place to get them from, bearing in mind every penny counts?

Do you need to get them fitted or is it a job we can do ourselves?

Cheers
Simon T

 

[Steve]

Re: changing to Ohlins

Do you need to get them fitted or is it a job we can do ourselves?

Simon,

dead easy to fit yourself if you've got half an inclination with a spanner. As to where to get them cheapest, I couldn't say, but the UK importers are Harris Performance Products at Hertford.

http://www.harris-performance.co.uk/website/acatalog/Online_Catalog_BMW_shocks_89.html

They quote:
Rear £343.83 + VAT
Front £311.49 + VAT

Steve.