1200GS Ohlins shocks

[neil 23]

recently bought a new 1200GS,love it but am a bit short/bike a bit big ? ordered some Ohlins to make approx 2.5 inch shorter,also added BMW lower seat.Has anyone any experience of these shocks on this bike ? how does it change,improve ride ? does it make it a "harder" ride,would appreciate your help and advice as these are pretty expensive and dont want make a mistake.

 

[theEnglishman]

Call Will at the WP shock importer - If you mention their sale and ask for his best price on a 4014 Spin rear shock with remote preload you may be surprised. And it comes with ride hight adjustment built in!

Perhaps you could cancel the Ohlins?

 

[Janie]

I have wilber shocks on my 1200gs as i'm vertically challenged as well, the shocked have lowered by bike by 5cms, and i have a touratech extra low seat...as the bmw low seat is uncomfy big time..
I can only speak for myself but i have found, the bike is a more comfy ride as the shocks have been set up just for me.....and that the centre of gravity on the bike has lowered......so i never get the feelin that i'm goin to drop my bike, i've also had risers put on cos i've short arms as well....
So i have bespoke the bike totally to my spec....
i notice that before it was lowered, it got a tad light on the front when you were kickin on.........don't do that now its lowered........
both the shocks cost me about 700ish and they were worth every single penny.......as my bike is awesome to ride now......

i'm sure there is a link on here to the wilber site and i think they give a discount to gs'ers........i'm sure somebody else will put u right on this....................janie xx

 

[alimey4u2]

I have the standard height Ohlins installed ( front & rear) & they are (on a par with HID) the best mod I have done. As for the low seat, I find it very uncomfortable ( hard) on long rides & retain my standard seat for this duty. Several height challenged riders use platform boots ( I sh*t you not... )

 

[bustupbiker]

recently bought a new 1200GS,love it but am a bit short/bike a bit big ? ordered some Ohlins to make approx 2.5 inch shorter,also added BMW lower seat.Has anyone any experience of these shocks on this bike ? how does it change,improve ride ? does it make it a "harder" ride,would appreciate your help and advice as these are pretty expensive and dont want make a mistake.

YES! I put them on my 12 from new, same problem you have. my legs are too short 28mm rear and 24mm front lower than standard BM un's
low seat then Sargent seat in low format and the shocks are made to your spec...ie, weight and type of riding you do. But like me, you just may have a problem getting the beast onto the centre stand after the new shocks are fitted By Ek it's a heavy brut whenthe stand is to tall. I took off the stand and used a grinder on the top ( cast ) mounts, chopped (i think it was 12mm ) off the top of the tubes, Had to flatten the tubes a bit, refitted the cast mounts and welded up

 

[bustupbiker]

PS: if fitting them your self, take no notice of the info that says remove the
( wishbone ) yer i no it's not a car but don't no the real name...the bottom front shock mount I used a cheapO hammer gun to remove the top front shock nut ( just turns the shock if tried by hand ) Remove top nut, get mate or cement bag on rear of bike to lift the front well off the ground, remove bottom mount and wiggle shock out. IT DOES COME OUT.. the new one goes in better cos it's shorter... H. T. Helps.
Lyn.

 

[SVENA]

I've mounted Ohlins on mine and they gives you a much better ride, FWIW.
I feel a much better control in road handling. My Oh' are normal hight.

By the way, easy to fit if you follows the instructions from Oh'. Take care to closely follow the recommendations and tourqe settings.

Regards
Sven Andersen
Denmark

 

[tefflon]

hI Neil

Hi Neil GLAD TO SEE YOU JOINED THIS SITE AFTER OUR TALK THE OTHER DAY IST STEVE FROM RIVVY BARN I SAID THERE WOULD BE SOME INFO ON HEAR

 

[neil 23]

Call Will at the WP shock importer - If you mention their sale and ask for his best price on a 4014 Spin rear shock with remote preload you may be surprised. And it comes with ride hight adjustment built in!

Perhaps you could cancel the Ohlins?

Thanks for reply,but a bit unfair to guy at KAIS where shocks ordered from,shocks seem suitable as per feedback from other users,regards Neil.

 

[neil 23]

I have wilber shocks on my 1200gs as i'm vertically challenged as well, the shocked have lowered by bike by 5cms, and i have a touratech extra low seat...as the bmw low seat is uncomfy big time..
I can only speak for myself but i have found, the bike is a more comfy ride as the shocks have been set up just for me.....and that the centre of gravity on the bike has lowered......so i never get the feelin that i'm goin to drop my bike, i've also had risers put on cos i've short arms as well....
So i have bespoke the bike totally to my spec....
i notice that before it was lowered, it got a tad light on the front when you were kickin on.........don't do that now its lowered........
both the shocks cost me about 700ish and they were worth every single penny.......as my bike is awesome to ride now......

i'm sure there is a link on here to the wilber site and i think they give a discount to gs'ers........i'm sure somebody else will put u right on this....................janie xx

Thanks for reply and advice,seems most people using them are happy with improved ride quality,Regards, Neil.

 

[neil 23]

I have the standard height Ohlins installed ( front & rear) & they are (on a par with HID) the best mod I have done. As for the low seat, I find it very uncomfortable ( hard) on long rides & retain my standard seat for this duty. Several height challenged riders use platform boots ( I sh*t you not... )

Thanks for reply,agree about seat as well,as for boots,have tried "Tommy the Rock Opera" web site to see if any replicas are available,no joy yet though,anyone know where Gary Glitter got his footwear ?

 

[neil 23]

YES! I put them on my 12 from new, same problem you have. my legs are too short 28mm rear and 24mm front lower than standard BM un's
low seat then Sargent seat in low format and the shocks are made to your spec...ie, weight and type of riding you do. But like me, you just may have a problem getting the beast onto the centre stand after the new shocks are fitted By Ek it's a heavy brut whenthe stand is to tall. I took off the stand and used a grinder on the top ( cast ) mounts, chopped (i think it was 12mm ) off the top of the tubes, Had to flatten the tubes a bit, refitted the cast mounts and welded up

Thanks for reply,what do you think of Sargent seat,worth the money?