Wow
Boy am I a happy bunny.
After spending about 2 and half hours fitting the Wilbers, I went out for a blast. Initially I thought oops, they feel no different to the standard shocks. But after doing about 5 miles, I realised that this was not true. They were still firm but they were coping much better with the small irregular bumps that I found anoying on the standard shocks I stopped and adjusted the rebound on the bottom of the shocks. The factory setting was 14 clicks on the front and rear out of 22. I adjusted one click at a time and am now on 9 front and back. I have left the Preload as per factory settings and have not done any static SAG checks, but this should be OK as the shocks were setup for my weight. This setting gives a very confidence inspiring feel, but also IMHO a much more comfortable ride.
Exactly what I was looking for.
The bike feels (difficult to put in the right words) more stable and I feel like I can hold a choosen line better.
I may not have finished completely adjusting, but current settings are a big improvement (especially the front), on the standard shocks.
I am not completely slatting the standard shocks, as they are very good in the handling department, but I was not convinced about the comfort.
Overall I am very glad that I bought the Wilbers and althought they cost an Arm and a Leg, I think it was well worth it, in that it has made my GS Experience even Better.
A cautionary note for anybody who may consider Wilbers. I am 5ft 10" and with the standard shocks setup, front minimum Preload, rear 2/3rds Preload and standard seat on high setting, I could touch the ground with not quite flat foot. With the Wilbers, the bike has now grown in hight with the factory Preload settings for my weight (solo rider fully kitted at 92 kg), this is with the hydraulic Preload adjuster on the minimum setting. So for the already borderline people, make sure you get proper adivce before orderring. I dont know, but maybe after some time the shocks may settle more!
Fitting the shocks was pretty easy and straight forward.
The rear shock: all I did was remove my Remus and access to both mounting bolts were OK. The shock came out with no problems. Fitting the Wilbers again was painless, straight in. Mounting the Remote Hydraulic Preload as per the diagram sent from Wilbers, on the off side passenger foot hanger. I may think in the future in locating somewhere else.
Front shock: remove side panels, fuel tank to gain access to top shock mount. I found the lower mount to be quite hard, to get the bolt out. BMW use a lockseal and it was pretty stiff, but came out OK in the end. To get the front shock out, I raised the front of the bike, using a Trolly jack under the bash plate. I also took the Pully Belt cover off just to give me that extra space. Fitting the Wilbers is a reverse job. I found HMarc`s web site most useful for fitting instructions.
http://www.r1200gs.info/#daily
I have attached a few pics with shocks fitted.
