HP2 Suspension setup

[ovenpaa]

Does anyone have or can point me in the direction of a definitive article on setting up the standard sussies on an HP2 - Normally I just wind the rear preload up for 2 up riding and go but this bike seems different, I rode in this morning and noticed the bumps a lot, the front end clangs a bit on rebound and still dives far too much under braking and the back end gets a bit squirmy on occasion. Now I am not knocking it as it is not too serious and I quite enjoy the feeling but it would be nice to just tighten everything up slightly. I would like to work with the standard suspension first as I am sure it is quite good and the WP/Ohlins option will cost a small fortune.

I am only using it for road work mostly on B roads at present.

 

[Loiq]

different fork oil (heavier viscosity) may stop the diving, The was was an article on the forum but can't find it now. As for the rest well if i setup according to the book I have to get off when I stop as bike could be used for mile high club.

 

[Spout]

........the front end clangs a bit .......

Might be worth checking your fork bushes - a known weak point. There are a few on here (myself included) who've had to have new ones.

 

[ovenpaa]

Might be worth checking your fork bushes - a known weak point. There are a few on here (myself included) who've had to have new ones.

At under a 1000 miles they should be OK but I will check, I just had a good search but cannot find anything on setting the front end up, and I seem to remember the manual was not incredibly helpful, the compression on one and rebound on the other also confused me, is there no adjustment at the bottom of the forks?

 

[RickA]

HP Forks

Ovenpaa,

My forks were replaced at just over 1000 miles so well worth checking. Put the bike on a lift/stand so the front is in the air, lock-up the front wheel with the brake and grab the tyre and try to push the wheel front-to-back.

Mine had a clunk like the steering bearing was loose but the play was coming from the fork sliders. The bottom fork slider sleeve bearings fell to bits, complete forks replaced.

Now up to 3500 miles, forks doing it again......

As far as settings are concerned, Si Pavey at the BMW school here in the UK has his bike set on FULL damping for comp and rebound, the forks pushed down flush with the top yoke. Unfortunately, few people seem have found the magic spot between too harsh and too soft!

Also, run the rear shock Very Soft, if you pump it up to the 'Level' then it will be too harsh for off-road. You can run the rear VERY soft and the bike will seldom bottom-out - theair spring is very profgressive. This also makes the steering a little less 'twitchy'.

Good luck!

Cheers, Rick.

 

[addy3020]

Clang & Clang .gr

Ovenpaa,

My forks were replaced at just over 1000 miles so well worth checking. Put the bike on a lift/stand so the front is in the air, lock-up the front wheel with the brake and grab the tyre and try to push the wheel front-to-back.

Mine had a clunk like the steering bearing was loose but the play was coming from the fork sliders. The bottom fork slider sleeve bearings fell to bits, complete forks replaced.

Now up to 3500 miles, forks doing it again......

Good luck!

Cheers, Rick.

Same ClangClanging problems here.I also thought the steering bearing is loose but talked to my BMW dealer and he said it's most propably the bottom end and they re going to give the forks to the WP to service.Strange that they re giving it to the WP isn't it?The WP guy is by far the best here in Greece anyway.Given the opportunity what else should i talk about?Better springs,heavier oil,what else..?They didn't say anything about replacement but the WP involment sounds perfect to me.I was going to get there for improvements sooner or later.
Best wishes