Ohlins adjustment/set-up

[tully]

Ohlins

plus if like so many on here you enjoy paranoia...

rubber to pack the spring...

http://yhelteljel.ee/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/IMG_1060_s.jpg

and tape to hold it all in place...

http://yhelteljel.ee/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/IMG_1065_s.jpg

for when the body cracks...

http://yhelteljel.ee/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/IMG_1052_s.jpg

and creates a mess...

http://yhelteljel.ee/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/IMG_1042_s.jpg

.......ah, thats what happens when you don't set them up right...

 

[Johny w]

I can't find my measurements right now but I do remember that the Ohlins figures were way off. After going through the same procedures as you did, I searched various forums and most GSers seem to aim for about one third travel when you're sat on the bike.

My 1100GS Ohlins came as standard with a 160 spring and it was great for two-up touring but hopeless when solo (I'm 92kg). I swapped it for a 140 and the bike is much happier now - I can actually feel what the back tyre is doing. Two-up is also fine although I might put the 160 back on for any serious touring with luggage.

Maybe you could check the sag with the standard shock and compare? Even if the damper is shot the spring won't be far out.

BTW, thumbs up for Will at FTR - top bloke.

HTH
Dick

Mines an R1150gs I did the same, I bought a 160 that they recommended and it was far too harsh, im 95kg with my gear on.
So they changed it for a 140 which is much better, but still not plush, brilliant loaded up, but solo is harsh.
So with rebound adjusted softer then it starts wallowing, but harder the initial hit goes up my spine.
I think I've got two choices, either get a 130nmm spring, or check the length and see if the spring has been pre loaded too much.
3 turns on the top collar would be too much. The free length of the spring is 180mm so it should only be compressed 8-10mm on the Ohlins BM940 the rider sag should be around 60mm, I can only get 50mm with zero preload......its a difficult one. As if I fit the 130 spring it might be too soft for big tour loads

 

[Wrigsby1]

Much of the fun of these GSs is you can ride them hard and they grip and give good feedback... One of the problems with multi adjustable suspension is you can tie yourself in knots trying to set the fekkers up...
Aim for soft and even a slight wallow and not too harsh... It'll still be gripping and GS floaty suspension is where it's best...
I've never felt an Oilhead GS was going to crash because the suspension was shite and the harder you ride them the better they speak to you...
Main thing with multi adjustable settings is the balance between the damping setting if you have both...