Regular GS shocks on R1200GSA

[amonteirox]

Hi,

I have an GSA '13 with ESA, but not like the suspension, feel it very bouncy and I'm thinking about investing in a quality suspension set for my weight.

Previously had an R1200GS '08 with Wilburs and it was fantastic, comfortable and extremely stable and controlled.

For the GSA the idea is put new shocks with regular GS height (small legs) and without ESA, but if possible I wanted to avoid making changes to the side and center stand.

Already read somewhere that some guys put Ohlins without touching the side and center stand.

Who already made ​​this kind of change can share your experiences with Ohlins, Wilburs, HyperPro, ..?

Thanks.

 

[Bendy toy]

Wilbers is the best option. The standard side stand is too short so 20mm off the ride height will probably put it where it should be. The centre stand will not work with short suspension but is that a serious loss? Mine is removed from the bike and only re-fitted when I really need it.

But as I often bang on - does the bike REALLY need to be any lower? A lowered bike will sell for less money and short WESA shocks won't be easy to sell later on. £1200+ is a fat wedge not to mention the bike's reduced future sale value.

Put some crash bungs on forks and final drive and some split hose sleeves on the crash bars. It may fall over a couple of times until you are used to the balance but once sorted you can take off the added protection.

Many people have this thing about getting both feet down flat and spend £oads to make the bike into a cruiser (sorry**). Then the seat isnt comfortable and the merry go around starts again. TBH, unless the rider is very short its just not necessary.

On my GSA, I can just get both feet down onto the balls of my feet. I use a standard GS height seat set on low, but use the high when I want more comfortable legs. A low seat isnt comfortable on the knees so I compromise.

I keep my left foot on the peg and use my right foot when I stop (Left foot in LHD countries). The road camber is in my favour and the two wheels/ one foot tripod effect is stable. Also my other foot on the peg means I can properly balance the bike. Both legs flailing is far more risky. Both legs dangling with bent knees is even worse. I absolutely cannot paddle the bike backwards but so what(?) - drop the side stand, get off and push. Its easier and safer.

Its a tall bike, no question, but fully loaded its seriously heavy. Even with both feet down the bike WILL fall if it goes over too far. The standard side stand lean is probably past the point of no return. I cant hold mine but I also dont risk injury trying to do the impossible.

For most riders, a low seat / low suspension gives an illusion of security. Anyone with really short legs should choose a different bike (sorry**) but everyone else is better to reprogram their brain and they will soon manage this tall bike.

** Im not trying to be rude at 5' 8" with approximately standard male proportions the GSA is at my seat height limit. But I got used to it. Anyone shorter will need to mod the bike or get a lower bike and accept "adventure" bikes are unsuitable for them.

 

[BrokenPaw]

gs shocks

Spot on Bendy Toy.
If you've done the Off Road Course with BMW, watch the instructors; they don't try to get both feet flat.
Basically I just put whichever foot is on the high side down.
I don't paddle backwards; bad idea especially if loaded. Get off and push; this also lets you see where you are going!
Fabrics. I find that I sort of slide off to one side a bit to get a good planting of the foot. If you wear leathers this is more difficult than fabrics - the leather tends to stick to the seat!
Also, after a few miles not only will you get used to the Adv, but the suspension will drop a bit.
And, don't worry; there are only 2 types of bikers, those that have dropped their bike, and those that are about to.
Also, once you have the take offs and landings sorted, you will appreciate the lofty view from the cockpit.
Oh, and BTW, low replacement seats can have a habit of not only being uncomfortable, but changing the whole ergonomic geometry. Knees, arms, screen protection.

Have fun

 

[GADGET]

You could buy my Wilber GSA WESA shocks, which have been constructed 50mm lower and also includes the matching lower centre stand and side stand. Part numbers are 630.1019.01 & 640.1019.00 if you want to check them out and my posting is here:

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?347676-Wilbers-WESA-Front-amp-rear-shocks