Shock change

[fayeslane]

Swapped the Ohlins on my R100GSPD for a White Power that I had (both used units) today and rode the same 150km loop that I rode yesterday -dirt, tar, fast sweepers, twisties etc.

Amazing difference. I didn't think the Ohlins was bad but the WP was significantly better. It felt more supple and controlled and in all circumstances, the rear end feeling firmly planted at all times. No spine jarring bumps. Probably more improvement with fine tuning.

The point of the post I suppose is that even though you reckon you have your bike sorted it pays to try other components or ride similar bikes with different setups (shocks, tyres, screens, seats etc) to give you a point of reference. It's hard to notice gradual deterioration of components on your everyday ride.

My most glaring example of this was swapping R1100S's with a mate -his wouldn't turn into corners 20psi of air each end and the bike was transformed.

I am not buying into the best shock discussion, I don't even know the model designation of either shock -I just used what I had in the shed.

Nearly forgot the most important improvement -the WP matches the paint scheme on the GSPD and the Ohlins matches the Bumblebee. Reason enough to change for some blokes

 

[BillN]

Just to clarify,

you are comparing an original (BMW - OEM), White power shock, without reservoir, as fitted to the 100PD in the 90s, to a newer Ohlins shock?

or is the White Power shock a new one

 

[fayeslane]

Both the Ohlins and the WP are aftermarket units but as I said the brands are not important it is the trying different setups to make your pride & joy a better ride that is relevant.

Also have a rebuilt standard unit that even on its softest setting my 105kgs can hardly budge it -the previous owner must have been a phenomenal pie eater

 

[Shep]

I had almost the same experience, I had a fournales rear shock fitted and had assumed it was all OK as they get great reviews from some, however I was suffering handling issues I had assumed must be from the forks, however the chance came to fit a Ohlins and it transformed the bike totally, really nice now, still using the settings straight from the box.

Shep

 

[BillN]

I had almost the same experience, I had a fournales rear shock fitted and had assumed it was all OK as they get great reviews from some, however I was suffering handling issues I had assumed must be from the forks, however the chance came to fit a Ohlins and it transformed the bike totally, really nice now, still using the settings straight from the box.

Shep

You don't want to buy my fournales then? - nice blue colour, (ala Basic), at the ends.

 

[Garry H]

Maybe worth getting the Ohlins serviced...
I swapped from a White Power to a Ohlins and found the Ohlins loads better...

 

[fayeslane]

The whole shock thing is really subjective and depends on your size, load, riding style etc etc. It's a subject that can really open up Pandora's can of worms

I reckon the main thing is to have a bike that is setup to suit you and enjoy riding it.

Tomorrow I plan to drop some Wilbers springs in the GSPD and see how they go. I don't know what springs are in there now. They are OK but will try the Wilbers anyway - maybe I can have 2 revelations in the one week

 

[bernardofeio]

Hello

Since we are speaking about shocks and springs... I’m a light fellow and I want to try a soft spring in my current shock. Does any one have a used soft spring that want’s to get ride of?

thanks

 

[cheb]

I've a spare standard OEM spring in grotty condition, the rest of the shock is even worse.

Any use?

 

[Sylvester]

Its handy to keep a note of your shock settings if they are adjustable. I left my bike in the city centre recently and some clown thought it woulld be amusing to have a twiddle with the damping knobs. I thought the shock had blown until I set it back to where in was. I had my seat nicked in the UK many moons ago, it was swapped for a unit so chewed up it looked like it had been used to train police dogs. Should have locked it, didn't touch the tool roll though, bizare.

 

[bernardofeio]

Cheb

Can you send me a privet mail?


[email protected]

thanks

 

[Beemerboff]

I have both and if they are set up properly with the correct spring and regularly serviced their performance is identical.

I bought the Ohlins from a guy who didnt like it and replaced it with a White Power. HoweVer he had 5mm preload on the spring so it was never going to work - Ohlins figeres are 17mm +-2mm then change the spring if it isnt right.

Matching front springs are important too - wrong settings are often felt as much at the other end as at the end being adjusted.

The PO of the WP tried 3 springs before he found the correct one . The one supplied for the G/S WAS 475 LB IN and much to strong, and he ended up with a 425.
Not surprising as the heavier GS is good with a 450 LB/IN at minimum preload.

 

[fayeslane]

I have both and if they are set up properly with the correct spring and regularly serviced their performance is identical.

Beemerboff

Do you have any literature regarding the set of WP and Ohlins? The WP looks to have adjustments for compression & rebound. It feels good as it is but it would be interesting to have a fiddle and get the optimum settings.

If you can help I'll get them to send a bit more water down the Murray for you

Put Wilbers springs in the front today with 10w oil and had a short ride. They take out the harshness over sharp bumps but have to ride my normal loop to comment on handling.

Agree entirely on improving front & rear suspension simultaneously. I noticed that the WP when fitted raised the rear a bit therefore altering the handling dynamic.

 

[Beemerboff]

The Ohlins on the 93 GS has the #80 ,or 450 lb spring. 15mm preload and 8 clicks out on the damping. It matches perfectly with the HPN Magnum catridge inserts in the forks, 8 out on rebound and 12 on compression.
The WP is on a G/S , and has a 425 lb spring, 20 mm preload and is six clicks out on rebound.. Fork springs are Progressive brand but I dont know which ones and I dont know what fork oil is in either.

Rear suspension on both bikes is top notch - I would have either shock.

The forks on the G/S are a long way behind the GS in stock form and the HPN inserts widen the gap a bit further- the G/S forks are a lot harsher and short on rebound damping too.They flex more too

Interesting to hear the Wilbers springs soften this harshness, as that is what I am looking for. I just put Bel Ray 5 wt full synth in to R75/7 forks and this really smoothened things out so I might try it in the G/S too.

 

[fayeslane]

Next step for me, after riding my loop, is to try 5w fork oil and note the difference. Don't know if this is obvious but the Wilbers springs are progressive.

Happy to put some time in for this fine tuning. It is inexpensive and can be the icing on the cake of a bike that I enjoy.

So far the things I can recommend are:

Twin pot caliper front brake upgrade (R1100RT)
Semi floating disc with HH rated pads
Upgraded rear suspension
Upgraded fork springs
Removing air box snorkels
Airhawk seat pad
Upgraded headlight globe
Lighter throttle springs
Pirelli Scorpion tyres (although happy with Anakees & Tourances too)

All mods have been cheap although I pinched the shock and Wilbers from another GS I own.

WISH LIST

40 more HP (tricky)
Twin disc front end (feasible)

YET TO BE RESOLVED

Front screen -too much fluffy air at any position. It's coming off over summer. Can't see the point of having a super quite Shoei compromised by a poxy screen.

Beemerboff -will put the siphon hose over the Hume Dam wall tonight

 

[Beemerboff]

Done most of that too.

I have the motor on the GS apart to fit 9.5 pistons and the heads machined to give squish bands , but I dont expect 40 hp extra .

I have a non fly up side stand and six pot but the missing ingredient was the Vesrah pads from Super Cheap - much better than the EBC hhs.

Moto Bins have a new listing for forged high comp squish band pistons - they look expensive but if they avoid the machining they work out about the same as the alternatives.