Wilbers or Öhlins to transform the bike?

[Mr Bean]

Just checked mine prior to Monday's install. GS911 shows no faults when cycling between all the preload modes and damping cycles. I can also hear the steppers when going through the damping cycles with engine off. So alls good.

Just downloaded the latest beta version for the GS911 and there's now the ability to read the Tyre Pressure Monitors (I need to have a play with that one).

My GS-911 didn't show any faults either. Although to be fair to Revs and Wilbers it had shown signs of failing on a Euro trip but was working when the change was made.

Wilbers apparently make new steppers (according to Wilbers and Revs) but after asking on a number of occasions neither have come back with a price.

Be aware that if you are thinking of changing it may be better to opt warranted BMW original @ £1,200 if you want to be sure of a functioning ESA or opt for non -ESA compatibles at a much lower figure.

So far I have spent £600+ for a non adjustable shock.

Because I often have the wife as a pillion or ride with full luggage, as of today, I regret not opting for an original BMW warranted unit.

 

[Mr Bean]

They'll drop you off at a local bike shop with a lovely cafe

Initial impressions after 50 miles ; much more sure footed and confidence inspiring and all the ESA settings seem to work. Early days of course.

What with the akrapovic can yesterday, WESA today and remapping at Hilltop tomorrow this is one bloody expensive weekend!!!!

Mind you, less expensive than my last weekend in Amsterdam and more to show for it

Top man at Hilltop - had mine done and well worth the outlay.

 

[Beemerman59]

My GS-911 didn't show any faults either. Although to be fair to Revs and Wilbers it had shown signs of failing on a Euro trip but was working when the change was made.

Wilbers apparently make new steppers (according to Wilbers and Revs) but after asking on a number of occasions neither have come back with a price.

Be aware that if you are thinking of changing it may be better to opt warranted BMW original @ £1,200 if you want to be sure of a functioning ESA or opt for non -ESA compatibles at a much lower figure.

So far I have spent £600+ for a non adjustable shock.

Because I often have the wife as a pillion or ride with full luggage, as of today, I regret not opting for an original BMW warranted unit.

Sure, going for the same again would give a functioning ESA with a warranty but my shocks only have 30K on them and they're shot. I think its worth trying the Wilbers a) becasue they have better feedback in terms of performance than the OEM, b) the shocks have a 5 year warranty and c) they are fully rebuildable. Sure if the ESA fails thats an issue but there appears to be a greater history of failing shocks than failing ESA units (yours excepted of course). I have also been told the OEM shocks new are £1,800 but I can't confirm that. The Wilburs cost £1,275 fitted.

One thing I have always done since I had the bike is cycle through all the ESA options on a regular basis. Whether that makes a difference or not I have no idea but it just seems a sensible thing to do.

 

[Mad_Accountant]

Finally I can make an update to my suspension

So what should I do now? I have basically wasted over 1100 euros on new suspension that unfortunately didn't improve the bike because the fault of the bike being uncomfortable lies somewhere else. I have tried different suspension settings, lowering the tire pressure etc. and it just does not improve.
Could it be that the fault may lie in the telelever-paralevel parts? or maybe the shaft drive doesn't allow the bike the suspension properly?

I'll wash my bike and put it up for sale. Hopelfully i'll have better luck with the 800GS

Cheers

If it cheers you up I lost £2,000 in two months changing from a 900 mile
GS. Adventure to an F650GS then back to a GSA

I hope you resolve it all soon

 

[Mr Bean]

Sure, going for the same again would give a functioning ESA with a warranty but my shocks only have 30K on them and they're shot. I think its worth trying the Wilbers a) becasue they have better feedback in terms of performance than the OEM, b) the shocks have a 5 year warranty and c) they are fully rebuildable. Sure if the ESA fails thats an issue but there appears to be a greater history of failing shocks than failing ESA units (yours excepted of course). I have also been told the OEM shocks new are £1,800 but I can't confirm that. The Wilburs cost £1,275 fitted.

One thing I have always done since I had the bike is cycle through all the ESA options on a regular basis. Whether that makes a difference or not I have no idea but it just seems a sensible thing to do.

The bike is (was) cycled weekly because of my riding patterns.

Mine had only 35k when it failed.

The price of £1,200 was for the rear only at SBW.

I'm not sure of the difference between the damping failing compared with the numbers who have had their ESA fail - other forums seem to suggest the difference isn't massive.

I'm happy to pay for a new stepper etc but if it cannot be sorted it's an expensive basic shock absorber.

Sorry to say but the original BMW unit looks more attractive at the moment.

 

[Constellation]

BMW insurance

I'm already with BMW Insurance and am having the WESA fitted on Monday. Did they refuse to add it to the policy? I already have my other additions covered so was planning to do the same with the WESA.

Am currently with the BMW scheme (expires end of this month). I rang them to renew and tell them about the Wilbers but they have refused to offer a renewal because of non-BMW suspension. No negotiation, no thinking, just a flat refusal. So I have a couple of days to find new insurers when the current cover expires.