R9T - Suspension Options......

jgk1459

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Hello all.

I know this has been covered in many posts in the past but time moves on and opinions change, so....

I want to upgrade my rear shock, options are:

1. M Shock, base model with combined rebound & compression: £350 (can add features but I'm not sure I'd bother)

2. Nitron R1, same spec but includes ride height: £462

3. Ohlins BM652, same spec as the Nitron: £550 price varies a little

4. Wilbers 640 Road, same spec as the M Shock: £454

5. ??? anything I've missed in the price range?

Obviously I want to stay in the lower end of the market and to be honest I won't 'fiddle' with it once setup. Being 115kg fully kitted up the standard unit is a bit of a handful.

So the question - what are your thoughts and recommendations on the options above?

I've spoken to a few suspension retailers / workshops and their opinions do vary, hence getting the views from the forum.

Many thanks

jgk
 
It would appear that we are about the same weight and I went for the (slightly extended) Wilbers option. It has transformed the handling / compliance of the bike and (IMHO) it is the most worthwhile money you will spend on upgrades to a bike.

Colin.
 
leasky said:
It would appear that we are about the same weight and I went for the (slightly extended) Wilbers option. It has transformed the handling / compliance of the bike and (IMHO) it is the most worthwhile money you will spend on upgrades to a bike.

Colin.
Click to expand...

I went with a Wilber with plus 15 mm. Still the best upgrade I’ve done to the bike. And I’ve done a few. :green gri
 
astrro said:
I went with a Wilber with plus 15 mm. Still the best upgrade I’ve done to the bike. And I’ve done a few. :green gri
Click to expand...
How much did this raise the seat height please? Did you upgrade the forks too? It’s about the only thing left to do on my Scrambler, a bike that’s likely to be a keeper.
 
I went with Maxton front and rear and very happy. They had obviously done their research and it is bob on. Mine is on the firm / sporty side.
 
Billy Buell - very nice bike.

Would you mind given an indication of the Maxton cost? PM if you prefer.

Their website doesn't give too much away and I don't want to waste their time if they're beyond my budget.

Also - did you raise the rear end, if so by how much?

Cheers

jgk
 
scooter paul said:
How much did this raise the seat height please? Did you upgrade the forks too? It’s about the only thing left to do on my Scrambler, a bike that’s likely to be a keeper.
Click to expand...
Raised by 15 mm, no let the forks as standard.
 
The Wilbers (642) allows for 25mm increase in height and at a smidgeon over 6ft, it suits be perfectly having the rear a tad higher - however anything is going to be an improvement over stock IMO.

Not the best of photos (it was taken to show the air filter as opposed to the rear suspension) but you can see how the unit sits and please be aware that a mudsling cannot be fitted with this specific shock.
 

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jgk1459 said:
Billy Buell - very nice bike.

Would you mind given an indication of the Maxton cost? PM if you prefer.

Their website doesn't give too much away and I don't want to waste their time if they're beyond my budget.

Also - did you raise the rear end, if so by how much?

Cheers

jgk
Click to expand...

It was around 2 grand for front and rear but i went for top of the range which is way better than nesessary. They do a range that is similar to the others listed and it is top notch stuff made in cheshire. Give them a ring and ask for Richard ( the boss) you will find him very helpful and knowledgable. Oh and it is lifted 15mm at the rear.
 
Thanks All.

I've spoken with a few specialist - Maxton / PDQ / MH / MD - all were very helpful and honest. The general opinion is that the rear is the main issue with our bikes and in many instances the front is 'adequate' once the rear is replaced.

So given my budget I decided to go for the Wilbers 640 + 25mm + height adjust - above my original budget but I'm hoping my forks will be OK and may just need an oil mix and / or level change to get them to work for my weight. Ideally I'd like to fit some decent cartridges in the front.......maybe next year.

Nick at Revs was excellent - highly recommended. He suggested the +25mm but also the height adjust so I can bring the rear down to almost standard if I want to. I'm well over budget anyhow so another £50 was only a little more pain! Seemed like a good idea though.

Should land in 2 or 3 weeks - I'll update this thread on the results - might help someone considering the same upgrade.

I did ask a BMW dealer why they fitted such a poor shock on a 'premium' bike - he shrugged is shoulders and didn't respond!!

Cheers

jgk
 
Update.....

Shock arrived on Thursday, excellent service from Revs, took less than 2 weeks.

Fitted and tested today on a 75 mile A and B road route.

My thoughts......

Feels more controlled
Less bucking over large bumps
Less wallowing
Turns a bit easier - 25mm raise will help.

Overall I'm pleased but.......I can't say its transformed the bike or changed it into TT winner!

Was it worth £800??........not sure is the honest answer. Yes it's better but is it 'worth' it......I think a little more riding will tell me. Just because I've spent a bunch of cash doesn't automatically mean it's the best solution.

Hope this helps someone else considering the same.

I'll update once I've got some more miles done and maybe a little fiddling with the adjusters.

Cheers.

Jgk
 
It may be worth trying a couple of clicks on the damping to see if its more to your liking ,
a midway setting can feel a bit firm on the bmw suspension, often a little softer provides compliance and control,
they usually come set correctly for sag, but worth a check especially the fronts at 115 kg,
The front forks may benefit from some tweaking, depending on sag may need a spring change,
At 85 kg kitted my fronts are just in range ,
The non adjustable fronts can be harsh on compression ,a good cost effective solution is cartridge emulators,
I have adjustable ride height, stock at the moment, looks like a popular change,
 
Thanks Roamer.

I've done exactly as you suggest....1 click on both high and low speed.

You are correct in that it felt too harsh so this might ease it off and make it a bit more compliant.

I plan to do something with the forks but not sure quite what yet. I want to get used to the Wilbers rear first then see how it feels once that's sorted.

Cheers.
 
Good to hear you are trying a few adjustments,
It is good practice to verify and note settings from fully screwed in ,
Checking front sag is easy without assistance,
using a cable tie around the stanchion,
push the bike up to unload the suspension, until it bottoms out,
While sliding the cable tie up against the seal of the outer tube,
Gently climb on the bike close to a wall and steady yourself in riding position,
Or have someone hold the bike,
Climb off without bouncing around and measure the distance between seal and cable tie pushing the bike up again while measuring
It should be approx 40 mm, if its more you should consider a spring change,
 
roamer said:
Good to hear you are trying a few adjustments,
It is good practice to verify and note settings from fully screwed in ,
Checking front sag is easy without assistance,
using a cable tie around the stanchion,
push the bike up to unload the suspension, until it bottoms out,
While sliding the cable tie up against the seal of the outer tube,
Gently climb on the bike close to a wall and steady yourself in riding position,
Or have someone hold the bike,
Climb off without bouncing around and measure the distance between seal and cable tie pushing the bike up again while measuring
It should be approx 40 mm, if its more you should consider a spring change,
Click to expand...

I'm not if sure the previous owner has done something to the forks; the sag with my heft on board is around 35mm and static (just bike weight) is around 10mm. The front also rebounds without bounce so seems quite controlled - if anything a little too firm. They're certainly not wollowy, could be described as a little harsh.

I bought the bike from Vines and will ask them if they still have contact with the previous owner - worth a go!

Thanks for the advice - always appreciated.

jgk
 
jgk1459 said:
I'm not if sure the previous owner has done something to the forks; the sag with my heft on board is around 35mm and static (just bike weight) is around 10mm. The front also rebounds without bounce so seems quite controlled - if anything a little too firm. They're certainly not wollowy, could be described as a little harsh.

I bought the bike from Vines and will ask them if they still have contact with the previous owner - worth a go!

Thanks for the advice - always appreciated.

jgk
Click to expand...
Won't the previous keepers details be on the V5C

Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk
 
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