Ohlins shocks

[sanjaun2]

I ordered a set of Ohlins acouple of weeks ago from a shop in Oregon. They called Ohlins and they said they were in stock. I ordered and they told me ohlins had shipped them. Now two weeks later I call Oregon and they checked into it.They found Ohlins never shipped them and are out of stock until at least late August. Does any one know where I can find some in stock? I have been calling everywhere I can think of.

[DavidTaylor]

Try San Jose BMW - 408-295-0205

[sanjaun2]

David,
Thanks for the info, I actually tried them a few hours ago and no luck. I did hit paydirt a few minutes ago with Dan Kyle racing. They had the front and found me a rear. I just couldn't live with the thought of 2 more months with my stock front shock.

[tbarstow]

I just put a set of Ohlins from Hardracing.com on mine and it is a HUGE difference. Now I just need to get them really dialed in.

[sanjaun2]

I am looking foward to that feeling!!!!

[KMC1]

Not to hijack this thread, but when you're done with your install, could you post a few pictures and maybe some idea of how long it takes, special tools required and any common issues to be prepared for? I'm in line to put either Ohlins or Wilbers on in a couple months.

Thanks

Kevin

[Steve_R]

No major issues. You'll just need metric wrenches to remove the front and rear shocks bolts and nuts, a 3mm Allen wrench, a small floor jack and scrap piece of wood.

My suggestion is to remover the rear first. Remove all the tupperware just like you were going to a major service. Remove the stingray and the gas tank. Also remove the chrome piece holding the right rear foot peg and the tupperware piece just above it. That opens up the area to remove the rear suspension strut. Use a jack and a piece of wood under the front of the engine and jack the front end up until the back wheel touches the ground. Becareful removing the top bolt because there is a washer up there that can drop down inside the innards of the bike. DAMHIK (2 times) Leave the new rear strut off until you complete the front replacement.

Now remove the stingray and the gas tank. Remove the left and right handle bar covers. Remove 2 3mm hex head screws from each handle bar cover and rotate the cover from hand grip toward windshield. Remove the 4 Phillips screws on the steering head cover as this will expose the top bolt for the front strut. Remove the top nut with an air wrench, if you have one. Remove the washer and the top rubber bushing. You might have to jack up the front bike a little more to remove the lower bolt and nut. At that point continue to jack the front of the bike up until you can push the lower end of the shock back into its opening. Continue to jack the bike up until you can get the top of the shock to clear the upper opening. You may have to push down on the front wheel to get it to extend the forks. Now here's where you'll wish you had small hands, reach up and try and remove the lower rubber bushing from the top of the strut. With lower busing removed, tilt the strut so the top of the shock goes back up through the upper opening, and swing the lower end of the shock out and remove.

To reassemble, reverse the whole process front strut first and rear struct last.

It took about some where between 8 and 9 hours when I pulled the Ohlins to have them rebuilt and using borrowed to keep riding while the rebuild was going on. Took about 5 the second time, including tupperware removal and replacement. This is how I remember doing it from the instructions I got from Grif. If you have any questions, PM me.

[tbarstow]

It takes 7-8 hours to do it the first time. Each time you take the tupperware off, it gets faster. The directions recommend getting green Loctite, but I couldn't find any locally, so the blue stuff will have to work.

Check the HOW for a few pictures of the process. Make sure you have the torque specs from the owner's manual as well.

[meese]

Let me add one other suggestion. I was uncomfortable with the bike rocking back and forth on the center stand as we pushed and pulled on it, so I hooked an adjustable strap between the centerstand and a solid point at the front of the bike (crash bar, I think). That kept the center stand from wanting to fold back up as we tugged and yanked on the front wheel.

[usmctpdog]

*What is the less expensive alternative to Ohlin shocks?

Hagen or __________ shocks?

[sanjaun2]

I could sell you my old shocks, CHEAP!!! I hated the idea of spending so much for shocks. I held out as long as I could because I think its a rip off to spend that much. There is one brand that I know of that is quite a bit cheaper, but most people say they make a cheaper shock . So, I decided to bite the bullet. What the heck, I quit buying things for the bike about $4000 ago.....

[KMC1]

Hey guys, not to get all brokeback on you, but I can't thank you enough for the advice and the information. This site and our community MAKE this bike IMHO, NOT BMW and certainly NOT our dealer network!
Can't thank you guys enough.

Kevin

[ATDRS]

David,
Thanks for the info, I actually tried them a few hours ago and no luck. I did hit paydirt a few minutes ago with Dan Kyle racing. They had the front and found me a rear. I just couldn't live with the thought of 2 more months with my stock front shock.
I just had mine fitted last week and yesterday, the Avon radials.
Could not be happier. Now, nif Dan can get some for my GS.
You will love the feel and control, enjoy. :D
Tim S

[sanjaun2]

If Ken Meese or David Shealey give advise use it!!!! More on that later... I started the swap to Ohlins this afternoon. I had all the tupperware, nose cowl, fuel tank, old shock out and front Ohlins in in less than 2 hours. Getting the rubber washer off the top of the old shock was a bit of a bike pain but not to bad. With the old shock out I Ground down the lip of the paralever a little per Dave's instruction. Great idea, The new ohlin went in so much easier. I then was hooking back up the ball joint and over she went. CRASH!!!!!(Ken Meese said to tie the center stand so it can't collapse) Make sure you tie it! We are not talking about the damage right now!!! I'll put the front of the bike back together tomorrow after work and then wait for the rear Ohlin to arrive. Steve R and a few others recommended removing the rear shock first. This would have made the job a bit easier. Except for the mishap. The job was pretty easy.

[meese]

Bummer, Brian, hope the bike is alright. Wish I could've been there to offer support, or at least take "what not to do" pics. Better luck with the rear shock.

[sanjaun2]

She has a scuff or 2 on the paint and a broken windshield mechanism. I just happen to have some spare parts for the w/s mech. The previous owner gave me a broken assy. So no cost there. Luckily

[ErnieA]

She has a scuff or 2 on the paint and a broken windshield mechanism. I just happen to have some spare parts for the w/s mech. The previous owner gave me a broken assy. So no cost there. Luckily

Sorry to hear of the trouble Brian. I hope the re-assy goes better that the dis-assy for you. :eek:

[AlaskaFish]

Brian sorry to hear about the mishap, but glad to hear that it appears you have everything under control! It does pay to listen to those who have gone before us though! It also helps a lot to have an extra set of hands around! I was fortunate enough to have both of the new shocks in hand so we did remove the rear first to gain that extra clearance. I say we because Art was here to lend a hand with the task. Thank Heavens for our friends who can help us when needed! I don't think I would have tackled this alone, and do not recommend it for anyone else to do so.

I thought you were talking about coming down to the Ernie Garage to do those shocks. What happened to those plans? Or was I imagining things?

John

[sanjaun2]

John,
I couldn't stand looking at my new shock knowing I have a useless one on the bike! Besides, I'm hoping we all go for a ride this coming weekend instead of wrenching!! Are you up for it?

[AlaskaFish]

No, unfortunately I will be working the Hillsboro Air Show this coming weekend Brian! But we did manage to get in a short jaunt today up to Trout Lake for one of the GT Checkpoints. Nice little cafe right next to a small but fast moving creek. They actually had some nice shade trees so we could sit by the creek and enjoy our lunch, even as warm as it was today!

Look at the good news, the rear shock will be a breeze compared to the front!

John

[ronjrieth]

I had Iron Horse in Tucson install a set of Wilbers on my 05 LT and what a difference....well worth it for a spirited rider.
Ron

[sanjaun2]

The front and rear shocks are in, as well as new oil all the way around, New fuel filter,New brakes front and rear. Took her out for a little test ride up marine view drive and back. The biggest thing I noticed was that the cars now drive slower. SWEET!!! Didnt get a full test ride yet but so far all is great!

[ErnieA]

The front and rear shocks are in, as well as new oil all the way around, New fuel filter,New brakes front and rear. Took her out for a little test ride up marine view drive and back. The biggest thing I noticed was that the cars now drive slower. SWEET!!! Didnt get a full test ride yet but so far all is great!

Cool! We really need to get a ride in. Sunday? White Pass toward the east side? Just a thought. :)

[sanjaun2]

Ernie, I will drop you a note by friday evening wether or not I will be in town. If I am A ride is certainly in order.

[Ted Shred]

If any one else is looking for Ohlins I can't say enough good things about Andy Kettle at www.onlineparts.com (http://www.onlineparts.com) 866 866 2169

He set up a group buy for us a couple of years ago and I just ordered another set for my 1200GS yesterday. He can set them up for your weight and riding style. They transfromed my LT and I expect the same result on the GS....

[RajinCajun]

Crap Brian, I thought it was only guys with short legs like me that had bikes fall down and go boom! Wait a minute....;)
Really sorry to hear about it man. Wish I could have been there to return some of the favor - right?! Sounds like things are working out OK though. I don't want to try and keep up with you bro.

[Ted]

I placed an order w/ online the last week of June. Was told they'll be shipping on 7/14. Been speaking w/ Dave who has been very helpful.

I'm gettin' itchy with anticipation!

[ErnieA]

Ernie, I will drop you a note by friday evening wether or not I will be in town. If I am A ride is certainly in order.

As it turns out I might have to work on Sunday and ride Saturday. Give me a call.

[sanjaun2]

Coach,
I wasn't on the bike when it went boom, I was UNDER it! Luckily it fell the other way. Iwas over in Eastern wa this afternoon enjoying some of your sun WE did a little white pass MT Rainier loop. 80 degrees in Eastern wa and 40 miles down the road it was 50 at the pass..

Ernie, I bailed on New Mexico for the weekend. Seems they will be havesting the Hatch NM green chili starting in about 2 weeks. I will go then. So, I will be free to go wherever whenever.

[meese]

I'm still working stupid hours, but I'll monitor the ride discussions for time and place. Maybe I can squeeze one in.

[ErnieA]

As it turns out I might have to work on Sunday and ride Saturday. Give me a call.

Definitely working Sunday. Saturday ride is a good bet.

[meese]

I was at Ride West today and they have a very lightly used GT in dark blue available.So where do you guys want to go Saturday? I may have to go to Ride West to talk to them about a clutch for my LT. Honest. ;)

[sanjaun2]

SO, where is the ride happening this weekend? We need to keep the streets safe and that means no ridewest stops!!! I really do not need to be tempted again either.

[ErnieA]

So where do you guys want to go Saturday? I may have to go to Ride West to talk to them about a clutch for my LT. Honest. ;)

Ride West after breakfast. Cascades highway to the east side. Wenatchee to 97 to 84 to home. Nice day ride.;) But no GT check points... and that's ok with us.:)

[Steve_R]

You losing clutch fluid out the weep hole?? Inquiring minds want to know.

[meese]

Good question, though I haven't crawled under to specifically look for that. There is a slight film all over the area, but that could be from many things. It would be good info though. Maybe the next time I get to Uncle Ernie's Lift I'll take a better look.

The first estimate is for $1,800. The second is $1,200. I was figuring between $1,400 & $1,500, which would make a nice down payment on a new GT. :)