Ohlins/Wilbers Performance Testimonials

[BlackBMW]

I did the search on shocks but most results were regarding installation with a few comments about performance usually associated with total weight of rider, passenger and gear.

As a solo rider here in Colorado, I am interested in improving handling performance in the mountain canyon roads. I feel the LT's stock suspension feel a bit mushy. I sure would love to have more confidence throwing it into the curves. I enjoy the comfort and beauty of the bike but the suspension is a little soft for my tastes.

I recently bought my LT, it's a 2002 with only 10K miles so I assume that the stock shocks are still sound, just not to the performance level I would like them to be.

If I make the investment, can I get the performance I'm looking for with Ohlins/Wilbers? If so, do I need to get them specially tuned or with different springs for the type of riding I want to do?

Obviously, I don't expect them to transform the LT to a GSR1000 but can anyone speak to Ohlins/WIlbers providing a more performance-oriented ride?

[Ted Shred]

The Ohlins completly transformed my LT. It handles 10 times better than stock. I will not own a BMW without changing out the shocks. Make sure you order the shocks to your weight specs and riding style. I get mine from Andy at www.onlineparts.com (http://www.onlineparts.com/)

[DavidTaylor]

Ohlins is definitely the way to do. I've had them on my last 2 LTs and they completely chang the ride and handling of the bike, and all for the better. It's not a cheap upgrade, but definitely worth every penny and then some.

[Ted]

Put Ohlins on this past August after racking up about 30K on the original shocks. All I can say is that the bike is better than new. Looking back, probably should have switched them between 22K - 25K, but I needed time to justify the $1,300 spend.

When you can swing it, buy 'em....on second thought, even if you can't swing it, buy 'em....they are that good!
Also purchased at onlineparts - worked w/Dave who was great.

[tazz56]

Does the installation of either brand alter the seat height in any way? Can they lower the seat height and still offer the performance everybody boast about? The shorter inseemed want(need) to know.
Thanks,
Jeff

[deputy5211]

DUMB NU-B QUESTION WARNING

I am in the process of adding an LT to my collection, and some of the bikes I have looked seriously at had Ohlins. One fellow offered to take them off and replace with stock shocks and lowered the price for the bike a fair amount.

After years of riding H-Ds and Yamaha V-Maxes, please help me in the transition to LT Land. What is all the hoopla about Ohlins?

Tony

[RaffyK]

They are one of the best shocks on the market. Allows you to set up your suspension based on your riding (spring rate dampening etc.) Tires and suspension setup are one of the critical parts in allowing the bike to perform to its potential. Most high end race bikes use Ohlins.

You need to ride one with and without Ohlins to see the difference as how it absorbs road bumps and makes the ride smoother.

[dshealey]

DUMB NU-B QUESTION WARNING

I am in the process of adding an LT to my collection, and some of the bikes I have looked seriously at had Ohlins. One fellow offered to take them off and replace with stock shocks and lowered the price for the bike a fair amount.

After years of riding H-Ds and Yamaha V-Maxes, please help me in the transition to LT Land. What is all the hoopla about Ohlins?

Tony

They are transforming, to say the least. Much better ride than stock shocks, and the best part is that for about $100 each they can be rebuilt! About every 24K seems to be about right. I ran my Ohlins about 35K before rebuilding them, and that was too long. For me that just about meant an annual re-build. Some have found that just getting their Nitrogen charge re-newed was all that was needed and extended the re-build time.

That re-build capability is huge! New BMW stock shocks will run you over $850, and are not normally rebuildable (there is some place that will cut open and re-build the rear only), so the additional cost for Ohlins (or Wilburs) can easily be offset with a couple re-builds.

[BlackBMW]

So how customizable are the Ohlins for the LT? I hear that the only thing that you can change is to add a Heavy-Duty rear spring. Otherwise they come with a stock length-setup.

I'm OK with that since I have no issues with inseam and being able to "flatfoot" at stops. Also, I am OK with a very firm ride for performance.

Since I am 205 lbs. and want to setup the Ohlins for solo riding, and only about 10% of my riding to be loaded-up for touring, would the rear HD spring give me a firmer-planted ride that would improve performance riding? Or does it only benefit greater load capacity?

Any input on setup for my type of riding would be helpful.

[dresser98]

I went with Wilbers only because Ohlins had no one to talk to at the New York show last January. I don't know if amateurs would notice any difference between the two. I do know that in July with 5000 miles on the shocks a seal blew in the rear 1 week before vacation. I called Klaus on monday morning, shipped him the shock monday afternoon and had it back friday. This is damn good considering they figure 2 week turn around in the winter. Also he told me if he could not fix mine he would send me an in house used shock to get me through my vacation. I don't think you can beat that.

[DavidTaylor]

Does the installation of either brand alter the seat height in any way? Can they lower the seat height and still offer the performance everybody boast about? The shorter inseemed want(need) to know.
Thanks,
Jeff

I'm not sure they make a shorter shock for the LT, but of they did I would expect it not to be a good solution as you would lose ground and cornering clearance, and the shorter shock travel may make for a harsher ride. I would get the stock length Ohlins, then get a custom saddle built that's lower overall and narrower at the front so it's easier to get your feet on the ground. Rick Mayer is who I'd recommend for the saddle work.

[cf-transplant]

Put some Wilburs on a 1150 GS Adv., and lowered by 1/2 inch. Nice shocks and unlike Ohlin, each are custom made for your riding style (at the factory, not the set up from a dealer), weight, etc.

I adjust the rear frequently. I believe the Wilburs are a couple of hundred less in price than the Ohlin's. Ohlin's include installation instructions, Wilbers do not (I used the Ohlin instructions from the web sight).

I think both are top of the line, overpriced shocks.

[BlackBMW]

Well, I'm going to take the plunge.

There is a group buy from HardRacing.com on the other board I frequent, AdventureRider. The originators of the buy are with a GS group from Washington DC and are even going to have a "tech-day Ohlins install party". I don't think they discriminate against LT riders ;)

I won't be riding my LT to DC anytime soon so I opted to have my shocks shipped to me in Denver.

Looks like they will let me in for a set of Ohlins for my LT (setup for my weight and riding style) for $1092.00 (and no tax). Seems like a pretty good deal. If anyone is interested see this thread...http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=185398

[Dick]

Well, I'm going to take the plunge.

There is a group buy from HardRacing.com on the other board I frequent, AdventureRider. The originators of the buy are with a GS group from Washington DC and are even going to have a "tech-day Ohlins install party". I don't think they discriminate against LT riders ;)

I won't be riding my LT to DC anytime soon so I opted to have my shocks shipped to me in Denver.

Looks like they will let me in for a set of Ohlins for my LT (setup for my weight and riding style) for $1092.00 (and no tax). Seems like a pretty good deal. If anyone is interested see this thread...http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=185398
Mike, that IS a good deal. I put Ohlins on Toad back in '01 or '02 (crs) and you're paying only about 100 bones more than we did, in a group buy, IIRC.

You'll like 'em!

[dshealey]

Well, I'm going to take the plunge.

There is a group buy from HardRacing.com on the other board I frequent, AdventureRider. The originators of the buy are with a GS group from Washington DC and are even going to have a "tech-day Ohlins install party". I don't think they discriminate against LT riders ;)

I won't be riding my LT to DC anytime soon so I opted to have my shocks shipped to me in Denver.

Looks like they will let me in for a set of Ohlins for my LT (setup for my weight and riding style) for $1092.00 (and no tax). Seems like a pretty good deal. If anyone is interested see this thread...http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=185398

That is an excellent price! We had a group buy here several years ago, got them from Wim Kroon in Holland, and then was still over $1,100 per set.

[dmatson]

David T did you get the ohlins for your 05' LT? If so did it raise it any?
BlackBMW did the $1092 include the shipping from DC? If not included how much for the shipping?

[BlackBMW]

BlackBMW did the $1092 include the shipping from DC? If not included how much for the shipping?

Nope. Shipping I am sure will be additional. How much do you think it will cost?

[DEKESBMWTOY]

Very happy with the WILBERS. Compared with OEM shocks, there is no comparison. I choose the Wilbers based on the ability to get a custom set up, and liked the personal attention in dealing with Klaus. Believe the cost was a little less, account of a negotiated discount with Klaus when i ordered.
As I have not ridden a LT with OHLINS, i would be hard to say which one performs better. Really doubt that I could tell the difference any way.
Should I buy another LT, I will immediately change the shocks immediately, save the OEM , and reinstall when I sell the bike. Since they are rebuiltable, you could easy use these for the life of the bike. Well worth the money in my book.

[dmatson]

Probably cost me twice as much as you since I am on the left coast! I wonder if they make them for the 05', looks like they are only listed for up to 03'? Questions, questions....

[tobiwan]

Went to the Ohlin web site and they recommend two versions for the rear up to 06

BM 539 or BM 548 could not find and explane for the difference.

How do I decide which version to order. Also I love saving money so BlackBMW How or who do I contact to get in on the group buy

[Ted Shred]

Went to the Ohlin web site and they recommend two versions for the rear up to 06

BM 539 or BM 548 could not find and explane for the difference.

How do I decide which version to order. Also I love saving money so BlackBMW How or who do I contact to get in on the group buy


If you want to be sure to get the right spring set up and get a good price, you should call Andy Kettle at www.onlineparts.com (http://www.onlineparts.com)

He will treat you right and set the shock up properly...

[dmatson]

The group buy is on the GSPOT forum of AdventureRider.com here is the link
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=185398

[tobiwan]

and they have listings only to 03's. also their part number is different from the one posted on Ohlins site which does list for 05's.
Will andy's price be as good or close to the group buy price?
His posted price is considerably higher

[dmatson]

I found these part #'s from my guy who sells them, for an 04'-05' the front is 1310-0172 and the rear is 1310-173 the rear spring is standard which is for a 170-to 210lbs person. The group buys is right at 25% off list.

[Bruce]

I think Ron Kellenbenz forwarded these to me a while back. These could be an alternative.

http://www.hyperprousa.com/catalog.php?cat=Shocks&make=BMW&model=K%201200%20LT%20Rear%2099>&model_name=K%201200%20LT%20Rear%2099>&shocktype=Type%2041


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