Wilbers: Standard or Adjustable height

[bmwrubbercow]

Ok, the time for the new shocks is here. Am going with the Wilbers but now the question remaining is the height.

I ride somewhat aggressively (a very subjective term) and at least with my GS, I can get absolutely all of the available tread on the pavement. I have never been able to scrap the pegs on the GS, so I am not as agressive as many others. With that said, we should all be sufficiently confused! I do sometimes scrap the LT on curves but then the shocks are worn out and I cannot ride the old girl that agressively since she will start trying to throw me when I try. And since my shocks are worn, I frankly don't know what standard ride height feels like now so it is difficult to decide what standard height would feel like anyway.

I am 5' 11" tall with an inseam between 31.5" and 32" to the ground when standing.

Two very good riders I met recently suggested I get the shocks with the adjustable height adjustment and set them one half inch taller for additional clearance. Sounds great, except I am concerned that I will be on tip toes at stops. ( That is the case with the GS and I am fine with it, but then its 300lb lighter). I am not concerned if my heels are only slightly off the ground and can still get the balls of my feet both on the ground at the same time, but need to be able to do this as I am simply not strong enough anymore to handly the bike at stops two up unless I can get both feet down simultaneously. If I had to give that up, I would have to accept the standard shocks clearance and just do the more agressive riding on my GS.

My bike is an 03 model. I sat on a brand new 06 yesterday and it felt to be almost the same as my 03 feels in terms of height, but then the dealer said the 06 is approx 1.5 inches lower than my 03 is supposed to be. Now I simply don't know which way to go.

Anyone who is my size, and has gone from stock to Wilbers and has a model 99 through 04 (I believe they changed the height along with the rake and trail in 05) please give me the benefit of your experiences.

Thank you.

[DEKESBMWTOY]

I have a 2000 LTC and installed the Wilbers. Looks like we are about the same height and inseam. I am 5' 10/11" and 32" inseam. I choose to not make any height adjustment when I made my configuration. Feet rest flat, no tip toe. However had the shocks configured for mostly two up. I am aggressive but no peg scraper. To complete the package added a HYPERPRO steering damper. You will love the shocks, and will note immediate difference. Planted at all times, like running on rails, great for two up over rough roads and frost heaves{live in Michigan, need I say more} .

[bmwrubbercow]

Tom, Thanks for the reply. Sounds like we are almost same size. Sounds like we ride similarly also.

Tell me more about the steering damper. Benefits vs stock one. I know nothing about this. Anyone else done this? Cost? Difficulty of installation? Prob much easier while front end opened up for the shock replacement?

[DEKESBMWTOY]

Tom
The steering damper is a HYPER PRO. Below is copy from their web page. The claim is the "active" damping, with 22 custom adjustments.
For me the slow speed control, once adjusted, improved. IN particular stopping was improved, with elimination of slow "wobble" just before feet down.
Easy to install, while doing the shocks. Only problem I had was Klaus sent the wrong mounting bracket.
Not cheap at $350, but with the shocks makes for a great total handling package. No regrets.

Copy from web site:
+++++++++++++++++++++


Hyperpro CSC The Hyperpro CSC (Constant Safety Control) steering damper is a high-tech linear-type damper. Although Hyperpro is known for their ultimate ‘progressive’ speed-sensitive steering damper, we discovered that some customers still prefer a conventional damper. To be able to offer this group Hyperpro steering damper kits, we decided to expand our range. So, besides still producing speed-sensitive steering dampers, we are now also able to offer you this new linear version.
By using the latest in 3D CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design & -Manufacturing) software and machinery, we have been able to come up with a unique damper body design. All parts are fully billet machined, using CNC machines. Where possible, high-grade aluminium alloy is used to keep weight as low as possible. The damper is fully rebuild-able, because of the modular construction.

http://www.hyperpro.com/production/images/prod/damping_lineair.gif http://www.hyperpro.com/production/images/prod/damping_progressive.gif Hyperpro RSC

The Hyperpro RSC (Reactive Safety Control) damper is an evolution compared to the previous steering damper. The re-developed speed-sensitive damping features an improved adjustability and a wider adjustment range. The safety offered by the unique HYPERPRO active design is reason enough for every bike owner to have one. However the HYPERPRO philosophy of quality engineering has resulted in a damper with a number of additional features that make it truly exceptional.





Internally the dampers are equipped with the following features:

Twin-tube damping system. This ensures that the clamping force of the tube-clamp does not obstruct the piston.
Low friction design. Ø8mm hard chromed piston rod with special surface treatment and special piston ring for smooth movement.
One-piece piston rod. Providing perfect alignment through the slide bearings and no excessive force on the piston.
Triple function seals. Dust scraper and double (preloaded) oil seal, ensuring that dust cannot enter and oil cannot exit the damper at any time.
Nitrogen pressurised heat expansion reservoir.
Gas pressure prevents the forming of air bubbles. Oil expansion due to temperature changes is compensated by the reservoir and does not influence damper performance.
Damping can be adjusted in a wide range, divided in 22 positions.


New Range

The new range consists of four different strokes and four different colours.

Available strokes: 75, 120, 140, 160mm
Available colours: Solid black, Hyper purple, Gun metal, Mad red


The Hyperpro steering damper is designed to fit most of our mounting kits, it can be combined with our current wide range of universal fork-, frame- and damper clamps Besides that, the damper has an ultra-short design and the ball-bearing rod end is interchangeable with the end cap. Fitting a steering damper on a bike has never been easier… http://www.hyperpro.com/production/images/prod/dmp_bot_2.jpghttp://www.hyperpro.com/production/images/prod/dmp_bot_1.jpghttp://www.hyperpro.com/production/images/prod/dmp_bot_3.jpg

[simoncharles]

Do you two have Tom Tom GPS´s ?.
Sorry.....

Very interesting re steering damper. Worth noting for the future.

I am also going for Wilbers, but only the main shock.

Tom did you change both, or just one ?.

Would I be right in saying that the newer LT´s are lower due to the seats and not due to the chassis or suspension set up ?.

Simon

[DEKESBMWTOY]

Simon

Yes Changed both front and Rear at the same time.
Did the steering damaper a little latter as I was given the wrong mount and had to return.
No the current models have a resdign of the chassis set up which results in a lower seat to ground ht.

[rmg08057]

Tom

I don't think you need to get the height adjustment. The bike can go over safely a lot further than you are taking it now and with Wilbers it will feel even more secure than on OEM.

I never got the front tire to the edges with all the rubber thingy's off on OEM, but I did with Wilbers.

Personally, I think the only reason to change the height would be to rise the back a bit so as to sharpen steering.... even thats only needed for really tight stuff like Deals Gap, done fast as you can.

[simoncharles]

Thanks Tom.

Another question.

If you go here www.wilbers.de/usa/index_shop.html?shock_absorber.htm
and check out the steering damper, it says "by Hyperpro".

Do you reckon they are the same thing ?.

Why didn´t you install a Wilbers damper as well ?.

Just interested.

Simon

[bmwrubbercow]

Tom

I don't think you need to get the height adjustment. The bike can go over safely a lot further than you are taking it now and with Wilbers it will feel even more secure than on OEM.

I never got the front tire to the edges with all the rubber thingy's off on OEM, but I did with Wilbers.

Personally, I think the only reason to change the height would be to rise the back a bit so as to sharpen steering.... even thats only needed for really tight stuff like Deals Gap, done fast as you can.

I appreciate all the input regarding the height on the Wilbers. After due consideration of that input plus a strong look at how I ride the LT, especially with wife aboard, coupled with the fact that I intend to do most of my agressive riding on the GS, and after a detailed discussion with Morrie Ball at BMW of Atlanta, I ordered the standard height. #630 front #641 rear with #625 hydraulic preload adjuster added to the rear. This will give me approx the same setup I already have with the Ohlins on my GS.

Thanks again to all for the input.

[rmg08057]

..if you've ever seen the (fairly) recent video of a GS (1150) running the IOM circuit, you know that with decent tires, you can have a lot of fun on a GS.

[simoncharles]

Tom,
I was under the impression that the reccomended rear shock for the LT was type 640 + the hydraulic preload adjustment.
Simon

[bmwrubbercow]

Tom,
I was under the impression that the reccomended rear shock for the LT was type 640 + the hydraulic preload adjustment.
Simon


I will double check that for you if you wlsh. I gave the numbers from memory and may have goofed there. Morrie orders the shocks all the time and so I am sure he ordered the correct ones. When I get to the office this AM where I have the data I will double check.