Ohlins and bike height?

[dmatson]

I want to add Ohlins to the LT but I don't want it any higher. If they do add height to the bike, are they longer or is it just that when people add these their springs are sacked already. Anyone add these to a new bike and if so did they raise it any?

[Ted]

I noticed no increase in seat height.

[Hilton]

Hi Doug, for info the length of the OEM rear shock is 400mm. If any replacement (Wilbers or Ohlins etc) has the same length and spring rate, ride height as determined by "sag" ie weight when riding should be the same. Generally around 1/3 of rear suspension travel is OK. Don't have figures yet on the front but would also assume influences height. Sorry I can't be of more help, this is a new area for me too. HTH

[zippy_gg]

I want to add Ohlins to the LT but I don't want it any higher. If they do add height to the bike, are they longer or is it just that when people add these their springs are sacked already. Anyone add these to a new bike and if so did they raise it any?Maybe we should have a group buy and following tech sessions. I think my 03 needs new shocks... In fact I know it needs new shocks, especially with 2 up.
Seen on eBay for about $1,250 bucks or so... Maybe we can do better as a group.
Hey Tony (Deputy5211), wanna handle this one too???:D JK, man... you have already done so much!;)

[tbarstow]

I noticed a height difference after I installed them. The site I bought them from said that the Ohlins "stock height" would raise the bike by .25". For me it was noticeable. If height is a problem, order them shorter.

[dmatson]

The GS forum on AdventureRider had a group buy on Ohlins for $1092, don't know if it is still going on. I don't care if I get a deal on them and find out it raises the bike any higher than it is now.

[ronk1200lt]

When I put the Ohlins on my bike it raised the bike about another 3/4 inch. Ron

[Ted]

Doug -

I see you are in Torrance - if you'd like we could meet somewhere and you can compare w/ my bike.

[dmatson]

Thanks Ted for the offer and I may take you up on that. We have friends there so may do both.
Thanks, Doug

[Ted]

OK - hopefully it'll be an "apples-to-apples" comparison between an '05 & '03 (don't know if the stock seat heights have changed between years) but I'll pm you my mobile number in case you find yourself up here on short notice or need an excuse to go for a short ride somewhere!

[DBHutchins]

Hey gents,

Here's the physics: If the Ohlins shock is the same length (should be) and IF the spring rate is identical to the OEM spring, then the ride height at zero preload (or at max preload for that matter) on the two will be the same.

That said: you order your Ohlins with a spring rate designed for the loads you're used to riding with. In my case, about 500 lbs of rider, pax, and luggage. I'll guarantee that my new Ohlins spring has a higher spring rate than my OEM unit did and that's BEFORE the OEM job sacked out. Result: at zero preload, I'm riding about an inch higher than I was. And with my SO aboard, and half preload, we're at least an inch, maybe one and a half inches higher than with the OEM unit at full preload. But: that's the point. I no longer scrape hard bits in every corner riding two-up. I solved the higher ride issue when solo by dropping the seat back to low position, and I'm a happy camper. I don't like tippy-toe'ing this beast either!

OBTW: the RIDE is hugely improved. The damping and suspension control of these things make the bike MUCH smoother and more controlled, in all conditions. Even though they're noticeably stiffer than the OEM's too.

BIG improvement. Just do it!

Rubber side down,

Don

[WildBill]

I can't comment on the Ohlins but the Wilburs that I installed on the LT raised the bike approximately 1/2". However, there was an adjustment that would allow you to remove that extra height, if you wanted to. As Don explained this is the static height and doesn't really answer the question totally. You need to factor spring rate, loading, etc, etc. to really get the full answer. I can tell you that the performance/ride quality of the LT with new shocks was amazing. No more scraping every turn 2-up is wonderful. Since installing new shocks, with heavier spring rates, several years ago I can only remember several occurrences of scraping. I would talk to both Ohlins and Wilburs about the height issue before purchase if height is that important to you and your situation. Good Luck.....

Bill

[Randy]

I put Ohlins on a 1999, 2002 and 2005 LT. On all of them it raised the seat height about 1/2". On the 2002 and 2005 they were put on when the bike was new. The 1999 had about 10,000 miles on it.

[MZimmer]

Anyone know of a reputable place that can rebuild a stock rear shock for a 2000 K1200LT?

[roadcrave]

My 2003 k1200lt has 34,000 miles on it, and I started to notice bottoming out with two up, I just added fork oil to my rear adjuster, now when im two up its ok and firmer, It also seems firmer when i sit on it, no need for new shocks now...matthew

[dmatson]

I just ordered the Ohlins and they are going to respring with the lighter spring since i ride 99% one up and the top box is gone. Their normal spring is for a person who weighs between 175 and 210 I am at 160 so hopefully the lighter spring will be the ticket! I also ordered a Remus Ti exhaust system, when I went out to the garage and told "Battle Star" the news about his new parts he smiled and snorted!

[dmatson]

I picked up the new Ohlins today. They were resprung to the lighter than normal spring since I weigh 165, have no top case and ride one up 99% of the time. In about 2 weeks I am going to tear down the LT for a bunch of things, Ohlins being one of them.