Wilbers; Adjustment of rear rebound dampening

[bmwrubbercow]

Just realized I should have posted this thread on the shocks forum. I have reposted it there. :)


Recently had a new set of Wilbers installed on the 03 LT. After riding on them for a while now, I would like to reduce the rebound dampening, or at least experiment with it, on the rear shock some as it is quite stiff.

I can see the adjustment wheel located near the bottom of the battery, as viewed down from under the seat. "So close but yet so far". I can get my hand near enough to it from under the bike that I can touch the wheel with a finger or two but thats it. Looks like I need to remove the side plastic on the right side below the seat to obtain access.

Can this panel be removed with all other panels in place? Frankly, can someone give me step by step instructions on this? Just how hard can it be to remove this panel, leave it off while I experiment with the setting and then re install it?

Is there another way, short of removing the battery, to get to the shock? Or is battery removal a viable option? I would not think so..........

Thanks, Tom

[jzeiler]

Tom,


You can pull that panel and leave it off while you experiment. It has one fastener that is difficult to remove with out first removing the main panel just forward of it.

I had a similar issue with my Ohlins - could get to the adjuster with the panel off but not through the seat area. Then I discovered I could reach up past the swing arm from underneath and get easy access that way. May be an option for you as well.

[bmwrubbercow]

Tom,


You can pull that panel and leave it off while you experiment. It has one fastener that is difficult to remove with out first removing the main panel just forward of it.

I had a similar issue with my Ohlins - could get to the adjuster with the panel off but not through the seat area. Then I discovered I could reach up past the swing arm from underneath and get easy access that way. May be an option for you as well.


Thanks John, I need to crawl up under the bike and look up with a flashlight I guess. Did stick my hand up around the swing arm and it seemed too tight but perhaps I did not find the best route.

[bmwrubbercow]

Thanks John, I need to crawl up under the bike and look up with a flashlight I guess. Did stick my hand up around the swing arm and it seemed too tight but perhaps I did not find the best route.

Followup: Wow, did I ever make nothing into a problem! After lying down and looking up, I found that I could easily access the adjustment wheel if I inserted my arm from the rear of the swing arm rather than simply trying to go straight up to the wheel from directly below it. Guess I just didn't want to make this old body lie down on a cold basement floor. :o

[motorhead]

Now dust off your cloths, fire up that ride and go fiddle with your damping adjustments. You will be VERY surprized what a broad range of road feel is possable ranging from plushness to firm and planted with a simple few clics either way. ( Play with both shocks ;) )

Scott