HyperPro Feedback

[tonyn1]

Anybody get a chance to get the Hyperpros installed and put some miles on them? If so, what do you think?

[ecirwin]

I just installed my HyperPro shocks and I am putting the bike back together after the usual maintenance list. I obviously do not have any miles on them, but the install went smooth. The front shock was a little fiddly to get in, but from the instructions posted for other shocks, it would seem that it is no different. I got the remote reservoir for the rear shock with the hi/lo speed compression settings. The mounting of the reservoir is very tight. Combine that with the preload adjuster and there isn't much space left under the seat.

I know this isn't all the info you were looking for, but it is something.

[tonyn1]

Where exactly did you put the remote reservoir? I have some accessories under there and space might be a problem if that has to fit under there also.

[jackd]

Is is possible that you can post a picture of both shocks before you install and hopefully after. How long did it take. I still haven't bought anything yet and was hoping someone would install and report.

Steve said that they might offer another buy..

[ecirwin]

Tony asked for some pictures of the underseat situation with the reservoir and preload adjuster. Here is how it fits under my seat, without any other stuff under there. The hose on the reservoir is just long enough to put it on the frame rail where I have it positioned. The hose on the preload adjuster is extra long.

No pictures of the shocks before or after install, unless you can see a little of the rear in these underseat shots.

[tonyn1]

Looks like you also bought their remote pre-load adjustor, which takes up even more room than the stock one. I am not sure if this is going to work for me as I use some of that area for communications equipment. I'll have to study it to see if I could make it work. Thanks for the photos.

[ecirwin]

Yes, this is their preload adjuster. I bought these shocks last summer, but moving twice and settling in kept me from installing them. When I bought them, they did not offer the choice of using the stock adjuster. I do like the stock one better than HyperPro's. The stocker has a larger diameter knob with good grip and is shorter in length. The HyperPro is longer, smaller in diameter, and more difficult to turn. They put some grooves in the body to give some indication to location, but the grooves are not numbered or hilighted in any way. So, it is difficult to remember the settings you like for solo, 2-up, and full tour modes. I am going to mark it in some way when I figure out what works best. This isn't all that critical though. For solo, no preload. For 2-up, about half preload. An finally full tour, full preload.

[ecirwin]

Just thought I would chime in on my experience with the HyperPro's so far. It is still early in the season, so I am getting my feel for the bike back again. The roads are covered in sand, so caution is the word of the day. Other than riding to work a few days (city commuting on arteries and interstates), I have taken two rides into the mountains of about 40 miles each. Both of those rides were 2-up. The first ride, I did not adjust the preload for the additional load, but it felt pretty good while I was proceeding with caution. The second run, on different roads, I did turn the preload up about half way. I would say that it did improve things, but I could ride and enjoy it either way.

The HyperPros are definitely more crisp and controlled than the stockers. I was never really unhappy with the stockers, but I'm sure as I ride these more, I will realize how bad they actually were. I have to give it to BMW for having the best suspension system I have ever ridden. The front suspension is what sold me on my original BMW purchase of an 1150GS. The LT is similar and the cornering on both bikes is effortless in comparison to other bikes I have had in my life. The BMWs just seem to go where you want them to go. My favorite thing is how flat the bike stays in heavy braking.

All in all, I am happy with the purchase so far. Not overwhelmed yet, but I am getting warmed up. The SO did notice a change in the feel as well. I'll try to remember to update this thread every once in a while.

Eric

[tonyn1]

I finally decided to get the Ohlins. The deciding factor was that they did not have the separate reservoir as did the Hyperpros and the Wilbers and space under the seat is a consideration as I have some communications equipment mounted there. Plus I heard from several people who were really happy with them. They cost me $1333 shipped to my door from Kyle Racing, which is a little bit more than the group buy price recently, but their costs have gone up recently because of the dollar's poor performance as of late.

[tonyn1]

P.S.
I don't know if I would rather deal with sand or the immense pot holes we have in our local roads. I don't ever remember it being so bad, but this winter has had so many freezing and thawing cycles, that the roads are a mess around here, so if anybody's coming through here, watch out.

[dmatson]

You will like the Ohlins. I changed to Ohlins at 19K on my 05' and could feel a big difference in control over rough roads and no wallow in long high speed sweepers. I just readjusted my rebound the other day, I had to much dialed in and it really smoothed the bike out. No more draggin over speed bumps either. Great shocks.

[tonyn1]

Can't wait to give them a try. Unfortunately, my bike is still in pieces waiting on parts. I ordered from Chicago BMW, and while you can't beat their prices, their delivery is pretty slow. Fortunately, I have a second bike to ride in the meantime.

[KMC1]

Hey Guys,
I'm looking for some info / updates on the Hyperpro's.
I'm dealing with Klaus from WilbersUSA, and although I can't get in on the group buy price any longer, am pretty much convinced I am going to give them a try.
I like Klaus as a vendor, he stands behind his lines and his customers, so I'm pretty much convinced I would rather deal with someone with so much experience, who is also close by.
Can you give me some info on how the shocks are working, likes/dislikes, price, weight/riding styles etc?
I'm hoping to find someone who is around my weight (280) who really likes their Hyperpros for spirited riding over rough pavement.

Thanks in advance! :cool:

[ecirwin]

Although I have not taken an extended ride on the bike yet this year. We are supposed to get more snow tonight! My commutes have been very good so far and the short jaunts into the mountains have been good as well. I don't weigh quite as much as you (230#), but I am sure the shocks could be tailored to your weight as they were to mine.

I will say that I think the bike now rides like a BMW, where before the change it rode like a Cadillac. I don't know how else to describe it.

Two things to comment on. The knob on the HyprePro adjuster is small and doesn't have a good grip to it. This combo makes it harder to adjust the preload. Not impossible for me, and probably most other men, but could be an issue for females. Not being sexist, just trying to draw a line of distinction. Not every female would have trouble and not every male would be able to do it. If it were available to me at the time, I would have stuck with the stock adjuster that they offer as an option now.

If anyone needs the stock adjuster, you are welcome to mine. Just pay for shipping!

The other nit I have is the size of the remote reservoir for the rear shock. It is substantial in size. If you have any other accessories behind the battery, be very careful with this option. This thing pretty much swallows all the space in that area. You may be able to get a longer hydraulic hose and mount it elsewhere, but be prepared for that!

Oh, one more thing. I did not get my shocks from Klaus. I can't remember the name of the place right now, but it is in Chicago area. If you need the name, let me know and I'll look it up.

Eric

[KMC1]

Eric, thank you for the feedback. I really like your description of the ride quality, I think I know exactly what you're saying.
I also appreciate your additional info on nits, this is good info and will allow me to plan ahead for what to do with my fuseblock.

Thank you again!!

Kevin

[Ron_Kendall]

I installed the HyperPro shocks about 4 weeks ago...Have over 2,500 miles on them...1,500 of that while on a trip to the northwest area of Arkansas...didn't find a single bad motorcycle road there...another 400+ miles on back roads in Wisconsin...Conclusion: HyperPro shocks get 5 :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: from me...The best performance upgrade you can do to the LT.

In regards to the remote reservoir, the install kit came with a bracket so you can install it below the right passenger foot rest...don't know if that is something new, but there is no need to install it under the seat...if I get a pic I will post it.

[KMC1]

Hey Guys,
I promised to give an update on my Hyperpros, but I've been a little busy riding so it's taken a little longer than I wanted.
Here's some feedback on my experience for you.
First, I purchased them from Klaus at EPM Performance: LINK (http://www.epmperf.com/contact.htm) and I can't recommend him highly enough (Klaus, the check cleared yesterday :D ) but seriously, the service was outstanding, and I've heard people speak of sending him their Wilbers back when he was handling that line, and having them rebuilt and returned in under a week. In my case I ordered my shocks on Tuesday evening and they were at my door Thursday night. I really don't think anyone can do better than that.
So, on with the shocks.
With MUCHO help from BMWPhreak, it took about 3 hours to install the new shocks. The set I bought were the simple version. I have compression preload only on the front and rear both. The LT is not a racing bike and no offense to the people who want rebound damping too, but in my opinion it's not needed.
Klaus set up my springs based on the information he asked me to provide; rider weight, passenger weight, luggage, riding style, etc.
The shocks came in and were very close. I needed to firm up the front shock 8 clicks of additional preload only, and the rear is really great with the preload at about 1/2 fully compressed.
Initially, the ride was pretty stiff, it took about 750 miles for the shocks to smooth out and become plush. Until then, sharp edged bumps came through clearly. Although, even with the extra harshness, the mirrors did not self-eject - which was a common occurance with the stock shocks.
I have about 4500 miles on them now, and they are nice and firm, but not harsh with no wallowing in high speed corners, no bottoming in G-outs or any of the annoying stuff the stock shocks permitted. The ride quality cannot be compared to stock. The LT does not even ride like the same bike anymore, and really can be compared to a MUCH sportier bike than any other touring bike I've ever ridden - almost on par with most of the larger sport-touring bike I've tried. I am enjoying the LT MUCH more with the new shocks. I rode to Nova Scotia on it a couple weeks ago and experienced some extremely bumpy roads up there. In one case I actually caught what felt like more than a foot of air off of a bump that was at the crest of a small rise - that said, the bike did not wallow, did not bottom and the mirrors did not eject. Needless to say, I was very impressed with that.
I traveled on gravel roads, fire road (singular and I won't do that again on the LT :eek: :p ) and backroads, highways, byways etc. Once I got the front shock preload where I wanted it, I never touched the adjustments again. The bike handled really great, and was very reasurring over some pretty nasty terrain. This was with myself and a full load of gear - camping gear included.
So overall I highly recommend the Hyperpros so far. Bear in mind I have about 4500 miles only so can't attest to their longevity or rebuildability.

Also, I want to give out a VERY special THANK YOU to BMWPhreak who was instrumental in the installation of these shocks as well as new HID accessory lamps and fuse block. Gerard, THANK YOU - you are a true friend for helping so much. :cool: