Ohlins Rebuild

[ProductUser]

Just some information re Ohlins:

I just received my Ohlins from being rebuilt. The cost of the rebuild: $458.00. This included replacing the shaft seals on both front and rear shocks. The front was leaking; I had the rear replaced for good measure. I believe the cost was $60 for each shaft seal; there was no additional labor charge. So, if my shocks weren't leaking, the cost would've been somewhere around $330.

The Ohlins had ~25k miles on them prior to taking them off to be rebuilt. My '04 R has 51k miles.

ProductUser

[CycleRob]

YIKES !!!

My rear Ohlins leaks and it's in the box now waiting to be delivered to the Ohlins Service Center in North Carolina . . . . or somewhere else.. I was expecting like $110 for a seal +oil change and re-charge.


WNCBMW If you're reading this, we need to talk about your shop connection. I'm ready to ride.

[R601968]

I had both front and rear rebuilt. I remember it being expensive!!
They said my rear preload adjuster had been leaking and needed to be replaced. If I recall correctly that replacement was close to $300 and total cost close to $600.
They are great shocks, but can be costly with rebuilds recomended every 15000 to 20000 miles.

Happy riding John

[R601968]

I found my invoice. I was wrong total price including shipping was $420.00. That was in November of 2005.

John

[R4R&R]

I heard that Wilburs gives a big discount for the first rebuild but I'm sure thats a standard rebuild. I guess that doesn't help with an Ohlins though. Leaking seals is another thing, I'm not sure how that would affect the rebuild price.

Besides a leaking/defective shock, I wonder how many miles is average for a standard rebuild on an aftermarket shock?

[ProductUser]

I believe the cost/shock was $125.00 for a basic rebuild. I was told that both shocks were low on oil. That's a given for the front since it was leaking, but the rear showed no signs of leaking.

I'll post the invoice details later this week.

PU

[wncbmw]

Rob - my buddy says your estimate is pretty close, unless there is some major parts replacement needed (not likely). No worries! Let me know! Cold riding this weekend, maybe next. He says only a couple of hours to do it. We'll go for a ride!

Send me the model # if you get the chance!

[ProductUser]

Labor:
Rebuild both shocks AND the remote resevoir: $300.00

Parts (due to front shock leaking; rear replacement was elective):
2 seal heads ($70 each): $140.00
1 Piston ring and seal (front only): $20.00

Total: $460.00
PU

[CycleRob]

Whatever first impressions I had about Ohlins are changed now. For such an expensive, supposedly high quality product, it has a short service life -AND- it has a very expensive ~50% of a new unit rebuild cost for just a few simple parts.
I will not buy another one.

wncbmw, The box has two sets of descriptors:

46DRS rev7
OHBM 049

Next weekend has got to be warmer and it'll allow you both time for which day is better to choose - - - Sat or Sun.
You decide. CycleRob will Ride!

[wncbmw]

Rob - Good thing you didn't plan on this weekend. 2" of snow in my yard at the moment!

I am heading out of town with the family today for a couple of days. I will get back with you later!

[fnfalman]

$450 for a rebuild of both shocks isn't bad. Usually rebuild kit per shock is around $150 plus fluid PLUS labor.

$450 for every 25,000-miles is a lot better than shelling out $1600 for the crappy Tokico BMW stock units.

[daslimpet]

At 43k miles, my beloved R is due for new shocks. And again I'm reminded of replacing both front shocks on my S-10 SUV last year for $60. Motorcycle shocks seem to come with a 1000% premium on price, which is perplexing to me as a consumer. So I am obviously curious about the situation.

Is this price differential a matter of higher manufacturing cost based upon lower economies of scale? Are motocycle shocks incredibly more complex and built to finer tolerances than their automotive counterparts? Do the dealers assume that since we already freely spend thousands on recreational vehicles, we will eagerly suffer thousands more on accessories?



Something just does not feel right in my gut about an $800 shock absorber?

Anyone...? Bueler...?

[OU812]

How much does a set of new Wilburs go for? Ohlins? Just looking.

[sjbmw]

I with CycleRob on this one. The cost of Ohlins alone is enough to scratch your head with that cost.

About how long do the OEM shocks last on average?

[owldaddy]

I got this from Wibers a couple weeks ago:


Thank you for your interest in the Wilbers shocks. Yes, we can supply you
with custom build shocks for your bike. Please see the detailed quote below.

The following is some general information on the product with pricing and
pictures.

The WILBERS shocks come with a five year warranty.
The service intervals are approx 2=3 years or 20-30,000 miles.
Service is done in the US at Wilbers USA in NJ, at a cost of between $ 85 -
120 per shock.
The WILBERS shocks are custom built to your specifications by the factory
and not converted after the purchase. Shocks from other manufacturers are
not always done this way and you have to send them to a service location to
get them customized at additional cost.
The shocks can be built to lower your riding (seat) height (all bikes can
lowered by 1.5", most bikes by 2" and some bikes up to 3") as well as to
raise it at no additional cost. Alterations to your side (kick) stand and
center stand will be necessary in most cases.
Other manufacturers will not do that at all, because it does not agree with
their mass production, or way of manufacturing.
The WILBERS shocks do all come with adjustable rebound damping with 22
clicks and threaded spring pre-load. The reservoir shocks are offered with
adjustable HIGH and LOW speed
compression damping as well as rebound damping.
There is a choice between the SPORTSLINE ( BLUE spring ) or
CLASSIC ( Black spring ) line of shocks, at no cost.
Other colors can be done according to the RAL color chart at extra cost.
Delivery is between 3-4 weeks.
The WILBERS shocks are high quality items, exclusively built to your
specifications.

For the BMW R 1150 R I can offer the following:

Front:
Model 630 @ $ 519.00
the shock has adjustable rebound damping with 22 clicks, and infinite
variable adjustment for the spring pre-load via C-spanner.

Rear:
Model 640 @ $ 539.00
as above

or:

Model 641 @ $ 869.00
the shock has adjustable rebound damping with 22 clicks, as well as High and
Low speed compression damping with 22 clicks and hose mounted reservoir.


Options for either model rear shock:
# 629 = infinite variable adjustable ride height +/- 1/2" for either model
front or back $ 85.00
# 625 = hydraulic pre-load adjuster for rear shock, to eliminate the
fiddling with the hook-wrench @ $ 259.00

The attached pictures (generic) show the different models and installed
options.

S&H in the US is $ 35.00 per pair.

If you have any questions or want to talk to me about it, call me at the
shop between 10 am and 5 pm EST at 877-786-6543.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be of service.
Klaus Huenecke

Seems to me, that these are a better deal, (still not cheap) even at rebuild time.
Don

[ProductUser]

Well, after a weekend of some spirited riding, the Ohlins made the bike feel very planted and secure. Yes, they are expesive, but well worth the cost in my mind.

ProductUser

[OU812]

Thanks owldaddy. That letter really spells it out. Look to me the Wilbers are the deal over all the other shocks. (given they are up to performance) Thanks again!