Shocks

Post by **Boxer** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 8:17 pm

How long are the OEM shocks supposed to last until it becomes...Ahh, how shall I say it?...uncomfortable or unsafe?

I would imagine it'd be like car shocks in that one never really notices how bad they are until new ones are installed.

I have 43K on the OEM. Should I be getting a new set? I've located a set that were taken off a new bike and replaced with aftermarket shocks. The guy is asking $300 for both OEM shocks. Good deal? Or no?

Post by **Pat** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 9:21 pm

I asked the same question a couple years ago...... seems 18,000 miles is the most often repeated point at which OEM's might be replaced. On the other hand, I've had people answer, "If they ain't leaking, they're still good...."

I would suggest that if a guy were to replace his factory shocks with something like affordable 'Works Performance' as early as 10,000 miles, he would notice a difference. 43,000 miles? I say treat yourself to some aftermarket shocks unless those OEM's have some'n like 6,000 miles and are available for next to nothing.

Post by **MikeCam** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 9:22 pm

Phil,

Old shocks can be tested but I don't have the reference. I'll bet many guys here will know it -- simple garage floor test. Possible, given the conditions, age, and such at 43K to need/benefit from new ones.

Used shocks, if you are confident the seller can represent them well, are a good deal at $300. You have to determine if his short period of use and the subsequent storage were in any way deleterious. But sounds like a good opportunity.

M

Post by **KHaynes** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 4:32 am

When I bought the rear Ohlins for my RT, the dealer recommended rebuilds at 40,000km (25,000 miles). That recommendation, of course, could be to keep the rebuild market moving but it's probably about right.

Paul Mihalka · Post by **Paul Mihalka** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 6:06 am

On my '99 R1100RT I had to send out my Ohlins to rebuild about every 40K miles. My '02 R1150R now has 32K miles still with the stock shocks and they still feel good. I was practically given a set of close to new (2K miles) Rockster shocks. They have different BMW part numbers from the R1150R Roadster, but in Ohlins and Wilbers they carry the same number. I guess they will install. Anybody knows what the differences are between BMW Roadster and Rockster shocks? I've read that the front Rockster shock is a bit shorter than the Roadster one. What would that do to handling?

R4R&R · Post by **R4R&R** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 10:22 am

Pat wrote:On the other hand, I've had people answer, "If they ain't leaking, they're still good...."

I asked at my dealer about replacement and they told me that - it they aren't leaking, they're ok. I'm pushing 35k miles now and while it's not obvious, it seems like I can't ride as fast as I used to in the turns.

Post by **ProductUser** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 11:32 am

I replaced my OEM shocks at 25k (I now have 36k). Like others have said, the consensus is that they should be replaced at 18k. Did I notice a difference? Perhaps a little, but I'm sure more experienced riders would notice the difference more than I did. I replaced them for safety concerns.

ProductUser
'04 R

Post by **wncbmw** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 1:20 pm

I am only a good Sunday ride from the 18K mark and I am planning to replace mine this spring. Although it may be just poor riding

, but I swear I notice a little more looseness or twitchiness while riding the twisties, using my normal settings.

My wife gave me a set for my old RS years ago after about 40K and I thought I had a new bike! It was wonderful! I don't expect that dramatic a change this time but have a friend in the shock business that can get me a deal on Ohlins or Penskes, so I will be making the plunge this spring.

Post by **Boxer** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 2:09 pm

...have a friend in the shock business...

I once had a friend in the shock business, but he got electrocuted! Ba-dump-bump-BwahHaHaHaHa!

A friend!? Hmmm? Is any friend of yours a friend of his?

Post by **wncbmw** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 1:33 pm

Is any friend of yours a friend of his?

I can ask if you are interested. He actually does a lot of business and gets a big discount for volume. And works out of his basement (no overhead). And lives two doors down.

You might have to ride up here for installation! We can go riding!

mfbRSV · Post by **mfbRSV** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 10:56 pm

Paul Mihalka wrote:I was practically given a set of close to new (2K miles) Rockster shocks. They have different BMW part numbers from the R1150R Roadster, but in Ohlins and Wilbers they carry the same number. I guess they will install. Anybody knows what the differences are between BMW Roadster and Rockster shocks? I've read that the front Rockster shock is a bit shorter than the Roadster one. What would that do to handling?

Rockster Shock specs:
Ãƒâ€“hlins shock absorber
Part No. BM 349
Type 46DRS
Length 372 mm
Stroke 50 mm

Part No. BM 350
Type 36DRL
Position front
Length 324 +10/-0 mm
Stroke 75 mm

Roadster Shock specs:
Ãƒâ€“hlins shock absorber
Part No. BM 049
Type 46DRS
Length 366 mm
Stroke 56 mm

Part No. BM 050
Type 36DRL
Position front
Length 334 +6/-4 mm
Stroke 73 mm

http://www.ohlinsusa.com/cgi-bin/dbsok/ ... ategory=mc

With the Rockster setup your bike will have less trail, which will make it turn in a little quicker and hold a tighter line in the twisties stuff . Slap them puppies and enjoy the ride!

BTW, my Mille R came with Ohlins and the service schedule recommends servicing the shock every 14,500 miles of road use & every 6,000 for racing. YMMV may vary depending on how hard you ride the road conditions you ride on.

Phil & Vann - Hey guys!

Phil - Get the Ohlins, you will be very pleased.

Regards,
Mark

djwaudio · Post by **djwaudio** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 11:37 pm

I noticed my shocks were toast this summer after a lot of two up riding and having to continually add pre-load to the rear. I started to feel the bike taking bumps not so gracefully. It felt downright squirmy! My mechanic also noticed my steering damper was blown. So I took the plunge with Wilbers shocks and a Hyperpro active damper.

The difference when I got the bike back was dramatic. The bike was taller by a half inch, and the handling was much improved. I couldn't be happier. With the engine in the prime of it's life and the suspension brand new, it's good times on the R!

The owner of the original shocks upgraded for a reason. You may want to think about getting a rebuild-able set from Ohlins or Wilbers. I was quoted $70 to have the Wilbers rebuilt in the US.

Paul Mihalka · Post by **Paul Mihalka** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 6:36 am

Mark,
Thanks for the very precise info. It is exactly what I was looking for. I'm glad my Ohlins did last about 40K before service. Doing it at 14.500 would be two or three times a year for me.

Post by **Boxer** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 7:02 am

Hi Mark! Good to hear from you. Sounds like the Rock is still rolling.

We'll have to plan on another western NC ride this season.

The Ohlins are just beyond my price range and my plastic has taken a beating with this hobby. The OEMs for $300 sound good to me. The guy said he never used them and had the Ohlins installed before he even rode the bike.

Maybe I'll take the Lance approach and just ride on these old ones until I see them leaking!

Thanks for all the advice.

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