R100GS - Suspension Upgrade?

**SimonR** · #1 20 Aug 2002

'Upgraded' my suspension last year for a trip to Morocco with WP front and rear.I was happy with the BMW original ride and was initially disappointed with the 'Hard' ride on the WP set-up...particularly riding solo. Should I have simply renewed my original suspension with BMW parts or, as I'm planning longer trips, have I made the right decision to go with WP? What are you guys riding out there on the 'Dusty/Bumpy Trail'?!

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**Grant Johnson** · #2 20 Aug 2002

Is that an R1100GS or an R100GS?

Remember that the original is set soft for a plush ride, and is way too soft when loaded.

The WP may also be set too firm for your conditions. Tweak the adjustments and see what happens. See the links page for info on setting up your suspension correctly, also the WP site. It's not as simple as just bolting it on!

As a rule, the stock suspension is ok for solo and light two-up riding for about 25-50,000 miles - or less. Often people report that theirs is just fine - then they ride a bike with good suspension, and quickly bin the stockers.

(I moved your post here from the Asia forum)

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Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

**SimonR** · #3 20 Aug 2002

Hi Grant, Thanks for speedy reply...I've got the WP shock set up on its 'softest' setting already and riding solo (without luggage)still gives a hard ride.How about BMW stock fork springs with WP shock? Would that give me a comfortable compromise?

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**merlin** · #4 20 Aug 2002

hi simon,
i am about to get wp fork springs ,(ohlins rear) wp do two fork springs for the gs,
hard -linear ,and "standard"-progressive,...which have you fitted ?
the ohlins is brillant

**Grant Johnson** · #5 21 Aug 2002

The problem with ALL shocks is the limited weight range they are capable of dealing with.

A shock spring that is perfect for heavily loaded two-up will be extremely hard for solo unloaded, even when adjusted to the softest limit.

As for the stock BMW fork springs, they aren't recommended at any time, but it seems to me that you need to sort out and separate where the problem is - is it both ends too stiff, or ??

Note Merlins comments on the fork springs.

The rear shock should be compressed about 25% of the rear wheel travel when loaded, if you can't achieve that by adjusting the preload, you may need to change the spring accordingly. It's probably not that the shock is too stiff, (compression damping) it's probably the spring, and that is changeable.

It's very important to work through the correct suspension setup procedure one step at a time, and go from there with hard numbers to support any desired changes. Experience has shown that any other route (e.g. wild guessing) is a sure recipe for frustration.

A "hard ride" means nothing without numbers as it is all relative. Are you used to a Rolls Royce or a Ferrari? If for instance your suspension compression is only 5%, we can calculate the difference needed in the spring, then put on the right spring, THEN work on compression damping etc.

One step at a time, one end at a time.

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Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

**Andy Booth** · #6 21 Aug 2002

Grant,
Cant seem to find the link re setting up suspension. Is there a site with this info specific to the WP unit ?

**Grant Johnson** · #7 21 Aug 2002

Ooops - it was in my to-add-to-the-links-page basket.

Try the links page again - there are now two links in the Technical Tips section.

It is not necessary to be specific to WP or anything else. Getting the spring right is exactly the same for ALL, and the basic procedure for the rest of it is the same also. How and where you are going to ride it, and your ability, weight and load is much more important.

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Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

**SimonR** · #8 22 Aug 2002

Thanks for comments...Seems BMW stock suspension is out.That's one decision made... Will check out which fork springs I've got and may consider a slightly softer spring for the shock...Thanks again.

**merlin** · #9 22 Aug 2002

simon
i am interested to know which wp fork springs you have got fitted.

**SimonR** · #10 2 Sep 2002

Hi Merlin,

I've got the Standard WP fork springs (5180016- in the Wunderlich catalogue) which seem to be doing fine - also 2 up fully loaded. As I mentioned I'm going to try to find a softer spring for the shock which I can use for regular riding - refitting the ' harder' spring for more serious touring. Is there anyone with knowledge of a 'softer' WP spring?