Best Suspension Upgrade, 1150RT?

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My RT has OEM suspension on it, which is fine if it's just me on the bike. But I'm fairly large (240 lb), so with me, a passenger, and some gear in the luggage, the suspension is a little soft and bottoms out easily, even at the stiffest setting.

What's the best aftermarket suspension for an RT often carrying heavy loads through rural mountain twisties?

 

[DPeakMD]

Question for you--what does it feel like when it bottoms out? Is is a definite hard 'thud' feeling? The only time I think I've done it is once going over a wheel sized pothole and I'm not sure I could tell the suspension bottoming from just the impact. But it was an arse-jarring feeling that's all I know! I thought I had broke something.

I'm interested to hear what others have to say about the shocks. I've got an RT which I ride solo and tour two-up with camping gear.

I think they have vendors who do this at the national rally which I plan on attending. It would be a good time to have them installed. I don't think we have anyone who does it locally.

 

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Nothing so jarring. More just the sensation that the suspension (rear, mostly) has given all there is to give. I guess it would be a slight jarring sensation after feeling the spring/shock compress all the way.

 

[ANDYVH]

First thing to consider is the actual bike loading conditions. An RT has a load capacity of around 450 lbs. so with your combined load of rider, passenger (both in full riding gear) and payload in the bags, tail trunk and tank bag, it could well be exceeding the load limit of the bike.

Second is the suspension itself. even our expensive BMWs are OEM fitted with the least expensive shocks BMW could source to meet the spec. And those shocks are usually worn out within 25,000 miles of use. Only those models with the Ohlins shocks are fitted with anything to be considered a true quality shock.

I suggest a good quality, rebuildable, fully adjustable aftermarket shock from Hagon, Works, Progressive, Wilbers, Hypershock, Ohlins, custom built to your loading and riding style. Most quality aftermarket shock suppliers will only furnish a shock built specifically to your loading and riding style. Expensive? Without a doubt. Worth it? Without a doubt. Good value for the return? Absolutely! It will transform your bike.

I installed custom built Wilbers on my 94 R1100RS and its like a new bike! Best money, and the most money, I ever spent on this bike. But after riding for 13 years and 120,000+ miles on the stock shocks, this bike rides and handles better than it did at 3,000 miles on the odometer.

 

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Thanks Andy, that gives me some good direction to start looking.

 

[jlaban]

I have a '99 RT. I bought it at 61,000 mi. At 65,000mi i changed both the OEM shocks for Ohlins. Cost including installation, about $2000.

It handles very differently. It is now much more stable in tight turns, more comfortable to ride and gives me confidence in the machine I did not have before.

I think it was money well spent.

John

 

[PGlaves]

A quality on-track riding school. Star, Class, etc.

 

[DPeakMD]

Just about ready to make the leap to new shocks

Does anyone know if the shock companies will set up the shocks and then install them at the national rally? If not, at least it would be a good time to get comparison shopping. Are most of them represented?

 

[PGlaves]

Does anyone know if the shock companies will set up the shocks and then install them at the national rally? If not, at least it would be a good time to get comparison shopping. Are most of them represented?

Over the years I have tended to be disappointed by suspension vendors at the national. They have some shocks in some boxes, usually over by the tires. I haven't tried to shop shocks at a national so didn't necessarily scout them all out though.

Email Klaus at EPM - info@epmperf.com - with your situation explained. I'm positive he can come up with a solution from two or three different shock brands at different costs.

 

[bikerfish1100]

other than pulling the fairing off your RT, shock installation is quite easy- just basic nuts & bolts.
There, you just sliced $150-$200 off the price of the shocks!!

Like Andy said, any of the aftermarkets are a big improvement over stockers, I've used Wilbers & Ohlins on current oilheads, and difference is inconsequential. YSS is a good price point alternative. Paul G likes finding some low mileage stockers for cheap cheap- and that's an alternative solution as well, especially if coin is tight.

 

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Paul?

A quality on-track riding school. Star, Class, etc.

Is this in addition to or instead of new shocks? Also, have I indicated something that could be improved upon in riding technique or is this more of a general comment?

 

[PGlaves]

Is this in addition to or instead of new shocks? Also, have I indicated something that could be improved upon in riding technique or is this more of a general comment?

I was being a bit facetious. The OP has an issue with the current suspension being undersprung for two-up riding. Even good technique can't do much for that.

But as a general rule, smooth skilled riding improves the ride as much as a new shock.

 

[bikerfish1100]

...as a general rule, smooth skilled riding improves the ride as much as a new shock.

or maybe even more.
unless of course your shocks just plain suck, in which case technique only compensates against the ugliness, but still won't make things good.

 

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Well, I think I ride pretty smooth, but there's always room for improvement. I'm hoping to make time for an advanced class later in the summer.

In the meantime, I'll look at upgrading the shocks.

Thanks for the input.

 

[Ozonkiller]

Ohlins.

The product is second only to their customer service. Been using them for over 20 years on all of my race bikes and my '96 R1100RS

Tom