Bolted up a used Ohlins rear on my R1100R today

[tedsalt]

While doing this I really noticed alot of oil around the final drive. I must have a leak somewhere there.

I had picked up used Ohlins front and rear shocks from Parts Haus a while back, and thought I would get them rebuilt. Unfortunately the rebuild hasn't been in the budget. I expect I'll require a different spring.

The front one has an obvious leak while the rear looks good. The rear is the one I really need, so I went ahead and swapped out just the rear shock today.

I have not adjusted the preload yet. Not exactly sure how to do that, or if it's absolutely necessary. I figure I'll put a twist or two on the adjuster and take it for a spin and see how it handles bumps ...

 

[tedsalt]

first test ride results -

I did notice a difference in ride.

The old Showa just seemed plush until I hit a bump, and then if it was a good one, it would bottom out.

The Ohlins is fairly firm. Maybe I need to back off the preload?

I haven't notice the Ohlins bottom out yet. I haven't ridden two up yet either.

I did also set the seat up to the highest setting (was mid).

One other thing I did notice: We have a cr@ppy curb for our cr@ppy driveway, and when I rode over that at the end of the test ride it did not hit bottom.

More to come ...

 

[beemerphile]

You adjust the pre-load by setting the sag.

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/new-.../november/feb23-05-how-to-set-suspension-sag/

 

[pauls1150]

Ohlins used to have their setup instructions on-line, but I couldn't find that pamphlet this morning. So, here ya go:
View attachment Ohlins rear bm125.pdf

Their springs tend to run a little on the stiff side when new, but age well.
You'll notice a difference when you get around to swapping out the front, too.

 

[tedsalt]

You adjust the pre-load by setting the sag.

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/new-.../november/feb23-05-how-to-set-suspension-sag/

Thanks Lee, I'll check that out

 

[tedsalt]

Ohlins used to have their setup instructions on-line, but I couldn't find that pamphlet this morning. So, here ya go:
View attachment 68604

Their springs tend to run a little on the stiff side when new, but age well.
You'll notice a difference when you get around to swapping out the front, too.

Thanks Paul

Actually the R1100R uses a BM634 front and BM635 rear and I have downloaded the PDFs for those. I'll dig into those and Lee's link when I have some time. I did reference the BMW install doc to determine where to mount the preload adjuster. Not the best spot (above the muffler), but it works.