Wilbers Strut Install 2006 R1200RT, Front +Rear 40,000miles

[billhilow]

The front is shock installed. You needn't remove the entire gas tank at all and in fact I just wanted to post a couple pictures to hopefully fill in a void where there is little light on the topic of the front shock removal on a '05 through 2010. R12 RT. It only takes about an hour. If you know what you're doing. You need a 15 mm socket. The cap or the nut that secures the top of the shock is only torqued on about 15 NM. Very easy to remove. The bottom is well. There's absolutely no reason to heat that bolt as it readily comes out with a t47 torx bit. I used a 3/8 in ratchet and a 4 and 1/2-in extension and easily backed it out. The rear was also very easy to install. A small modification is required due to the length of the bushing which retains the top mount bolt. Don't quote my exact dimensions but the top sleeve is about 15 mm too long and needs to be cut. I've ridden it. Probably 1200 mi now and everything is tight. There's no slop whatsoever in the rear or front. In normal mode the bike sits. It's so much lower in the front noticeably lower at least 2 and 1/2 in lower in stance. It has been a world of difference and well worth the $2,000. There was no mention made of what the miscellaneous charge was as my converted shocks were returned. Boots mangled. Attached as a photo of my solution or work around I should say to obtaining a proper fitting seal. I used the heaviest heat shrink I could find and slid it over the entire length of the connector. Photo is attached. There is no need for the zip ties as it shrinks down. So tightly and it hears so well to the clean aluminum alloy entry point that it's a solution unto itself. This type of heat shrink has an internal membrane which forms a watertight seal. Irrelevant to amount or reduction from normal or sold dimension. It shrinks down to almost about 3/16 in from 1 in is pretty amazing stuff.

 

[knwyman]

Thanks for posting this & nice write up! I had to remove the front shock on my 2012RT to replace the rebound stepper motor, one of the coils was open. It’s a pretty straightforward job that anyone with a little mechanical aptitude can handle. I’ll throw in a tip: make sure the shock is fully unloaded by raising the front of the bike so the front wheel tire is just touching the floor.

Another note: I had no trouble with the lower bolt either but it wouldn’t surprise me if others needed a bit of heat. Not sure if these bolts were loc-tited from the factory, my bike already had the Wilbers on it, but I also wouldn’t be surprised to find that bolt seized up in there especially if the bike was ridden on salty, calcium chloride, etc. roads. You really don’t want to pull the threads out of the telever arm!

 

[billhilow]

Thanks for posting this & nice write up! I had to remove the front shock on my 2012RT to replace the rebound stepper motor, one of the coils was open. It’s a pretty straightforward job that anyone with a little mechanical aptitude can handle. I’ll throw in a tip: make sure the shock is fully unloaded by raising the front of the bike so the front wheel tire is just touching the floor.

Another note: I had no trouble with the lower bolt either but it wouldn’t surprise me if others needed a bit of heat. Not sure if these bolts were loc-tited from the factory, my bike already had the Wilbers on it, but I also wouldn’t be surprised to find that bolt seized up in there especially if the bike was ridden on salty, calcium chloride, etc. roads. You really don’t want to pull the threads out of the telever arm!

You're humbly welcome.

 

[billhilow]

Thanks for posting this & nice write up! I had to remove the front shock on my 2012RT to replace the rebound stepper motor, one of the coils was open. It’s a pretty straightforward job that anyone with a little mechanical aptitude can handle. I’ll throw in a tip: make sure the shock is fully unloaded by raising the front of the bike so the front wheel tire is just touching the floor.

Another note: I had no trouble with the lower bolt either but it wouldn’t surprise me if others needed a bit of heat. Not sure if these bolts were loc-tited from the factory, my bike already had the Wilbers on it, but I also wouldn’t be surprised to find that bolt seized up in there especially if the bike was ridden on salty, calcium chloride, etc. roads. You really don’t want to pull the threads out of the telever arm!

How are you liking the new shocks?

 

[knwyman]

How are you liking the new shocks?

I’m still adjusting to them. I came off an 04 RT with Öhlins which were set up great for me. My 2012 RT came with the Wilbers & they feel like they’re sprung for a heavier rider then I. But, with the preload on one helmet, it’s acceptable. The comfort damping setting works well around town at low speed, normal seems to be the ticket for highway riding & sport works well on the twisty roads I enjoy most.

I put a set of Dunlop road smart IV on the bike & I love how quick they are to turn. But on the highway, the front end is very nervous & the bike wanders far too much for my preference. I’m trying lower air pressures & will got to 34f/38r tomorrow. Currently at 36f/42r based on the recommendation in the owners manual for rider with load. It occurs to me that I really don’t have much of a load at my weight of 165lb & the side cases with about 10lbs of gear. I hope I can get that front end to stabilize on the highway otherwise I’m going to go back to Michelin road 6 despite my displeasure at how they wore on my 04RT.

 

[billhilow]

Just to follow up,

How are you liking the new shocks?

Have you replaced the rear unit? I didn't find any follow up. I've been riding high in the saddle recently. Two-up and Sport Mode. I've long legs but it the aforementioned Sport mode I'm barely able to put the soles of my shoe on the pavement. The Wilbers in this setting are compliant and no detected harshness. The shocks behave similar to single rider mode, great rebound and superior dampening. The R12RT is such a great platform on which to build or restore. Why not share you thoughts on the rear ESA? Just curious to hear others comments on this fantastic update to an incredible machine.