No More Ohlins for the Rock

[Ves]

I just found out today, via Johan Andersson over at Ohlins, that they will no longer be making shocks for the Rockster. So, what's out on the open market is all there is...

[Beaze]

I feel lucky now, I just bought an '05 Rock with a full set of Ohlins...they've only got 2,700 miles on them too! They're going back on the bike this weekend, the seller had removed them for resale figuring that most people wouldn't even know what they were. I said "Sold and SOLD!".

[riceburner]

at over £1000 a set, I can't justify them anyway...

[sweatmark]

What then are the alternatives for Rockster suspension, aside from OE pieces?

[Ves]

What then are the alternatives for Rockster suspension, aside from OE pieces?

http://r1150r.org/board/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=14003

You either use the Roadster shocks, and deal with the length differences... or different brand; Works, Hyperformance, etc..

[sweatmark]

You either use the Roadster shocks, and deal with the length differences... or different brand; Works, Hyperformance, etc..

My local Ohlins guy looked up the specs for Roadster versus Rockster rear shock. Conversion of Roadster shock to Rockster configuration requires different shock body and change of internal spacers, which he's doing now. Other parts are same for the two Ohlins rear shocks configurations.

Decided that the front shocks are close enough with Roadster front shock length adjuster screwed in tight. Plus addition of GS Paralever link (officially noted on the BMW dealer order sticker as "BIG SILVER ROD") will counter the increase in trail due to longer front shock.

Will report after rear shock is converted and installed.

[riceburner]

Anyone know if the OE, (Showa) Rockster shock can be serviced/rebuilt ??

I'm going to clean mine up and take it to a suspension expert to see - but wondered if anyone else had tried to get it done?

My Roadster shock is definitely fading.

[Beaze]

I've got a set of basically brand new Rockster shocks (3K miles on them) that I'm not using.... With the LB-$ conversion you'd make out like a bandit

[riceburner]

I've got a set of basically brand new Rockster shocks (3K miles on them) that I'm not using.... With the LB-$ conversion you'd make out like a bandit

Well - IF I had any £ to spend that is......

(which unfortunately I don't Otherwise I'd bite yer hand off ).

[Beaze]

PM me an offer if you really need a set, like I said I'm not using them and plan on rebuilding my Ohlins when they need it. We're not all Capitalist Pigs across the pond you know.

[sweatmark]

Guy on the Buell board has some info posted on OE Showa rebuild process:

http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/m ... 1240539464

There is (or was) a shop in North America that rebuilt Showas also, as posted somewhere here years ago.

[Arjen]

My local Ohlins guy looked up the specs for Roadster versus Rockster rear shock.

Why does everybody compare Roadster and Rockster shocks? When I'm not mistaken BMW borrowed the front and back suspension from the R1100S (the only two unique Rockster thingies are the steering bar and the lighthousing/flyscreen). My guess is that the Rockster and S share the same rear shock...

[Ves]

My local Ohlins guy looked up the specs for Roadster versus Rockster rear shock.

Why does everybody compare Roadster and Rockster shocks? When I'm not mistaken BMW borrowed the front and back suspension from the R1100S (the only two unique Rockster thingies are the steering bar and the lighthousing/flyscreen). My guess is that the Rockster and S share the same rear shock...

Look here: http://www.worksperformance.com/pdf/app ... street.pdf It's a good place to compare.

[Arjen]

Look here: http://www.worksperformance.com/pdf/app ... street.pdf It's a good place to compare.

My guess was wrong.
Not only a different size, but also a complete different setup: I visually compared the two here: www.realoem.com

So it seems BMW used a unique size shock and spring for the rear of the Rock.

[sweatmark]

BMW R1150R shock suspension Ohlins
====================
From Ohlins web site 2006

BMW R 1150 R Rockster 2003
Öhlins 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

BMW R 1150 R 2002
Öhlins 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

So for my Rockster, I'm going to run the BM 050 in shortest possible length (330 according to specs above, hopefully a couple mm less with length adjuster screwed in tight). The rear BM049 is being converted to BM349 with added length adjuster +10/-0 mm. Note that remote preload adjuster is spec'd in both R1150R variants.

Hoping to pick up the converted Ohlins rear this coming week, and will report after installation of the shock and GS Paralever "silver rod".

[riceburner]

Look here: http://www.worksperformance.com/pdf/app ... street.pdf It's a good place to compare.

My guess was wrong.
Not only a different size, but also a complete different setup: I visually compared the two here: www.realoem.com

So it seems BMW used a unique size shock and spring for the rear of the Rock.

The front is also a different shock. The R1100S has a preload screw adjuster - the Rockster doesn't.