Questions for those experienced in buying aftermarket shocks

[hjsbmw]

I just ordered a set of Hyperpros. As always, good things take time. I could have ordered them some months ago, but the idea had to germinate into the will to part with the money. By the time they arrive the time of riding in the mountains may be over, unfortunately.

Don, I did make sure to mention to Klaus that you recommended EPM Performance. So far they were a pleasure to deal with.

[R12RnHouston]

Hello, hjsbmw,

I’ve been corresponding with Klaus and getting quotes. Can you tell me, which model numbers you ordered and did you opt to have the HPA fitted on the rear shock?

I’m just curious if adjusting the preload with the spanner wrench on the shock body is enough of a pain to make the extra expense of the HPA worthwhile.

Thanks!

David

[deilenberger]

Hello, hjsbmw,

I’ve been corresponding with Klaus and getting quotes. Can you tell me, which model numbers you ordered and did you opt to have the HPA fitted on the rear shock?

I’m just curious if adjusting the preload with the spanner wrench on the shock body is enough of a pain to make the extra expense of the HPA worthwhile.

Thanks!

David

I use the preload adjuster with some frequency. Whenever I go on a trip with the bike - my bags are pretty loaded down - settling/lowering the rear suspension. With the hydraulic preload adjuster I just dial 1/4" more preload on the rear shock - and the bike feels like it should. Without doing that - it feels slow to turn (since the caster is increased by the rear squatting.)

If you just ride solo, never load up the bike - then the HPA may well not be worth getting.

[R12RnHouston]

Thanks Don! That is good to know. I almost never take my side cases off of my bike, carry things (sometimes heavy, sometimes not) in them frequently, and plan on doing more camping trips in the future.

After camp is set up, I might take the suddenly unladen bike for a ride. My guess is making frequent adjustments on the shock itself would become tiresome. The HPA is looking good.

[hjsbmw]

Can you tell me, which model numbers you ordered and did you opt to have the HPA fitted on the rear shock?

I ordered the 360 for the front and 460 with HPA for the rear.

I got the HPA for the same reasons Don mentioned. I adjust the stock shock also when I have touring luggage and/or a passenger with me.

[red baron]

After reading all the stories I think the way to go is to purchase the shocks from an outfit who can also install and adjust the shocks. Since I need shocks can somebody recomend a person/company in the North Texas preferable in the Dallas area?
Thanks Peter

[jkhomes]

Is anyone familiar with Works Performance brand shocks. A guy here in NM has them and recommended them to me on the local BMW board.

Another option for us to consider! http://www.worksperformance.com/html/bmw.html

[hjsbmw]

FYI: got the shocks, installed them, and set them up. It is an improvement. Bumps are smoother, curves are more stable. Small bumps like road markings or tar snakes I don't feel anymore. I think the OEM shocks were a bit worn after 30k miles, especially the rear.

I have to take more time with adjusting damping. So far I have adjusted the sag and played a bit with the rebound. I also installed a Mudsling. Looks good and looks like it should work to keep some crud off the battery and shock.

[hjsbmw]

After more miles and adjustments I thought it would be good to write down my findings. The topic of shocks comes up often enough.

- with a little time and will, I think anyone can install and set up shocks. Actually, I would recommend anyone who likes DIY work to do it, because it is a great way to get to know the bike a bit better from a different angle.

- at least in my case they gave me the right stuff for my needs. It was good I asked and looked around here to get an idea for what might be right for me. Talking to Ted Porter and Klaus at Hyperpro helped also.

- the bike rides more smoothly. I hardly feel regular bumps through the rear wheel. The front is stable, but depending on speed and road I still feel deeper pavement cuts through to the handlebars. Not sure if any suspension can totally eliminate that.

- the biggest and most noticeable improvement is in cornering neutrality. I think the stock suspension was too stiff in the front (or too worn in the rear), therefore too high in the front. As a result the bike needed steering corrections more often. With the new and properly adjusted shocks it runs through corners as if it was pulled on a string. I ride with more confidence and enjoyment.