Thoughts on selecting shock lengths

[f10yd]

Hi all,

Ive just spent hours going through the search function and there is just so much to read through and much of it is just arguing back and forth - so is anyone able to point me to a relevant post or chime in with relevant comments bellow:

Given the multitude of stock shock lengths that were available for these bikes, combined with the 2 lengths of para arm - how does one go about selecting the best length option when upgrading to aftermarket shocks? Has any consensus been reached as to the optimum geometry for say, solo twisty sporty riding that's not a race bike?

Cheers

["A"]

Why pick? adjustable shock length is available for many aftermarket shock manufacturers.

Solo riding? how tall are you? how much do you weigh? all that determine specs on your shocks.

[Chris Canning]

Had to smile,bit like putting a post up ‘Find me a wife’ when non of us know the OP

I run a 318mm rear Ohlins and a stock standard shock in the front,I tried an Ohlins(it’s longer) didn’t like it hence my preferred set up.

In fairness I should have got the Ohlins shortened but hey ho all along time ago.

[f10yd]

Originally Posted by "A"

Why pick? adjustable shock length is available for many aftermarket shock manufacturers.

Not all of them - and the ones I am considering do not.

Originally Posted by "A"

Solo riding? how tall are you? how much do you weigh? all that determine specs on your shocks.

Those factors will contribute massively to dampening and spring rates, but not so much to overall geometry i.e length...

Im talking about how high the rear sits in relation to the front and visa versa. I suppose Ill just match what I have as stock - but given there are about 5 different 'stock' geometry set ups over the years - I am curious as to if any consensus exists to which is the pick or what BMW were going for with each change...

["A"]

I didn't say all manufacturers have adjustable shock length as option, but some of them do.

If the one you're considering do not offer adjustable shock length, maybe you should consider another manufacturer that does.

Find out for yourself what shock length you prefer with adjustable shock length and experience the differences for yourself.
No one here rides like you, no one here is your height, your weight, or your built.
You wan the best suited for you, get shocks that have adjustable length so you can try it out for yourself for your specific type of riding.

[f10yd]

And I didnt say I wanted anyone to tell me what shocks to buy.

As I mentioned, BMW offered at least 5 different geometry set ups over the years (stock blue springs vs pre 2000 yellow vs post 2000 yellow vs BCR vs Ohlins) - sure I could go buy examples of all 5 and figure it out for myself, or I could see if anyone with direct experience has any perspective or insight to offer.

[boxerebel]

If you are looking for quicker steering , consider shortening the tele lever .(search forum for this mod)
I have the shorter torque arm and ride height adjust on the rear Ohlins, these adjustments have minimal effect.

I've shortened the tele 10mm and would not be afraid to go a bit more (15mm).

This will quicken the steering and still be stable at speed.

[Chris Canning]

Put a Verholen adjustable arm on the back,not even sure if you can still buy them.

[Nitro]

When I got my Wilbers, I went with the tallest I could get (both front and rear) in addition to the shorter paralever. I love her that way! Still very stable but the flickablity was night and day difference.

[BadToTheBown]

Originally Posted by boxerebel

If you are looking for quicker steering , consider shortening the tele lever .(search forum for this mod)...This will quicken the steering and still be stable at speed.

+1 on the Telelever, great handling mod

I like a stock length up front and ran 6mm taller in the rear with a stock Paralink (not shorter GS or Prep one) and proved twitchy with the shorter Telelever, taller shock AND the shorter link, so back to a longer one it's was just right...