R1200S Ohlins testing/settings...

N8Kern · 07-14-2006, 09:34 AM

Kent Sognier, the owner/operator of GMD Computrack in Atlanta has been a very valubale resource in consolidating time and setting up the Ohlins suspension that came on the R1200S. I rode the bike stock to get an understanding how un happy it can get. From there Kent and I started talking about the physical shock data.
The front spring is a 64 (excuse me if I am a little off on the actual lbs. to NM lingo, Im learning alright! lol), I have a call into Kent to get the exact if its 6.4, but we call it a 64 front spring. It is 190mm (I know for sure) unloaded, off the shock body in length. I know I needed a heavier spring, but just how much? we tried putting an 85 rate spring at 200mm in total length, but it had to be pre loaded just to get it ion the shock body. Nope, didnt work it was rock hard and almost tucked the front in a straight line!
With the shock off we put the stock spring back on, but before hand I asked for the compression to be bumped up 50% through different valving internally. Left the rebound the same. I may increase rebound though about 25%. I need a little more time on the shock.

The rear shock. Rather simple. 17NM is the stock spring rate. Way to soft for even a street sport ride. Tried a 21NM a bit to hard because at high lean angle th etire would spin instantly and not later in the drive off the corner, to hard. I have a 20NM on there now and it has allowed me to qualify the stock S with just an upgraded spring, 2nd on the front row of National ASRA Thunderbike.
Now the srping Kent gave me has lenght issue also on the rear. After his conversing with Ohlins they feel that there is not enough of an R12S market for stiffer springs. Kent can get springs made for all of our R12S. The rates and proper lengths which will aloow you to get your sag settings correct. The R1200S handles great, but it is getting even better everytime I ride it!

I cant thank Kent at GMD Computrack in Atlanta enough for taking the extended time to develop the BMW R1200S.

N8! Kern

Flatbutt1 · 07-14-2006, 09:39 AM

I know that this is pure experimentation but sometimes it seems like rocket science to me.

N8Kern · 07-14-2006, 09:47 AM

LOL, I KNOW, BUT IT FEELS SO GOOD WHEN ITS DIALED IN...

with the knowledge Kent has gained through our race weekends, he is the way to go, feel free to contact him.

N8!

Steve Carlton · 07-14-2006, 10:27 AM

Since the front shock is an emulsion type shock, have you looked into converting it into one with a piggyback reservoir, where the oil and gas are separated?

roger albert · 07-14-2006, 10:47 AM

Are you sure it's emulsion Steve?

Steve Carlton · 07-14-2006, 11:01 AM

Yep. PPR has the build card on it.

N8Kern · 07-14-2006, 11:02 AM

would that still seperate the rebound from the compression and have two seperate adjusters?

I understand piggy back reservoirs, but that seems to be just a way to reduce heat off of the shock itself?!

I really only ride the thing... lol

ask be_are_why, big science, trex, any of them they will tell you the same. I can drop lap times steadily with communication, but cant even pur gas inot the bike properly!

N8!

be_are_why · 07-14-2006, 11:09 AM

I don't know how you can jump from bike to bike {1100S to K to 1200S} and keep straight in your head which bike has upside-down shift pattern and which is right-side up? I'd be goofing that up more than trying to shift the rear brake on my old Bultaco. can't remember how many times I did that.

Steve Carlton · 07-14-2006, 11:20 AM

Adding compression damping to the front is a further upgrade that can be done as well. The front shock is not top-shelf; being an emulsion-type shock means the oil and gas mix. It can be converted, as long as there's room on the bike for the piggyback reservoir.

N8Kern · 07-14-2006, 11:30 AM

all my bikes are GP shift...!

there is enough room Steve, I just need to seperate adjusters.

I dont know, but life and staying out front will be alot easier with a normal Ohlins, or another shock with spererate adjusters.

n*!