That emulsion stuff (again) on Ohlins

peter f · 02-12-2008, 07:17 AM

Well friends,

After studying my lesson(s) >> ( Upgrading the R1200S Ohlins) I confess that I'm a bit confused...

I mean...just a few seconds before saluting the hot cash (see attached) are these Ohlins the good Ohlins (OK, focus on the front stuff) or the take-it-away stuff?

MaineRoads · 02-12-2008, 07:23 AM

Good question. Thats the first time I've seen them for sale outside BMW.

Steve Carlton · 02-12-2008, 07:53 AM

I called Jim at Pro Pilot, and those are the same shocks you'd get on the bike with the Ohlins option or over the counter at a BMW dealer. He's not getting them from Ohlins, but from a buddy at a BMW dealer he works with. He does include the free valving and re-springing as necessary for the rider's weight and riding style, and guarantees the seals for 1 year and valving for life.

MaineRoads · 02-12-2008, 07:54 AM

Thanks Steve.

MaineRoads · 02-12-2008, 08:53 AM

3K plus to have the full treatment. Thats with Pro pilots full upgrade. I'll have to find a used set than do the upgrade.

peter f · 02-12-2008, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaineRoads

3K plus to have the full treatment. Thats with Pro pilots full upgrade. I'll have to find a used set than do the upgrade.

Yikes! (0.8++K for the valves/canisters?)

Maybe I'll stick to that "good old" nitrogen-oil cocktail... he he

MaineRoads · 02-12-2008, 09:12 AM

Plus your saving 600 over what BMW charges for the base set!

peter f · 02-12-2008, 09:36 AM

Hmmm...good point

Wilber stuff maybe? (although I suspect that you get the "front nitrogen cocktail" as standard)

see > http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65477&highlight=r1200gs+ride+height

Bob Hancock · 02-12-2008, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaineRoads

3K plus to have the full treatment. Thats with Pro pilots full upgrade. I'll have to find a used set than do the upgrade.

Other than the preload adjustment the OEM Ohlins work quite well for me. And I only set the preload once, which should be good for the life of the bike in my hands. I suspect all the emulsion fixes are needed for riders more aggressive than me.
The over-the-counter prices are quite shocking though. $2,674 retail and $2,162 as discounted, versus the $690 I paid for the Sports Package.

MaineRoads · 02-12-2008, 10:48 AM

I was quoted these prices on Wilbers. Looks like thats the route I'll take at some point.
630-816-000 - $509.85 Front
640-816-000 - $509.85 Rear
625-046-000 - $253.75 Remote preload adjuster (recommended)

peter f · 02-12-2008, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Hancock

Other than the preload adjustment the OEM Ohlins work quite well for me. And I only set the preload once, which should be good for the life of the bike in my hands. I suspect all the emulsion fixes are needed for riders more aggressive than me.
The over-the-counter prices are quite shocking though. $2,674 retail and $2,162 as discounted, versus the $690 I paid for the Sports Package.

Erm...you mean the R12S sports package option - I guess? (FYI - in Greece that includes the back Ohlins ONLY, "economy of scale" maybe? he he).

jduke · 02-12-2008, 10:55 AM

I've heard good things about Wilbers, I would think their R12S stuff would be good too. Especially when you're looking to save almost a grand.....leaves plenty of room to have the setup to your specific weight and riding style.

Bob Hancock · 02-12-2008, 10:57 AM

Peter....yep....it means the Ohlins upgrade on both ends. I was only slightly disappointed that the shocks didn't have the remote preload on the rear or the separate reservoirs like my R11S had, but after removing the charcoal cannister so I could get at the adjuster on the front and then setting the sag and rear ride height, I've been quite pleased with how the bike does. No complaints for a nominal street rider like me.

peter f · 02-12-2008, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaineRoads

I was quoted these prices on Wilbers. Looks like thats the route I'll take at some point.
630-816-000 - $509.85 Front
640-816-000 - $509.85 Rear
625-046-000 - $253.75 Remote preload adjuster (recommended)

Yikes!

Check (see attached) prices in Europe...given the Dollar/Euro rating..

PS: the 642-816-00 (rear) is rather "apples-to-apples" to Ohlins ("combines" 640+625 ???).

peter f · 02-20-2008, 07:39 AM

But wait a minute (see attached - HP2 Sport)

Does this means that there's a NO emulsion Ohlins already available? (at least as "OEM" spare part for that wild thing).

Thus...and since geometry should be the same (12S<>HP2S) ...maybe (just maybe) ...well you can imagine...

lee1980 · 02-20-2008, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peter f

But wait a minute (see attached - HP2 Sport)

Does this means that there's a NO emulsion Ohlins already available? (at least as "OEM" spare part for that wild thing).

Thus...and since geometry should be the same (12S<>HP2S) ...maybe (just maybe) ...well you can imagine...

I like your thinking Peter, would imagine it would fit but only problem would be the adjuster on end of shock (looking in pics looks like thumb wheel for rebound i guess) would mean you would need to cut hole or remove the centre tank panel on R1200s to use that adjuster i think!

peter f · 02-20-2008, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lee1980

I like your thinking Peter, would imagine it would fit but only problem would be the adjuster on end of shock (looking in pics looks like thumb wheel for rebound i guess) would mean you would need to cut hole or remove the centre tank panel on R1200s to use that adjuster i think!

Yikes! was "that" close... (but again some E.T. fingers could do the trick, he he)

Steve Carlton · 02-20-2008, 07:59 AM

Per Jim, the correct nomenclature for the emulsion-type shock is "root beer float." The oil/gas separated-type of shock provides more consistent performance as the shock gets worked up during a ride.

roger albert · 02-20-2008, 09:34 AM

> and since geometry should be the same (12S<>HP2S)

I'm sure that's not definite, and given the history of the HP2 line, not even a good bet.
Could be, but in no way for sure.

As for the emulsion front shock, it's actually a pretty good one. They seem to need rebuilding at a slightly shorter interval, but work quite well. If you're not racing, or running a very quick pace on a bumpy track, they do fine. Yes, the full pop unit is better, but my much less than many folks believe and certainly by less than the guys trying to hawk shocks, if they're completely honest and throw profit motive aside.

Also, unless you frequently shift from 1up to 2up (not super common on the 12S, vs the 11S) then a lack of a remote preload adjuster in not only a minus, but a plus. It is a higher performance unit. The manual rings are lighter, cheaper, simpler and don't bleed down, thus needing rebuilding less, and less expensively when they do.

Basically, the factory Öhlins units are still a bargain. If you need to tweak preload all the time, you're not doing something right, especially on a bike this stable.

peter f · 02-20-2008, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roger albert

> and since geometry should be the same (12S<>HP2S)

I'm sure that's not definite, and given the history of the HP2 line, not even a good bet.
Could be, but in no way for sure.

As for the emulsion front shock, it's actually a pretty good one. They seem to need rebuilding at a slightly shorter interval, but work quite well. If you're not racing, or running a very quick pace on a bumpy track, they do fine. Yes, the full pop unit is better, but my much less than many folks believe and certainly by less than the guys trying to hawk shocks, if they're completely honest and throw profit motive aside.

Also, unless you frequently shift from 1up to 2up (not super common on the 12S, vs the 11S) then a lack of a remote preload adjuster in not only a minus, but a plus. It is a higher performance unit. The manual rings are lighter, cheaper, simpler and don't bleed down, thus needing rebuilding less, and less expensively when they do.

Basically, the factory Öhlins units are still a bargain. If you need to tweak preload all the time, you're not doing something right, especially on a bike this stable.

pretty wise points I must admit

as for my "quest" for the "perfect" Ohlins...erm..has to do with the B/C road(s) condition here in Greece (rather VERY bumpy) and , well, the pace that you could afford to follow (some of them rather deserted).

but viewed within a certain perspective...sense and sensibility should dictate any choice...especially with a BMW bike on hand...thus I think that I'll follow your suggestions.