Most significant performance upgrade

[RIQUE]

Lars, has a very good point. As I have improved and recovered my driving skills I notice I want more of everything. I must say that a proper tune up of the bike does wonders.

Is the paralever arm upgrade pretty much a simple mod?

Markus....you sayin I'm overweight?

[RIQUE]

Is this the type of arm I should get? Looks pretty cool too!

[Sofatester]

That's the best I know and the one I used on my former R1100S from 2003-2007.
Brand: MV Verholen
adjustable from 355-385mm.
good construction, good finish

[throttlemeister]

While it is all very correct to suggest improving rider skills, it is also very hypocritical and typical BMW. Most here don't have stock bikes, and this is a TECH forum, so by definition people are generally interested in the tech bits first when asking questions. If you want to mention it as a side remark, please do. But if it is all you have to contribute, suck it up after the first mention of it and move to the next thread.

Best upgrade in my book is suspension. Engine performance can only be upgraded by investing lots of time and money. No I take that back. First valve clearances, zero=zero and throttle body balance, then suspension.

[chewie]

PM sent TM

[OwenM]

Once you have lived with quality suspension properly set up its tough to go back to anything less.
An otherwise great bike is dragged back to mediocrity with sub standard suspension. I find suspension has done more for motorcycling in the last 20 years than anything else.

Life’s short don’t compromise.

[RIQUE]

Seems suspension is highest among the list. So what do you folks recommend. I have read that Öhlins are the way to go. Are there options within this brand? seem pretty expensive. Must one do front and rear? does one loose adjustability option?

Thanks much RQ

[bradzdotcom]

upgrades (in order)
suspension: to keep the wheels on the ground
brakes: to take advantage of the wheels being on the ground

i can't hold the throttle WFO all the time, so i didn't toss steroids at the motor.

almost forgot: mofo automatic garage door opener.
a flick of the high beam and my personal valet opens the garage. that thing is awesome, 'specially when it's raining out.

rique~i suggest you do some reading on this site and utilize the search function. many of your questions are already answered here. but to address your above post:
Yup
ohlins
yes, yes they are
yes, depending on the thickness of your wallet or depth of your checkng account.
yes they are expensive. your point is?
yes, just like a wife/girlfriend.
no, again just like wife/gf
yer welcum.

[signit98]

Originally Posted by bradzdotcom

that thing is awesome, 'specially when it's raining out.

Did you move elsewhere?

[Guest24]

1. Suspension: Penske, Ohlins and Wilbur in that order
2. Brakes and rotors
3. Exhaust/Air intake
4. HID headlights if you run at night.
5. Seat ungrade
6. Better horn (Stebel)
7. Sport windscreen
8. Wide rim


A GS torque arm is more than sufficient and less expensive. Bling factor will cost you on the others.

[Guest24]

1. Suspension: Penske, Ohlins and Wilbur in that order
2. Brakes and rotors
3. Exhaust/Air intake
4. HID headlights if you run at night.
5. Seat upgrade
6. Better horn (Stebel)
7. Sport windscreen
8. Wide rim


A GS torque arm is more than sufficient and less expensive. Bling factor will cost you on the others.

[shreddr]

i don't recall a single post of anyone here who put Penske shocks on their R-bikes. did I miss something, are they even available?

[Guest24]

Originally Posted by shreddr

i don't recall a single post of anyone here who put Penske shocks on their R-bikes. did I miss something, are they even available?

Nope, but if they are available they're the best. As a matter of fact Jeff, I don't see Ohlins as being available on the Ohlins, NA website any more. Tell if you can pull them up. the bike has been out of production since '04 if you don't count the facelifted '05 BCR which is prolly what the '10 HP2Sport (Euro) in motosport war paint is.

Penske shocks are built to order, aren't they.

[peter f]

Originally Posted by Nail24

Penske shocks are built to order, aren't they.

Well, before spending A LOT of cash for these "super duper" WP of mine...I've mailed to Penske by asking if and when (how much was omitted, he he).

Never got an answer (maybe they are friends with RB Racing).

[Chris Canning]

I bought a Verholen because in the early days Ohlins didn't come with a ride height ajuster(mine didn't),if you intend to go the aftermarket suspension route you won't need the Verholen.

But one addition I didn't like was a front Ohlins,tried all sorts to get it how i wanted,put the original front back on,perfect,so i sold it.

[Guest24]

Once I got the correct spring rate, the Ohlins were and excellent street ride for my 11SA.

[Chris Canning]

Originally Posted by Nail24

Once I got the correct spring rate, the Ohlins were and excellent street ride for my 11SA.

Hence why so many folk buy Wilbers so they don't have to go through that drama.

[OwenM]

If you purchase Ohlins from a good supplier you can get the correct springs for you weight and riding requirements free of charge. I had a good experience when I purchased Ohlins for my RT from Kyle Racing. I supplied rider weight, passenger weight and expected luggage weight and they put together what I needed for a VERY attractive price and shipped it out fast. I did not have to adjust rear sag as it was spot on for one up as supplied with the hydrolic height adjuster set to 0. The front shock did require pre load adjustment to get the sag I wanted but the tools where supplied so no big deal. Once the damping was fine tuned the improvement over the OEM Showa shocks was nothing short of spectacular, it turned an under sprung, under damped free way tourer into a sharp handling sports bike with a smooth and compliant ride without the need to play with settings for different road conditions. In comparison ESA is electronically controlled crap that does not work properly at any setting.

Kyle Racing don't list much on their web site so email them for a quote on what you need.

[Guest24]

Originally Posted by OwenM

If you purchase Ohlins from a good supplier you can get the correct springs for you weight and riding requirements free of charge. I had a good experience when I purchased Ohlins for my RT from Kyle Racing. I supplied rider weight, passenger weight and expected luggage weight and they put together what I needed for a VERY attractive price and shipped it out fast. I did not have to adjust rear sag as it was spot on for one up as supplied with the hydrolic height adjuster set to 0. The front shock did require pre load adjustment to get the sag I wanted but the tools where supplied so no big deal. Once the damping was fine tuned the improvement over the OEM Showa shocks was nothing short of spectacular, it turned an under sprung, under damped free way tourer into a sharp handling sports bike with a smooth and compliant ride without the need to play with settings for different road conditions. In comparison ESA is electronically controlled crap that does not work properly at any setting.

Kyle Racing don't list much on their web site so email them for a quote on what you need.

Absolutely AGREE, Owen. I bought the Ohlins for my 11S slightly used, so the spring was incorrect for my weight. Ohlins, NA made a deal with my suspension tuner and I got the swap out for free. The rear Ohlins on my 650GS came ready to rock.

[Chris Canning]

Originally Posted by OwenM

If you purchase Ohlins from a good supplier you can get the correct springs for you weight and riding requirements free of charge. I had a good experience when I purchased Ohlins for my RT from Kyle Racing. I supplied rider weight, passenger weight and expected luggage weight and they put together what I needed for a VERY attractive price and shipped it out fast. I did not have to adjust rear sag as it was spot on for one up as supplied with the hydrolic height adjuster set to 0. The front shock did require pre load adjustment to get the sag I wanted but the tools where supplied so no big deal. Once the damping was fine tuned the improvement over the OEM Showa shocks was nothing short of spectacular, it turned an under sprung, under damped free way tourer into a sharp handling sports bike with a smooth and compliant ride without the need to play with settings for different road conditions. In comparison ESA is electronically controlled crap that does not work properly at any setting.

Kyle Racing don't list much on their web site so email them for a quote on what you need.

You show me a good supplier who asks all the right questions,i'll show you 10 that just sell yellow shocks,and a zillion punters who don't know the difference.