07' R1200S Ohlins question - help?

[oldnslow]

....just purchased low mileage R1200s with Ohlins suspension. I'm a short-ass, and tippie-toe to touch at a stop. Bike seems to sit high. Not being a suspension guru, is there a way to lower the suspension an inch or so? Appreciated / Brad

[cageyar]

The bottom of the rear shock is adjustable.
You'll see two nuts above the bottom mount where it attaches to the swingarm.
If any threads are showing, you'll have room to adjust it and lower/shorten the shock length.

[roger albert]

Barring that (i.e. if it doesn't get you enough, you can lower one or both ends, via internal shock work. If it's done along with periodic service (when you're in there changing oil anyway) then it doesn't add much to the cost.

[BikerMiker]

Congrats on your purchase. As you begin to familiarize yourself with the bike read the "ohlins settings" thread. There you'll find a lot of good information regarding proper settings for the Ohlins. I had very low miles one mine when I purchased it also and had some serious handling issues that I couldn't figure out. Turned out to be the tires which had hardened while it sat around for 3 years without being riden. I spent 2 months unnecessarily adjusting my suspension due to my tire denial.

[brent1]

How does lowering the bike effect handling, lean angle, turn in? I would be happier if I could touch the ground a little more flatfooted. Thanks

[poldar12s]

You will love your 07 R12S. I would check the current tire condition like Mike mentioned first. Then, decide whether I do more freeway ridings or canyon ridings. Ohlins setting on R12S is so sensitive, per my experience. If I set for comfortable freeway cruising setup, it would not handle sharp at canyons. It's a bit rough on the freeway for me now but is perfect for canyons.

[cole1]

what I did was have my local sahow guy add a thicker sole to my riding boots instead of trying to lower the bike. For this worked great and cost maybe $70.

[oldnslow]

Appreciate the comments - will check the current settings on the bike (previous owner was heavier), and review the ohlins setup thread...

[akhalid40]

@oldnslow,,,,before doing anything look in the net for sag adjustment, it is very important.
r12s is a fantastic bike ..good luck,

[roger albert]

Good point, and something I should have said first (and know better, but still always think to myself: "surely they've set sag before posting). If it was set up for a heavier rider (truly setup, not just owned by a big boy) then you might gain 10mm just by getting more sag into her.
Set height and sag, and if need be, go inside. it can always be handled.

[Droptarotter]

Oldnslow;

If you have to adjust the rear shock spring preload, watch the nylon adjuster ring, they like to break.
An aluminum ring is available from an Ohlins dealer and is easy to change and not very expensive.

Cheers

[roger albert]

+1

[oldnslow]

..I'm going to try and review settings today, but I think you hit the 'nail on the head' with regards to sag. I'm 180 lbs., and I don't believe the bike drops any, when I sit on it - feels very hard with no give at all. I read the ohlins setup (thank you...)

Static sag should be: Rear: 10-20mm, Front: 15-30mm. Total sag: Rear: 30-40mm, Front: 28-38mm

Also review Damping Settings (and spring lengths).