R1100s Ohlins front spring question

[grantm]

I've acquired a 2002 1100s that came with Ohlins front and rear ...the rear is fine, but the front has (obviously) a spring that is too stiff for my weight -or preference...
its part no is 00180 44/57
can anyone tell me what this spring is and what weight it suits ...and if possible the correct spring rate and or other make spring options, that would suit an 80kg rider
Thanks for your help !

[JimMoore]

Is this your first oilhead? One characteristic of the telelever front end is that it doesn't dive as much as conventional forks under braking. Is that what you're feeling?

[grantm]

no ..i have had another one that had std suspension and well aware of how it works ...the front end on the "new " one is just harsh over our bumpy roads, not while under brakes, so its the spring rate ...thats why i am trying to find out what weight of rider that spring is for..it seems to be the std one supplied with the Ohlins 842 shock..i either need a light spring or the comprssion dampening eased off, but its non adjustable....

[Swamper]

Never seen a Ohlins on a S without Damper adjustment.

[grantm]

yes , but there are two types of damper adjustment ...compression and rebound ...the one you refer to and have seen is rebound, there is no compression dampening adjustment on the 842 shock. The rear shock has both.

[sgoodwin]

If I'm not mistaken when you adjust rebound it also affects compression on that shock. Try adjusting it & see if it doesn't take out some compression also.

[twitchy]

I'm just going to put this out there. I had Ted Porter (Beemershop) build me a set of Wilbers shocks for my 2004 R1100s. It is the best riding motorcycle I have owned in 50 years.

That being said, his website says he deals with Ohlins as well. He is wonderful to talk to and maybe he can help you with your problem. He might be able to recommend a spring that would work for you.

I had works performance shocks before the wilbers and I had the same problem you are describing in the front. Now it is wonderful.

He just knows a lot about suspension.

[duckbubbles]

I concur with the above. Had Beemer Shop set up a set of Wilburs for my '03 BCR. Compression damping on the original shocks was BRUTAL! The Wilburs are the magic carpet ride.

Frank

[850dunstall]

Originally Posted by grantm

I've acquired a 2002 1100s that came with Ohlins front and rear ...the rear is fine, but the front has (obviously) a spring that is too stiff for my weight -or preference...
its part no is 00180 44/57
can anyone tell me what this spring is and what weight it suits ...and if possible the correct spring rate and or other make spring options, that would suit an 80kg rider
Thanks for your help !

i have a table for the rear spring but not the front, try tracking down a local Ohlins dealer, they should be able to help, or email to Ted Porters in California.

[Swamper]

Ted told us the damper adjustment on the front shock does adjust both like sgoodwin says.

[grantm]

Originally Posted by sgoodwin

If I'm not mistaken when you adjust rebound it also affects compression on that shock. Try adjusting it & see if it doesn't take out some compression also.

Thanks for that info ...it certainly wasn't apparent on the Ohlins site that mentions the 842. However I had backed it off completely and while a little better i am still left with the feeling the spring needs a lighter weight one...I road raced for years, so am not unfamiliar with setting up front ends...but telelever is different , I know, you can't seem to set up sag the same as on normal forks..Im just going by feeling on the road....and its harsh.

[grantm]

Originally Posted by twitchy

I'm just going to put this out there. I had Ted Porter (Beemershop) build me a set of Wilbers shocks for my 2004 R1100s. It is the best riding motorcycle I have owned in 50 years.
That being said, his website says he deals with Ohlins as well. He is wonderful to talk to and maybe he can help you with your problem. He might be able to recommend a spring that would work for you.
I had works performance shocks before the wilbers and I had the same problem you are describing in the front. Now it is wonderful.

He just knows a lot about suspension.

Much appreciated , I will send him an email.

[mgp steve]

I’ve had two ‘04 BCRs. While I still had both, Ted Porter set me up with a Wilbers suspension for one of them. It was a marked improvement. I was able do an apples and apples comparison. It was considerably better than my other, 62,000 mile BCR. It as also better than the 3,000 mile Ölins it replaced. It was so much better (and different) I was concerned I might ride the 62,000 miler like I would ride the 3,000 miler with the Wilbers so I replaced 62K’s Ölins with a duplicate Wilbers.

The Wilbers front and rear shocks are a bit taller than the stock Ölins so I can’t comment on seat heights with any accuracy. The BCR stock torque arm is 14.5 inches center to center. Everything fit and had the necessary clearance (including Limberger hugger) to prevent interference with the Wilbers installed.

I’ve also had an ‘04 1100S and noted the BCR’s catalytic converters had an indent in the rear left hand corner to clear the Ölins. I see your ‘05 has the cat removed. Be aware that if you go back to stock, make sure you have the correct cat.

[mgp steve]

PS, be ready for center coils to fail.