Ohlins or White Power?
 

Just looking into fitting some new shocks on my 1150GSA, any preferences out there. There about the same price and Ohlins has the name, but it would be good to get some hands on info.

Thanks

I've never used WP. My Ohlins was broken in Africa and it cost 411 euro to fix it! Good luck with whatever you choose. H.

Not sure if you've seen Long Way Down...but once those guys got off road for the first time...2 out of 3 of them busted their Ohlins rear shocks.

Also, no matter what aftermarket shock you get...you will have to rebuild it after 30-50k miles. Find out how much the rebuild costs and factor that into your acquisition cost, IF you plan on riding the bike for more than 30k miles.

When I considered the total cost of ownership, I ended up choosing a YSS and have been happy with it. Although all I had was the BMW stock shock to compare it to...but it was better than that.

HTH

Off Road Shock
 

If you fit aftermarket shocks because you want to improve the off road ability of the bike you have to fit the right models.
Both WP and Ohlins have more than one version of available.
WP call them Emulsion and spin. The emulsion shock is for recreational use and probably not better than the stock item BMW supply but will be serviceable.
The spin is a fully adjustable shock made to withstand harsh conditions on off road tracks.
Ohlins have the same option choosing a cheaper shock and the more hardcore item.
I do not know what the Long way down team fitted but with their lack of experience I would not be surprised if they fitted the standard shock.
Go to their respective websites, you will find all the info of what models will fit your bike.

I've been bouncing aorund on my Ohlins for about 2 years 50,000km now and been very happy with them. I ride off road when I get the chance and so far no problems at all.... yet . They never bottom out which is something the BMW OEM ones did regularly.

When preparing my bike for my year in South america, I contacted a company specialised on suspensions. The guy was very good and between Olhin and White Power, he recommended White Power. I got that fitted and it has been superb on my trip.

My bike was a F650GS, and I have done few thousand miles of dirt road, corrugation etc in South America. (see my website for details)

Cheers,

Those dickheads in Long Way Down had the wrong spec shocks! I have been using Ohlins for years and have never had any problems with them. My bike's handling has been transformed every time. Rebuilding them is a fairly costly exercise but everything needs maintenance at some stage. I have a WP rear and Ohlins front on my current ride- will let you know how they went once I get back to Australia. Only about 80 000km to go!!

Kenny

Thanks all, I will let your knowmy choice and how they work out in South America.

OE rear shock on my 1100 is, um, getting a little tired. Before I have to shell out a not inconsiderable sum on an aftermarket (or even a replacement OE) shock, does anyone know if the OE shock is rebuildable?

Wilbers is a very reputable brand as is Dutch (or Belgian) company Technoflex. These are generally cheaper than Ohlins and WP, IIRR, and possibly more sturdy in the "less maintence needed" sort of way. I've no personal experience of these, but heard good things.

Check them out and see what you think.

Wilbers Products GmbH / Tolles Fahrwerk! / Ihr Fahrwerksspezialist aus Nordhorn / Unsere Marken: Wilbers Racing Suspension, Wilbers Sports Line, Wilbers Classic Line, Wilbers Eco Line, Promoto, Hyperpro, Hagon, Heat Pro (notice the subtle advertising techinque on the homepage!!)

Technoflex suspension technology


I believe Margus has Wilbers on his R1100GS, but I'm not 100% certain.

Informal survey
 

Of the 100+ travelers who have stayed with us over the years, the Ohlins have given far more problems than the White Power. YMMV. That includes Ohlins built and fitted by specialists.

Regards

Nigel in NZ

Öhlins were good when owned by the founder. Then he sold to Yamaha and prices went x2...
Öhlins have not evolved in close to 2 decades...

Today there is a competitor which is better than Öhlins and have made changes compared to Öhlins that enhances performance.

If you look at Speedway - you'll see Engans Racing Ltd shocks.
Engans Racing is situated outside Sandviken in Sweden. About 200km north of Stockholm. I visited the plant last fall - planning to get a set of new shock from them instead of spending a small fortune on repairing/overhauling my Öhlins.

The Öhlin mono-shocks that brakes are supposed to be a warranty issue... what happened ? Öhlins Racing AB
Call the plant in Upplands-Väsby:
+46-8-590 025 00, or Fax: +46-8-590 025 80 or write Öhlins Racing AB, Instrumentvägen 8-10, Box 722, 194 27 Upplands-Väsby.