Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
Rear Shock Set Up? Rear Shock Set Up?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by Zoe Seymour, The main road south, DRC

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Zoe Seymour,
The main road south, DRC



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Feb 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: london
Posts: 44
Rear Shock Set Up?
Hi

Currently riding 2 up (plus kit) down to Ushuaia in Argentina on a ´88 R100GS.

Suspension appears to be bottoming out even at low speeds over speed bumps (and over pot holes on unsealed roads).

I have a technoflex shock but am not sure re: the optimum set up for such a load:

1) Do I wind the pre-load right down to its max? or will this effect the bouncyness of the ride over such things as shallow hollows in the road? - I am currently approx 5cm from the bottom of the threaded area.

2)There is a red collar/dial at the bottom of the shock that moves in ´clicks´ - I am currently 2 ´clicks´from the bottom (i.e. towards the bottom of the shock) - does anybody know what this does??

Any help much appreciated.

Cheers

Nick & Jill
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 Feb 2005
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: British Columbia
Posts: 246
Nick,

With 2 up and loaded, I would guess that your shock should have the 'preload' set on maximum. This would require threading the coller to the bottom of the thread, compressing the spring. This somewhat depends on the weight of the spring. Some manufacturers have different spring weights set up for heavy/ light riders, but I don't think that Technoflex offers this unless you ordered it specifically, so it is probably averaged, meaning you should crank up the preload of the spring to compensate for the heavy weight you have.

For the compression dampening adjustment of the shock, I am 99% sure that that turning it clockwise (looking at it from the top, turn as you would to tighten a screw or bolt) will increase the dampening, but restricting the flow of oil in and out of the shock chambers. That would reduce the bounciness your are experiencing now. experimenting with the extremes should reveal the right setting very quickly.
Good luck!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 Feb 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
Basically you should have found out about this before leaving but in simple terms without diagrams

The wheel travels vertically from a maximum point to a minium point. You want the wheel to use about 1/3 of the travel (from the 'no load condition eg when on centre stand) when it is 'normally' loaded - in your case that is with the riders and luggage. You set this with the 'preload'.

The little dial is for 'damping' - without damping the bike will act as a pogo stick - bouncing down the road. You adjust it so you don't bounce or wallow - but you don't want so much damping that each pot hole sends shock to your back.


With your load you may not have a strong enough spring - even with maximum preload you may bottom out the suspension. That will cost you time and money to fix - if you can find someone to do it on the road. Best fixed when at home with a job to keep you occupied and earning money.

Good Luck

__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 21 Feb 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: london
Posts: 44
Thanks for your advice guys!

We did actually test the bike fully loaded in Spain for 2 weeks this summer and did not have these problems. On the basis we have an aftermarket shock I am hoping the solution lies in further adjustment as described.

Cheers
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 04:28.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top