Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear?
Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 25 Mar 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 166
Hyperpro shock absorbers anyone?

considering buying one for the rear of my R11GS. anyone got experience of them?
they sound good and seem to have several advantages over the big name competitors (öhlins, wp, wilbers), including progressive springs.
any word appreciated.
cheers,
andy.
__________________
www.outforaspin.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 25 Mar 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Estonia
Posts: 787
Apparently some of the details on Wilbers (if not the whole shock is) produced by Hyperpro.

Can't tell you about the Hyperpro, but lot of good words go around about Wilbers. Search around ADVrider or UKGSer.com forums. There professional riders say Öhlins or WP may have an edge over cheaper Wilbers in terms of highest end damping performance, but it's just an edge and they argue about long term reliability. A guy I know had a long experiences with Öhlins, and said some shocks blew up less than 10Kkm, while others have done more, but leaks occurred surprisingly quick traveling on rough terrain, so he had multiple Öhlins failures while surprisingly his cheaper Wilbers proved to be more reliable mileage- and rough terrain wise.

Anyways, don't take any of this seriously either. The main positive thing is that they're all high quality servicable (rebuildable) shocks! I consider suspension as a "consumption" part: it'll blow up dramatically or non-dramatically sooner or later, it's just a question of time and your riding style. Thus it's better if you have a rebuildable shock anyways - and after rebuild you basically got a brand new shock while the rebuild is much cheaper than to buy another brand new non-rebuildable shock

Just make sure you have the correct strenght for the spring for your riding, especially if you're 2 up on the bike. Even the highest quality shock will fail superfast when it constantly has to hit the bottom because it just has too weak spring or too soft preload setting. Wilbers offers 3 types of springs: normal/hard/extra hard.

Last edited by Margus; 25 Mar 2008 at 09:11.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 25 Mar 2008
Stephano's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Abu Dhabi
Posts: 887
Thumbs up HyperPro

Quote:
Originally Posted by desert dweller View Post
considering buying one for the rear of my R11GS. anyone got experience of them?
they sound good and seem to have several advantages over the big name competitors (öhlins, wp, wilbers), including progressive springs.
any word appreciated.
cheers,
andy.
No idea about the shocks, but I have just bought a HyperPro rebuildable & adjustable steering damper for my K1200 and the quality is excellent. It replaces the original BMW one which was neither rebuildable nor adjustable.
Stephan
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 26 Mar 2008
beddhist's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Whangarei, NZ
Posts: 2,214
Thumbs up

My ex-gf had her suspension re-done by them and is very happy (DR650SE). The technician is very knowledgeable and took great care. For me the only problem was that they tend to make suspensions too hard, being in Holland where the only bumps in the roads are speed bumps. She is happy with it, however. I recommend them.
__________________
Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 30 Mar 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Oosterhout, Holland
Posts: 36
hyperpro

I got Hyperpro shocks front and back on my XT600E '03, and they perform very well! On- and offroad, much better handling, even when fully loaded with panniers. That's a good investment for sure! Greetz, Hans.
__________________
XT rules! XT660Z Tenere '08
make the world beautiful, get a tattoo!
http://dallastx.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 26 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 166
ordered, received and fitted

just to report that i got my hyperpro sent to bolivia (DHL, no problem, fast but expensive - $350). i fitted it and am so far enjoying good performance, with just the one gripe - the ride height is too low and not adjustable. have contacted the company and await a response.
cheers,
andrew.
__________________
www.outforaspin.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 1 Jul 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: South Pole, Antarctica
Posts: 32
Just a bit of a bump for the Hyperpro rear shock.

A couple of years ago, I needed a new rear shock for my 1993 VFR750. That model had been out of production a long time, so the Ohlins was obscenely expensive (~$1100-1200) if you could find one, and the other models that had been available for the Gen 3 VFR were long gone.

Hyperpro was one of the few companies who still listed my bike. I placed an order online, with some tweaks to the normal specs (+12mm on the damper shaft, rate differences). I wanted to raise the rear end of the bike for handling, higher seat height, Clydesdale body, etc.

I was amazed when a sales person and a mechanical engineer called me on a conference call from Sweden to discuss my order! I got personalized service for my one-off build.

When the shock arrived, it was in a sturdy wooden box, everything flawless. The install was easy. It totally transformed my bike.

I went with Race Tech constant rate springs up front, new synthetic fork oil and Gold Valves, and my VFR now handles like a purpose-built modern sportbike (for a portly 470lb behemoth).

I think that I spent just shy of $800 for my shock. But, it was significantly less than Ohlins, my only other option. I really had to grit my teeth to spend that much on an unknown part (I was unemployed at the time, and had just sold my R100GS/PD _for_the_money_) :-(

I wouldn't hesitate making another such purchase from Hyperpro. I'm going to be looking to them for my haven't-bought-yet 2008 KLR.
Reply With Quote
Reply


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


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
And again a shock question klaus Honda Tech 1 27 Feb 2008 21:07
Oram shock absorbers Roman Equipping the Overland Vehicle 2 28 Oct 2005 14:41
BMW 1150GS 'adventure' shock absorbers goggstrotters TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 28 Jun 2004 04:14
Hyperpro suspension - excellent and affordable ! iris_trui Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 0 12 Jul 2003 04:06
Shock absorbers at altitude Bolton Wanderer Other Bikes Tech 0 18 Feb 2003 04:22

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

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.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

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 travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

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!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



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

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 05:31.