Wilbers Shock on base model.

[Spartan]

Wilbers responded to me and they think the situation is completely normal. Here is their response:

“…
after further consultation with the technicians it is important that if you ride alone the suspension travel is 32mm and if you ride with a pillion then you should simply increase the spring preload to the stop that you ride as already written about +25mm more negative suspension travel so the way you described it is exactly right.

Because if we were to take a harder spring now, it would become unrideable on its own, so we are exactly in the green zone...”

So, for just 1 mm more preload, I will not bother increasing the preload for two-up riding.

 

[JAMUSAURUS]

So i'm resurrecting this old thread. Will the Wilber's and Ohlin's provide more corner clearance having an increased shock length?

Any more testimonials?

 

[Noelpolar]

So i'm resurrecting this old thread. Will the Wilber's and Ohlin's provide more corner clearance having an increased shock length?

Any more testimonials?

I'm 2 years or so along with my +20mm wilbers that they say gives 115mm of travel. Definately more cornering clearance... very noticable reduction in scraping. Highly recomend.

 

[JAMUSAURUS]

I bit the bullet on the Ohlins. We can compare when it shows up

 

[Noelpolar]

I bite the bullet on the Ohlins. We can compare when it shoes up

Ok... we can meet in Goolwa.

 

[synthlegend]

I bit the bullet on the Ohlins. We can compare when it shows up

Did your Ohlins show up yet? I just got my Classic a couple of weeks ago and ready for shock upgrade next. Would really like to see a comparison with the Wilbers. Thx

 

[JAMUSAURUS]

Did your Ohlins show up yet? I just got my Classic a couple of weeks ago and ready for shock upgrade next. Would really like to see a comparison with the Wilbers. Thx

Yes sir! Just published my review. I feel the Wilbers is the better product, albeit more expensive.

 

[Wanderer]

Hi all,
Question to the Wilbers users, with the 841 which version of preload adjustment have you got, and which is best for the R18 Pure ?
I am finding the stock spring is way to hard, with little movement and with the preload wound completely off my 85kgs hardly moves the swing arm... Cheers

 

[Noelpolar]

Hi all,
Question to the Wilbers users, with the 841 which version of preload adjustment have you got, and which is best for the R18 Pure ?
I am finding the stock spring is way to hard, with little movement and with the preload wound completely off my 85kgs hardly moves the swing arm... Cheers

No pillion or luggage for me.... so once sag is set I don't find a need to adjust spring preload.... so I wemt for the basic collar.

 

[Wanderer]

So, Noelpolar has the shock with ring spanner preload adjustment, any one else running a Wilbers 640 shock, what preload set up you have.?
I can't seem to find any pictures of the shock with the other preload option, so not sure what that looks like.

What about the front fork springs they offer to go with the shock, anyone have these fitted.?

Cheers

 

[Wanderer]

I like the set and forget scenario, not carrying a pillion or luggage of any note, and so maybe a standard version will suffice.
Was the much adjustment needed as supplied for a 85kg rider.?

Cheers

 

[Noelpolar]

What about the front fork springs they offer to go with the shock, anyone have these fitted.?

Cheers

Haha.... I fitted their fork springs as well.... 7w fork oil as they recommend.... also added yss emulators at the same time..... I posted about it back at the time.... done about 10,000 kms since. All good.... only issue was getting the fork caps off (thread locker on them.... made a 5/10 job into a 9/10 one).

 

[Noelpolar]

I like the set and forget scenario, not carrying a pillion or luggage of any note, and so maybe a standard version will suffice.
Was the much adjustment needed as supplied for a 85kg rider.?

Cheers

From memory, I needed to back off preload a bit to get the rider sag I wanted. Dampening maybe also backed off a bit (easily reached by hand with no tools). Our roads here are a bit rough. With new shocks it's always an issue seeing if a slightly stiff shock will soften in the next 5,000km or adjust from the onset.... I adjust from the onset and revisit 3 months later (check sag again... etc).

 

[Wanderer]

Noelpolar, Thank you, very helpful and just what I wanted to know...

I also have been wondering if the stiff/hard stock shock would free up some with use, but given how hard it is at present, I really don't want to do a whole lot of kms to find out, our roads are I'm sure in a similar state, and the ride is nothing short of Jarring and uncomfortable, also I would love a little more ground clearance...I also own/ride a 1300gs, and its suspension is very much more compliant and gives a silk carpet ride on our crappy roads...

Cheers

 

[Wanderer]

Noelpolar, I went searching and found your 2023 posts on this subject, and that brought up the following question, the YSS emulators, what size and what do they do.?
I am on Wilbers home site, and looking at getting the shock and fork springs, plus there oil, so do I need the YSS bits...

Cheers

 

[Noelpolar]

Noelpolar, I went searching and found your 2023 posts on this subject, and that brought up the following question, the YSS emulators, what size and what do they do.?
I am on Wilbers home site, and looking at getting the shock and fork springs, plus there oil, so do I need the YSS bits...

Cheers

These were the emulators:



They add high speed compression dampening as well as better low speed compression dampening... not a game changer on the R18.... but the high speed part has a spring valve that opens when hitting a sharp edge at speed (ie pot hole).

worth a read.... https://racetech.com/emulators/

 

[Dpolo1]

Evening folks!

I posted recently about upgrading to a Wilbers shock and am here to deliver. Will admit this is a short run of only a few miles but I picked the rougher streets in my neighborhood until I can get out and ride further.

It's ridiculous how much better it is than stock. Before, these same roads would transmit a small jolt to me as if the bike was hitting max travel and kinda one-inch punching you, and nevermind the actual potholes that would rock the whole bike. With the Wilbers you get (least in my order) 20mm longer length and it's preset to my weight.. the bumps disappear, feels more like the GS paralever or air ride where the bumps are still felt but more like a wave you roll over vs hitting rocks.

I would highly advocate this upgrade because it raises the ride height (you feel more like a standard than a cruiser), infinitely better adjustment and ride comfort, and you get more lean angle.

I'd hate to purchase an upgrade shock only to find it doesn't perform as stated. Big risk for me. I'd like to see more information from other buyers before I pull the Trigger.

 

[jr-111]

Just installed the Wilbers+20mm rear shock on my Roctane. I'm amazed by the difference. Small bumps seem to disappear. Corners like a dream. Very happy with the purchase. Makes me want to check out the Wilbers options for my RT as well.

 

[Noelpolar]

Just installed the Wilbers+20mm rear shock on my Roctane. I'm amazed by the difference. Small bumps seem to disappear. Corners like a dream. Very happy with the purchase. Makes me want to check out the Wilbers options for my RT as well.

Fwiw.. over the last few years I've installed a wilbers on my R18, a Nitron on my r9t and went cheap with YSS on a Triump 1200 Bonnie (mates bike).... all made a great difference. Our roads are not maintained all that well these days.

 

[LBV]

Just installed the Wilbers+20mm rear shock on my Roctane. I'm amazed by the difference. Small bumps seem to disappear. Corners like a dream. Very happy with the purchase. Makes me want to check out the Wilbers options for my RT as well.

Did you install yourself?