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Let us discuss rear shocks

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MilwDave

MilwDave

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2016 Indian Roadmaster, 2019 Indian FTRS
So it seems to me there is some potential for improvement in the rear suspension.
There are several replacement shocks on the market each making it’s own claims covering a range of improvements.
I’ll post the few I’ve found in the following posts.
 
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I’m going to stick my neck out a bit here, this is a premium bike with a premium price. I expect BMW engineers have applied the best R&D available and reached the best compromise they can, for their design brief. A riders weight could vary from 70kg to 130kg for a start and with a very heavy bike plus so little suspension travel there’s only so much you can do. Third party shock makers will no doubt say their product is better and empty your pockets accordingly. I have owned a few bikes that came with Ohlins rear shocks and couldn’t notice any difference TBH. Not how I ride anyway. I just ride the road and if it’s looking rough and bumpy slow down a bi. I find the R18 taut and firm which I much prefer to it being a soft soggy mess. If it really matters to you go for it.
 
Rufus said:
I’m going to stick my neck out a bit here, this is a premium bike with a premium price. I expect BMW engineers have applied the best R&D available and reached the best compromise they can, for their design brief. A riders weight could vary from 70kg to 130kg for a start and with a very heavy bike plus so little suspension travel there’s only so much you can do. Third party shock makers will no doubt say their product is better and empty your pockets accordingly. I have owned a few bikes that came with Ohlins rear shocks and couldn’t notice any difference TBH. Not how I ride anyway. I just ride the road and if it’s looking rough and bumpy slow down a bi. I find the R18 taut and firm which I much prefer to it being a soft soggy mess. If it really matters to you go for it.
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Agree ....Will leave my R18 FE standard (Just removed Pillion bits) but I can understand as I like to tinker with my Cars...
 
Rufus said:
I’m going to stick my neck out a bit here, this is a premium bike with a premium price. I expect BMW engineers have applied the best R&D available and reached the best compromise they can, for their design brief. A riders weight could vary from 70kg to 130kg for a start and with a very heavy bike plus so little suspension travel there’s only so much you can do. Third party shock makers will no doubt say their product is better and empty your pockets accordingly. I have owned a few bikes that came with Ohlins rear shocks and couldn’t notice any difference TBH. Not how I ride anyway. I just ride the road and if it’s looking rough and bumpy slow down a bi. I find the R18 taut and firm which I much prefer to it being a soft soggy mess. If it really matters to you go for it.
Click to expand...
While I agree with you to some extent the reality is that cost is often a factor in OEM suspension component.
I have reworked suspensions on numerous bikes and the transformation was remarkable. Oftentimes engineers make compromises and cost is usually the largest factor involved.
 
I've already committed to upgrading to an Onlins, Touratech, Willbur, etc once my rear shock has 20k miles on it; I'm hopeful that there will be third party shocks on the market, that interface with the adaptive suspension on the Model B.

The ride is night vs day in terms of a high end suspension system vs the OEM shock; I found this to be true across many platforms (cars, trucks & bikes). I replaced my OEM BMW R1200 GS Adventure with Touratech, and WOW...!!! What an improvement..
 
I just bought a R18 FE pure..... I have a R nine t scrambler.... which has similar suspension to the R18..... first thing I'm going to do is a rear shock followed by some fork cartridges..... same as my scrambler.... significant improvememt.... probally a Nitron rear shock (or Wilburs)... and adreani fork cartridges...
 
Noelpolar said:
I just bought a R18 FE pure..... I have a R nine t scrambler.... which has similar suspension to the R18..... first thing I'm going to do is a rear shock followed by some fork cartridges..... same as my scrambler.... significant improvememt.... probally a Nitron rear shock (or Wilburs)... and adreani fork cartridges...
Click to expand...
So did you do it.
 
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