• Welcome to the BMW R18 Forums. Member registration disables ads and allows you to post and share. Register Here.

Stiff rear suspension

  • <i class="fa--xf fal fa-check "><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" role="img" aria-hidden="true" ><use href="/data/local/icons/light.svg?v=1758297946#check"></use></svg></i> Discussion starter Discussion starter BER18 100
  • Start date Start date

BER18 100

Well-known member
Site Supporter
Joined
Feb 24, 2024
Messages
789
Location
Kansas
Visit site
Bike
R18 Anniversary Edition
While riding today I was reminded that I feel most of the imperfections and small bumps in roads. Shortly after I got the bike I saw a YouTube video showing how to lower the stiffness. Thought I did it correctly.
Anyone feel their R18 base is a stiff ride?
 
Yes..... over sprung and damped for a normal weight rider on nonperfect roads at everyday speeds. I recommend a +20mm Wilbers sprung to your situation.

Keep in mind the bike payload is over 200kg.... so for 80kg me it was never going to work optimally.
 
I only ride 1up and loosened my adjustment all the way ... that works for me ... and yes IMO the R18 is a bit stiffly sprung.
 
Hi all,
Yes, I also find the stock rear way over firm, have backed the preload completely off, but it is still hard as, and I am around 85kgs with gear, so yes considering a Wilbers with the +20View attachment 19214
On my dirt bike, there are many companies that offer shock and fork tuning services. I used Race Tech here in Connecticut, USA on the rear shock and it was outstanding. They changed the compression, rebound, and changed the spring as well as the ride height. Is there anyone offering tuning for the stock shock or forks?
 
Last edited:
Noelpolar, hi from across the ditch...
Do I recall you have the Wilbers 640 shock on your bike.? If so how are you finding it, I rode a second hand 2020 pure, had 3300km on it, and its shock after I removed the preload was compliant, but my new 2023 pure is as stiff as a hard thing, with very little movement at the back wheel when bouncing up n down on the seat, with 82kgs of myself...
 
Noelpolar, hi from across the ditch...
Do I recall you have the Wilbers 640 shock on your bike.? If so how are you finding it, I rode a second hand 2020 pure, had 3300km on it, and its shock after I removed the preload was compliant, but my new 2023 pure is as stiff as a hard thing, with very little movement at the back wheel when bouncing up n down on the seat, with 82kgs of myself...
Howdy.... Yes I have the +20mm 640.... very happy with it.... I'm 75kg plus say 10kg in riding gear.... can set the correct rider sag easily (about 30% of travel... travel is 115mm) and get a compliant ride. If I bought an R18 again I'd get the same shock again.... (but not selling my 18!).
 
Last edited:
I weigh 200Lbs unless weighed immediately after eating wife’s potato salad.
 
  • Haha
Reactions: LBV
Back
Top