Tyres, Brakes and Suspension » Suspension worn out?

I feel like my new to me 2016 RS should handle better than it does. Besides the RS, I also have a KTM SuperDuke GT with their WP suspension. The KTM is a 2017 with only 9,000 miles, and the handling is outstanding. The RS is better on the freeway and vibrates a lot less so it’s my ‘travel’ bike. But the Beemer has close to 30,000 miles now and I feel like it just gets tied up in knots if I try to do with it what I can easily do with the KTM.

It seems like it’s mostly the rear shock. Recently took a road trip with about 20 pounds of gear, I weigh about 205, and even with the suspension at two helmets its pretty bouncy when I get to twisty roads.

The stock shock on the R1150RTs from the early 2000s were considered to be in need of a rebuild or replace at around 30,000 miles, is anyone else finding anything similar for these bikes?

I’m probably of a mind to upgrade the suspension anyway, the Ted Porter shop isn’t too far from me here in the Bay Area. But I’m just curious what others are finding about the stock suspension. There are a few threads about the suspension setup on this site but nothing about whether the shocks wear out that I could find.

It also might be a good idea if someone started a “known issues” thread if others have a general idea of when shocks, clutches, transmissions, etc, ought to be replaced, so we can prevent getting stranded somewhere? I wouldn’t know how to do that.

Pre-load at maximum won't affect your damping. If it's 'bouncy' perhaps try the Dynamic suspension setting. I've 34,000 miles on mine and it's great although I would expect an upmarket KTM would be better. I've noticed no deterioration in those miles and I rarely find smooth enough roads to make use of the Dynamic setting.

Zitat von Sanemancured im Beitrag #4

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I rarely find smooth enough roads to make use of the Dynamic setting.

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Zitat von wessie im Beitrag #3

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As for a list of mileages when things wear out, my experience gained from my own riding and being a bit of a social media tart on a variety of media from usenet in the 1990s to recent forums like this one, is that there is no consistent mileage for these things, especially suspension. It all depends on the type of riding and suspension can be damaged in a single incident such as hitting a pot hole at high speed.

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Zitat von Pockomoth im Beitrag #1

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I feel like my new to me 2016 RS should handle better than it does.....

I’m probably of a mind to upgrade the suspension anyway, the Ted Porter shop isn’t too far from me here in the Bay Area. But I’m just curious what others are finding about the stock suspension. There are a few threads about the suspension setup on this site but nothing about whether the shocks wear out that I could find.

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This is exactly the kind of info I was looking for. Thanks Ray B!

You don't specifically mention ESA but you do say it is stock so I am assuming you have the regular non-ESA suspension?
See what you can do with the adjustments available. Perhaps they don't make much difference but its worth trying before splashing out the moneys.
These bikes are pretty heavy to start with and you've loaded it with luggage.

Oh yep sorry

Perhaps, ten or a bit more years ago, I upgraded the suspension on my Oilhead RS with units from Ted Porter. The bike was 10~12-years old at the time, but only had around 30,000 miles on the ODO. Prior to the install, the rebound damping was minimal and the sag (unladen compression) had increased. After the install, it was like I had a new bike. In fact, I wasn't a real happy new R1200RS customer for the first year. I loved everything about the bike, but the suspension seemed to be a downgrade from my Oilhead RS with the aftermarket units. Initially, the R1200RS suspension felt harsh (stiff) at the rear and there was more forward rotation (front end dive) than the telelever Oilhead RS. Of course, the telelever configuration is inherently anti-dive, so that's not an unexpected outcome. But, in time, I've become comfortable with the R1200RS and I'm currently happy with the performance of the suspension.

But, to provide an alternate perspective on suspension upgrades, after upgrading my Oilhead RS suspension, I posted a note on the BMW MOA forum about the experience and outcome. Soon thereafter, I received a message from Paul Glaves asking if I wanted to sell my old stock shocks. Now, Paul and his wife, Voni, have accumulated more miles on BMW motorcycles than is physically possible for 10 or 20 avid riders, so they know something about motorcycles. In any case, I told Paul the shocks were worn out and he could have them for the shipping. Once he received the units, I asked Paul why he wanted my worn-out shocks? Mr. Glaves informed me that my old worn-out shocks were perfectly adequate units.

So, there you have it..........