R1200GSA lowering options ?

[KKlein]

My Dad is looking at new GS but mine is too tall to be comfy off road any sugestions ?

[mavicone]

Hi, I am no Guru but lowering is possible of course. I would start with my local BMW Workshop or finding a good suspension technician may be the way to go. Don't forget that the height of the GSA is designed to ensure clearance of nasties on rough terrain.

[BMWBill]

Hi;
Thanks again for all the help on my lights question for my 08 GSA.
I’m also looking at shocks, and from what I’ve been able to find out on this site I basically have two options; Ohlin or Wilbur. A friend of mind (Suzuki DR guy) sent me a link to racetech.com.
They have a whole section on the GS, they sell G3-S shocks, and they even talk about how they had the GS in their R&D dept, etc., yet from what I can tell, there is no mention of all this on this site. My question is: Can anyone shed some light on this company and/or its products as they relate to the GS/A?
I’ve read a few posts here where 30” inseam guys were talking about the challenges imposed by the height of the GSA. I can relate, considering my inseam is only 27” and I’ve had both the old style and new style KLR 650. I never did lower either one, but with the GSA, uh, I’m thinking about it… So anyway, I’m trying to look into options for quality shocks that can be rebuilt and lowered.
As an aside, there is also a video I just watched on their site entitled “Getting home the long way on a KTM 950.” I liked the video because that is the kind of “off road” riding I like to do; not too challenging, yet off the beaten path.
Thoughts?
Bill

[cmartin]

I have a set of wilbers from Beemershop that I had lowered 1 inch from stock.

I have had no issues with the shocks. They do a great job.

information at:
Wilbers Shocks 10% off - ADVrider

[ca1ic0cat]

I've got a pair of Wilbers on order. Not lowered, but they can do that. Probably the best way to go if you want to spend the money. I don't know that BMW has a way to lower a GS but a call to the dealer would answer that question.

[BMWBill]

So...just to be sure, no one on this list has had any experience dealing with racetech.com? Here is what I posted a couple of weeks ago: "They have a whole section on the GS, they sell G3-S shocks, and they even talk about how they had the GS in their R&D dept, etc., yet from what I can tell, there is no mention of all this on this site. My question is: Can anyone shed some light on this company and/or its products as they relate to the GS/A?" Any info would be appreciated.

Bill

[mikec]

Race Tech has been around a long time. I've used there Gold Valve Emulators on numerous motorcycles and have always been satisfied with the results and their customer service. I have no experience with their suspension for a 1200.

I'd give Klaus Huenecke at EPM Performance a call and ask about Hyperpro: High performance motorcycle suspension sales and service from EPM Performance Imports. I'm almost ready to change the suspension on my '09 GSA and, after quite a bit of research, I'm going with Hyperpro.

Just my two cents . . . .

Mike

[pdxrmccgs]

Paul Thede at Race Tech is super smart on suspension engineering. My
impression is that their main market has been racer/offroad and it is
only in the last year or so that they have turned their talents to the
BMW dual sport market.

Probably the best motorcycle suspension book on the planet:

Suspension Bible

[BMWBill]

Mikec and pdxrmccgs, Thanks for the info.

[pdxrmccgs]

Comments:

If you figure out what type and their differences that come out
of the factory re GS suspensions please post it cause nobody
else seems to know. Not distributor, local dealers, salesman or
even Forum Talking Heads.

The design and engineering on the GS suspension right out of the box is
the best in the world. People that modify or attempt to modify the
suspension eventually realize this and change the subject.

The most successful modifications are the robust aftermarket and custom
seat mods. Seats do not change the suspension geometry and influences
on braking, ride comfort or ABS.

Ohlins and Wilbers are good, just how good is a personal preference deal.

Most owners comments on electronic suspension adjustment are positive.