Replaced my OEM ESA shocks with Ohlins TTX series. Also replaced the plastic fuel line connectors with the metal ones from Beemer Boneyard , and added the fuel pump flange clamp to keep the flange from cracking/leaking fuel, also from Beemer Boneyard.
Replacing the fuel line connectors was fairly easy as was adding the fuel pump flange clamp. I'm glad to have these new items on and hope that has eliminated any possibility of problems that the OEM parts could have created. OEM parts were working fine, just doing some preventative maintenance.
My 09 R1200GS has just over 27,000 miles and I said what the heck, let's try some quality after market shocks. I decided on the Ohlins TTX after talking with some fellow members of BMWBMW and doing some of my own research.
Now as for the shock replacement, that was a bit more complicated. I had ESA shocks on the bike and they worked fine, but all my research on improving a bike's performance said start with the suspension. And I plan to keep this bike for quite awhile. Removing the front ESA shock was a bit time consuming, but I was going slow and making sure I didn't jack anything up. And out it came. New Ohlins front went in fairly easy but did have to remove the alternator belt cover for the needed clearance. Rear shock came out much easier then the front. Installing the rear Ohlins went well, had a bit of a time getting the bottom spacer into the swing arm, didn't think it was going to fit but it did. There are a couple online articles on how to do this procedure which I read before and during this procedure which REALLY helped (Thanks Jim).
OK, so the whole bike is back together, except for the side panels. I start the bike and check for any fuel leaks and there were none. GOOD. Put the remaining side panels on. Now to tune the suspension. The shocks came with a manual on how to adjust them and I used the Total Control book from Lee Parks. Armed with that knowledge I was able to properly adjust the preload, and set the rebound and compression to the factory recommended starting point. Took the bike for a test ride on some twisty roads around Clifton and ended up reducing both rebound and compression on both front and rear as things felt a touch harsh for me.
Got home checked all the nuts and bolts, went for another short test ride and all feels good. Front end doesn't dive like the OEM shocks did during braking, I have a nice well planted feel. I was most impressed when I went down a dirt road as the Ohlins were able to better suck up the bumps, really smoothed out the ride. So all in all I'm pleased. Now these Ohlins COST some money was it worth? I believe time will tell. No doubt they are better and still half the price of OEM ESA units. And are rebuild able. So after reviewing what I just typed, yes they were worth it.
And the "ESA system" didn't have a fit with the ESA shocks gone, NO AMBER Triangle, thank goodness.
Took my time, got it done, and learned a lot. At this point I would like to thank my wife for all the help she provided during this installation! She was there whenever I needed her, and was essential when tuning the preload. THANKS Shannon!
Now what the heck do I do with these ESA shocks?
Time to ride,
Greg