The Suspension Thread!!! BOOING

[RSL]

Actually, it seems to be the Euro bikes that get the latest Bosch sensors.

I read somewhere about the integration of the Bosch auto unit with the motorcycle group to reduce the high cost of development and implementation. The 6th generation of motion sensor is a fraction of the size the first one was. So much smaller than the one I had under the seat of my BMW.

With a tiny centralized unit gathering the motion information and controlling the strength of the shock magnetic field, the shocks and fork cartridge becomes simpler and less expensive.

Yet one more reason I remain upset with the two presidential approvals for the transfer of Magnequench to China.

 

[RSL]

In the mean time, my Mupo selection has proven to be a significant improvement. Relatively expensive compared to the initial Strada purchase price though.

Chasing a rabbit on a Ducati last weekend left me impressed with how the tires were so much better connected with the often poor pavement.

Another huge conclusion I'm arriving at is that the rear tire life will be vastly increased because of this much improved tire/road contact.

For those looking at the Hypermotard and SP, I would carefully weigh the price difference with the cost of adding Mupo.

 

[N4teTheGreat]

I'm going to have to deal with the suspension on my Hypermotard (2015) eventually. Overall I like the plush feel (reminds my of my mountain bikes) and it's WAY better than my old Honda 599. That said, I was getting a little rowdy last weekend and needed to scrub speed in a hurry (these things happen when you buddy sees the side road and you don't) and I got some ABS feedback due to the bumpy road. I definitely want to make sure the bike stays planted in situations like that as my favorite roads are often not very smooth.

 

[kuksul08]

In the mean time, my Mupo selection has proven to be a significant improvement. Relatively expensive compared to the initial Strada purchase price though.

Chasing a rabbit on a Ducati last weekend left me impressed with how the tires were so much better connected with the often poor pavement.

Another huge conclusion I'm arriving at is that the rear tire life will be vastly increased because of this much improved tire/road contact.

For those looking at the Hypermotard and SP, I would carefully weigh the price difference with the cost of adding Mupo.

I thought the latest BMWs have active suspension?

I've learned a lot about suspension recently. A very important value to consider is the fundamental frequency of a suspension system. Basically, the natural rate at which the wheel wants to move, based solely on the mass and spring rate. Of course, there are multiple masses (bike, rider, sprung & unsprung weight), and various spring rates (seat, suspension, tires, frame stiffness), but the concept can be looked at generally.

Basically the takeaway was that for slower riding and more comfort, you want a lower frequency. For higher speeds and performance, you want a higher frequency so it can adapt to changes more quickly. Unfortunately you can't have the best of both worlds. A comfy setup will get out of control when put under high demands, and a race setup will suck at being comfortable. Finding that very narrow balance is where the whole suspension tuning industry comes in. There are certain frequencies that are naturally pleasing to humans, such as 1Hz. Or why people like the slower rumble of a Harley engine, but hate the high frequency buzz of the new S1000XR. Too slow, and you start getting sea-sick. Very interesting how man and machine must mesh at a higher level than simply maintaining the best traction or most efficiency.

Anyway just some random stuff I'd share. I'd be interested to ride a Mupo setup one day. I've been able to dial in my SP to be very good at aggressive riding, but it leaves a lot to be desired when commuting or hitting very rough roads.

 

[RSL]

DYNAMIC ESA
With the optional Dynamic ESA, BMW Motorrad offers an electronic suspension which taps into a whole new range of possibilities as well as providing maximum riding safety and performance. This semiactive suspension monitors the vertical movement of front and rear wheel control in travel and speed as well as other parameters by means of a spring travel sensor in each position and adapts the damping automatically to the situation depending on riding conditions and the manoeuvres being carried out by the rider. Damping adjustment of the spring struts at front and rear is effected by means of electrically controlled regulation valves. The drastically improved contact between road and tyres means that Dynamic ESA can provide a previously unequalled sense of security.

Dynamic ESA does not work as a self-contained system, but is able to communicate with the other control systems – BMW Motorrad ABS as well as Automatic Stability Control ASC.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPjpSNeOoCE

 

[RSL]

Ducati Semi Active Skyhook Suspension

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5zblLY4R3Y

 

[RSL]

Sport Rider's Semi Active Suspension article.

LINK: Semi-Active Suspension | Sport Rider

My question about the use of GM pioneered shocks was because it appears to be a far simpler means of accomplishing what the latest semi active suspension systems do. Using the same electronics, I would think that it would be less complex and less expensive on the shock end of the package.

 

[BadToTheBown]

I thought the latest BMWs have active suspension?

I believe it is semi-active. We called it a magic carpet. Rode it on an S1000RR on track and you gotta love it. It works.

 

[zippy49]

Question for those who have upgraded or changed the suspension - can you please list your weight and the spring rate used in your setup both front and rear? And perhaps preload if you have that too?

I've been playing around a bit with my bike, talking to a couple suspension gurus, took some high-speed video, comparing the numbers to other bikes. Trying to figure out a more plush suspension setup. The SP is set up for the track, and thus is very stiffly sprung for minimal chassis movement. It's A+ on smooth back roads, but leaves a lot to be desired on rough roads. I generally use about 1/2 of the total travel after a ride.

I already changed the rear spring to something slightly softer... 100N/mm versus 110N/mm. Really helped, but I think I could still go lighter. I'm thinking about 90N/mm in the rear and .6 to .65kg/mm fork springs. But that's just a guess right now. The goal being to make it more "motard" and less "racebike".

If you look at the first part of this thread you'll find my setup numbers. Unless you are a flyweight those spring rates will be too soft. In fact, they match the stock rate (.63) on a regular Hyper. I run .85s in just about everything and weigh maybe 170 in full gear.

 

[toeslider]

As the owner of a 939 Hyperstrada, I'm keen to stop the front end turning itself into a pogo-stick on bumpy roads. The stock rear shock performs OK, but I've got the preload wound up to the max in the interests of centrestand preservation (and no, I don't want to take it off). I'm 75kg in riding gear, so somewhere near Tom's spring rates would appear a good place to start. Then the questions arise. Ohlins or Nitron at the rear? Andreani or Race Tech cartridges up front? All advice gratefully received.

Re: magna-ride suspension fluid. It was originally developed (by the Chinese I believe) to keep suspension bridges stable in high winds. As for future developments, I'm hoping Ducati gets to use the ultra-light and quick-reacting composite springs that Audi is developing before it gets sold off to pay the Volkswagen Group's massive emissions bill.

 

[MartyGarrison]

I was in your same boat six weeks ago. My research pointed me to Ohlins or Mupo for the shock and Mupo carts. I ended up with an Ohlins TTX36 shock only because I liked the look more than the Mupo shock. I went with Mupo K911 carts which is the high end racing model. Mupo makes one cart that is somewhat cheaper than the 911 which fits the hyperstrada but I said what the heck. My suspension guy did not recommend Andreani based on quality? nor Nitron based on lack of US based service.

RSL has detailed experience with this same question, and one other member Zipp? put Race Tech valves in and seems happy. I have Race Tech front and back on my CRF250 and it's amazing.

 

[RSL]

So much information on this thread, and others here and other forums.

I spent the time reading before spending my money. A worthwhile process yhat has me satisfied with my Mupo decision.

In addition, having either the time, tools and ability or a 1st rate suspension person is important.

 

[RSL]

First day which included Alderpoint Road, which may better classified as a goat road. Rough and potholed is a understatement. The other riders were very concerned about bent rims.

The Mupo performed at a level that matches the supermoto design of the bike. Specifically, the fork cartridges ameliorated the hits that came through the handlebars before. The shock can still kick your bottom but it still absorbs where before it would throw the rear tire in the air.

A smooth part of Alderpoint Road:

 

[Hyp Noob]

Alderpoint is a great suspension tester road for sure! I like it best on my DR650, but my set up old Vstrom did well there too. There are some nice dirt roads in the area that take you South down past Zenia, Ketenporn all the way to Covelo. Lots to explore in every direction.

From Covelo there is a nice paved road heading East. Not bad. Lots more up North as you've discovered. Have fun! Safe Travels!

 

[st2cmack]

Seeing the pix of those CA roads makes me want to head seriously south again. Haven't ridden any of those roads in about 5 years! So many great roads between the coast and inland in both NCal and Scal.

Sorry for the thread jack!

Colin

Alderpoint is a great suspension tester road for sure! I like it best on my DR650, but my set up old Vstrom did well there too. There are some nice dirt roads in the area that take you South down past Zenia, Ketenporn all the way to Covelo. Lots to explore in every direction.

From Covelo there is a nice paved road heading East. Not bad. Lots more up North as you've discovered. Have fun! Safe Travels!

 

[OllieHolic]

Rear Shock came in today.. Waiting for the front forks.


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[monocog007]

Rear Shock came in today.. Waiting for the front forks.


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Awesome! Photos when it's installed would be great!

 

[OllieHolic]

Contacted Revzilla about the delay with the forks..

"I am sorry to hear that you have not yet received your Nitron Fork Cartridges.

We have reached out to Nitron and they claim that the cartridges should ship within the next two weeks; they are currently awaiting the arrival of some parts needed for assembly.

That said, Nitron is sincerely sorry for the delay and has upgraded you to the TVT Pro Kit as an apology. They have also agreed to offer free service on your suspension components when needed because of the delay.

I hope their resolution is acceptable, but feel free to reach out to us if you have any additional questions or concerns.

Thanks"

Sweet!


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[kuksul08]

That's super nice. Revzilla is also awesome to deal with.

 

[RSL]

Nitron is well regarded. Where are warranty claims handled? What about periodic fluid changes?