Hyperpro Shocks

wspollack

wspollack

Active member
Regarding the Öhlins shocks I mentioned earlier in this thread (posts 8 & 10), I finally got around to touching base with the USA distributor. This is what I filled in on their "Contact us" web form:

~~~~~~~~~~
Greetings. I noticed on your motorcycle page (https://www.ohlinsusa.com/suspension-products/motorcycle) that the BMW C 400 (X/GT) series of scooter is not listed among the BMW models. On the other hand, the Italian outfit Sestamarcia Racing Parts (https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_ssn=sestamarcia-racing-parts) has an eBay listing titled "REAR SHOCK ABSORBER S36PL (STEM 14) OHLINS BMW C 400 GT 2019>" -- take a look at https://www.ebay.com/itm/394882397694 if you have a minute, please. I'm in New York state, own a 2023 C 400 GT, and am looking to upgrade its suspension. Do you have any additional information for me, regarding whether the Öhlins product that Sestamarcia offers would -- or, for any number of reasons, would not -- be appropriate for my bike? Thank you for your time and any assistance -- Bill
~~~~~~~~~~

And this is the answer I got back via email this morning:

~~~~~~~~~~
Öhlins AB does not manufacture a shock for the BMW scooter line.

However it is very common for multiple Italian companies to ‘create’ their own fitments for various niche motorcycles out of parts. We have no knowledge of their accuracy or expertise at it, we only know that it is widely done.

Regards,

Gary Christopher
Customer Care & Warranty Manager
Öhlins USA
------------------------------
Phone +800.336.9029 x329
~~~~~~~~~~

So I'll pass on Öhlins. Too uncertain, and @mzflorida said that some tupperware alteration is involved, and possibly having to return stuff back to Italy probably wouldn't be any fun, and ...

That's it, just tying up that loose end in this thread.
 
M

mgg

Member
I'm keeping an eye on this post. Want to hear from mzflorida as I believe we are close to the same weight (230 lbs)

I will get some riding in during March and hopfully determine weather I need shocks or not. I never really found a shock that worked on my Indian Scout at my current weight. I got a set of air shocks that worked pretty well when I was 40 lbs lighter but they had no adjustability. I changed shocks 3 times on that bike but determined that with 3 inches of travel it just was not going to work.

I know what good shocks feel like because the stock shocks on my Indian Challenger were excelent. Wish I could get something that rides like that.

I don't ride agressively. I'm just looking for comfort and so far I feel like the rear stock shock on the C400 GT is a little on the stiff side.

mgg
 
M

mzflorida

Active member
I installed the Hyperpro shocks today. Installation was breeze. The Shop Manual suggests using an offset screwdriver to grip each of the top bolts. I do not have a T50 offset screwdriver, or a lift, so I removed the storage compartment. No question for me it was the right way to go. It took me longer to remove the bucket than it did to install the shocks.

You need a T50 bit and a 17MM open wrench. The torque setting is 38NM or 28FT pounds. Replace one shock at a time and they’ll line right up.

The shock was built for me, my weight, and my riding style, which is suburban and some longer rides through South and Central Florida.

Honestly, there is just no comparison between the Hyperpro and the stock KYB shocks I removed. The entire bike immediately becomes more settled. The unsprung weight is so well managed. The plane of the bike stays so much more even and recovers faster, and the ride is super comfortable. The sense of speed is completely changed as the bike is so much more stable. Turns are fabulous. The ride is just so much more comfortable, smooth, and stable. I have not even adjusted the sag yet. I did fiddle with the rebound compression a bit and I’m favoring a slightly heavier damping force. I’m a fan of Hyperpro and this is the fifth time I’ve had EPM build one for me.

It’s a custom shock, all Hyperpros are built to the rider's spec (I believe), so I’d expect the ride to be improved. But this is the most significant improvement over all the other rear suspension rebuilds I’ve ever done. It’s not going to be right for everyone, but this was really money well spent. I purchased this, and all my suspension stuff, from EPM Performance (others have found them to be not quick to respond but not me). Anyhow, it's really a great improvement...transformational. This is not just an improvement but rather changes the whole riding experience on this already really great bike for the better.

Believe it or not, it makes the front suspension seem more tolerable, but I’m still going to rebuild it too.

IMG_4496.jpgIMG_4497.jpgIMG_4498.jpgIMG_4500.jpgIMG_4501.jpgIMG_4502.jpgIMG_4499.jpg
 
Last edited:
M

mgg

Member
Thanks for all the information and a great review. If I have a tough time on vacation, I will be ordering a set. Need to get an idea of how good/ bad the OEM are first. At my age I'm looking for comfort above all else. Improved handling is also always welcome as well.
 
byee

byee

Active member
wspollack said:
Regarding the Öhlins shocks I mentioned earlier in this thread (posts 8 & 10), I finally got around to touching base with the USA distributor. This is what I filled in on their "Contact us" web form:

~~~~~~~~~~
Greetings. I noticed on your motorcycle page (https://www.ohlinsusa.com/suspension-products/motorcycle) that the BMW C 400 (X/GT) series of scooter is not listed among the BMW models. On the other hand, the Italian outfit Sestamarcia Racing Parts (https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_ssn=sestamarcia-racing-parts) has an eBay listing titled "REAR SHOCK ABSORBER S36PL (STEM 14) OHLINS BMW C 400 GT 2019>" -- take a look at https://www.ebay.com/itm/394882397694 if you have a minute, please. I'm in New York state, own a 2023 C 400 GT, and am looking to upgrade its suspension. Do you have any additional information for me, regarding whether the Öhlins product that Sestamarcia offers would -- or, for any number of reasons, would not -- be appropriate for my bike? Thank you for your time and any assistance -- Bill
~~~~~~~~~~

And this is the answer I got back via email this morning:

~~~~~~~~~~
Öhlins AB does not manufacture a shock for the BMW scooter line.

However it is very common for multiple Italian companies to ‘create’ their own fitments for various niche motorcycles out of parts. We have no knowledge of their accuracy or expertise at it, we only know that it is widely done.

Regards,

Gary Christopher
Customer Care & Warranty Manager
Öhlins USA
------------------------------
Phone +800.336.9029 x329
~~~~~~~~~~

So I'll pass on Öhlins. Too uncertain, and @mzflorida said that some tupperware alteration is involved, and possibly having to return stuff back to Italy probably wouldn't be any fun, and ...

That's it, just tying up that loose end in this thread.
Click to expand...
Hey Bill,

This is a very interesting reply from Öhlins. When I contacted them in 2020, the told me I could order rear shocks based on the measurements from the existing shocks.

I found a pair with the same measurements listed for a Honda (I think). I just needed to extend the U bracket end by 5mm.

Unfortunately, the email conversation was deleted as I wasn’t prepared to spend $1,500US on shocks.

Barry
 
M

mzflorida

Active member
mgg said:
Thanks for all the information and a great review. If I have a tough time on vacation, I will be ordering a set. Need to get an idea of how good/ bad the OEM are first. At my age I'm looking for comfort above all else. Improved handling is also always welcome as well.
Click to expand...
I have not even adjusted the sag, which means my rebound compression damping is also not dialed in, and the ride is so much more comfortable. In re-reading my post, it seems like I am exaggerating the outcome here. For me, and based on my experiences, this upgrade has made the biggest difference on any bike I have ever rebuilt the suspension on. I know there is subjectivity in the evaluation of anything "motorcycle." But what I am talking about here, in addition to the comfort, are the measurable elements also (high and low speed compression, recovery, stability, road contact, etc.). Honestly, transformational. The center of gravity stays so much more even across the forward plane, and moves less across that plane, which is what we are trying to achieve with suspension.
 
wspollack

wspollack

Active member
byee said:
Hey Bill,

This is a very interesting reply from Öhlins. When I contacted them in 2020, the told me I could order rear shocks based on the measurements from the existing shocks.

I found a pair with the same measurements listed for a Honda (I think). I just needed to extend the U bracket end by 5mm.

Unfortunately, the email conversation was deleted as I wasn’t prepared to spend $1,500US on shocks.

Barry
Click to expand...
Well, the Italian outfit's offering is "only" $861 with shipping, a far cry from $1,500. So, that's another oddity here.

In any case, based on the latest posts from @mzflorida, looks like a set of Hyperpro shocks are in my future. (Darn, I have to take the freakin' washtub out yet again!)

I'll call the folks in NJ (i.e., EPM) one of these days, and see what they advise.

My problem is that I want it all:

- Foremost, more compliance and comfort over bumps (because even back roads have bumps, and I don't want to feel beat up after a 250-mile back-road day).
- But without sacrificing much, or any, high-lean-angle confidence (because those are my favorite bits).
- And capable of the occasional two-up ride, hopefully without changing the settings (i.e., sure, perhaps not optimal, but hopefully "doable" nonetheless).
 
M

mzflorida

Active member
wspollack said:
Well, the Italian outfit's offering is "only" $861 with shipping, a far cry from $1,500. So, that's another oddity here.

In any case, based on the latest posts from @mzflorida, looks like a set of Hyperpro shocks are in my future. (Darn, I have to take the freakin' washtub out yet again!)

I'll call the folks in NJ (i.e., EPM) one of these days, and see what they advise.

My problem is that I want it all:

- Foremost, more compliance and comfort over bumps (because even back roads have bumps, and I don't want to feel beat up after a 250-mile back-road day).
- But without sacrificing much, or any, high-lean-angle confidence (because those are my favorite bits).
- And capable of the occasional two-up ride, hopefully without changing the settings (i.e., sure, perhaps not optimal, but hopefully "doable" nonetheless).
Click to expand...
Bill, if you are ever down this way you beforehand, stop on by and take it for a ride. It's sprung for my weight, but you can take that into consideration.
 
wspollack

wspollack

Active member
mzflorida said:
I installed the Hyperpro shocks today. Installation was breeze. The Shop Manual suggests using an offset screwdriver to grip each of the top bolts. I do not have a T50 offset screwdriver, or a lift, so I removed the storage compartment. No question for me it was the right way to go. It took me longer to remove the bucket than it did to install the shocks.

You need a T50 bit and a 17MM open wrench. The torque setting is 38NM or 28FT pounds. Replace one shock at a time and they’ll line right up.

The shock was built for me, my weight, and my riding style, which is suburban and some longer rides through South and Central Florida.

Honestly, there is just no comparison between the Hyperpro and the stock KYB shocks I removed. The entire bike immediately becomes more settled. The unsprung weight is so well managed. The plane of the bike stays so much more even and recovers faster, and the ride is super comfortable. The sense of speed is completely changed as the bike is so much more stable. Turns are fabulous. The ride is just so much more comfortable, smooth, and stable. I have not even adjusted the sag yet. I did fiddle with the rebound compression a bit and I’m favoring a slightly heavier damping force. I’m a fan of Hyperpro and this is the fifth time I’ve had EPM build one for me.

It’s a custom shock, all Hyperpros are built to the rider's spec (I believe), so I’d expect the ride to be improved. But this is the most significant improvement over all the other rear suspension rebuilds I’ve ever done. It’s not going to be right for everyone, but this was really money well spent. I purchased this, and all my suspension stuff, from EPM Performance (others have found them to be not quick to respond but not me). Anyhow, it's really a great improvement...transformational. This is not just an improvement but rather changes the whole riding experience on this already really great bike for the better.

Believe it or not, it makes the front suspension seem more tolerable, but I’m still going to rebuild it too.

View attachment 4441View attachment 4442View attachment 4443View attachment 4444View attachment 4445View attachment 4446View attachment 4447
Click to expand...
Am I correct, in that the preload adjustment is at the bottom, and easily accessible, like the stock shocks? Or am I misinterpreting the pics?

If so, do they have a dot or some indicator, so you can count revolutions when you adjust them (and later put them back where they were)?
 
M

mzflorida

Active member
wspollack said:
Am I correct, in that the preload adjustment is at the bottom, and easily accessible, like the stock shocks? Or am I misinterpreting the pics?

If so, do they have a dot or some indicator, so you can count revolutions when you adjust them (and later put them back where they were)?
Click to expand...

The red arrow is the preload adjuster. I have not messed with it yet, but I do believe it has detents indicating number of turns. The yellow arrow is the preload compression damping adjuster, clockwise to increase, counter to decrease. You may be able to order them with a remote preload adjuster.

"TYPE 460/360 EMULSION SHOCK
The Hyperpro emulsion shock has rebound adjustment with 50 clicks and manual preload adjustment. It has all the benefits of the high performance shocks. Features: Rebound adjustment: 50 clicks Manual spring preload adjuster Hyperpro progressive spring (linear spring available upon request) optional: Hydraulic Preload Adjuster & length adjustment (depending on model)."

IMG_4497A.jpg
 
wspollack

wspollack

Active member
byee said:
Just wondering if there is a rebound adjustment as well?
Click to expand...
I'll save you a click or two. At https://epmperformance.com/products/360-emulsion-twin-shock-bmw-c-400-gt-x -- and that's the shock that @mzflorida got, unless I'm having a major senior moment -- it states this as the Description:

360 360 Emulsion twin shock - Adjustable Preload, and Rebound. Built to order based on riders weight and riding specifications. Available with Purple or Black springs. All Hyperpro shocks are built with a progressive spring unless noted otherwise.
 
M

mgg

Member
wspollack said:
I'll save you a click or two. At https://epmperformance.com/products/360-emulsion-twin-shock-bmw-c-400-gt-x -- and that's the shock that @mzflorida got, unless I'm having a major senior moment -- it states this as the Description:

360 360 Emulsion twin shock - Adjustable Preload, and Rebound. Built to order based on riders weight and riding specifications. Available with Purple or Black springs. All Hyperpro shocks are built with a progressive spring unless noted otherwise.
Click to expand...
I clicked on that link and that gray body with the purple spring looks pretty sick. Man I'm almost over the edge. Nice ride and Bling?
 
M

mzflorida

Active member
byee said:
Just wondering if there is a rebound adjustment as well?
Click to expand...
Good Segway into the front fork. It is absolutely over damped; inarguably. Seems like it might be under sprung too. That is hard to tell with how much damping restriction there is.

Interesting enough, seems to be very little stiction! I would imagine valving and proper springs should produce really great results.
 
wspollack

wspollack

Active member
mzflorida said:
Good Segway into the front fork. It is absolutely over damped; inarguably. Seems like it might be under sprung too. That is hard to tell with how much damping restriction there is.

Interesting enough, seems to be very little stiction! I would imagine valving and proper springs should produce really great results.
Click to expand...
I nominate you for the position of being guinea pig on the front of the bike, too.
 
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