setting the preload on a 2017 Gen 2 BMW S1000R Sport with DDC : guide / measurements / results

Having ridden for over a year and 3000 miles ....

I could see that my front suspension wasnt at max preload (could see some adjustment threads showing)
and from forum surfing https://www.s1000r.co.uk/index.php realised that im way over the adjustment range for this bike BMW S1000R Sport with DDC
Of note on this bike the only available adjustment without changing parts is PRELOAD

nonetheless, its worth having a go, getting familiar with the process and seeing how close we can get.

On my most recent ride I tried the Dave Moss trick of attaching a zip tie to one front fork.
In theory this shows you how low it goes. 

lets just say its bottoming out...

Im not a svelte gazelle like man even without gear. 18stone / 115kg (with the general rider being classed as around 85kg)

Ignition must be on if you have DDC (no need to start the bike just have ign on and in correct mode)

using the process in the BMW handbook, heres some screen shots

FRONT

REAR

heres the full manual to download : BMW S1000R Owners Manual

I bought a 2nd hand bmw s1000r toolkit from ebay just so I could get the plastic adapter that protects the preload adjuster on the front shock (its black anodised) from scratches.

or just as simple use tape to protect it.
(rear is fine, its bare metal and you dont look at it all the time)

So on flat ground, grab a helper and a measuring tape and follow the guide

This is for me without riding gear...

Front

Target range 6-10mm

Measurement 1 is without rider,  2 is rider on

93 mm - 75mm = 18mm before

88 mm - 80 mm = 8mm after fully wound in

The good news here is that we achieved within spec ✅

Rear

Target range  20 -24 mm

445 mm - 409 mm = 36 mm before

455 mm - 425 mm = 30 mm after fully wound in (closer but still way off 24mm)

As expected I was not able to get in spec for the rear ❌

Seat is noticeably higher (you can see from measurements 2 on the rear, with me sitting on it , the rear has now gone from 409 to 425 mm and increase of 26mm (2.6cm!)

This is all on DDC Road : 1 helmet rider 

i can adjust further to select 

DDC ROAD : 2 helmets
DDC DYNAMIC : 1 helmet
DDC DYNAMIC : 2 helmets

all of which wont effect preload but will in theory effect rebound characteristics

Havent been out riding yet, but lets see...

Other options are to 

a) lose weight !
b) buy a £1000 rear shock / spring thats compatible with DDC

BMW S1000R winter ride to Yondermanns cafe to Buxton to J&S Accessories

Overview of the route

no motorways

Warrington to Yondermanns cafe to Buxton to J&S Accessories and back to Warrington

Total round trip 123 miles

https://www.yondermanncafe.com/

there for a 9am bacon/sausage roll and latte !
few families but only 1 biker

Buxton

then onto a favourite haunt https://jsaccessories.co.uk/stores/northwich and the Fourways Cafe and Grill next door

checking the zip tie after the run to see how far down the shock it goes!

back home for a bath, now over 13,000 miles

bmw s1000r clean after winter ride

after then before pictures.
Tail Tidy on a S1000R means filthy rear end for me and the bike!

Nothing special here, I use the same products across my motorbike and 2 cars

I use Bilberry Wheel Cleaner on wheels and radiators etc
ph neutral, superb clean with none of the usual downsides
https://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/valet-pro-bilberry-wheel-cleaner 

Gyeon Q2M Bathe+ for the rest with a proper wash mitt
https://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/gyeon-q2m-bathe-plus