Wilbers Shock Group Buy Part 2

There was a lot of info in the original topic that got lost recently, so I'll try to sum it up. Many of us chimed in, and I did way too much suspension research, and I personally feel like dollar for dollar, this shock is better for me that an Ohlins or Penske. This is partly due to the available options and pricing, and partly due to service. When you buy an Ohlins, it it typically not custom valved. Yes, there are adjustments (it's a twin-clicker only), but they only work in the range that Ohlins decided. Wilbers builds the shim stacks per order, per your specs, so you get something that is more custom. Penskes are typically available with custom valving, but most people say they can't do remote preload, which I wanted.

For reference, the twin-clicker (standard spring and valving) Ohlins is $800-900, and not available for the 4th gen anymore. A penske twin-clicker (no remote preload) is about ~$800, and the triple is ~$1100. So, Wilbers is in the ballpark, which makes me less worried than if it were just plain cheap.

So far, only two members have gotten these from this deal, and neither has a 5th gen. I know FotoMoto got a Wilbers shock earlier, but I forgot if his bike is a 5th or 6th gen. According to him, he's really happy. He has used Penske and Ohlins before, and he said the Wilbers felt the same or better. (Sorry to speak for you, Doug.)

With the special offer page being locked out at the moment, I can't give you prices, but some general ideas...
Prices don't vary depending on the year/model of VFR for this offer. There are 2 basic shock units, and then a couple of options. The base shock is preload and rebound adjustable, like the stock one. The other model has a remote reservior with high and low-speed compression, plus the preload and rebound (i.e. triple clicker).

The options are a remote hydraulic preload adjuster, variable ride height, and other things like permament height difference (up or down).

Progressive fork springs and nitride-coated fork tubes are also available.

IIRC, the prices were something like this (exact numbers when possible):
Base shock, single-clicker: ~$450-500
Triple-clicker with remote res.: $720
Remote preload option: $190
Fork springs: $99
Shipping & Handling: $25

So, I ended up with a full-boat shock & fork springs for $1034. Ouch, and I hope it's worth it, but Merry Christmas to me and the VIffer!

3-4 week delivery time. Offer ends Dec. 28th


For detailed info, check some other Wilbers pages:
General shock page
Link for special offer for BMW F650. This page is VERY similar to the VFR one, as far as the options and content. The prices are a little higher for the VFR, so keep that in mind.

Brakes_and_Blip, Dec 8 2006, 05:35 PM
Got my new shock today. Wow it looks sweet. Just as ordered and got it from the factory in just 17 days. It even came with a mount for the resevoir that bolts behind the two bolt passanger peg mount. I will be posting pics a soon as I get to installing it.

Sweet! Thanks for the update. That means mine could get here within a week! Too bad it's freaking cold out!

I think I'm going to sit mine on a shelf over the winter so I can see it. (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/biggrin.gif) I want to do a back-to-back ride on install day so I can feel the difference, rather than having a 3-month layoff and forgetting.

So I haven't been following this at all, just stumbled across it really. Do these fit sixth gens? If so, what's the normal retail price? and are they comparable to WP, Ohlins, Penske, etc?

Thanks for the info.

-T

cassandtim, Dec 9 2006, 11:41 AM
So I haven't been following this at all, just stumbled across it really. Do these fit sixth gens? If so, what's the normal retail price? and are they comparable to WP, Ohlins, Penske, etc?

Thanks for the info.

-T

most of the thread was lost with the meltdown. We dicussed the differant manufactures and Wilbers had the best offer. I paid $740 for the model I selected. That included shipping. It's going to be on display over the fireplace until the weather warms up a bit.

Check the links on VFRD homepage for a link to the Wilbers Offer

Father Christmas Comes Early (Part One)

Wahey!!!!

(IMG:http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n206/Dutchy_748/HPIM3249.jpg)

(IMG:http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n206/Dutchy_748/HPIM3245.jpg)


Not sexy, but practical....
(IMG:http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n206/Dutchy_748/HPIM3243.jpg)

(IMG:http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n206/Dutchy_748/HPIM3246.jpg)

Now it is waiting for Rudolf, the carbon fibre nosed reindeer...... (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/3.gif)

Nice shock, Dutchy!

Mine should be here within a week!

For those of you that missed this information due to the last meltdown, there is a group buy on Wilbers shocks going on through Dec. 28, 2006. Here is the link.

Holy Hell, Dutchy, that is some nice looking hardware.

jstanwood, Dec 12 2006, 02:54 PMNice shock, Dutchy!

Mine should be here within a week!

For those of you that missed this information due to the last meltdown, there is a group buy on Wilbers shocks going on through Dec. 28, 2006. Here is the link.

That link brings me to a page that demands a login. Is it my VFRD login, or is there something specific to this group buy, or does that mean that Wilbers has sold too many? I had just decided that the Wilbers 641 was for me, and want to send them money!

hpsvfr, Dec 13 2006, 08:11 PMThat link brings me to a page that demands a login. Is it my VFRD login, or is there something specific to this group buy, or does that mean that Wilbers has sold too many? I had just decided that the Wilbers 641 was for me, and want to send them money!

Thanks for noticing that. It sure didn't do it yesterday! It seems something changed very recently in their web hosting. (Someone secured the directory the page is in.)

Try their main page at: http://www.wilbersusa.com/wilbers/index.htm, and either call or email them. They are very responsive.

I'll be placing an order soon...

jstanwood, Dec 14 2006, 08:38 AM

hpsvfr, Dec 13 2006, 08:11 PMThat link brings me to a page that demands a login. Is it my VFRD login, or is there something specific to this group buy, or does that mean that Wilbers has sold too many? I had just decided that the Wilbers 641 was for me, and want to send them money!

Thanks for noticing that. It sure didn't do it yesterday! It seems something changed very recently in their web hosting. (Someone secured the directory the page is in.)

Try their main page at: http://www.wilbersusa.com/wilbers/index.htm, and either call or email them. They are very responsive.

Ok, message sent. If the login is a mistake on their part, that should clear it up.

anyone with a 5th gen get a new wilbers on this deal?

How much did you guys pay for your new setup?

UPDATE: I heard back from Wilbers about the site being locked out. They're on it.

Just curious, what manufacturer uses Wilbers shocks on their bikes? Haven't seen or heard of this brand till it was brought up here. Looks really good and high spec., but just not familiar and sure about this shock company's overall reputation. I figure they might be Off-road or snowmobile/ATV suspension specialists originally??

Beck
95 VFR

Beck, Dec 14 2006, 03:55 PMJust curious, what manufacturer uses Wilbers shocks on their bikes? Haven't seen or heard of this brand till it was brought up here. Looks really good and high spec., but just not familiar and sure about this shock company's overall reputation. I figure they might be Off-road or snowmobile/ATV suspension specialists originally??

Beck
95 VFR

Good question, Beck. I doubt any mfr. specs tham as OEM. They seem like they would make a custom shock for anything, though.
I forgot how I actually found out about them. I'm sure some other member here brought them up. They seem more popular in Europe, of course. Here's a link to their main web page
They also seem to be pretty involved with BMW owners. If you can read German, you can get more out of what shows up in Google than I can.

They outfit the German Motorcycle Police racing team... (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/tongue.gif)

I don't think they are OEM to a manufacturer (like White Power on KTM).
A WP (with similar function to the Wilbers) for my VFR would be around $400 more expensive.....
Will the WP be the bizniz? More "street cred"? Sure, but will I notice a $400 beterrness?

Brakes_and_Blip, Dec 9 2006, 01:35 AMGot my new shock today. Wow it looks sweet. Just as ordered and got it from the factory in just 17 days. It even came with a mount for the resevoir that bolts behind the two bolt passanger peg mount. I will be posting pics a soon as I get to installing it.

Could you clarify, please: the group buy means shocks for VFR only or for VFRD members for any bike?

And to receive a discount what shall be done?

TIA

easyman05, Dec 15 2006, 09:26 AMCould you clarify, please: the group buy means shocks for VFR only or for VFRD members for any bike?
And to receive a discount what shall be done?

TIA

Once the special offer page on the Wilbers site is opened up again, this will all be answered there. I heard back from Klaus at Wilbers last night, and they will have the page up ASAP, but it might be Monday.

In the meantime, if you call 732-786-9777, they will be able to answer questions and take orders. The offer is open until Dec. 28th.

It is not just for VFRD members. It is for VF's and VFR's only. There is another offer page for "Chaingang Members", which looks like it's for BMW F650's.

The special page we can't get to has the items and regular/discount prices listed. When you add things to your cart, the discounts are applied.

If there's anything else, just ask!

jstanwood, Dec 15 2006, 05:44 PM

easyman05, Dec 15 2006, 09:26 AMCould you clarify, please: the group buy means shocks for VFR only or for VFRD members for any bike?
And to receive a discount what shall be done?

TIA

Once the special offer page on the Wilbers site is opened up again, this will all be answered there. I heard back from Klaus at Wilbers last night, and they will have the page up ASAP, but it might be Monday.

In the meantime, if you call 732-786-9777, they will be able to answer questions and take orders. The offer is open until Dec. 28th.

It is not just for VFRD members. It is for VF's and VFR's only. There is another offer page for "Chaingang Members", which looks like it's for BMW F650's.

The special page we can't get to has the items and regular/discount prices listed. When you add things to your cart, the discounts are applied.

If there's anything else, just ask!

Thanks a lot!
The special page is there but requires login and password.
I stay in contact with Klaus, just wanted to be clear about "group buy":-))
I need a shock for F800ST as we have it on order for my wife for the next spring.

I bought mine from Wilbers for a couple of good reasons. First they custom build it from the factory so unlike penske you don't have to buy it then have it rebuilt to your specs. Second, They have a USA based service center in NJ. Third, I have a very good freind that biulds race bikes and suggested them to me for my VFR. One last note they are very easy to get on the phone and talk to. These days thats nice to know.

Mine is seting on my desk until I get it in. Its purdy...

Easyman,

Since you are in Russia, why not order direct from Germany?

www.wilbers.de
Am sure they will someone who reads/writes english!

They are listing the F800 S, they can probably tell you which one to get for the ST...

Dutchy, Dec 15 2006, 08:19 PMEasyman,

Since you are in Russia, why not order direct from Germany?

www.wilbers.de
Am sure they will someone who reads/writes english!

They are listing the F800 S, they can probably tell you which one to get for the ST...

Hi Dutchy,

They do not have info in English. At least I was unable to find/open it.

The products are the same, maybe just overseas postage costs higher.
I got almoust all necessary info from Klaus, except front springs.
It's great to receive factory custom made shock - my wife needs to lower the bike.

easyman05, Dec 16 2006, 02:36 AM

Dutchy, Dec 15 2006, 08:19 PMEasyman,

Since you are in Russia, why not order direct from Germany?

www.wilbers.de
Am sure they will someone who reads/writes english!

They are listing the F800 S, they can probably tell you which one to get for the ST...

Hi Dutchy,

They do not have info in English. At least I was unable to find/open it.

The products are the same, maybe just overseas postage costs higher.
I got almoust all necessary info from Klaus, except front springs.
It's great to receive factory custom made shock - my wife needs to lower the bike.

Easyman,
Yes, the sites have the same information--it just depends what languages you can read. (Dutchy is very fortunate in this regard.) I am glad you got a hold of Klaus for help. I know with the special offer he set up, the customer did not have to be in the US. I would assume that if you ordered through Wilbers USA, they would just fully build the shock and send it directly to you, rather than shipping to New Jersey (US) for Klaus to finalize it, and then sent it to you.

Dutchy irdered his through Thurn in Germany last month, becuase they were having a sale. In combination with that and currency exchange rates, he got a better price.

The webpage is up again.

GSP, Dec 18 2006, 10:11 AMThe webpage is up again.

Now the "Products" page isn't loading right. Is the 641 really worth the extra money?? What is normal prices compared to the VFRD discount??

GSP, Dec 18 2006, 10:11 AMThe webpage is up again.

Cool...thanks for the update. I forgot to check today.

wera803, Dec 18 2006, 10:15 AMNow the "Products" page isn't loading right. Is the 641 really worth the extra money?? What is normal prices compared to the VFRD discount??

The price differences are noted on the special offer page. The products page took a long time to load at first, but worked. There's all kinds of extra info on the main page: LINKY

One of the ways I rationalized getting the 641 was the remote res. That will keep the oil away from the headers, which IMHO, contributes to the failure of the stocker. Compression adjustments are nice, too, and separate hi/low are just icing on the cake!

If you're spending all that money on something, why not get the top of the line?! (Please note, this kind of rationale has gotten me all kinds of things I don't really need, reulting in extra money spent! (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/laugh.gif) )

jstanwood, Dec 18 2006, 10:35 AM

wera803, Dec 18 2006, 10:15 AMNow the "Products" page isn't loading right. Is the 641 really worth the extra money?? What is normal prices compared to the VFRD discount??

The price differences are noted on the special offer page. The products page took a long time to load at first, but worked. There's all kinds of extra info on the main page: LINKY

One of the ways I rationalized getting the 641 was the remote res. That will keep the oil away from the headers, which IMHO, contributes to the failure of the stocker. Compression adjustments are nice, too, and separate hi/low are just icing on the cake!

If you're spending all that money on something, why not get the top of the line?! (Please note, this kind of rationale has gotten me all kinds of things I don't really need, reulting in extra money spent! (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/laugh.gif) )

Doh, your right. I breezed right over the price stuff for some reason. I'm usually one to buy the best one as well, but I really want the remote preload and ride height adjustability. That puts the shock up to $979 plus shipping. That's a load of cash right now for me and I was debating on whether the 641 really would be that much better to spend the money on.

wera803, Dec 18 2006, 11:14 AMDoh, your right. I breezed right over the price stuff for some reason. I'm usually one to buy the best one as well, but I really want the remote preload and ride height adjustability. That puts the shock up to $979 plus shipping. That's a load of cash right now for me and I was debating on whether the 641 really would be that much better to spend the money on.

Yeah, I know it's a load. Don't forget fork springs, too! The pricing stuff was kinda hidden on the page. It shows up nice on the invoice, though! (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/laugh.gif) Once you add up the discounts on mine, it made the remote preload seem like a real deal. (Nice rationale, huh?)

You could try calling Klaus and asking if during a rebuild later on, you could get the shock reworked for the remote res. It will cost more in the long run, but at least you wouldn't have to hold out as long. I would expect it to cost a lot down the road, though. They would have to put a new body and top on, and change the compression valve "stuff" to accept the new "stuff". (Sorry, I've never been into a shock, but the drawings I've seen sure show lots of neat "stuff" in there. I know he said they could add remote preload later on, but a remote res is big deal, I think.


Now, if only mine would get here so I can behold it's beauty until next season...

EDIT: And to think, for a little more than double the cost of suspension for this bike, I could have bought your track bike! But, I don't have the space or truck yet.

jstanwood, Dec 18 2006, 11:43 AMYeah, I know it's a load. Don't forget fork springs, too!

I've already got the AK-20 Axxion Cartridge Kit in my forks. Bought them from VFRMonkey this past spring. Now I just need a good shock to finish off the bike.

wera803, Dec 18 2006, 07:02 PM

jstanwood, Dec 18 2006, 11:43 AMYeah, I know it's a load. Don't forget fork springs, too!

I've already got the AK-20

Can I have an AK-47? (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/biggrin.gif)

(no I cant because I live in the Netherlands..)