Suspension upgraded Touratech Extreme / TracTive

Why upgrading suspension is a good thing, what a 2-way, 3-way, 4-way or 5-way adjustable shock is. I share my Tractive (Touratech extreme) shock I am installing on my BMW R1200GS Rallye (r1250gs).
For TracTive suspension contact Ted Porter at www.beemershop.com, for the Touratech Extreme go to www.Touratech-usa.com

[@whoopazz1]

This is by far the best and simple explanation I have seen. And I have been around bikes for a long time. Thank you Bret!

[@patrickcooper9641]

Totally agree with you!

[@dandersonjr]

I understand how suspensions work but trying to explain it to someone that doesn't understand is always difficult. You've come closer to most. The best way to understand it is by experiencing it while riding in different conditions. Hard to do on a video but you've done well.

[@osimnod]

Are you a professor in disguise? What you profess is wisdom, understanding and practical application of both. Sorry we missed you at A&S BMW last spring due to COVID as I would've been there.

[@murraehaynes3182]

As usual, good stuff...excellent that you covered high/low speed compression...the new bike is shaping up nicely...like the 21 on the front👍

[@LookattheBiggerPic]

...final statement is so true - my gal simply can Not understand this! Much thanks for all you do!

[@Porsche996driver]

2nd owner of an ‘05 GS great bike. Original owner had Ohlins front and rear installed. Amazing feel soft yet tight.

[@rodrigofabregas7756]

Great video Bret...and superb last words!, it's about passion not logic!...👍👍👍

[@davidhoward3779]

Been available in the USA for years through Beemershop.

[@linuxbullet]

Nice Bike. Glad to see plenty of new videos, time for me to play catch-up

[@ib7096]

In the suspension world, when talking "3-way" "4-way" adjustment on a shock, preload on the spring or length of shock is not counted as one of the adjustments. A 4 way shock has hi-speed and low-speed adjustments for compression and rebound. A 3-way shock is often hi & low speed compression adjustments and a rebound adjustment.

[@rspruell]

I installed the Tractive suspension on my 2017 GSA a couple months back. Best aftermarket money I've ever spent on a bike. My bike now is better than anything new because of the crap suspension they put on new bikes. I'll be riding this one for a long time now. If you have a BMW do yourself a favor and give Ted Porter at the Beemershop a call, you won't regret it!!! He's a very helpful guy and he'll get you all setup for your riding style.

[@patrickcooper9641]

Ted is an amazing human being! He knows his suspensions. He helped me so much with my Tractive for my 14 GSA!

[@nickmeier9356]

This is very well explained superb job mate

[@jamesprecious1035]

Nice one Bret! forget all the other farkles and get your suspension dialed first, it will pay dividends.

[@yorkchris10]

I like the X-Lever BMW suspensions. It's easy to change shock technology. I put air shocks (Fournales) on my oilhead.

[@acopernic]

Bike is about Passion. 👏👏

[@PetrolJunkie]

I’m interested in the front wheel conversion, the small front wheel design choice is for better on road performance, but it sacrificed off road capabilities. Many riders criticized the big BMW for this decision. I’d like to know how much difference it made and what all you had to do to fit the taller wheel. I think they intended the R1200/50 GS/A to be a more road biased bike. The F800 is supposed to be the more off road biased bike. To be honest, if I had more challenging places to day ride I’d probably list add a dedicated dirt bike to the stable. Because of local laws all off-road areas are groomed trails. I still find that sometimes a bigger front wheel would be helpful on the river bottom sand, roots, and small rocks. Seems like my riding partners KTM 1290 rolls over stuff I stick a wheel.

[@giuliobuccini208]

You have to test the italian AirTender kit for your rear suspension. Seems amazing for big bikes.

[@DanielJLopes]

Not sure why I am whatching this, since I have a fully stock R1250RT, which I feel like it's perfect for me. But I do enjoy your videos lol. Also like that hat, need to get me one of that type :D

[@JavierPerez-tb4zy]

Cristal crear. Thanks Bret.

[@dirtjunkie77]

Very first mod for my bike was to upgrde the suspension, I also chose Tractive.

[@Johnrag1000]

Thanks Bret..

[@steveaustin1820]

I had Ohlins on my last GSA...installing Ohlins TTX shocks this winter tuned by a factory Ohlins rep out of San Jose...you get what you pay for.

[@denchua]

Pretty sure a suspension company would love to tour you around their factory.

[@passatrip28]

My ride on my 2016 R1200GS-LC to Guatemala (with a lot of heavy detours- 6 months south of the border and I did not take the autopístas when I could avoid them) destroyed my front end suspension. So when I got back, I had the dealer do a full check on the bike. They couldn't get the stock suspension (well, they could, but it was going to cost close to $5k and take 4 months to get here), so they replaced my front with the Touratech TracTive suspension. They said my rear suspension just needed new seals and some tightening. It was the dealer I got the bike from, so I trusted them (plus, the TracTive was over $2k, so so much cheaper than stock and a definite improvement). But after seeing this, I'm feeling like I should maybe do the rear too. I mean, the bike handles nice. I've definitely noticed a big difference when off-road. The bike feels more stable, the front tire feels like it grabs the road better, especially after going over a bump, and it seems to climb over small rocks with ease. The way I see it, the front suspension does most of the work when it comes to handling. The rear suspension is important when it comes to traction too, but it's where the biggest difference in comfort is felt. Obviously, the rear suspension is also pivotal in handling load, but it's been OK so far. Do you think that I should shell out the cash to have my rear suspension upgraded too? Also, I'm sure the dealer upsold me on the front suspension, so how much should I reasonably expect to pay for the rear suspension component? I can't seem to find it in stock for my bike anywhere, so I'll have to do some more digging. But do you think that the front or the rear suspension component on the 1200GS will produce more of a noticeable difference? Because if it's not going to be that much of a difference, than I won't bother, as money's a bit tight right now. I mean, I rode probably 6,000 miles with a front suspension that was completely shot! So obviously having a working suspension back on there made a huge noticeable difference. So I'm not sure how much the rear would do.

[@jaronard1]

Energy is neither created nor destroyed! FTW!

[@mohba01]

just some info as i have measured this before, the circumference difference between a 90/90-21 vs 110/90-19 was approximately only little over 14mm. I also did a side by side comparison with the actual tires and measured them multiple times.

[@hardworkingamerican8847]

Well if you have the skills and the money it makes perfect sense to me . I will need at minimum a stiffer rear spring for the Tenere when I get set up with panniers and gear .

[@allanlaxdal5424]

The way I understood high/low compression was about the speed of the piston not the bike. Low speed is waves/wrinkles in the pavement, shallower bumps and high speed is hitting the far side of a deep pothole or a curb at speed. High speed adjustment will open up the valving quickly and more to soften out that sharp hit.

[@BretTkacs]

That's correct

[@ek6667]

Great Vid! I got one for my gs850 can you make a video on how to adjustments with luggage and with out

[@nurbster]

Hi Bret. Thanks for your videos, I'm finding many enjoyable and educational. It would seem that Tractive is not directly selling to end users in the US ( I don't see a USA office for Tractive) They referred me to Beemershop which is their USA distributor.

[@BretTkacs]

Correct... Beemershop or Touratech (Touratech branded Tractive)

[@fyyff52]

I converted a 2023 GSA standard suspension to a low suspension using Tractive shocks. Buying the Tractive shocks were cheaper than buying the low suspension OEM shocks....

[@TMAdventuresT7]

And that my biker friends is how you explain the suspension theory, Pythagorus sit on that bench 😉👍🏽

[@groverstudiosinc]

Nice video explanation of the upgrade! On a production note--probably turn OFF the autofocus and auto exposure settings especially if you have a bright light right behind your head. It is a tad distracting as the image resizes a bit upon refocus, and of course the brightening and darkening of your face when there is more of the light in the background showing or less...

[@BretTkacs]

I was anxious to get the shock installed and did a one take run. This phone (S9+) always has an auto focus issue with the front camera. I will do a clean better produced video with and explanation of damping, preload, free sag and rider sag as well as how to baseline your damping

[@wfodavid]

Good thing about KTM's is they offer the WP Pro components. No comparison compared to stock. Especially if you are serious about riding.

[@ComproOroBarcelona]

Not for all bikes, just the Enduro/MX and 790.

[@NomadOnGS]

Thank you Bret for the expiation and especially for the LS and HS.. that really helped to understand the difference and from your experience and especially for off-roading do you suggest any settings for both rear and front for LS and HS ?

[@BretTkacs]

I hope to do a follow up video on doing a baseline set up

[@Crazy-Chicken-Media]

I can't wait to up date my springs in 2023. *Crys in manufacturers warranty*

[@BretTkacs]

Springs don't invalidate your warranty 😉

[@Crazy-Chicken-Media]

@@BretTkacs well now that changes everything. I'll double check with Triumph and go from there

[@brianhaygood183]

I would disagree with that description of high speed and low speed. You are right they have essentially nothing to do with the road speed of the vehicle in practice, so that is an important point you made. High speed is virtually any irregularity in the road surface. Low speed is almost entirely weight transfer and other body movements. So, if the road is as smooth as glass and you apply the brakes heavily, the brake dive is damped by low speed compression (think a few tenths of a second for the body to move). If it has to do that while running over any kind of bumps or holes in the road, those bumps or holes are high speed movements of the shock (hundredths or thousandths of seconds to move). There are a few things like large speed bumps that could be low speed events if you driving very slowly but high speed events if you drive over it faster; but those are encountered quite rarely and certainly not what suspension tuning focusses on.

[@zeplin4078]

Tanks for explaining that makes it easier to understand, do you still have the KTM?

[@BretTkacs]

The KTM is at the dealer waiting on warranty parts

[@kosta16auto]

@@BretTkacs Again??

[@BretTkacs]

@@kosta16auto yes... 14 days and counting. I am expect to hit 60 days in the first year of warranty and the bike sat for nearly 3 mo before I registered it and another several months while I traveled for work. When is all said and done I will share the while story good and bad.

[@experimentalSounds]

Hi Bret. What are your high and low speed compression clicker settings and ESA settings for your road/commuting riding?

[@Elskins]

Thanks, Bret! Best shocks for big GS out there for sure. Have parted ways with your 790?

[@chrzanik666]

790 is where it's most comfortable, at a repair garage or scrap yard he he 😂😏

[@BretTkacs]

It is at the dealer (again) waiting on more warranty work. It is currently un rideable

[@davidjmichaud4422]

@@BretTkacs That's terrible, it seems that bike gives you lots of problems.

[@jjustj]

what part of suspension makes the image reversed?:P j /K thnxz for the edjumacation!

[@davebrien8487]

Do you have a how to video of the 21 inch conversion? Did you do it yourself? Or purchase with the conversion done?

[@j-c-g7509]

Great video. One question. What’s with the tennis balls cut in half?

[@jeffcanada2316]

I'm pretty sure Bret uses them as pylons when he teaches.

[@TijmenvandenHeuvel]

Whats with the tennis balls?

[@mauriciopaez841]

Bret talk about how to install a 21” front rim in the 1200 or 1250 GS

that would be great!! let's see all the bits that need to be changed in order to make the conversion possible, I spoted already a different mudguard on the front wheel.

[@mauriciopaez841]

@ maybe change the break linea too

[@LuisGarcia-rt4hr]

@ I’m looking for mudguard like that too for off road but I don’t find it.

[@BretTkacs]

@@LuisGarcia-rt4hr F800GS lower fender

[@BretTkacs]

@@mauriciopaez841 only need to move the brake line

[@izwanizi]

However, Touratech didnt make ESA Compatible rear shocks for F700 GS..They only offer manual adjustment shocks for F700GS..

[@kosta16auto]

For the new rear Tractive shock did you need to harvest the preload motor from the old shock on the rear?

[@BretTkacs]

No

[@sonytony18]

Hey Bret! nice one... whats with the bag of half split tennis balls? are you a secret samurai?? :-)

[@BretTkacs]

Make shift training cones

[@kevinmobile]

You mentioned that moving from a 19" to a 21" wheel increases the circumference by 2". Surely by πd?

[@BretTkacs]

Thats a net gain of 1"... The larger wheel also decreases the rate of compression when rolling over stuff. A nice improvement for offroad use

[@CommieHunter7]

He said circumference, but I'm pretty sure he meant Diameter. 19" diameter before, 21" diameter now. Because the axle runs through the center of the wheel, it's a 1" change in ride height. So while you're correct regarding the change in circumference, it was a terminology slip-up in the first place.

[@kevinmobile]

@@CommieHunter7 Yup, sllp of the tongue I'm sure Adam, Bret meant a change of ride height by half the difference in wheel diameter. Wheel circumference will move up by πd as discovered by Archimedes of Syracuse!

[@cansur28]

Hi Bret, I am in the process of conversion of front wheel from 19 to 21 so how did you mount the front mudguard / fender ? Did you fabricate a bracket or some kind of design ? Regards

[@BretTkacs]

I trimmed the F80GS fender and used the lower factory bikes. I did a ziptie on the top on both sides to help hold it tight to the fork leg

[@cansur28]

@@BretTkacs Thank you 🙏🏼

[@erdinckarakale5834]

Hi Bret, What would you say for Hyper Pro progressive springs for Africa Twin 2016?

[@BretTkacs]

I've used hyperpro but not on am AT. It's quality suspension

[@renvalle]

Hi, I have an ex-perience front shock. Can you explain me how I can set the length? My bike feel very low on the front.

[@BretTkacs]

Length can only be set with spring preload, a higher spring rate or moving the forks in the clamp if there is space

[@rllrlrrl3552]

Isn't this TracTive eX-PERIENCE shock, not X-Treme? Aren't all X-TREME shocks non ESA?

[@yetti423]

also good vid

[@superflycatchermtb]

Bret, are you now riding that 2017 Rallye? Still have the 790 Adventure? I’ve been eyeballing the 2017 gs Rallye for a While. Do you have a video where you review it?

[@BretTkacs]

I am still setting up the GS. I bought it because my KTM was in the shop so much and I need a bike for my job. The KTM is currently in the shop waiting on warranty parts. The screen went out, total black out.

[@superflycatchermtb]

@@BretTkacs Thx....I'd be really interested in seeing any video you do that talks to the capabilities of the Rallye vs standard equipped GS.

[@terrencegreen9560]

What happened to the KTM 790

[@BretTkacs]

It's at the dealer and not rideable, waiting on warranty parts again

[@teneretraveller8980]

Now, I understand. But I think at my appallingly low level of ability, it's a big expense. It's taking a lot of fuel/trip money out of the tank. Good topic though, thank you Happy travels

[@passatrip28]

Well, if you ride hard, off-road a lot, or really take your bike on real adventures (like, transnational in developing countries that don't have good roads, or anywhere in Latin America with their "speed humps" that are sometimes just like curbs placed in the middle of a 50kmph road with no lights or warnings, or road work that is unmarked), you'll eventually blow out your suspension. Even with the stock BMW suspension blowing out (with 2 cracked and bent rims that I had to replace in Mexico), I was still able to ride at least 10,000km. Big ups to BMW for that. They make quite a sturdy machine. But the point is, if you ride adventures like that, you'll eventually need to replace suspension components. And actually, with what BMW charges for factory OEM replacements, they aftermarket suspensions are actually cheaper- A LOT CHEAPER! So just wait until you need to replace it anyway... and it'll probably cost like $4,500 to have it done at a good shop, parts and all.

[@teneretraveller8980]

@@passatrip28 I put Hagon on my 500x and have to admit it was night and day. Perhaps the best upgrade I've made.

[@ftby59mikeD]

Is compression the same as damping?

[@BretTkacs]

Damping is the control the speed of movement, compression damping is which movement it controls, rebound damping is the other specific movement

[@NilanjanSaha]

Yes, your last words are true for the Western countries. Here, in India, it's almost the opposite. Anyway, valuable video.

[@BretTkacs]

True... And many other countries. However the economy bike riders unlikely don't care about suspension

[@MarcSherwood]

Did you get rid of the KTM?

[@BretTkacs]

It's in the shop right now

[@Jaffa1951]

Yep. Passion and not Logic. My bank statements tell me this, exact, same thing.

[@SsiolisP]

07:22 Heat, in this specific application, is an undesirable byproduct of pressure. It's not what suspensions do (movement to heat👎❌⛔). What these suspensions do is rely on hydraulic pressure to regulate the swingarm's movement. As I already learned from your excellent video with suspension guru Ted Porter, heat in a shock is undesirable... and avoiding heat buildup is one of the main reasons you are holding a brand spanking new reservoir type shock in your hands. See I do listen to your videos, and that's because I want to learn.

[@LabiaLicker]

The Earth is flat

[@SsiolisP]

@@LabiaLicker not really. Montana and North Dakota are relatively flat, but you’d be hard pressed to find any flat spot in the Swiss Alps, or the Himalayas!

[@LabiaLicker]

@@SsiolisP Thats just what the globalist want you to think

[@passatrip28]

@@SsiolisP I think he was referring to the flat-earth "theory" (or insanity; as in opposed to spherical), not terrain wise.

[@thehedgeknightnc3681]

Great information. But on a side note, Dude you need a bigger garage.

[@BretTkacs]

I need a garage... Working in a 20' container.

[@patrickcooper9641]

@@BretTkacs That would work!

[@demiratmotovlog]

I have a R1150RT and I weigh 130kg , probably not for me...

[@dand.4657]

Shirts on backwards

[@sudolea]

This video of yours is mirrored, Bret...

[@BretTkacs]

Likely the fastest I'v ever made a video, i didn't even reverse the pbone video 😂

[@dadcorrales]

Tractive, quality not so good. I had one rear shock for my CB500X Rally Raid that it never worked properly

[@randygravel2057]

My TW200 has zero ways

[@Jaffa1951]

Maybe, but still a great bike.

[@Dezzsoke]

The suzuki DL650 has 0 ways front and 2 ways rear (manual rebound on the bottom and a separate big knob for preload)

[@Konocti]

Cut some 2" long 1" pvc spacers and put some 15wt fork oil in it. Still no external adjustment though...

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Bike guys say "beemer". Car guys say "bimmer". Ever notice that? 😀

[@tomvriniotis6733]

That is because BEEMER refers to the motorcycles and BIMMER to the cars.

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

@@tomvriniotis6733 That's one big DUH! 10-4 good buddy!