Reporting back on my Bitubo WME0 12" shocks and JBH cartridge install. The install process was very easy with no issues, took me maybe four hours for the entire job. Special tools are a 19mm Allen hex for the fork top cap and a 12mm long Allen hex for the fork bottom hex bolt. An impact wrench is also a must in my opinion.

I did not realize that on the left fork the clutch cable is zip-tied with a rubber holder to the handlebars which comes very close to the top of that fork. Adjusting the new Bitubo cartridge on this side will take some doing but the adjustments look like they are still accessible.

The ride quality of the total suspension is excellent and I really could not imagine anything being much of an improvement from this setup. I would say with the factory setting on the front cartridge it is more on the softer side than the Progressive Monotubes I have on my Electra Glide. Similar to the stock suspension but soaks up bumps MUCH better. No more jarring feedback that the OEM front suspension gave you. The front is very nice where it is for now but I will play with the compression/rebound and preload as I ride the bike a bit more. Rebound and compression have 12 out of 20 clicks of adjustment. No additional preload added from 0 turns from factory,

The rear shocks I have set with 2.5 turns of preload and the rebound at 1.5 on each shock. Again very smooth but incredibly stable. I was amazed at the change even a half click on the rebound will make. At the softest rebound setting of 1 which is factory there was bouncing over washboard type bumps but at 1.5 it smoothed out and stable. I did not want to increase ride height and the 12" shocks I have 2.7 inches of travel. With sag set at 2.5 preload I have only bottomed out on one severe bump that had same effect on all my bikes I have ridden over it. Nasty bump....

My final thoughts are I am very happy with the Bitubo setup. I think the majority of the top tier suspensions will have similar results. I did not get the Bitubo setup because of pricing but I think it is noteworthy that total delivered cost was $1180.

 

I've got the 13" revo A's in the rear and the Axio's up front. Love it. I know their may be better set ups, but this works great for me and my wife loves the ride. What more is there to say.

 

Correction: I actually had the rebound on about 2.5 not 1.5. I changed the setting on the side of the road and I thought I only slightly moved it. I checked this AM and it was actually 2.5 or so. I would say not having a positive click when moving the rebound makes it difficult to control the amount of adjustment without completely removing the bag.