Took the LT out with the Nivomat shock today for a trial run. Well worth the $30!
Did about 150 miles along the Antrim coast. Nice day, sunny, 20C once the rain stopped.
First surprise was that I could both feet flat on the ground. I'm short in the leg, 29", and even with the standard unit on the lowest setting I had problems balancing when stopped. Also, with the standard unit on the lowest setting it frequently bottomed out over bumps.
Despite driving over plenty of bumps, not hard to find on our roads, it didn't bottom out once. The only downside was when I pushed it on a sweeping bend the damping could have been better. Not dangerous, but not perfect. Probably a compromise but I've stopped chasing Fireblades and R1's now anyway.
Haven't tried it with a passenger or with any weight in the panniers but according to what I've read, it just adjusts the pre load automatically.
All in all it seems to be a good piece of kit, certainly better than the standard unit. So why didn't BMW use it more?
I suppose one reason was the cost as I'm sure it was considerably more expensive to manufacture than the standard unit.
My theory is that the bike buying public didn't like the look of it. Sure, it's fully enclosed from the elements and should last a long time and it seems to work. BUT it's not sexy!
Shocks are supposed to have exposed springs, remote reservoirs and be in bright colours and that makes you a better rider.(Doesn't it?)
I found a reference on the BMWOA forum from someone who got a bargain price on a Nivomat some years ago because the previous owner didn't think it looked 'macho' enough. Takes all sorts I suppose.
If you get a chance to buy one at the right price, give it a try. I'm going to keep a look out for another one on ebay as a spare. Unfortunately, they are not rebuildable.