The Ohlins BM181 STX 46 Blackline rear shock is built for BMW R18 and R18 Classic riders looking for more controlled suspension behaviour without changing the bike’s character. It combines Ohlins damping know-how with a Blackline finish suited to classic and custom builds. Adjustability is provided so you can tailor the feel to your load, pace, and road conditions.

Ohlins | Made to race, perfected to ride

Developed from Ohlins road-going suspension experience, this rear shock is intended to improve chassis control and consistency across varied conditions. The Blackline styling keeps the look in step with heritage and cruiser-focused motorcycles.

Shock design & features

This is a rear mono shock from the Ohlins STX 46 Blackline family. It uses an oil/gas separated design to help maintain damping stability during use.

Tuning controls

Adjustment is provided for rebound damping, compression damping, and spring preload. These controls let you balance comfort and support, manage ride behaviour with different loads, and refine stability over changing road surfaces.

Is it right for you?

Choose this shock if you want a rear suspension upgrade for an R18 or R18 Classic with practical on-bike tuning and a finish that suits vintage-inspired builds. It’s also relevant if you’re replacing an earlier Ohlins fitment, as this model replaces BM 180.

Before you install

  • Confirm fitment for your exact BMW R18 or R18 Classic variant before installation.
  • After fitting, set preload and damping to suit your typical riding load and check fastener torque to the motorcycle manufacturer’s requirements.

Öhlins Motorcycle Suspension Warranty

New Öhlins motorcycle shock absorbers, front forks and cartridge kits supplied by Teknik Motorsport are covered by the applicable Öhlins manufacturer’s warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

Teknik Motorsport is an authorised Öhlins Service Centre and administers warranty claims in accordance with the Öhlins warranty conditions. The service intervals below form part of the maintenance requirements for Öhlins products supplied and supported by Teknik Motorsport.

This warranty is in addition to the consumer guarantees that apply under the Australian Consumer Law.

  • Registered motorcycles — non-competition road use Five years, subject to correct application, installation, setup and servicing every: 20,000 km or two years, whichever occurs first.
  • Registered motorcycles — adventure and light off-road use Five years, subject to correct application, spring rate, setup and servicing every: 10,000 km or annually, whichever occurs first.
  • Unregistered or competition motorcycles Two years for eligible Öhlins MX and Enduro products, subject to inspection every ten hours and servicing every: 30 operating hours or annually, whichever occurs first.

Compliance with the applicable service interval is a condition of the Öhlins manufacturer’s warranty. Evidence of servicing may be required when a warranty claim is assessed.

A seal leak, loss of damping performance or internal wear arising after the prescribed service interval has been exceeded will be treated as a service or maintenance issue rather than a manufacturing defect.

Warranty repairs

Öhlins suspension products are designed to be serviced and repaired. Where a warranty claim is approved, the normal remedy is repair of the customer’s original suspension unit using genuine Öhlins replacement parts.

Replacement of a complete shock absorber, fork or cartridge kit is not automatic and would normally occur only where the product has suffered a manufacturing failure that cannot reasonably be repaired. This is at Ohlins discretion. 

Öhlins spare parts and service kits

Öhlins spare parts, seals, bushes, service kits, springs, fluids and individual components are covered only against defects present when supplied.

No fixed age-based warranty applies to wear items, service parts or consumable components. Wear, deterioration, contamination, incorrect installation and damage caused by another component are not manufacturing defects.

Öhlins gives the customer a meaningful five-year warranty on products (Units), provided the suspension is maintained as suspension should be maintained. Teknik supports that warranty locally, can inspect the product properly, and can repair it with genuine parts rather than discarding it.

SKU BM181
Model # S46DR1S (B)
Brand Ohlins
Shipping Weight 5.0000kg
Shipping Size 0.300 x 0.300 x 0.500m
Type Units
See our Shipping Information See our Frequently Asked Questions
Position (Front or Rear) Rear Mono
Shock Length Eye to Eye (mm) 390.5
Spring Rate Standard 95.0 N/mm
Type Code S46DR1S (B)
Stroke Metal to Metal (mm) 52.5
Product Family STX 46 Blackline
Notes Replaces BM 180
Fitted Spring 21103-31

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