1100 rear shock problem?

[shready]

Over the last couple of weeks my 1100GS has started to handle a bit differently. I use it daily so have a good feel for what it is like day to day.

The back end feels different, on the motorway cats eyes are noticably more pronounced and white lines very skitish, like having worn out tyres, except they aren't. Also, getting a bit of an uneasy feel on corners, roundabouts etc. Everything else seems OK, no rumbling from the final drive output bearing and the bevel bearings have recently been replaced. No movement in the rear wheel either (except from round and round!).

OK my GS has done 93,000 miles and the shocks are original, deffo as I have had the bike since virtually new. It's never been seriously off road and never 2 up or overloaded.

I know the shock may be the problem but I'm not 100% sure as I don't know what the symptoms are, unless I have just described 'em

 

[MattW]

Might be worth taking a look at your paralever and final drive bearings too (and front end bushes etc)....

Matt

 

[Stewart H]

When my front shock died the symptoms were rather like you describe, the skittishness over bumps especially, shocks are generally past their best by 30,000 miles so I reckon you have had your moneysworth.

Stewart

 

[shready]

When my front shock died the symptoms were rather like you describe, the skittishness over bumps especially, shocks are generally past their best by 30,000 miles so I reckon you have had your moneysworth.

Stewart

I assume the symptoms manifested in the front end for you ?

 

[Stewart H]

I assume the symptoms manifested in the front end for you ?

Yes, especially if the front end was light under acceleration, the telelever is actually pretty forgiving of a knackered shock, but the transition from a 96 thousand miler to a near new unit was immediately noticable.
Stewart

 

[shready]

Yes, especially if the front end was light under acceleration, the telelever is actually pretty forgiving of a knackered shock, but the transition from a 96 thousand miler to a near new unit was immediately noticable.
Stewart

What replacement unit did you go for?

 

[Crapaud]

Similar issue with my 1100. Fitted a set of Wilbers and bike was transformed to better than new.

 

[shready]

Similar issue with my 1100. Fitted a set of Wilbers and bike was transformed to better than new.

Did it make everything feel odd, suddenly, totally different feedback?

Mine went off like a pint of milk in the sun but no oil leaks, I guess the spring is shagged.

 

[Stewart H]

Mine did not leak, it was just clapped out, I think its mainly the oil losing its viscosity after being squeezed through the damping valves a million times, back in the day I rebuilt (mainly stripping cleaning and refilling) a few pairs of shocks and it generally worked fine, if the thing will come apart easily then why not, unfortunately the stock GS ones do not dismantle easily, my new one came from a forum member who had gone the aftermarket route.

Stewart

 

[davegs]

Shocks

Bit off line but if any south african members are on here I have a copy of
your bike mag and theres a bit in there about two lads who rebuild BMW shocks at a fraction of new price. Any one intersted I can dig out the ad.
Dave (Abba Fan)GS.

 

[Steptoe]

Bounce the bike and listen for frothing in the shock.

They suck air in as they get knackered.