1100GS - Mixing Shocks?

[JohnnyBoxer]

I'm looking to change the suspension on the Kalahari 1100, mainly just because I prefer aftermarket suspension as it vastly improves the handling, ride and comfort

So, I bought a mint Wilbers front shock from Rushy, this week

So the Rear Shock options are -

Wilbers - to match the front, never had any experience and very expensive

Ohlins - Pricey.... but I have good experience and a good supplier who can do me a deal and set it up with correct spring rate and valving

WP - never tried one - pricey again

So where would you go??

 

[Vern]

Stick with the standard stuff untill it's banjaxed

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Stick with the standard stuff untill it's banjaxed

Normally being a Yorkshireman, I would naturally do this, Vern

However visits to the Dentist to replace the loose fillings, outweighs the price of a new/secondhand rear shiny shock

I'd forgotten how harsh the BMW OE Showa stuff is

 

[elevensies]

as vern says, unless your planning something big, fit the wilbers, and leave rear until it goes all saggy.

failing that then its hyperpro

harry

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

as vern says, unless your planning something big, fit the wilbers, and leave rear until it goes all saggy.

failing that then its hyperpro

harry

Ehhhhhhh, Harry

In the exhaust thread, you said suspension upgrade was worthwhile mod

 

[elevensies]

forgot

do you know that showa are a seriously good shock company who know their stuff, its a shame the stock OE is not so hot,

but then i think suspension is subjective, as most of us will never ever ride to the limits or capabilities of a good standard well set up shock.




shoot now

 

[Timolgra]

I've always thought having a 'quality' front shock makes little difference to a GS, unlike like a rear which can make a huge improvement

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

forgot

do you know that showa are a seriously good shock company who know their stuff, its a shame the stock OE is not so hot,

but then i think suspension is subjective, as most of us will never ever ride to the limits or capabilities of a good standard well set up shock.




shoot now

I know Showa can be good (Honda owned) but the difference with decent performance shocks are night and day

People baulk at the price c. £950 for a new pair of Ohlins, set up exactly to yourself..................but in reality you only pay £400, as you can resell a pair for £550 secondhand

Plus this virtually new front Blue Line Wilbers..................was a Bargain ...................................cheers Rushy

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

I've always thought having a 'quality' front shock makes little difference to a GS, unlike like a rear which can make a huge improvement

Maybe...............but I definitely think it eliminates some of the patter, especially on braking

 

[Micky]

I'd go with Tim on this one... best results come from a better rear unit, the front seems to look after itself somehow

Get a rear Wilbers to match JB ... then you'll be colour co-ordinated

 

[DrAlf]

I’ve had three 1150’s all of which have been fitted with Ohlins. IMHO it’s the front that makes the biggest difference in terms of handling. I’d use the OEM rear shock for the time being and try and track down a used shock on here or ebay. Personal preference would be Ohlins but I’m pretty sure Wilbers are of a similar standard.

 

[elevensies]

mate, i was trying to save you some dosh

your absolutely right, the rear needs changing, match it up with a wilbers rear and your sorted

good thing is you will have, rebound, damping and preload on aftermarket shock, you can easily set the sag, get liniar or rising rate spring, its endless


but so worth it

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

ohlins seem to need rebuilding fairly frequently if you get a dodgy one

Wilbers got bad press from Margus


all few and far between problems though.

Ohlins will get better resale value, so i know which one you'll get

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

mate, i was trying to save you some dosh


but so worth it

Only joking

The GS essential mods IMHO are -

Screen - (bike came with a MRA - which is the best)

Seat - I have a Wunderlich Gel seat and if necessary I can swap the Corbin across from the GSA

Shocks - Had Ohlins on my GS's since 2002 and wouldn't be without them - make the bike go faster and smoother

The rest is just down to preference - Panniers/Bling etc

 

[judge]

Its entirely academic, bike will see less action that the super Toyota Hiace has this year

The bikes left in the garage, they're a BMW, Johnny's BMW's

 

[elevensies]

judge ya cheeky fek,

my hiace gets its fair share of use, same as my bikes.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Ohlins seem to need rebuilding fairly frequently if you get a dodgy one

Only if you don't fit the right spring

Most people are riding on a rear Ohlins with a standard 140nM spring (suitable for a 13 stone solo rider), then add massive alloy panniers, lardy pillions and topboxes and wonder why the seals on the shock give way under all that weight........................incorrect spring ............for the application

Suspension is a black art..................which most of us know nothing about

 

[elevensies]

Suspension is a black art..................which most of us know nothing about

so so true

 

[Micky]

Suspension is a black art.............

You can't say that JB

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

You can't say that JB

I fecking can....................in the dark, mysterious and magical context