1150GS Front Shock Replacement

[Bowkes]

Replaced the OE rear shock on my 2001 model GS three years ago, but always wondered how I would know when the front is due for replacement. I'm relatively light at 68kgs though often use the bike laden for touring, but as the bike has now done 36K I'm condsidering doing a low cost upgrade. Would anyone reccomend replacing the spring on its own (considering a Hyperpro), or would it be best to get the whole unit serviced or even replaced? If anyone's done this and noticed a marked improvement in handling it would be good to hear.

 

[ELIMINATOR]

I weigh 100KG, my 1150 has done 69,000 miles. replacing the shocks hasn't crossed my mind.

 

[Ugly Cow]

Bike had done 36,000 mls and rear shock was goosed. Replaced with Ohlins massive difference so I thought it best to replace the front as well. There was no noticable difference whatsoever in the handling. Personally if it feels good to you then whats the point. I felt no improvement with an Ohlins on the front and thought afterwards it was a waste of money.

 

[B4ndit]

I sent my standard GS 1150 front shock off for servicing and had it returned with a note saying it wasn't possible to service that kind of shock. Looking at it its a pretty simple affair.

If you want to improve the front it looks like you will have to get an after market jobby.

Must say after all the work I have done on my bike over the last year I am not particularly impressed with the smoothness of the ride. But I have to be realistic. Its got Tourances on it and it carrys a lot of weight. I liken it to driving a Land Rover and when I think like that I can put up with it.

 

[Grim Rider]

I replaced front shock with standard shock from BMW and had rear rebuilt by MCt at 50k and then at 75k had rear rebuilt again and both springs replaced with Hyperpro (front is easy to do yourself). Made noticeable improvement but that is only in comparison to how worn they felt before! They are a comparatively low cost mod and I would expect your shocks to be fine at 36k so worth considering. There are some pictures of fitting them on my website.

 

[alfazer]

I find my own standard front shock pretty good and it seems many of you have no problem. So I find it odd that I read this about the R1150GS in Classic Motorcycle Mechanics "Future Classics" supplement Apr 2011...

"Handling is superb once you are used to it, but the front shock absorber benefits from the Hailwood treatment (ie. unbolting it and throwing it into the nearest lake to be replaced by a proper item). "