1150GS Rear Shock

[ArcherL]

The shock went on my GS and I toyed with the option of getting it rebuilt, some will do it but I thought the other components will have 41K worth of wear on them as well, so I didn't do that. As I was more than happy with the handling of the bike I opted for the standard BMW replacement rather than the Ohlins or Wilbers. From the posts I have looked at this is maybe not the best option but I didn't take the chance with something different. The new shock is on but I can't get the bike back to the way it was before the change, it seems to oversteer slightly during turning no matter what setting I use. I haven't REALLY pushed it yet because of the weather. If someone finds themselves in the same position perhaps the aftermarket one would be better. I would go with that if I had the choice again.

 

[Steptoe]

So, let me get this straight.

You've fitted a brand new rear shock, kept the original 41K mile front shock and are surprised that the handling is not what it was.

Have you adjusted the front shock or just left it on the old settings ?.

Try putting 52psi in the front tyre.

 

[Grim Rider]

Does anyone know if it is possible to get the standard front shock rebuilt? I know a couple of companies who say they can rebuilt rear but neither seem sure about the front (20011150GS)

 

[ArcherL]

Tried different settings on the front shock, but not noticeable effect. Are you suggesting that the front shock should be replaced at the same time as a rule on bikes? From what I gathered on the forum many have replaced the rear shock only, also many bikes seem to have done twice that mileage without any shock problems. Are you serious about the 52psi??

 

[Steptoe]

. Are you serious about the 52psi??

No. Try 63psi.

You should consider owning a 1200.

 

[MattW]

Steppers is toying with you - stick to the tyre pressures in the handbook

For what it's worth, I think the miss-match between your old front and new rear shocks will inevitably produce weird handling.

 

[vilguy]

There is a dude in america that offers to rebuild "unrebuildable" shocks.

He has done this service for many V strom owners and i think some triumph owners too. Once done, it allows the shock to be rebuilt again and again in the future also.

Basically he welds in a nitrogen charging valve, changes all the seals etc blah blah. Worked out to a good price, even with the postage there and back. Ill have a look for the site if theres any interest, right now i cant be bothered.

 

[Engineer]

Tried different settings on the front shock, but not noticeable effect. Are you suggesting that the front shock should be replaced at the same time as a rule on bikes? From what I gathered on the forum many have replaced the rear shock only, also many bikes seem to have done twice that mileage without any shock problems. Are you serious about the 52psi??

Are you seriously considering it?

Buy a 1200 the 1150 is well past its best

 

[Decster]

Are you seriously considering it?

Buy a 1200 the 1150 is well past its best

....

 

[motobiker]

There is a dude in america that offers to rebuild "unrebuildable" shocks.

He has done this service for many V strom owners and i think some triumph owners too. Once done, it allows the shock to be rebuilt again and again in the future also.

Basically he welds in a nitrogen charging valve, changes all the seals etc blah blah. Worked out to a good price, even with the postage there and back. Ill have a look for the site if theres any interest, right now i cant be bothered.

No need to send to America - there have been posts on this site only recently from people who have had this done here in the UK.

 

[vilguy]

ah right... fair enough then! ill shut up and go to my corner

 

[longdog]

Tried different settings on the front shock, but not noticeable effect. Are you suggesting that the front shock should be replaced at the same time as a rule on bikes? From what I gathered on the forum many have replaced the rear shock only, also many bikes seem to have done twice that mileage without any shock problems. Are you serious about the 52psi??

36psi front/42psi rear

St Eptoe jests with you

If it is "oversteering", it's because there is no sag in the rear shock because it is new! Simple

It was probably totally shagged (otherwise you wouldn't have bought a new shock ), so it was probably squatting down at the back and pushing the front end wide on corners. Now, it is nice and precise and you need to acclimatise yourself to how a GS really should steer and handle.

Enjoy!

 

[Pukmeister]

Try speaking to John Gaskell at Revs Racing in Halesowen (do a google search). He may be able to help you, worth a call anyway.

He rebuilt my non-rebuildable Yamaha rear shock a few years ago. He does a lot of offroad shock rebuilds. He is also the UK importer for Wilbers.

 

[Grim Rider]

ah right... fair enough then! ill shut up and go to my corner

If you do find it I for one would appreciate it - can find a few posts on here by people who have had rear shocks rebuilt but, despite several searches, cannot find anyone who has had original fromt shock for an 1150 rebuilt

 

[motobiker]

If you do find it I for one would appreciate it - can find a few posts on here by people who have had rear shocks rebuilt but, despite several searches, cannot find anyone who has had original fromt shock for an 1150 rebuilt

see the post above yours

 

[longdog]

I think these guys might do shock rebuilds too

 

[shready]

I replaced my shagged out rear shock on the GS with a Wilbers and immediately the OEM front felt crap.

I replaced the front with a Wilbers and order was restored. Now it's shit again as the rear tyre is square

Job for the weekend

 

[Stewart H]

What about this?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....m=170284802502&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=007

Stewart

 

[ukaloon]

36psi front/42psi rear

Not 32psi front/36psi rear then?

 

[Grim Rider]

Shock absorber rebuilding

Chased up some different companies for advice on getting the shock absorbers rebuilt for my 2001 R1150GS (ie advice may not fit all bikes!); results were, to say the least, mixed:

ABE London - no problem rebuilding rear, cost £50-£100 depending on what needs; didn't think front was possible but suggested I post the front to them and they would have a look at it.

Brooks Suspension - no problem with rear, cost £85; didn't know about the front but didn't think possible but was going to look at one next week and I could phone them back to find out.

Revs Racing - couldn't rebuild either, said original shock not very good quality and had done a few rear ones but had not been happy with the results.

MCT Stowmarket - no problem rebuilding rear, some fronts can be rebuilt - can tell by looking up shock and if end welded cannot be rebuilt, if not welded (? has threaded cap) then can be - cost £75 for rear; £65 for front.

I have read all the threads I can find on this forum about getting original shocks rebuit - there seems to be a lot of discussion and some discrepancies concerning the relative quality of the original shocks and the value of getting them rebuilt. For me I reckon the original shocks have been fine for the past 8 years and 52000 miles and I would be happy to replace them with a new pair of original shocks if I had the money! Having said that, I only use the bike on the road.

Is there anyone out there who has experience of using the above companies to get their BMW shocks rebuilt?

I am off to the garage to see if my front shock is welded up!