1150gsa; suspension

[Uhtred43]

sorry if this is a well worn topic, but i want to uprate my suspension. Am thinking of either WP or Ohlins. Any views/comments would be welcome. Also any info on where to get best deals/service would also be good.

Am attending Dragon, hope to see you all there!

 

[rokraider]

I have Ohlins fitted to my GSA. The front is very good, but the rear feels very soft. I recently sent the rear back for repair after it started to leak. I ran the original BMW unit whilst it was being fixed, and think it is probably better. Also it has adjustable compression and rebound settings where the Ohlins only has compression. Another consideration is that the Ohlins lift it even higher off the ground which can cause problems unless you are long in the leg.

 

[robbie c]

maxton

go for a maxton shock
they want to know your weight, pillions weight, luggage weight and what style of riding.
they then build you a custom made shock, get the one with the remote pre load adjuster
utterly superb, you wont regret it

about £575 but worth every penny

I've used maxton shocks on two of my bikes and I wouldn't fit anything else.

pm me if you want more details

I got mine shortened in the end (5'9") and fitted standard gs front shock so that I can get both feet flat (almost) on the floor (they charged £50 to shorten the shock)


Rob

 

[Timbo]

Just going through the same thing myself. Did a bit of reading around on the posts on the forum and decided that Wilbers were there ones for me. Placed the order today so I'll let you know the result in about 3 weeks.

 

[Rob Farmer]

I'm with Robbie C.

Maxtons are superb, Made in Chesire, Developed for IOM TT racers and road racers.

A full rebuild is only £55 with a quick turnaround.

I've got the standard shock with out remote preload (£405 + VAT). I've never needed to adjust it though.

http://www.esling.btinternet.co.uk/maxton/

Comes with a nice warm glow for buying British

 

[MikeP]

Also it has adjustable compression and rebound settings where the Ohlins only has compression.

That depends on the unit, mine has both adjustments.

Has Migsel managed to sell his yet? (Having done a search I can't find the thread so I guess I've answered my own question).

 

[tinker-27]

i ve fitted hyperpro spring they are cheap and work fantastically £70 each end ! worth a look stops all the wallowing ,

 

[Uhtred43]

suspension

thanks for all the comments guys. Still in a quandry. If it helps , I only have one mode of transport and it has to do everything communt, tour and even supermarket run with pannieres. However, the majority of my miles are on back roads and green lanes (when it's not too wet.) During my hols i try to get away and always end up off road somewhere. I'm looking for a hard working robust shock that's gonna cope with this lot...and at sensible prices!!

Thanks again

 

[Rushy]

it has to do everything communt, tour and even supermarket run with pannieres, majority of my miles are on back roads and green lanes (when it's not too wet.) During my hols i always end up off road somewhere. I'm looking for a hard working robust shock that's gonna cope with this lot...AND at sensible prices!!

Sounds like you are looking for "the holy grail"

 

[robbie c]

what is sensible

how much do you want to spend

again
GO FOR MAXTON

 

[grandtrousers]

Buy Wilbers - accept no substitute - they are the holy grail - a little expensive but you definitely get what you pay for - oh yes

 

[Steptoe]

How can anyone recommend a particular type of shock over another if they haven't tried them all -

Most are better than the standard shocks, so any particular make feels like a massive improvement.

I've tried a lot of different types, but find Ohlins suit ME best. Took a while to get them set up right, but now they're vvvveeeerrrryyy nice .

 

[robbie c]

fair one

I've ridden alot of bikes with different suspension setups.
I just liked the help I got from maxton and their race winning pedigree cannot be questioned.
top company, but I suspect that there are many more equally as good.
this is the second bike that I have fitted their shocks on, and I'm happy

pay your money and make your choice, just about anything is better than the utterly useless standard item (you don't realise how poor they are until you go back to a bike with one on)

IMO (and maxtons) you only need to replace the back as the front does very little work

Rob

 

[Timolgra]

IMO (and maxtons) you only need to replace the back as the front does very little work

Yes I agree, unless you are a riding 'god' I doubt much is to be gained from spending money on the front.

I have an Ohlins rear on my 1150ADV rebuilt by Maxtons but with a stiffer than standard spring. The original body was wrecked after being bottomed out too hard off road, hence the stiffer spring.

If I had the money I would buy a Maxton rear

 

[grandtrousers]

How can anyone recommend a particular type of shock over another if they haven't tried them all -

Most are better than the standard shocks, so any particular make feels like a massive improvement.

I've tried a lot of different types, but find Ohlins suit ME best. Took a while to get them set up right, but now they're vvvveeeerrrryyy nice .

Sorry Neil you are right - I have tried Ohlins which were a vast improvement over standard but find the Wilbers that little bit more "sorted" in just about every way. I have not yet tried Maxtons.