Airhead rear shock

[Trippy]

Its has been suggested that if I intend to take the new bike off road that a decent rear shock maybe a good idea. Any suggestions as to which one and how much this is likely to cost me?

And in true Johnnyboxer style, asking this question gives me another excuse to post a picture of it

 

[Voyager]

Both my Airheads have Hagon rear shocks.

Better than the worn out standard shocks but I've never tried anything else so can't give a comparison or recommendation.

It will be interesting to hear other opinions.

The most recent Hagon was £255.


Nice bike by the way.


Bob.

 

[judge]

Ohlins for me - though I'd settle for a WP or a Fournales, the key is set-up.

I have a Hagon which is good for a spare, currently fitted to the bike as the Ohlins has been away for an overhaul. Can't wait to get it back on and take it down the lanes

 

[Straypuss]

Will it clean up like this one?

more here http://www.pbase.com/cdg/bmw_r_80_gs_paris_dakar

 

[Paul Rochdale]

At the last HU Meeting at Ripley, I listened to a talk given by someone who'd ridden from the UK to South Africa. He and his mate had ridden on Africa Twins fitted with Hagon shocks especially designed for the weights of the riders and the bikes. In the deserts of southern Egypt/northern Sudan, both Hagons fell apart, not just the upper bush mount pulling off but the entire mount and top. A tribesman come welder welded the tops back on just to get them on their way. He said he'd never use a Hagon again as the metal was far too thin for extreme riding.

I'm sure Hagons are fine for road use but for anything more adventurous, you need something better IMO.

 

[cookie]

i have a WP on mine. great shock, but you have to take it off to access the preload adjuster rings, so i'd go for ohlins that has remote adjuster next time. more dosh though, gotta be well over £400

maybe wilbers have something, but never seen one on an airhead.

hagon twin shocks seem fine, but i've rarely heard anything but grief with their monos.

 

[Trippy]

gotta be well over £400

Ouch, that won't be fitted for a long time then.

 

[judge]

The best thing about a Hagon is the 2 year warranty - based on first hand experience and more than a few airhead GS owners you will need it

 

[Garry H]

A Ohlins is the best bet i recon...
Forks need sorting too

But don't expect paralever performance
cuz it is not going to happen

 

[charlie b]

I fitted a Technoflex which improved things hugely over the knackered OE unit. Very pleased with mine, responsive and has worked hard on a lot of gravel roads, no probs in 2+ years

Rebuildable, I had mine 1' over stock, built to order in a week from Holland. About £240 back then or they do a more expensive remote res' jobby.

I heard they are now called Wilburs...(?) but are still on the Motobins website as Technoflex.
Look here:
http://www.motobins.co.uk/displayfinal.php?function=show&subs=156b&title=TECHNOFLEX+SHOCK+ABSORBERS

.

 

[Rob Farmer]

I wouldn't spend too much cash on a rear shock. the front forks are the same items, just different springs, as the the ones fitted to the RT. They have very limited travel and will severely limit the off road ability of the bike. Stick with the standard one untill it's knackered.

Technoflex shocks are good and look identical to the WP ones.

A heavy duty shock was offered by BMW for the Monolever. It was made by WP and were still available when I asked earlier in the year. £490 though - still cheaper than by a WP direct from WP

 

[Beemerboff]

I have a Wilbers on my VFR , and a Ohlins on my R100 GS , and I would say that the Wilbers is just as good as the Ohlins , and in Oz theY are half the price.

Motaren Israel have the best prices I've found on Wilbers shocks.

 

[Old guy]

Wilbers everytime. Buy direct from Wilbers.de, they take credit cards and you can talk about your requirements and they will make the shock to fit you.

About 50% less than Ohlins, they are fully re-buildable and have a cast-iron warranty. They just a little more than Hagons but have German build-quality.

Look on this thread, I posted their URL.

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=113311&highlight=wilbers

 

[Kenny]

Trippy, use the bike for a while..it may be perfect for you ! Airheads ( especially moo's ) are the definative BMW ( well to airhead owners anyway )..but you will end up throwing a lot of pennies at her if you are not tied to the bed by the Missus !!

Enjoy her ( and the BMW ) for a while before spending out and becomming insolvent !!

I had a white power on mine and tbh I didn't really notice any difference over previous stock shocks I had on mine. The Hagons are aquiring a poor reputation but I've never owned one so can't comment and feck me, only Judge can afford Ohlins

 

[Trippy]

Trippy, use the bike for a while..it may be perfect for you !

Thanks Kenny, I think I will do just that whilst I let my bank balance recover.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Sell it and buy the HP2

 

[Trippy]

Sell it and buy the HP2

Bog off


I've just got to find a little house with a garage now

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Bog off


I've just got to find a little house with a garage now

Nah.............i've got a little house with a big garage...........much better solution

 

[cookie]

Nah.............i've got a little house with a big garage...........much better solution

definitely the way to go

 

[Trippy]

definitely the way to go

Any garage would do me four eyes