Is it possible to UN-LOWER the suspension on a factory-lowered F850GS (i.e. revert to standard height)?

[2WheelsDown]

I recently purchased another F850GS after my last one was stolen, but my replacement bike has the factory-lowered seat and suspension. I've done some research but can't find anything on "un-lowering" one of these. The seat shouldn't be too hard to remedy - I either need to find someone who wants a lower seat to do a swap with, or buy a replacement. But the suspension lowering?!? Can it be undone easily? Is it just a simple adjustment that can be done at home, or are new parts / specialist service centres / BMW themselves needed to get it back to proper height? Also, my bike has ESA - does that make a difference?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[littleade]

If the F850GS is the same as a 1200/1250 GS then the shock springs will be (20mm?) shorter and the bike will have different centre and side stands. There's a suspension specialist on here IIRC @Denz0 in Londinium who would know what's involved.

 

[Denz0]

Hello Gents.

This is a very good question!
On the 1200GS and 1250GS.

factory low shocks are lowered by the internal spacer.
They can be reversed to Standard GS length easily when servicing the shock.
This is unfortunately not a DIY job...
I'm guessing this will be done the same way on the f850GS. So yes it can be made longer.

The low suspension comes with a low center stand and side stand that would have to be changed or extended.

The level sensor needs to be calibrated after the work is completed.

The front suspension on that bike is as crapy as it can be!
I would suggest a nice aftermarket cartridge that can provide some performance and stop that crazy dive on the front when touching the brakes.
If you go for cartridge then the length could be standard GS Or GSA and they always come with appropriate springs
benefit that comes with performance upgrade >full adjustment on rebound, compression, and spring preload
Take a look here that's one of the options >>>

https://ttechsuspension.com/index.p...v-2019-front-35bm19-d5303-tr-x-treme-one-leg/


Or you can try to separate the forks and check what's inside.
I'm assuming they utilize a short plunger and short cartridge that is built to low spec and not extendable.


Those F850GS forks only have one cartridge ...
And the other leg comes with spring only.

If you have any other questions please ask.
This bike could work nicely with WP/ KYB 48mm conversion but that's only if money was no subject or someone was planning the Dakar rally

All the best Luke

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[2WheelsDown]

Thank you both (and especially Denz0 for such a detailed response)!

It sounds like it is do-able but I'm not a mechanic and finances are limited. I'm more than happy to work on my bike, but taking down a shock absorber is definitely beyond my capability. After reading your responses, it looks to me like I will have to find a "BMW-qualified/familiar" mechanic to sort out the spacers in the shocks and resetting the sensor (or is the sensor user-resettable?). Then I would need to acquire and fit a new side-stand and centre-stand (this bit I can do). No new 'longer' springs are required for the suspension, no other spare parts would need to be purchased. Is that right? But also I don't know what a "cartridge" is or what a 'short' one is and I imagine there is a lot more in there that I'm missing (like I said - not a mechanic).

I don't suppose you have any idea (even a very rough idea) of how long it would take a qualified mech to carry out the suspension and sensor works? If it works out to be too expensive, I might just replace the seat and make do with what I've got.

Thanks again!!

 

[Denz0]

Not sure if you can find a BMW technician who could open this shock.
Those shocks are disposable for BMW.
I can only recommend ''me''

If it can be extended no extra parts will be needed. Only stripping the shock and rebuilding it without the internal spacer.
Send me the shock if it can be done it will be done if not it will go back to you intact.

I think I should also have the OEM GSA cartridge you can have that if it helps. But only right side.
Left leg would have to be inspected and some altorations done to extend it.



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[Denz0]

Level sensor can be calibrated with GS911 takes about 10 minutes.

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[knutk]

FWIW:
According to Realoem.com, the lowered front forks have a different partnumber for springs on both sides compared to the regular hight bikes.
There are no details regarding the different rear shocks. However, if a lowered bike has a shorter springrate than the regular bike, I would assume it also has a softer spring, as, statistacally, shorter people are lighter than tall people.

When it boils down to it, I suspect that the lowest cost for OP would be to try to exchange the lowered bike with a regular height bike, as all the small 'minor' details that are required quickly adds up to a 'not so small' amount .....

 

[2WheelsDown]

Not sure if you can find a BMW technician who could open this shock.
Those shocks are disposable for BMW.
I can only recommend ''me''

If it can be extended no extra parts will be needed. Only stripping the shock and rebuilding it without the internal spacer.
Send me the shock if it can be done it will be done if not it will go back to you intact.

I think I should also have the OEM GSA cartridge you can have that if it helps. But only right side.
Left leg would have to be inspected and some altorations done to extend it.

I spoke to a couple of BMW's engineers at the NEC Motorcycle Live show last week and they were both adamant that each and every shock would need replacing (but then they would say that wouldn't they). However, when I asked them how much it would likely cost, they didn't give me a figure, they each just winced! I get the feeling that if I approach more BMW techs at local dealerships, I'd probably get the same answer.

Thanks again for your technical insight on this one Denz0 - it's very much appreciated!

FWIW:
According to Realoem.com, the lowered front forks have a different partnumber for springs on both sides compared to the regular hight bikes.
There are no details regarding the different rear shocks. However, if a lowered bike has a shorter springrate than the regular bike, I would assume it also has a softer spring, as, statistacally, shorter people are lighter than tall people.

When it boils down to it, I suspect that the lowest cost for OP would be to try to exchange the lowered bike with a regular height bike, as all the small 'minor' details that are required quickly adds up to a 'not so small' amount .....

After everything I've found out so far I'm inclined to agree with you. The cost incurred in raising the suspension by another few centimetres is going to be hugely prohibitive, and I can't justify the outlay when it would make far more sense to sell it and buy a regular height bike with similar specs. I could potentially swap out the seat though, which would certainly help.

Does anyone out there wish they had a lower seat for their 850GS and fancy a swap? Please get in touch!

 

[RadioFlyer]

I would consult an online parts fiche and compare the suspension part numbers for the standard and lowered bike to see what's different. Same for the side and centerstands.

 

[Bryn]

I know it’s two years later…. But have you sorted your 850? I’ve got a standard seat and looking for a low one…..