Just the rear suspension

[steveh]

The bike has covered 32k now and although the tyres need replacing I'm pretty sure I also need to refresh the suspension. The problem is that I really want Ohlins and Front and rear is going to be 1300 quid!!! I just think thats too much to spend and justify so was thinking.....

Could I just replace the rear for 6-700 quid ish, would this be a good move or just a false economy.........any feedback greatly appreciated

Steve

 

[Funners]

No reason why not, as a rule the fronts aren't too bad it's the rears that are under-sprung and damped so replacing that on it's own should be fine, I know a man who has done just that with Wilbers stuff and had no detremental effects

 

[shugie]

I'd suggest you start with a Wilbers on the rear and see what you think, nothing to say you have to change both, and the Ohlins are somewhat pricey.

 

[elevensies]

depends what you want from the shocks, to be honest your mileage should still be good and you wont notice massive improvements,

where you will notice is if you take regular pillion, or your loaded up

as i said, depends upon what you want, i suspect just the bling factor, because you went straight in with the ''ohlins factor'' with little or no suggestion to other high end shocks.

look elsewhere if you know what you want from your shocks.


just consider the fact, i bet your car has done more miles, in worse conditions, all year round, and the very cheap shocks on it, are your last intentions to change

food for thought....

harry

 

[Big Lee]

yep, the biggest change I noticed when I put an uprated shock on it improved handling with a pillion, it was that good even the pillion commented on it!

 

[SVENA]

yep, the biggest change I noticed when I put an uprated shock on it improved handling with a pillion, it was that good even the pillion commented on it!

+1, did the same two years back. Öhlins on the rear changed the handling with two up.

 

[Funners]

depends what you want from the shocks, to be honest your mileage should still be good and you wont notice massive improvements,


harry

No a given that, my shock was fubarred at less than 2000 miles (solo use) and if I had a pillion on it would drag it's arse everywhere,
the stock shock is woefully under sprung and under damped even solo and fitting any high end shock which is set up for your weight and riding style will be a massive improvement over std.

I ended up going for Wilbers as they actually set the shock up for YOU and your riding unlike Ohlins where you get a std unit and then YOU set it up from there.
My Wilbers have been on now for nearly 20,000 miles and other than altering the pre-load for luggage/passenger I have yet to touch it from it's base settings.
the ride quality is like chalk and cheese with the std fitments....

 

[Snoopy]

You'll notice no difference changing the front to Ohlins, I didn't on mine. 2p.

 

[wingnut]

Give Maxton a look up and see what they can do, they build shocks to order, for the kind of use you will use it for and for the weight that the bike is likely to carry, I have just bought one for a ZX7R (going to do a few track days) with a remote adjuster for around £600, you probably wont need this for a GS so would probably spend less than £500. When my GS shocks go, thats probably where I will spend my cash.

Wingnut

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Changing the front is a waste of money IMHO because it really doesn't do that much.


Try Wilburs or Hyperpro for the rear. The same quality as Ohlins but without the price tag

 

[steveh]

thanks for the replies guys

think i'll try refreshing just the rear, sounds like its worth the change.

 

[steveh]

out of interest

Anyone know what your looking at cost wise:

I've been quoted 580 plus vat (checking if that includes fitting) for the "cheaper" ohlins rear option. What are we looking at for Wilburs etc??

Thanks again]
Steve

 

[Every Accessory]

For the Wilbers with the Hydraulic Preload option as you have on there now will be £560 inc VAT!!

 

[Every Accessory]

Forgot to say ring us on 0121 501 3321 if you need any more info.

 

[GSband]

I'm extremely happy with my Wilbers, they've changed the bike beyond recognition (NOT an exaggeration).
The Wilbers were placed rear AND front, for the simple reason that I wanted to play around with the damping at the front too (OEM front doesn't allow this).

You could do without changing the front, of course.
But the front damping not only influences comfort/roadholding as does the rear, it also really influences the way the bike handles in turns (over- vs. understeer). Once you get a feel for the different settings (the 'learning by doing' takes a while) it's a hoot to be able to set up your bike exactly how you want.

Whatever you do, it's an improvement over stock. Up to you.

 

[g.s.john]

Wilbers they build the shock to your wieght+luggage and/or pillion and come with a five year warranty had one for 18 months now with adjustment on the rebound damping only datum settings from the factory which keeps it simple for setting up IMO you dont need too many settings to chase you are riding a G.S on the road not a track day missile

 

[Big Lee]

My WP spin shock is for sale, see fs&w section

 

[Pukmeister]

I have a pair of Wilbers front and rear for an R1200GS (with rear hydraulic preload option) set up for 14 stone rider+pillion or luggage, fast road use. Removed from my recently sold 2004 bike after about 10k of riding. They look like new but could do with a clean (not had time lately) so they are sat in a cupboard in my garage at present.

£400 the pair plus postage.

Any takers ??

 

[SpyInTheCamp]

Forgot to say ring us on 0121 501 3321 if you need any more info.

How much for a front shock? And is there a deal if you buy the pair?

Kai

 

[Every Accessory]

Did you ring us about the shocks?