New Suspenders required

[PeeBee]

Having had my 2005 1200GS from new and covering 39000 miles, I am feeling that the original suspension is getting tired - feels a bit vague now tipping into corners at times. (* tyres are correctly inflated * ).

I ride solo and only have vario panniers fitted when off on hols.

I've read a lot of posts which as usual are very subjective; what I am looking for is advice on what aftermarket suspension is available, at what prices and who to deal with for a trouble free purchase. Most of the websites are terrible to negotiate.

 

[Neil W]

If it is non esa I would strongly recommend Maxton, I rang , spoke to Richard and gave weight, type of use information and bought front and rears for my r1200gsa.
Delivery was within 7 days, I fitted them no problems and since then , nearly 3 years the front has never needed adjustment , on the rear if two up I wind the hydraulic preload up by about 6mm and it is perfect.
Handling is superb and they state that servicing for a road bike only needs done once every 4 or 5 years.
Best of all made in Britain and fantastic quality

 

[Rockred]

When you can, spend your money where you erne it, otherwise all you are doing is importing unemployment.

 

[Greenman14]

+1 for Maxton. I had one of their rear units on a bike, not a GS, and it transformed the handling even though the unit it replaced wasn't worn out. As already said, they build to your weight and use requirements. Also used Hagon but it replaced a well worn unit so it ought to have improved things. Build quality and service was good, and it was cheap. An alternative might be Nitron, UK made. I've no experience of them.

 

[RedRick Esq.]

Ill chip in for Wilburs
The lads at Revs are outstanding

 

[PeeBee]

Yes, the bike is non ESA. Funnily enough, Maxton are the only company that I contacted who came back to me; info sheet and price list from Richard Adams. Revs Racings site is a nightmare to deal with and no return contact from them after a week.

Mostly, I have seen Wilburs being cited as the suspension of choice on the site.

Maxtons prices: - £498 inc front; £498 inc rear and an extra £300 inc for remote adjuster.

Any ideas what price for others?

 

[Bryn]

Yes, the bike is non ESA. Funnily enough, Maxton are the only company that I contacted who came back to me; info sheet and price list from Richard Adams. Revs Racings site is a nightmare to deal with and no return contact from them after a week.

Mostly, I have seen Wilburs being cited as the suspension of choice on the site.

Maxtons prices: - £498 inc front; £498 inc rear and an extra £300 inc for remote adjuster.

Any ideas what price for others?

Funny that... your post prompted me to have a look at Maxton's site, and I sent off a query form... now you've got the answer.....£798 with the remote adjuster sounds a bit steep..... Last weekend I was speaking with a bod from REVS racing about a Wilbers to replace my 2009 rear shock ( GS ) I was looking at their display over at Cosford Air museum ( there was a bike day to support the Air Ambulance)

He told me it would be £510 all in, with a 2 week build. that's with custom tailoring to suit your weight, and whether you carry a pillion, and the percentage of each. etc.

 

[Neil W]

Things of beauty

 

[Pukmeister]

I bought a set of Wilbers from Revs Racing years ago as I had previously had help from John Gaskell with other bikes. Both the Wilbers and Revs were excellent at the time, I'm surprised to hear they aren't as accommodating as they used to be, perhaps they have staff illness or are busy with back orders?

Maybe worth trying them on the phone rather than via t'internet as their service over the phone is normally very good, and tell them their website needs improving whilst you are at it.

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

I've got Wilbers on my '05, got about 30,000 miles on them with one service done on the rear.

I've been dead pleased with them, they made a real difference when fitted at 20,000 miles and haven't deteriorated noticeably. I got the remote preload and the extra high and low speed damping on the rear. TBH I set the high/low speed damping up when new and have not touched it since. I'd probably not bother with it again as it seems a bit of an overkill on a GS. I dealt with Revs Racing and they were really good to deal with.

IMHO they are a very good price for a custom made shock and can't see the point in spending more (on a GS) for some of the more exotic shocks.

Andres

 

[Watty100]

I've got Hagon front and rear, been on for about 15,000 miles and no worries, better than original.
Currently £300 each, +£125 for the remote adjuster versions.

I bought the front off Ebay, off an 1150GS, they're the same, so that opens up the possibilities of finding a bargain.
(saved £100 on a 3 month old unit, they're date-stamped by the factory).

I've got mates who swear by Wilbers, others who are happy with rebuilds they've had done on OE shocks.

Yer pays yer money and takes yer choice.................

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

HERE you go lad, a bargain

Andres

 

[NZRalphy]

Nitron do some nice kit. Made in UK and could save you some coin.

 

[Bobbin-Man]

Hyperpro from Calsport. I've fitted just the Hyperpro springs to mine with the intention of getting the original (WP) '04/'05 shocks refurbished, but the ride and handling has been transformed so much I'm going to leave the refurb for now.

 

[pojoel]

Nobody rooting for Öhlins? I'm very pleased with my yellow legs!
True, they are costly, but I found a freakishly good deal on ebay last October: $1,250.00 + $140.00 shipping for front and rear.

BM436 and BM437, set according to my weight and riding style.

Me heap big pleased. And puzzled. A Californian dealer, selling me Öhlins at half the price (even with shipping) I'd have to pay in Sweden, where they are made... And the shipping took only three days!

This particular dealer's ebay name is http://www.ebay.com/usr/winston-braddish-biddle

Some patience and a bit of nosyness can lead to the most fantastic (or catastrophic) deals. I was hunting for a set of used Wilbers when these popped up...

 

[BAKERMAN]

Nobody rooting for Öhlins? I'm very pleased with my yellow legs!
True, they are costly, but I found a freakishly good deal on ebay last October: $1,250.00 + $140.00 shipping for front and rear.

BM436 and BM437, set according to my weight and riding style.

Me heap big pleased. And puzzled. A Californian dealer, selling me Öhlins at half the price (even with shipping) I'd have to pay in Sweden, where they are made... And the shipping took only three days!

This particular dealer's ebay name is http://www.ebay.com/usr/winston-braddish-biddle

Some patience and a bit of nosyness can lead to the most fantastic (or catastrophic) deals. I was hunting for a set of used Wilbers when these popped up...

Mine was fitted last week with Ohlins a massive different to the bike offroad, mostly with climbs rocky loose stone, + general handeling huge difference also huge money but I have had fun on them the weekend

 

[Bendy toy]

+1 for Revs Racing who fitted a Wilbers to an Aprilia Pegaso.
They are engineers not computer bods so pick up the phone. If no reply try again later. They are a small outfit with no permanent receptionist.


Sent from a widget that can't spell.

 

[APE]

Another vote for Ohlins. Excellent quality / performance and you can service them to keep them in top condition. I bought mine in 2006 and swaped them onto the current bike so have got my moneys worth

 

[Bryn]

HERE you go lad, a bargain

Andres

They're mine...all mine

 

[UturnTony]

got a Maxton rear on order