R100GS shock recommendations please

[SJRoome]

Hi

I have an 1989 paralever R100GS. It has just failed its MoT on a leaking rear shock absorber. This was the original fitting.

I can get an Ohlins from Motorworks for £722, or just replace the damper for £220.

I see MooreSpeed recommends a Wilbers shock but I don't know who sells them in the UK.

What would you guys recommend?

Steve

 

[David Nimrod]

I have a Hagon, which is 'distinctly average' and although it works fine, I wouldn't recommend it if you can afford something better. I can't, so it does for me. It did the trip to Istanbul and back, by which time it was knackered. Hagon rebuilt it, and it's back to spec. but unimpressive. Which matches the 'distinctly average' forks perfectly!

 

[Sunny Jim]

Ohlins on mine (and my 1150 GSA) .... Good solid ride keeping the tyre on the road

 

[solidstate100]

I had a Spax on mine (previous owner fitted) and it was junk, fekin worse than the standard - Bit the bullet on an Ohlins and have never looked back, super plush with exquisite damping and control. completely transformed the rear end for massively the better. I had them on my HP2 sport as well and if you can stretch to the big O you will not be disappointed.

 

[scooter paul]

R100GS shock

I've tried to send you a PM but for some reason it won't let me. I'm very close to you and have two R100Gs shocks that I think are ok and I'd let them go cheaply. Try pm'ing me back if interested.

Paul

 

[Mr K]

www.nitron.co.uk

Ordered new shocks for me 12 from here. Good value and race quality.

 

[k80matey]

I've tried to send you a PM but for some reason it won't let me. I'm very close to you and have two R100Gs shocks that I think are ok and I'd let them go cheaply. Try pm'ing me back if interested.

Paul

Might be interested - let me know when SJRoome has done.

 

[Ras Thurlo]

I would redo both front and back suspension and get it right in one go

I would go to Hyperpro and get a rear shock and complementary fork springs (+oil instructions)

The guys at Hyperpro Amsterdam ride airheads themselves, so know what feels right.

call Bas on +31 172 417 171

This set up will cost you +/- Wilbers money and save a bunch compared to the Ohlins price you quoted

Richie Moore likes Wilbers, but he gives them v.specific data for extended monos and gets a "custom" product made. I have had their off-the-shelf airhead product and find it good compared to OEM (what isn't?) but too stiff compared to a well set-up system.

IMHO money spent on suspension is the best money spent on airhead upgrades.

 

[Kenny]

Do a search in here...loads already discussed

 

[Joe Bar]

Take a look at Shock Factory, a small French company, but owned by an English guy who used to work for EMC. Nicely made stuff and good value. I put 5,000 miles on a pair of their twin shocks last year on my Bonneville, very much better than the Hagons they replaced.

http://www.shock-factory.co.uk/m-shocks-home.html

 

[dr nosh]

That's interesting. Another potential alternative. Replacing the rear shock on my 80ST is on the job to do list. Oh, and to do something with the front suspension as well.

 

[jackassdave]

I have a Hagon, which is 'distinctly average' and although it works fine, I wouldn't recommend it if you can afford something better. I can't, so it does for me. It did the trip to Istanbul and back, by which time it was knackered. Hagon rebuilt it, and it's back to spec. but unimpressive. Which matches the 'distinctly average' forks perfectly!

i have to say i had an ohlins on one of mine it was fantastic ,but allso had a hagon shock on another bike and it was one of the worst ive ever used i would not recommend them at all

 

[SJRoome]

Thanks for all the ideas

Hi

Many thanks for all the offers and ideas. I am going to start by contacting HyperPro.


Steve

 

[Rob Farmer]

but allso had a hagon shock on another bike and it was one of the worst ive ever used i would not recommend them at all

Mine snapped at 70Mph. Scared the crap out of me.

Very feeble fixing on a critical high stress point

 

[chrisshrops]

Hi

Many thanks for all the offers and ideas. I am going to start by contacting HyperPro.


Steve

Let me know how you get on buddy they are on my radar too
rob that is just plain nuts mate

 

[litelfun]

Siebenrock du a nice schock its a kopie of the old wp with the resivwhar and ts a justobel in the lenth which is really handy

 

[ChasF]

I have a technoflex bought from Motoworks years ago-it's been very good. I also have a WP which is too stiff. On my R80 soft roader I'll be going Hyperpro.

 

[scarf100gs]

Same thing happened to my '92 gs 4 years ago, couldn't afford the posh stuff so went for a hagon and it transformed the handling and feel of my bike. No doubt the Ohlins, etc, would also be a great improvement but the hagon is fine for me and I will not be changing it.

John

 

[Joe Bar]

The rear shock on my R80ST was definitely past it's best, it wasn't bad, just not great. As I don't do may miles on the bike, I had considered just living with it. But a chance spotting of a YSS shock on eBay at under £250 had me do a bit of a search on here, I found that England Kev had one on his ST and had pronounced himself pleased with the purchase.

So, I bit the bullet and got one. It looks nicely made for the money, and fitted straight on in ten minutes. Out on the road the improvement was immediately noticeable. It's not Ohlins quality, but pretty good, and it's nowhere near Ohlins price. For what I need, and the cost, I'm well pleased with the result.

 

[Jeremy Wilton]

Same thing happened to my '92 gs 4 years ago, couldn't afford the posh stuff so went for a hagon and it transformed the handling and feel of my bike. No doubt the Ohlins, etc, would also be a great improvement but the hagon is fine for me and I will not be changing it.

John

Agreed - I use my Panzer tank (GS) for heavy deliveries monthly and the Hagon (touch wood) has been faultless... I suspect there's a bit of bikey snobbery with these £500+ shock absorbers going on