R1100GS rear shock oil top-up, possible?

[gog]

Few months ago I bought a s/h factory rear shock to replace the knackered corroded one on at the minute, and just now getting round to fitting. Couldnt currently afford £££ for a new improved aftermarket unit.

I would like to check the oil level and if necessary, top up. Is it just a case of fully unscrewing the adjuster knob on the remote reservoir, removing the allen head bolt and topping up? If so, what kind of hydraulic oil should be used and to what level? Assuming brake fluid or jack oil would work.

The knob on the old shock currently on the bike seems to do very little at all, regardless of how far in or out it is. It certainly doesnt visibly alter seat height and feels much the same to ride.

In operation, I would think that winding it all the way down so its at the 'high' preload end of the adjustment, should stiffen things up (for fully loaded/pillion) while less preload is needed for single rider. Preload adjustment is a new thing to me...

Cheers
Gordon

 

[Cyrus]

Very straightforward. Just make sure you note which way the banjo bolt is facing before you remove it. Wind the knob all the way out - you may need to push the piston down with something - before filling. No need to remove the plastic knob. At least, that was the process I followed recently.

 

[gog]

cheers cyrus, sounds easy enough. there's no resistance at all for the first quarter of its travel (10 clicks) so reckon it would benefit

 

[Comfy Old Boots]

Don't lose the ball bearing!

I'd suggest taking the black knob off inside a bag

 

[Cyrus]

In fact here's the link:

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/k1200lt/8406-re-filled-preload-adjuster-rear-shock.html

 

[gog]

thanks - very useful