R1100GS Rear suspension problem

[skyrubber]

Hi,

At last, I found that the rear shock was in trouble.

I felt some bottom-out at rear suspension just overcoming tiny speeding bumps.

So I checked it, then I found 'rebound adjust bolt won't move'

Neither clockwise and counter-clockwise.

Preload adjuster seems to be normal.



Yes, I tried to find out the solutions by myself through this forum, but I can't.

So I cannot help asking you.

1. How can I fix this problem? Anyone who experienced before?

2. How can I rebuild the shock? Is there someone to know exact procedures?

3. Compatible OEM shock you know?

4. Another solution?


I'm a Korean, so my english is weird. Please don't be angry~

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

the adjuster screw seizing is quite normal.

if you're lucky, its seized in a relatively stiffer position than fully soft.

however - just adjust the preload up more towards max and you'll be ok.

the adjuster screw is there to match the damping to the spring.

the spring controls the bottoming out - not the screw.

the big adjuster knob is spring preload only.

 

[PIGGLET]

If it is the original shock then it is probably no longer working as it should.
Take care trying to free the damping adjust screw as they can shear and turn but not actually alter the damping rate.
The rear shock has to be modified to allow it to be rebuilt so cannot just be overhauled in the conventional way.
If the bike is used primarily on tarmac then an aftermarket shock from Ohlins, Wilibers etc will transform the ride and handling.

 

[bowser]

I have just been through this myself, with the preload adjuster.

The only place I have found that can rebuild the unit is MCT Suspension 16A Charles Industrial estate, stowmarket IP14 5AH 01449 777161, they charge £75 about a 10 day turnaround, but they are on holiday for a week from today. A replacement spring from Hyperpro is £144 a pair for front and back and half that for each one individualy, they are currently out of stock and its 14 days for them to be made and shipped here.
MCT take the rear apart new seals etc all through, clean it up, rebuild it add a valve re oil and re gas and ship back.

So cost is roughly £150 for a rebuild shock with a new spring. Although to be fair when I spoke with MCT they said that they test the springs for spring rate and have not yet found an old one that actually NEEDED replacing, its the internals that give out not the spring, and so long as you are happy with a crappy looking spring they work just fine, I changed as I have had hyperpro springs before on other stuff and at £70 I thought a new one was not to bad. By all accounts when rebuilt they are 80-90 percent as good as a £600 replacement unit. As a bonus when its been done it can be overhauled by almost any company after as the difficult bit is the valve to be regassed and I believe the price comes down, but £75 for an overhaul on a shock is pretty good regardless of make.

Hope that helps. I cant comment on the quality of the work etc as I have not had it done yet but as soon as the new spring arrives I am shipping the pair off to get done.


For anyone that was going to recommend Brooks suspension they have stopped doing the BMW units.