R1150 GS suspension replacement/rebuild?

[SimonFE]

I have a 2003 1150 GS, it has previously had a number of mods, removal of servo, remus can, no cat, and a few others. It has 27000 miles on the clock and looks like it's on original suspension. My riding is mostly pottering about 50/50 with pillion . I'm very happy with the bike having returned to biking for the second time since owning an 1100 GS. Since most of my riding is solo in the sense that I don't ride out with others, I don't really have much by way of comparison.

I recently took a test ride on a 1250 GS, and rather wish I hadn't. Getting back on my bike after was a real downer, not because of the lack of fancy LCD screens, the silky gear-change or the extra power, much as that was fantastic, but because of the difference in ride. As I left the dealer all I could think was that my bike felt like a sack of spuds!

I appreciate that I'm comparing with a bike that has benefitted from 20 years of development so I understand that I can't be overly critical of mine but wondered what the likelihood of a transformational change to my bike if I renew the suspension. BTW I am not in the market for a new bike or even a change up but happy to spend a few(!) quid on the bike.

So my questions are:

How, with limited experience or comparison, can I get a steer on the condition of my shocks?
Is it likely that some twiddling/setting up, by an experienced hand, could improve this?
Is a rebuild a viable option (though I have read a ton of posts I really can't make a decision on this)
If I decide to replace should I just do both front and rear of the bike regardless ie if one end is shot how likely is it that both are? (my instinct is rear only but I guess I feel it more through the seat!)

As I said I have read lots of posts so wont tempt the question of which make to choose

 

[gothbiker]

Abe (all bike engineering) in London can refurb the shocks, I had hyperpro springs fitted, it’s a harder ride and I don’t think I would bother with the springs again


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[GedJack]

I know it’s a distance from you but try ringing Richard at Maxton shocks.
I’ve had one of he’s on all three of my GS’s over the years and never regretted it. All set up for you and the way you ride.

He always advises with the GS only ever change the rear.
Incidentally I have a 2003 1150 GS with one fitted and I love it.

 

[Rugged Path]

Nowt wrong with a bag of spuds. In fact you can do more with them than a R1150 GSA.
Yesterday, I had a lovely ride with a friend on 1150’s to Rhug Estates, near Corwen where bmw had bikes set up for demo runs. So, tried the 1250RT and R9-T.

Very nice indeed. Free revving, responsive and agile. I was going to try the new gsa but thought, too much excitement may give me heart problems.

End of the day rode back home on my 02 model and thoroughly enjoyed it through those country lanes. Acceleration and top speed is minimal but, I can still scare myself sometimes.
For myself, it would be easier enough to just go to the dealer and give him the cash for a top spec bike but, the urge is not there. Maybe I am just too old now to try and keep it up (new/bigger bike) with the next man.


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[Slipperyeel]

I think that spending some money on the suspension is well worth it. It transformed my old 1150 ADV into a different bike.

I put a new Wilbers adjustaline onto the front. I had the rear serviced. If I did it again, I'd buy a Wilbers for the rear too.

I can't over state the transformation.

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[Rugged Path]

My suspension sags after riding it for the last 15yrs.
Thankfully, my feet can now touch the ground better.


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[albatross]

Mine has Wilbers front and back suspension and it’s great.
Wilbers and Ohlins do come up as used parts..
Also options of servicing your original BM suspension, you can choose springs and have a full refurbed tool.
Anyway suspension is the key, transforms the bike....

 

[SimonFE]

Thanks all for the quick feedback, any thoughts on whether improvement is likely, based on age and mileage. Seems plausible to me but 27,000 doesn't seem that high although admittedly I have no idea of how hard a life the bike has had in the 16 years 'til now....
... and yes 16 years, it's by no means a spring chicken!!!

 

[West coast gser]

Thanks all for the quick feedback, any thoughts on whether improvement is likely, based on age and mileage. Seems plausible to me but 27,000 doesn't seem that high although admittedly I have no idea of how hard a life the bike has had in the 16 years 'til now....
... and yes 16 years, it's by no means a spring chicken!!!

Pretty sure you can get a new pair of YSS shocks for about £500 ...good rebuildable shocks

 

[DrFarkoff]

Contact Denz0 "of this parish" as they say

He has a very good reputation on rebuilding these !

 

[SimonFE]

Contact Denz0 "of this parish" as they say

He has a very good reputation on rebuilding these !

Many thanks will drop him a line!


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[Slipperyeel]

Many thanks will drop him a line!


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There's a set going in the for sale section. You might be able to negotiate... just seen it got zero knowledge or connection with the seller!

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?ur...share_tid=509668&share_fid=19781&share_type=t



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[Johny w]

This is almost a mirror of my problem on my 2003 r1150gs just been out today and its spoiling my enjoyment, not sure how it's meant to feel, and nothing to compare With.
Tried lots of settings and the best I come up with is highish on the rear spring and the adjuster screw about half way.
Low and soft, (solo position apparently) felt very bouncy and harsh, as well as being low for my stature.
It's a different ball game when it's fully loaded with camping gear. Feels much less jittery, I'm scared of changing the rear shock to find it's the same!!
When I jump off and push down on the rear of the saddle, it seams to do what I'd expect......(comes up slower)......I'm really stumped and very pissed off, it's spoiling my enjoyment. The rear shock is a Showa, the bikes got 44000 miles on it.
Can this type of shock be rebuilt? Is this a common problem?

 

[jefformston]

Contact Denz0 "of this parish" as they say

He has a very good reputation on rebuilding these !

He did a fantastic refurbishment job, at 115,000, on the original rear unit on my 2001 R1150GS and supplied a new YSS front unit at a good price. Well recommended.

 

[PapaHayd]

This is almost a mirror of my problem on my 2003 r1150gs just been out today and its spoiling my enjoyment, not sure how it's meant to feel, and nothing to compare With.
Tried lots of settings and the best I come up with is highish on the rear spring and the adjuster screw about half way.
Low and soft, (solo position apparently) felt very bouncy and harsh, as well as being low for my stature.
It's a different ball game when it's fully loaded with camping gear. Feels much less jittery, I'm scared of changing the rear shock to find it's the same!!
When I jump off and push down on the rear of the saddle, it seams to do what I'd expect......(comes up slower)......I'm really stumped and very pissed off, it's spoiling my enjoyment. The rear shock is a Showa, the bikes got 44000 miles on it.
Can this type of shock be rebuilt? Is this a common problem?

Sounds like it needs a rebuild. T tech suspension can work some magic or upgrade to some Ohlins / Whilbers if you’re flush for cash!

My 1150GSA with Ohlins handles exponentially better than my ex 1250GSA with ESA.

 

[Johny w]

Yeh, certainly looks that way, what's confusing for me is that when pushing down on the bike, it comes back up as I'd expect, and doesn't bounce. But when riding, my spine suffers from getting jarred......it was bad today!!

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Yeh, certainly looks that way, what's confusing for me is that when pushing down on the bike, it comes back up as I'd expect, and doesn't bounce. But when riding, my spine suffers from getting jarred......it was bad today!!

Spring rate or setting’s too hard !

My 1150 GSA is like a magic carpet and just ‘floats’ over most surfaces

But then again is running Ohlins with correct spring rates

You will never regret decent suspension (on any bike)

 

[Johny w]

Tried soft and hard..... shakes my eyeballs out on a bumpy road. Tried different spring settings combined with different adjustments. Online sxare so expensive but I've got to get something done.
thanks

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Tried soft and hard..... shakes my eyeballs out on a bumpy road. Tried different spring settings combined with different adjustments. Ohlins are so expensive but I've got to get something done.
thanks

Spring settings on oem shocks ?
The preload adjustment fore & aft will only alter ride height and not spring weight
To alter spring rate for your rider weight and/or luggage and a pillion you will need new springs which will be suitable for your needs

 

[Johny w]

With full luggage the ride is great, its a rear shock problem, and its difficult to diagnose as it doesn't bounce when pushed down. The spring pre load works fine, with plenty of height when set high.......don't think its a spring problem, but I think the shock needs either replaced or serviced. Thanks