R1200gs Rear shock leaking. Which replacement??

[ianm00]

I have a 2006 R1200GS and have done 54000miles on it. After cleaning the bike I noticed oil around the bottom shock mounting point and when bouncing the bike it sounds like air is being sucked into the shock.

I think the shock has gone.

What recommendations are there for replacement shocks or is a rebuild possible on the standard shock?

Thanks

Ian

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Good time to get an aftermarket shock which are a lot better.

There is a good choice from Ohlins, Wilbers, Hagon and Hyperpro and they all are getting good reports.

I run Hyperpro, they are excellent quality and have transformed both my 1100 and 1200GS-A.

 

[ianm00]

Good time to get an aftermarket shock which are a lot better.

There is a good choice from Ohlins, Wilbers, Hagon and Hyperpro and they all are getting good reports.

I run Hyperpro, they are excellent quality and have transformed both my 1100 and 1200GS-A.

What a quick response. Do you have any experience changing the shock? It looks like a fairly easy job or am I missing something?

If I change for a different make do I also have to change the front shock to match?

Thanks

Ian

 

[cookie]

What a quick response. Do you have any experience changing the shock? It looks like a fairly easy job or am I missing something?

If I change for a different make do I also have to change the front shock to match?

Thanks

Ian

fitting guide here


there is no real need to change both shocks. changing the back one will make the most difference.

 

[ianm00]

Thanks for the guide cookie. Mine is not GSA but most still applies.

Im guessing my biggest problems will be encountered when removing the exhaust can and the bottom shock bolt.

Ian

 

[cookie]

heat the shock bolt.

i don't think this advice was in the cd-rom manual i was working from at the time, but it is now.

 

[Schtum]

Im guessing my biggest problems will be encountered when removing the exhaust can and the bottom shock bolt.

The only problem you might have in removing the can is if the thread in the clamp for the can to collector joint has seized up. I had this last year when I removed the OE can from a year old K1200S and managed to shear the bolt. At the worst, you'll need a new clamp at about a tenner. The whole thing is only two bolts to remove - that one and the one connecting the can to the rear subframe.

 

[ianm00]

heat the shock bolt.

i don't think this advice was in the cd-rom manual i was working from at the time, but it is now.

I dont have any heating equipment. Do you think I will be able to remove the bolt without doing this?

Ian

 

[cookie]

I dont have any heating equipment. Do you think I will be able to remove the bolt without doing this?

Ian

i did.

takes quite a bit of welly and makes some nasty noises though.

 

[Fanum]

I dont have any heating equipment. Do you think I will be able to remove the bolt without doing this?

Ian

Yes.

Even a flannel soaked in boiling water will help, and squirt the thread with penetrating oil or a few drops of paraffin/oil mix the night before

Has the missus got a Creme brulee torch in the kitchen that could go missing for an hour or so BTW?

 

[ianm00]

Thanks for the replies guys. Im sure I will be able to get the bolt out.

Now I have to decide which shock to get.

Does anyone have any recommendations fpr a suitable shock?

I never take the bike offroad usually ride solo sometimes with luggage when touring. I dont think I need a complicated set of adjustments as I normally use the standard OEM shock on standard settings but do turn the preload adjuster when using luggage.

Thanks

Ian

 

[Gipsy]

If I change for a different make do I also have to change the front shock to match?

Thanks

Ian

I'd change both.

 

[cookie]

I'd change both.

so would i, but i don't consider it essential.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Both would be ideal to change but the rear will make all the difference!

Those noises when taking out the bottom bolt will live with me for ever

Make sure your Torx bit fits properly....

As I`ve mentioned, I got Hyperpro and they are great value and quality

 

[ianm00]

Motorworks do an ohlins rear shock for £546 Is this a good price?

I cannot find prices for the other typrs of shock.

BMW standard is £438

Does anyone know good dealers for these shocks?

Thanks

Ian

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Hmmm, £546 sounds a little steep and you are paying for the name.

Give this lot www.calsport.co.uk a shout for Hyperpro. I got discount for being a UKgser so don`t be afraid to ask......

 

[ianm00]

Hmmm, £546 sounds a little steep and you are paying for the name.

Give this lot www.calsport.co.uk a shout for Hyperpro. I got discount for being a UKgser so don`t be afraid to ask......

Thanks for your help. I cannot get your link to work.
In your opinion is it worth paying extra for an after market shock or should I just replace it with a standard BMW one? I hear stories about how good ohlins is but Im only an average rider so would I actually notice any difference?

I use the bike regularly so need to replace the shock this week ideally, I can probably get a BMW one in 1 or 2 days but not sure about the other makes.

Thanks again

Ian

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Try here www.performanceparts-ltd.com . They are the importer and it`s definately worth giving them a call to see what they can do. They are very helpful and remember to quote UKgser.

I really think the aftermarket shocks are better than the standard and you would notice a difference.

Having said the that, the factory ones are pretty good and do the job well but most people will use the opportunity to buy a better quiality unit when the standard ones eventually fail.

 

[ianm00]

Try here www.performanceparts-ltd.com . They are the importer and it`s definately worth giving them a call to see what they can do. They are very helpful and remember to quote UKgser.

I really think the aftermarket shocks are better than the standard and you would notice a difference.

Having said the that, the factory ones are pretty good and do the job well but most people will use the opportunity to buy a better quiality unit when the standard ones eventually fail.

Will give them a call tommorow. Looks like Hyperpro Emulsion rear shock is £378. This is a big difference from the ohlins and cheaper that the standard bmw.

Thanks

Ian

 

[ianm00]

Well ended up ordering Ohlins shock today which should be delivered tomorrow. Most other shocks were on a 2-3 week lead time and I needed one quick.

I have successfully removed the old shock this evening it took about 40mins so was relatively easy. Just hope the new shock will fit as easily.

Does anyone have any hints for initial setup? I guess I just put each setting to standard and start from there.

Thanks

Ian