Rear Suspension help please

[chickenlegs]

Having been recently informed by my local dealer whilst having an MOT that the rear preload knob on my 2004 GS is 'inoperative and unrepairable', I am looking out for a replacement. I must admit I hadn't noticed it as I think it was faulty or broken from the moment I picked up the bike from new, about four years ago. As it was my first GS, I had nothing to compare it with and thought nothing of the preload adjuster feeling light even when it is screwed right in. I have, however, now noticed that when riding with a pillion, the rear is rather spongy and bouncy.
I have done a great deal of research here and noticed that there are a few suspension options available.
Can someone let me know where I can get replacement suspension units fitted and properly set up, local to Bristol? Also, would I have to replace both rear and front at the same time?
There seem to be companies in Suffolk and Cheshire, but I would prefer someone slightly more local in preference to my dealer in Bristol. I haven't quite decided on the type/manufacturer yet but there seems to be a lot of recommendations for WP, Maxton and Ohlins.
Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Big Lee]

If you replace it for oe I would`nt think you need to do the front too but if you`re fitting bling suspension do both to get the full benifit from it

Did it fail it`s MOT on that faulty rear shock or was it just a mention?

 

[theEnglishman]

It really is amazingly easy to change the shocks on the GS. There's tons of 'HOWTO' guides on here and AdvRider.

I bought shocks from the WP importer, and having told them my weight and how I ride, they came perfectly set up.

And I found that if you want pre-load adjustment then all the manufacturers charge roughly the same (providing you can haggle a bit ) The 'cost' seems to appear when you start looking at race adjustments and stuff (that I for one) won't ever touch.

 

[chickenlegs]

Rear Shock

Big Lee
It didn't fail the MOT - it was just mentioned.

 

[Big Lee]

Big Lee
It didn't fail the MOT - it was just mentioned.

No matter, good enough excuse for new bling though if you ask me

 

[Jon P]

You could speak to your dealer! I have had a couple of rear units changed out of warranty before - it is an issue that is known anout. Or a good suspension specialist should be able to fix it. I have fitted Ohlins on previous GSs but never really noticed a big difference except a wider adjustment range and the option to have it re-built at some time in the future.

 

[Peak Rider]

Shocking News

I just went through this exact scenario with my '05 1200 GS and after some research found a double-barrelled solution. In my case, I had always found the rear suspension a bit undersprung and with pillion and panniers always had the rear pre-load screwed fully in. In June, on the way home from the MotoGP at Donington, it seemed particularly bad dragging its ass. I first did what almost everyone does and start pricing shocks. (Note: '04 and '05 models came from the factory with front and rear shocks made by White Power and models' 06 and on are Showa. And, contrary to what some might believe, the dampers are actually very good quality.) As I'm sure anyone who has priced rear shocks has noticed it doesn't matter whose shock you price you will struggle to find a replacement for less than about £470.

One of the places I looked for info was right on this website where there is a thread about Hyperpro springs. I was sure my shock still had good damping properties and that the real issue was not quite enough spring. I called Hyperpro in Holland and apparently lucked out by being able to talk to the one guy who 'knows everything'. He advised that you don't need to buy his or anyone else's expensive damper if yours is still exhibiting good damping characteristics and not leaking. Off the top of his head he was able to tell me that the stock rear spring starts at 130 newtons and Hyperpro's progressive replacement spring begins at 147. The front is 50 newtons stock and the HP replacement starts at 47. It was recommended, if replacing springs, to do both front and rear.

Now, about the adjuster. It's a doddle to sort and it was the same Hyperpro guy who told me how. The adjuster is simply a closed oil volume. Screw in the adjuster and it pushes against the spring. Over time it 'sweats', not leaks, and the oil volume decreases. When the spring is removed simply top up the reservoir with 10W or heavier fork oil. On the White Power there's a very obvious screw on the side opposite the adjuster knob. Easy peasy and I'm back to the full range of adjustment. My local BM dealer had no idea you could do this.

What's it like with the new springs? Much, much better. Solo, with zero preload, it reminds me of going from a regular car suspension to a 'sports' suspension, a bit firmer but somehow more compliant at the same time. With the missus on and panniers loaded it now rides like a well-planted limo with only few click of the preload knob. It's much more composed over rippled road services and most certainly an improvement at higher speeds. The Hyperpro web site lists the appropriate part numbers. I got mine from Calsport in Birmingham but there seem to be lots of dealers so there should be one near you. At just under £130 I thought it was money very well spent. I don't have spring compressors in my shed but a local shop swapped the springs and topped off the adjustment reservoir for a tenner.

 

[chickenlegs]

Cyclemike
Many thanks for the very comprehensive reply. You indicated that your dealers didn't know any repair solutions - this is my experience too. They have told me that is not possible to repair the rear damper and that it would need to be swapped in its entirety.

I am a little confused (easily done) by your advice on the preload reservoir - are you saying that it is possible to repair it, but you would need to do this at the same time as replacing the spring?
Is replacing the spring, front and back a big job? I can't believe anyone will do much for a 'tenner' these days so it can't be that tricky. Did you consider asking your local dealer to do it? Once the spring has been replaced, is it possible that the preload reservoir will continue to lose pressure and would need to be filled again at some stage?

To get an idea of price and options, I contacted Maxton who have provided the following advice and comment on the existing damper units that are fitted to the bike. This is what they say:
"BMW R1200 GS 2004
FRONT
There are no forks on this bike, the front is controlled with a suspension unit. The unit is a very poor quality unit. There are no damper controls that can be adjusted on it. The spring rate is approx. correct . It not possible to improve on this unit, we can only offer a replacement unit.
We replace it with a Maxton high pressure gas shim stack type of unit. Cost £405 plus VAT. The Maxton unit has external damper adjusters and threaded preload adjuster.
REAR
The standard unit on the 1200 GS is basically a cheap unit, the spring on the unit is too soft for the average rider weight and there is not enough compression damping. This causes the back of the bike to squat under acceleration and make the bike run wide out of corners and get a bit
unstable at high speeds. The unit is a sealed unit so can not be revalved and respringing the unit only makes the back of the bike a "pogo stick". All we do is supply a Maxton replacement unit, the unit is an alloy bodied high pressure gas unit and is adjustable via a shim stack system for rebound damping and compression damping, the unit also has a threaded preload
adjuster, adjusted via locking rings. The unit is built to order so is sprung and valved to suit your rider weight and what you use the bike for. The unit costs £405.00 + V.A.T.
We also manufacture a Hydraulic preload adjuster, this replaces the threaded locking rings and makes adjusting the preload very simple. It is useful if you often carry luggage or a pillion. The Maxton hydraulic preload adjuster costs an extra £150.00 + V.A.T, it will only fit a Maxton unit
and can be retro fitted."

I will do a bit of research on Hyperpro and see if there are any dealers/spring replacers nearby. I'm not entirely sure what to do for the best. I am off to Cornwall with my pillion and luggage at the end of this week, so it'll be interesting to see if we experience excessive bouncing!
Thanks again. Chris.

 

[theEnglishman]

A bit for for a day out, perhaps, but Suffolk's nice at that time of year...

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=154861

 

[Peak Rider]

Dear Piedini di pollo (Chicken Legs): Give me a bell on 07901 535 812 and I'll be happy to walk you through the process. Mike

 

[Funners]

another replacment shock option is the "Wilbers" shocks, these would be built to your weight and specs for you and cost slightly less than those prices you have quoted from Maxton...
I'll let you know what I think when Mine turn up..

 

[theEnglishman]

another replacment shock option is the "Wilbers" shocks, these would be built to your weight and specs for you and cost slightly less than those prices you have quoted from Maxton...
I'll let you know what I think when Mine turn up..

Then again, Hagon, WP, Ohlins, Maxton and quite a few more build the shocks and set them up for your individual requirements.

 

[Peak Rider]

Maxton

- "FRONT - The unit is a very poor quality unit. ....
REAR The standard unit on the 1200 GS is basically a cheap unit, the spring on the unit is too soft for the average rider weight.."

That's just what you might say if you're in the business of selling premium suspension. There is certainly nothing wrong with Maxton suspension - and if you want to spend the dosh there are plenty of high end options - but what they say about the stock dampers ain't quite so. They are correct that the rear spring is a bit too soft, particularly if you're carrying extra weight and/or a pillion.

A White Power emulsion rear shock assembly, which is the OEM fitment to my '05 GS, was quoted at £417.13 by K-Tech. The multi-adjustment (fiddle till you get it wrong) Spin version was quoted at £663.13. As my original dampers exhibited no signs of deterioration in their damping qualities I chose to simply upgrade the springs. The result, for me, is a much improved ride quality and the saving of a considerable sum of money.

 

[chickenlegs]

New Springs, New Seals

At very long last, I have had my rear (and whilst at it, front) suspension sorted as my pre-load adjuster had failed and has been inoperative for some time. Having decided not to get the entire White Power unit replaced by BMW at £550 +vat + fitting, (BMW offer no other solution), I asked a local service/repair centre, that work on race bikes, to take a look. It transpired that the pre-load adjuster seals had perished and a new set of seals were sourced and fitted, after little or no help from BMW. In addition, a new set of Hyperpro progressive springs were fitted, (BMW combi-kit). Total bill - £590.
The pre-load is now back to normal and the ride is a little more 'plush' as far as I can tell. There isn't a huge amount of difference, but I am glad that the pre-load is now fixed so that riding with a pillion and luggage will be improved. The only other thing I have noticed is that the rear of the bike seems a little higher off the ground.
Thank you Mike from Peak Rider, your advice was very helpful.
Chris

 

[chickenlegs]

Was it a waste of money?

Well, almost to the year, my rear preload adjuster has failed again. After a repair and new seals fitted by a local bike specialist, the preload knob is doing nothing to the rear shock. The fitter only guarantees his work for three months so I am now thinking that it might have been more sensible to have had both shocks replaced in their entirety. The preload appears to have gone after a short period where the bike was heavily loaded with pillion and luggage. I am not too keen to spend another £600 so I might have to live with a very bouncy back end for a time.

 

[John Armstrong]

So it cost £590 for the rear suspension to be overhauled, including a new spring and it's not working a year later? Guess it won't be as expensive this time as you won't need a new spring

 

[patzx12]

I think the standard shocks are good, I think they are manufactured by WP.
a lot of people forget to ajust the rear damping screw.
There are plenty of standard shocks on ebay.

 

[cookie]

i think it's a mistake to think that because the OE shock is manufactured by WP, it can be compared with their retail products.

 

[chickenlegs]

It's too late to ignore the problem

Just noticed tonight that the preload reservoir is now leaking oil and dripping. The ride has become very odd and overly firm and the seat seems much higher than before, but I guess this is down to the preload now not functioning. My recent MOT inspection didn't pick this particular problem up (which surprised me), but they have noted that the front shock is showing signs of "misting". I am now resigned to have both shocks replaced. What would be your recommendations - replace with exactly the same WP shocks and retain the Hyperpro springs, or go for something else? It seems daft to throw away two perfectly good springs, having spent £590 a year ago, having them fitted.
Chris

 

[chickenlegs]

An expert's opinion

I have just returned from a visit to my local motor-racing expert - he was the chap who repaired the pre-load reservoir a year ago and clearly knows his stuff and bamboozle me about the huge variety of types, set-ups and flavours of oils, springs and dampers. He has suggested that, as the front shock is weeping slightly and the rear pre-load has gone, that I consider the following: Elka, Ohlins and a cheaper option of Hagon. He was a little dismissive of Wilburs shocks and said that their build quality is not what it was, but who am I to know. I will have to decide between spending approximately £1250 on the Elka shocks fitted or £900 on a less adjustable set of Hagon shocks. I will try and re-sell the Hyperpro springs to claw back a little of what I have already spent (would anyone be interested?)
Has anyone had any first hand experience of Elka shocks? They look very well made to me. I have searched this site and found very little info, but I think this is because they have only recently started manufacturing shocks for the GS.