Rebuild R1150GS OE shocks?

[retroman]

Chaps

I have a set of Wilbers shocks on my 2002 R1150gs and they are approaching 20k so I imagine they will need a rebuild soon.

I've still got the OE shocks so figure that if I get them done first I can do a straight swap with the Wilbers set to keep me on the road .... Then get the Wibers set done etc etc etc.....

Is this financially a good move? If so can anyone recommend where I can send my OE shocks for the rebuild, and how much it's likely to cost?

Cheers
Dave.

 

[Grim Rider]

20k on a set of Wilbers and they need rebuilding? Is that right, and how much do they cost!

Original shocks - can get rear rebuilt (can send off to several companies including MCT in Stowmarket whom I have used twice for mine in last 105k). Cannot rebuild front but when I replaced mine (at 60k) cost around £150 for new one from BMW dealers.

But if you are having the Wilbers rebuilt can you not just bung the originals on as they are for the short time it will take to get them rebuilt (I am assuming short time because MCT rebuilt and sent back my rear shock within the week).

 

[Steptoe]

ABE (all bike engineering) can rebuild and service original front and rear shocks.

 

[GARAGE HERMIT X2]

you imagine the shock need;s a re-build, so you dont really know, or is it someone said shock's need re-building after 20k mile's, of course they dont, !!

 

[retroman]

To be honest I haven't a clue. The ride quality seems to have tapered off recently but that may be something to do with the seat. I remember reading in BiKE that shocks are generally shagged after 20k - that could be conjecture / opinion / a load of old rubbish though. On a car its easy enough to test if a shock is gone, less so on a bike. How many miles SHOULD a set of Wilbers last?

 

[Neil W]

Maxton reckon their shocks need SERVICED every four years or so depending on mileage, basic check , oil change and re gas plus seals, cannot see Wilbers being any different

 

[alfazer]

90% of shock performance is down to marketing, mind over matter, wallet size and journalists keeping advertisers happy.
The other 10% is about the handling of the bike.

 

[retroman]

Maxton reckon their shocks need SERVICED every four years or so depending on mileage, basic check , oil change and re gas plus seals, cannot see Wilbers being any different

Great - cheers. Mine probably just need a service then.

 

[The Grey One]

90% of shock performance is down to marketing, mind over matter, wallet size and journalists keeping advertisers happy.
The other 10% is about the handling of the bike.

I beg to differ. As with most things quality shows, when I replaced the rear shock on my 1150 with an Ohlins I noticed a big difference My wife as pillion said the bike was much more comfortable for her and she had no idea of the cost of the Ohlins. I have since ridden bikes on standard shocks and they never feel a controlled as mine It is a sad fact that on most bikes the shocks are budget items that wear out quickly. Good quality replacements offer better handling and comfort but at a price. It is for the individual to decide on the value of the extra outlay. There are those who, no matter how much the spend on such things,cannot get any benefit from them.

John

 

[oblertone]

My 1150GSA OEM shocks had done 40K+ when I sold the bike, and they still performed better than I did

 

[The Grey One]

My 1150GSA OEM shocks had done 40K+ when I sold the bike, and they still performed better than I did

Mine failed suddenly at around 25,000 miles and just before a holiday. I had the choice of ordering from BMW or an Ohlins off the shelf. At the time there was not too much of a price difference so I went for the Ohlins. Never regretted it.

John

 

[Johny w]

Had my standard ones rebuilt for £200 and it dint feel any different!!
Today the threaded preload adjuster just popped right up when I tried to soften a little......threads inside are stripped......I'm really pissed off, and the price of a new rear shock for a 23 year old bike seams hard to swallow.

 

[Davey B]

Had my standard ones rebuilt for £200 and it dint feel any different!!
Today the threaded preload adjuster just popped right up when I tried to soften a little......threads inside are stripped......I'm really pissed off, and the price of a new rear shock for a 23 year old bike seams hard to swallow.

Put a wanted ad on this site, I'd wager that someone has a rear/pair of OE shocks or a pair of aftermarket.
( I've fitted aftermarket shocks to two 1150GSs and a 2017 Honda Africa Twin...the change in 'ride' quality was huge)

 

[Johny w]

Put a wanted ad on this site, I'd wager that someone has a rear/pair of OE shocks or a pair of aftermarket.
( I've fitted aftermarket shocks to two 1150GSs and a 2017 Honda Africa Twin...the change in 'ride' quality was huge)

I'm thinking about a rear YSS shock, not as expensive as an Ohlin, but if it makes a massive difference then I'll get one......I've already renewed the front. Thanks for the advice.