Replacement rear shock - options & costs

[Dave56]

At my last service I was adviced that the rear shock on my 07 GS was starting to loose damping and would perhaps need replacing at next service.
I was wondering what my options are for a replacement and the relative costs of those options.
As I'm no home mechanic a DIY job is not an option but I was perhaps thinking of an independant mechanic instead, any recomendations in my area around Grantham.
Any help and advice would be much appreciated.

 

[Wapping]

Were you happy with the BMW shock? If so, why not consider that fitted by either your dealer or a local independent.

If not, you choices are the usual, Ohlins, Nitron, Hagon, WP and the like. There is a significant price difference between each, with Ohlins at the top of the tree. If you are doing the rear suspension you may as well get the front done at the same time.

For an idea of cost, contact MCT for an indicative quote.

http://www.mctsuspension.com/contact.htm

 

[flatdog]

Hi Dave, Aftermarket shocks are expensive, but there is a reason why.

Certainly changing mine to ohlins front and back absolutely changed the whole riding experience, turned my old nail into a super comfortable confidence inspiring cornerer
Do as mr wapping says, have a word with suppliers and get them to make the shocks to suit you.
Pamper your old girl, if you buy some I'd be more than happy to come over and fit them

 

[Dean]

As the Wapp has stated above.


another is http://www.ftrsuspension.co.uk/

have done a fair few here great guys to deal with and have done many a good deal, discounts for group (numbers) buys.

They are here as a member somewhere!!

money back for your old shock (although your best keeping that for future sale purposes)


what ever you do yup suspension change is Ohlin here

 

[Neil W]

2011 1200 GSA (non ESA) rea shock lasted less than 3000 miles and was replaced under warranty . the replacement was no better. The handling was terrible .
Replaced with a matched set of Maxton dampers and the bike now handles as it should .
Expensive at £1300 a pair BUT it has meant I've kept the bike rather than getting rid (it was that bad )

 

[APE]

As I'm no home mechanic a DIY job is not an option but I was perhaps thinking of an independant mechanic instead, any recomendations in my area around Grantham.
Any help and advice would be much appreciated.

Hi Im a mechanical numpty and theyre very easy to swap - you just need the right sized sockets and a decent wrench. It's a very straightforward job - especially the rear.

 

[Spike]

Like said if you are happy with the rear shock then MCT will sort it, I sent mine off last year, it cost me around £80 for a full service on it, new seals etc etc, job to take it off is simple enough if you have the right tools.

spike

 

[Peak Rider]

Get in touch with Richard Adams at http://www.maxtonsuspension.co.uk/. You'll be glad you did. Maxton have a thorough understanding of the demands UK roads place on suspensions. And you'll find their units are good enough for TT riders like Conor Cummins. Front and rear units for the GS are the same price each at £495. For more money you can add a remote preload adjuster but the basic spring adjustment is so simple and reliable that it's not at all necessary. After petrol and tyres a good suspension set-up is the best the money you can spend on your bike.

 

[Dave56]

Hi Dave, Aftermarket shocks are expensive, but there is a reason why.

Certainly changing mine to ohlins front and back absolutely changed the whole riding experience, turned my old nail into a super comfortable confidence inspiring cornerer
Do as mr wapping says, have a word with suppliers and get them to make the shocks to suit you.
Pamper your old girl, if you buy some I'd be more than happy to come over and fit them

Hi Flatdog, great to hear from you.
Loving the Ohlins transplant mate, we`ll have to give Willingham Woods another visit soon, I`ll post up a ride-out soon.
Bit of a bugger but I don`t think my budget will stretch to an Ohlins set-up, ah well I`ll keep buying that lottery ticket........

 

[Rasher]

I really rate my Wilburs, 12 months on I still find them brilliant and well worth the dosh, I got mine from MCT who I have used before and find very honest and well priced.

A review can be found here:

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=266320&highlight=wilburs

To be honest they should not be too hard to fit yourself, but I like the ease of the MCT ride-in / ride-out service with a personalised setup.

Was a bit nervous about using Wilburs having been an avid fan of Ohlins kit for a number of years, but was pleasantly surprised with the build quality and performance, and for about 35% less

 

[Wicker]

Really liked the Wilbers shocks I had on my R1200ST.

Run Hyperpro shocks on the R1100S ad, unlike the BMW originals, you can get them factory serviced if they start to leak or need a refresh. Over the winter sent the rear shock to the factory in Holland for service and new seals. They fitted new spring too as the old one was a bit cosmetically tatty looking. £150 all in and the shock looks brand new & good for another 25k.

 

[Dave56]

Have to say Wapping, I`ve never had reason to complain with regards to the original shock as to performance as I don`t carry passengers or go off-road, apart from the fact it`s only lasted 16k, and I don`t even begin to fully understand the "black art" of compression & rebound damping and all the corresponding clicks etc so perhaps an original rebuild may be the way to go, or on initial investigation Hagon seem to be a resonably priced option, but at least I`ve now got numerous options and places to go for costs, fitting etc so thanks to all....

Were you happy with the BMW shock? If so, why not consider that fitted by either your dealer or a local independent.

If not, you choices are the usual, Ohlins, Nitron, Hagon, WP and the like. There is a significant price difference between each, with Ohlins at the top of the tree. If you are doing the rear suspension you may as well get the front done at the same time.

For an idea of cost, contact MCT for an indicative quote.

http://www.mctsuspension.com/contact.htm