Shock Upgrade 2007 1200gs Whats the concensus ?

[Old Codger]

OEM shocks at 30000 miles fancy an upgrade

What do you reckon as best value for performance and longevity ? Bikes normally used for touring solo and 2 up with luggage

Nitron. Hyperpro .Wilbers Ohlins so many choices.

 

[Rocketman]

If it's a keeper treat it to some wilbers ,done 10k on mine now mainly two up touring best £ 's I've ever spent .

 

[seahorse]

+1 for Nitron. Cheaper than the others and made in the UK!

 

[Rusty Bolts]

Wilbers front and rear for me. Transformed the handling and both are customisable and rebuildable

 

[Pukmeister]

My OEM rear shock is away at MCT Suspension at the moment for a service/rebuild as it started leaking at 32k.

They can upgrade them whilst they are at it for another £80 each but I'm trying to save funds at present so sticking to the basics.

 

[(RIP) Arkwright]

Just to balance up the discussion I'm using Hyperpro on my 1200 (and my G/S) very good on both and a good price from Europe at the moment. They also use 16mm piston rods rather than 14mm in most of the others which are thought to make the seals last longer!

 

[Sgt Bilco]

I've got Ohlins front and back on my 1200ADV and they really are superb. I've given them some real hammer over the past few years and just had them serviced. Expensive but great suspension.

I had a Hyperpro compression spring on the OEM rear before this and that was a pretty good compromise and very affordable. Will be doing this on my 1150ADV as the rear shocker is hooded and I don't want to spend a fortune.

 

[bisbee]

Well,at the risk of just making the list longer. Ohlins are fitted to mine and they're the dog's...it's like riding a different bike after oem.

 

[Metisse]

My OEM rear shock is away at MCT Suspension at the moment for a service/rebuild as it started leaking at 32k.

They can upgrade them whilst they are at it for another £80 each but I'm trying to save funds at present so sticking to the basics.

Just refitted mine after a refurb by MCT. Rear was leaking after 59k and I sent front as well for a check.

I had the upgraded spring and a revalve which cost £237 inc P&P & VAT.

No charge for the front as it could not be opened due to corrosion around the seal cap (despite 4 Ton pressure!). Not leaking and still working correctly so no reason to change.

Bike handles really nice again so it's a good cost-concious alternative to a Wilburs or Ohlins and they know what they are talking about at MCT.

 

[Neil W]

Maxton's on my 2011 gsa tc still perfect after 4 years use and the handling is appreciably better than that of my 1200gsa lc equipped with so called super duper ESA

 

[Kersidan]

+1 for Nitron shocks. Exquisite build quality, superb performance, serviceable and built in the UK. Nitron doesn't get enough credit in my view. I have fitted then to two previous bikes and will be fitting to my 1200gs. Only downside is that they don't do am ESA compatible replacement as far as I know but if you have non ESA suspension give them a serious look.

 

[MattW]

I had Hyperpro's on my 1100 (with custom springing) - transformed it.

However, they don't do an ESA compatible replacement so not an option if the OP has ESA (in fact as far as I know, with ESA the options are limited to Ohlins and Wilbers?)

 

[Old Codger]

Thanks a lot for all your replies

 

[Wapping]

With a 2007 bike (now 8 years old) ANY refurbishment of the suspension will feel like a million dollars, no matter what you opt for.

As you've not had Ohlins - and as such probably not missed them - I'd start by calling MCT to quote for a rebuild and then work up from there as it's only money thereafter. How much you spend, on what and why is up to you.

 

[Bendy toy]

Ohlins are the best but very much the most money. I have my eye on some Wilbers but not tried such as Nitrpn so can't comment on them.

 

[Popell]

Nitron are pretty good and I have had excellent service from them.
Had a small problem with one that I bought last year and returned it to them.
They advised that it had undergone some design improvements and sent me a brand new improved one by return.

It is a thing of beauty:

 

[bikemad]

I can vouch for wilbers superb best get front + rear & you can dial sag into front on aftermarket shocks OEM cannot this is another reason they work so well I'd keep old shocks for when you sell bike on

 

[Bones]

You won't get consensus on here (try asking for tyre recommendations ) but the Wilbers I fitted last year have transformed the ride quality on my GS and the build quality is fantastic. Not cheap though

 

[Pukmeister]

Just got back from a test ride after refitting my serviced ESA rear shock. Wow, what a difference. I didn't realise just how bad the damping had become. It now floats over bumps yet feels firm and taught mid-corner where it was just soggy and lifeless before. Best £140 spent on the bike ever.

 

[Vmtek]

I am the Irish Wilbers importer and Service Agent so I am biased.
We have fitted many pairs of shocks with great feedback from the riders.
There are usually two Shock options for the Front and up to four options for the rear.
Choose the shock that best suits your needs and budget
Wilbers Shocks are on sale for October