Uprating the suspension for a big tosser...

[scud]

I'm going off round the world in a few months and have almost decided that I should change my standard suspension to something much better... the adjuster on my standard rear doesn't work (nor does it keep the oil that I've topped it up with!) anyway.

Although it's a 2002 GS, I put Adv shocks on it years ago.

I'm 6' 5" and a svelt 20st, but what do I get? As far as I see, the options are keep the standard, go for Ohlins, or perhaps Wilburs.

Would any of these options be better for my size? does size matter (in such a case)?

What d'ya reckon and why?


Oh...... and where shall I get them? is it worth looking secondhand?

 

[g.s.john]

Wilbers better VFM IMO they will build to your requirements http://wilberssuspension.co.uk/index.php

 

[Dahoum]

What d'ya reckon and why?

I recon you need to go on a diet.

Why? Cos you're a fat bastard.

 

[Rasher]

Wilbers better VFM IMO they will build to your requirements http://wilberssuspension.co.uk/index.php

Both Ohlins and Wilburs will be far superior to standard stuff, Wilburs build every unit to indiidual spec, so probably the better option for such a requirement, and a lot cheaper as well.

For my 1200 Ohlins came in at £1800 and Wilburs at £1200 for similar spec units.

 

[ciderman gs]

ohlins can be rebuilt easier than wilbers some of the rtw tossers have had trouble getting wilbers rebuilt and by the sounds of it you will need this option

 

[scud]

I recon you need to go on a diet.

Why? Cos you're a fat bastard.

I got feelings yer know..... and you don't want to piss either of them off


hehehe!

 

[Timolgra]

I use Ohlins with an uprated spring with very good results but.....

Everyone's telling you after market shocks will be far superior, superior at what?

So....
Another reliable route for you would be to get a good condition standard shock but have a 'much' heavier spring fitted, ie. let the spring to the work not the hydraulics.

The standard shock appears more reliable for long distance travel where performance isn't paramount.

Most suspension specialists don't recommend uprating the front spring on a GS but that's a personal preference as well. A stiff front spring will not help with grip offroad on GS. Going RTW, at some time you're going to hit big pot holes hard you need your bike to be strong.

With the 'extra weight', reinforce your rear sub frame else it WILL crack

 

[scud]

I use Ohlins with an uprated spring with very good results but.....

Everyone's telling you after market shocks will be far superior, superior at what?

So....
Another reliable route for you would be to get a good condition standard shock but have a 'much' heavier spring fitted, ie. let the spring to the work not the hydraulics.

The standard shock appears more reliable for long distance travel where performance isn't paramount.

Most suspension specialists don't recommend uprating the front spring on a GS but that's a personal preference as well. A stiff front spring will not help with grip offroad on GS. Going RTW, at some time you're going to hit big pot holes hard you need your bike to be strong.

With the 'extra weight', reinforce your rear sub frame else it WILL crack

Superb! I'll look into this....
I've noticed a few rear subframe reinforcements on some threads.....

 

[waterloo700]

Here is a exchange I had with Will at FTR the other day:

"The 01096-12/54 is a 10% increase in rate to account for the extra weight and retain the balance of the bike.

Usually for riders that are slighlty heavier than standard, changing the front spring isn't really necessary but weight transfer from the rear to the front can give a very unstable feel. It is then best to balance the front spring with the rear"

and:

"OK, for your weight we would recommend the following:-

Front shock spring - 01096-12/56
Rear shock spring - 01095-74/180"


Kind regards,
Will Thomas
FTR Suspension

I'm a very tall 105Kg big boned chap (all right - fat b@stard then).
Bike is 1100

 

[uncle dick]

I'm a very tall 105Kg big boned chap (all right - fat b@stard then).
Bike is 1100

FYI, the standard Ohlins spring on the 1100 is already heavier than the 1150 set up. I weigh in around 95kg and the standard spring was too much for one-up riding although perfect for pillion and luggage. I put a 1150 rear spring on (140N IIRC) and it's transformed the bike - so much more communication with the back tyre. It'll take a 70kg pillion with the preload wound up a bit although I'd probably put the 160 spring back on if I was doing any real mileage with pillion and camping gear.

I won't enter into the whole Ohlins vs Wilbers debate; I bought Ohlins for less money than Wilbers and the resale value is considerably higher if I sell the bike and decide to split. I'm sure either will break given enough abuse

Dick

 

[Timolgra]

Here is a exchange I had with Will at FTR the other day:

"The 01096-12/54 is a 10% increase in rate to account for the extra weight and retain the balance of the bike.

Usually for riders that are slighlty heavier than standard, changing the front spring isn't really necessary but weight transfer from the rear to the front can give a very unstable feel. It is then best to balance the front spring with the rear"

and:

"OK, for your weight we would recommend the following:-

Front shock spring - 01096-12/56
Rear shock spring - 01095-74/180"


Kind regards,
Will Thomas
FTR Suspension

I'm a very tall 105Kg big boned chap (all right - fat b@stard then).
Bike is 1100

That's all very well, but are those suggestions not taking strength and reliability as absolute priority?

20 stone plus full luggage on a heavy GS hitting whoops and pot holes is a lot of force. You don't want your suspension to be bottoming out, (have a think about what you want your bump stop made of).
If it bottoms out, eventually, or maybe the first time, it'll snap the bottom mounting bolt, then may snap the paralever.
I've since fitted a hight tensile bolt, assuming they're not already. Check that bolt at intervals, make sure it's lightly greased and carry a spare one.