WP or Showa rear shock preference?

Bobbin-Man

Bobbin-Man

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Looking for advice .... my '06 1200GS was fitted from new with Showa shocks. It had done 48,000 miles when I bought it and as far as I'm aware neither unit had ever been replaced or overhauled. Knowing the rear was pretty "choppy" and the large adjusting knob had seized, after a couple of thousand miles I sourced a lower mileage replacement which happens to be a WP, albeit in better condition.

Now another 5000 miles on I've finally decided to get the rear shock overhauled (finances won't currently stretch to Ohlins or Wilbers) but having the choice of either Showa or WP, which would be the better unit to invest in? Appearances suggest the WP is a better quality unit but why would BMW have swapped to Showa after such a short time using the WP shocks? Is the WP the poorer alternative to the Showa?

Thanks in advance :beerjug:

Stu.
 
Bobbin-Man said:
Looking for advice .... my '06 1200GS was fitted from new with Showa shocks. It had done 48,000 miles when I bought it and as far as I'm aware neither unit had ever been replaced or overhauled. Knowing the rear was pretty "choppy" and the large adjusting knob had seized, after a couple of thousand miles I sourced a lower mileage replacement which happens to be a WP, albeit in better condition.

Now another 5000 miles on I've finally decided to get the rear shock overhauled (finances won't currently stretch to Ohlins or Wilbers) but having the choice of either Showa or WP, which would be the better unit to invest in? Appearances suggest the WP is a better quality unit but why would BMW have swapped to Showa after such a short time using the WP shocks? Is the WP the poorer alternative to the Showa?

Thanks in advance :beerjug:

Stu.
Click to expand...



I think they much of a muchness to be honest. Have you thought about re springing it with something better?. Before I got my Ohlins, I put a Hyperpro progressive spring on the original shock and it was an absolute revelation. The spring is about £80 from Calsport in Birmingham and is made to your spec. It may be worth getting hold of them as they may overhaul your shock as well with new seals etc etc at the same time.
 
Hmmm, now you have me thinking about the alternatives again!

Shock rebuild (probably the WP) I think would be around £120, if I wanted to fit a Hyperpro spring it would be another £85. The basic Hyperpro rear unit that Calsport sell is currently available at £370 inc vat which seems to be a no-brainer for the amount extra!
I've started reading this thread on ADRider which is pushing me more towards paying the extra ... I think it's time to make the choice between a basic cost rebuild or a full replacement unit.

Is there much disadvantage in not having the remote reservoir/adjuster? I ride mostly solo but do the occasional fully loaded trip to Europe and may well be taking swmbo as well, all road riding. There's a substantial difference in cost with the remote reservoir!
 
Bobbin-Man said:
Hmmm, now you have me thinking about the alternatives again!

Shock rebuild (probably the WP) I think would be around £120, if I wanted to fit a Hyperpro spring it would be another £85. The basic Hyperpro rear unit that Calsport sell is currently available at £370 inc vat which seems to be a no-brainer for the amount extra!
I've started reading this thread on ADRider which is pushing me more towards paying the extra ... I think it's time to make the choice between a basic cost rebuild or a full replacement unit.

Is there much disadvantage in not having the remote reservoir/adjuster? I ride mostly solo but do the occasional fully loaded trip to Europe and may well be taking swmbo as well, all road riding. There's a substantial difference in cost with the remote reservoir!
Click to expand...

I'd bite the bullet and go for it. A decent, fresh damper with a spring based on your weight will make a big difference.

If you rarely change the preload and are watching the pennies then I'd do without the remote adjuster - it is however nice to have if yuo want to adjust for a pillion or just sharpen up the steering a bit on a regular basis.

FWIW I wnet with Wilbers with remote proload and the remote high/low speed damping adjustment. TBH, once it was all set how I like it I've never once touched all the high/low speed stuff. I only ever adjust the preload and occasionaly compression if really loaded up - I wouldn't bother with that again.

Andres
 
Ive used a Wilbers on an Aprilia Pegaso 650. The handling was amazing let down only by the forks. I will def be going Wilbers when I replace the rear shock. It's an ESA & not cheap to replace so in the meantime I'll get the rear rebuilt (Showa) and keep the original spring.
 
I didn't think BMW fitted WP shocks as standard? I would say if you have a WP shock it is aftermarket (I know they used to offer them as an upgrade option on airheads - I ticked that box on my R100GSPD). My experience with WP is all positive having owned a few KTMs (KTM own WP). Good quality and they can be rebuilt.

I did once replace a standard Showa shock (the preload had packed up) on an 1100GS with a new Ohlins and to be honest the ony difference I could tell was that the Ohlins had a wider range of adjustment, which suited me as I weigh 16 stone (I know that Ohlins are popular but how good are they these days? I know that they offer various levels of quality since being owned by Yamaha).

In my expreince, I would get your WP rebuilt.
 
Jon P said:
I didn't think BMW fitted WP shocks as standard? I would say if you have a WP shock it is aftermarket (I know they used to offer them as an upgrade option on airheads - I ticked that box on my R100GSPD). My experience with WP is all positive having owned a few KTMs (KTM own WP). Good quality and they can be rebuilt.

I did once replace a standard Showa shock (the preload had packed up) on an 1100GS with a new Ohlins and to be honest the ony difference I could tell was that the Ohlins had a wider range of adjustment, which suited me as I weigh 16 stone (I know that Ohlins are popular but how good are they these days? I know that they offer various levels of quality since being owned by Yamaha).

In my expreince, I would get your WP rebuilt.
Click to expand...

BMW came with either Showa, or WP OEM suspension depending on what year bike you have.
 
Well, I never knew that - I'll have to go and see what I have. Cheers for that!
 
The Showa factory got taken out by the 2011 Tsunami so BMW had to find an alternative supplier or stop selling bikes.
 
My understanding was that WP shocks were fitted on the earlier bikes ('04/'05) then from 2006-ish the Showa was used. Mine is '06 and has had a Showa from new but having bought a s/h WP it does look a better quality unit .... if looks mean anything!

Stu.
 
Bobbin-Man said:
My understanding was that WP shocks were fitted on the earlier bikes ('04/'05) then from 2006-ish the Showa was used. Mine is '06 and has had a Showa from new but having bought a s/h WP it does look a better quality unit .... if looks mean anything!

Stu.
Click to expand...

Yup, me too - my 05 came with WP - ISTR that when the 07's came in (Showa) there was the odd comment on here about them being a bit softer/under damped compared to the earlier bikes?

Andres
 
Whatever is fitted will be built down to a price, it will not be the same WP shock that you will pay £750 from a specialist, rebuild the one that is in the best physical condition
 
Bobbin-Man said:
My understanding was that WP shocks were fitted on the earlier bikes ('04/'05) then from 2006-ish the Showa was used. Mine is '06 and has had a Showa from new but having bought a s/h WP it does look a better quality unit .... if looks mean anything!

Stu.
Click to expand...

Better shocks and lighter, more expensive wheels too.
 
My 08 GSA has Showa ESA shocks. The front feels fine after 47K. The rear was replaced at 27K under warranty. I really should get them rebuilt before they go right off and its too late.
 
Bobbin-Man said:
Sorry, which shocks are better? I thought the new wheels came with the other changes in 2008?
Click to expand...

The older wheels, on the original,2004 on R1200gs were more expensive, but lighter - later wheels have been heavier, and apparently cheaper for BMW.
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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