1150GS supension on a GSA

[travelHK]

does anyone of you tryed to put some GS shocks on a GSA in order to lower it without changing the seat (1150 model)

[Warthog]

I know some riders have gone the other way: GSA shocks on a GS to give more clearance so the theory seems sound to me.... after all the chassis are the same, as far as I know: only the ancilliaries differ....

[travelHK]

I agree it seems like it should work, I also saw online an english company that sold shorter spring in order to lower the bike up to one inch, both combine shorter spring and GS shock instead of GSA I could lower it of maybe 2 inches.

[Warthog]

It might be worth getting a quote from a shock builder as BMW OEM shocks won't be cheap, and you may find that someone can build you a short shock, with decent springs for a similar cost....

Just an idea.....

[travelHK]

I was planning of changing the supspension anyway , maybe holins or WP something better suited to my load and ride.

[Steve Pickford]

Originally Posted by HendiKaf

I agree it seems like it should work, I also saw online an english company that sold shorter spring in order to lower the bike up to one inch, both combine shorter spring and GS shock instead of GSA I could lower it of maybe 2 inches.

A shorter spring will not reduce the ride height, it will just limit suspension travel as the spring becomes coilbound. Once you put preload on the spring, the tension will extend the shock to its maximum length.

A shorter shock involves a shorter shock body with an appropriate length spring. Hyperpro do a shorter spring kit for the F800GS but I think this might leave the bike with a huge amount of static sag?

If you need to lower an Adventure, just fit GS shocks & a low seat if needed.

[BMWbiggles]

Hi
If you do put gs shocks on it you will also have to change the center stand unless your very strong. The lower position means that the center stand hits the ground in the wrong position and doesn't roll.

I have a friend who has just bought a GSA with GS shocks and would swap with you.

All the best

[travelHK]

thanks to all of you for your very helpfull post.
Hey BMWbiggle can you PM me the contact info for your friend.

Thanks

[BMWbiggles]

Sorry this is my 7th post and I need 8 to be able to PM people. You can call me on 07850 84455three. We are in Kent but off on the 4th to north africa for a month, so just enough time.

Pete

[Steve Pickford]

Originally Posted by BMWbiggles

Hi
If you do put gs shocks on it you will also have to change the center stand unless your very strong. The lower position means that the center stand hits the ground in the wrong position and doesn't roll.

I have a friend who has just bought a GSA with GS shocks and would swap with you.

All the best

Don't forget the sidestand, you shouldn't have too much problem getting both from Sherlocks, Motorworks or MotoBins in the UK.

Alternatively, you shorten the stock Adventure parts & weld them together again, did this on a friends F800GS sidestand last year.