new shock on 1100GS

[frankfrank]

My rear shock absorber has broken and I am looking into buying a new one quite fast as driving the bike at the moment is no fun.
Wilbers and Ohlins seem to get good reviews overall,does anyone have good/bad experiences with either?
I also now of an address where they can repair the standard shock but I'm not sure whether this is just postponing forking out the money for a new one?
As the front shock is still okay I wasn't going to change that one,will that make a considerable difference if I only change the rear shock?
Any advice on this greatly appreciated!

Oh,it's an 1100GS from '98 which will be driven solo mostly with all camping gear,panniers and the works...

[princec]

I've had the pleasure of an Ohlins rear shock... just gorgeous.

Cas

[Gecko]

Ditto.... I fitted Ohlins on mine about 30,000km back and they are great. The standard shock used to bottom out quite often when off road and the Ohlins has never done it yet and I have been doing some quite serious off roading. Mine is a 99 1100GS. They do cost a bit but well worth it in my opinion. I find they transformed the bike especially when loaded with luggage - no more wallowing through corners - just nice crisp handling which make you want to ride and ride and ride

[Margus]

Yes, the original shock does bottom out with lot of load (2 up and/or lot of luggage) in combination with some very nasty potholed roads or offroad.

I was between choosing WP, Öhlins or Wilbers. Did some homework about it and ended up on Wilbers.

WP didn't offer different spring for my 1100 at that time so I'm using Wilbers rear shock with stiffer spring for 2 up+full of luggage setup. It was cheaper than Öhlins, has longer service intervals and some argue through direct practice with them that Wilbers probably outlives Öhlins in extreme conditions or use (oil leaks were noted on Öhlins). Search around UKGSer.com or ADVrider.com forums about Wilbers.

Good roads, Margus

[ukKev]

Be careful frank i blew mine 50 miles off road in Senegal . It got me home ok altough it was like riding a bucking bronco . When i changed it after 5000 miles it came off in 2 bits . I replaced it with a 2nd hand shock for £50. The bike took alot of abuse in the desert carying at times 50lts of petrol & 20lts of water plus all my camping gear etc so i cant complain. Just make sure you keep your wheels on the ground.
Kev
ps a mate who i was ridding with blew his ohlin as well he changed it much sooner but it was also in 2 bits.

[Em and Hame]

Before setting off on our travels over 14 months ago, I had the same shock dilemma. I opted for Wilbers mainly because of the fact they are made to measure, so you get a spring and damping rate to suit your load. Unless an "off the shelf" after-market shock happens to have settings that suit you and your load, quite frankly they're a waste of time, irrespective of brand.

Another thing to take into consideration is after-sales service. In Australia the remote preload seal blew and I was able to have it rebuilt in Melbourne under warranty. Then in Chile the rear shock main seal blew and I was again able to have it rebuilt under warranty in Santiago.

Yes, it's disappointing to have shocks go, especially after what they cost, however, we're two-up with a fair load. Lastly, I'd recommend Dirt Skins, or alternative neoprene covers. Irrespective of brand, its the dust that gets inside the seals and wrecks them.

Hope this helps,
Hamish

[frankfrank]

Thanks all for your advise guys!
I opted for a Wilbers shock (bit cheaper then Ohlins and some good reports by other users) which I installed last week and I´m a happy camper again!
Bike rides like a dream...

Frank