Special tools for White Power shock needed?

**Lars** · #1 12 Oct 2005

Hi there,

the BMW dealer in Seoul insists that he needs special White Power tools for repairing my rear shock even though I will have spare seals flown in from Germany.

I never heard of that. Is it true?

Apart from that I am discussing with friends whether to buy a new Oehlins shock instead. I was told, White Power shocks tend to break down anyway and even more after having been repaired.

Is it worth the huge expense?

My White Power Shock was overhauled 50.000 km ago and suffered about 20000 good roads, 26000 more or less bumpy tar roads, 3000 km offroad or gravel road.

Any advise is very much appreciated.

Regards

Lars

**AliBaba** · #2 12 Oct 2005

What kind of bike do you have?
I have the WP that is standard on the Basic/Kalahari and I have had it rebuilt but I don’t know if they used any “wp-tools”.

IMHO it should be rebuilt after 30kkm (that also goes for Ohlins). That said I have used one shock for more then 100kkm without any service before it broke.
If you compare it with an Ohlins you will find that the Ohlin is far better built (bigger bearings, better materials).
The Ohlins is a bit longer which will give you better ground-clearance but it will probably increase stress on the shaft..

I still run WP on both my bikes but I will probably change to Ohlins when/if they break so much that rebuild is not an option.

Good luck!

**Lars** · #3 12 Oct 2005

Yes, I forgot: It is a R 100 GS, built in 1991.

**BCK_973** · #4 12 Oct 2005

Lars
How about time limit? could you send the WP to europe to repair? Costs? Airmail the shock?
Or just buy a öhlins?
I had a G/S back in the 90´with WP.Never broke down on tour.A new one is up to 700 Euros i think.
Its decision time.....
KH

**simmo** · #5 13 Oct 2005

Lars a much cheaper alternative may be an IKON they are the same as KONI and made in Australia. If you want I can find out a price to Korea for you. They are reliable and rebuildable but not as racey as WP or Ohlins, but still have spring preload and damping adjustments.

Alternatively you could send the shock to Australia or Europe for repair, I dont know the turn around time but regular airmail would be quite fast.

cheers

alec

**Frank Warner** · #6 13 Oct 2005

Both Ohlins and White Power shocks require 'special tools'.

To say one is better than the other is a matter of argument.

To say that one once 'repaired' lasts less than new is complete bull. Both are repairable and rebuildable to as new - and should last as long as a new one IF DONE RIGHT. I'd be looking for another person.

**Lars** · #7 13 Oct 2005

Thanks for your replies.

Seems that there are special tools needed for repairing it properly.

Therefore, at the moment my favorite option is to have new shock flewn into Korea, send the old one back to Germany, have it repaired and sell it via ebay or so (if anyone would be interested in a nice WP heavy duty rear shock...

).

Air mail from Germany is pretty fast.

Still, I am sorry for all the money...

Regards

Lars

**gsworkshop** · #8 17 Oct 2005

I have noticed a lot of negative talk about the WP shocks, one thing I must add is that Olhins only make a shock with reservior where as WP have two versions available. One for offroad use fitted with a resevoir and one for onroad use without the reservoir. I believe a lot off problems come from fitting the non offroad shock even though these bikes are used in offroad conditions.

**yngveer** · #9 18 Oct 2005

Hi, Iv got a r80gs 91mod with Øhlins. Its a good shock, but I miss seperate adjustment for comprecion and rebound. But beside of that Im happy. The shock is now taking me and alot of luggage around Australia.
I can recomande Boxer Schmiede in Berlin. They send parts where its needed, and as fast as you want.

Good luck
-Yngve-
www.gravelseekers.com