R1150GS suspension replacement for Americas trip?

**MikeS** · #1 22 May 2006

Hi

I'm currently in the middle of planning my trip to the americas later this year using my BMW R1150GS. Its about 5 years old and has nearly 60k miles on the clock. Its been round the world 2-up by the previous owner for 2 years.

Should I be looking at replacing (or just overhauling) the original shocks? I'm going solo and am 13stone (maybe 85kgs?? not sure).

Any help appreciated

Cheers

Mike

**Grant Johnson** · #2 22 May 2006

Mike, if the shock is original - it's LONG past overdue for replacement.

There's a big thread on rear shocks, do a little searching and you'll find all the answers - which in the end is simple - yes, new now!

And for the GS11xx's, a front is worthwhile too.

**Lucky Explorer** · #3 22 May 2006

Front too, yes,as per Grant. I replaced the rear of an 02 Adv. we took to China a couple years ago with a custom Ohlins, didn't replace the front. What a mistake. The Ohlins was so good the front felt next to worthless. Of course China's roads are interesting to say the least. Lots of choices in suspension upgrades out there now.
Allen.

**MikeS** · #4 22 May 2006

Cheers Grant

Its actually Ruth & Merv Homers old bike (they mentioned they knew you when i bought it) so its been around a bit but runs great as it was well looked after.

I'd better get looking into some replacments then...!

Thanks

Mike

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grant Johnson

Mike, if the shock is original - it's LONG past overdue for replacement.

There's a big thread on rear shocks, do a little searching and you'll find all the answers - which in the end is simple - yes, new now!

And for the GS11xx's, a front is worthwhile too.

**Lone Rider** · #5 23 May 2006

One suggestion is to buy some 'take off' shocks, OEM shocks that were replaced by the owner early-on because he/she wanted upgraded shocks.

These can be found fairly cheap and with no or few miles on them.

**Stephano** · #6 23 May 2006

Would my 5-year old originals with 30,000 kilometres (not miles) on them be worth anything? Or is that too many km’s to be of second-hand value? I want to get Öhlins before my next trip. Stephan

**MikeS** · #7 23 May 2006

Thanks for the offer Stephano but I'm now (gradually!) coming round to the idea of buying a new set for this trip.

cheers

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stephano

Would my 5-year old originals with 30,000 kilometres (not miles) on them be worth anything? Or is that too many km’s to be of second-hand value? I want to get Öhlins before my next trip. Stephan

**Stephano** · #8 23 May 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeS

Thanks for the offer Stephano but I'm now (gradually!) coming round to the idea of buying a new set for this trip.

cheers

Actually, I wasn't offering them as such, Mike, because they might be of little worth. I was asking for an expert's evaluation.

Stephan

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