'85 Tenere back shock... good enough?

**jim** · #1 24th December 2003

Hi Klaus and all,
I leave April for a trans Africa trip and id like somebodys opinion on the standard rear shock on a 85 Tenere. Do i need to upgrade it, if so will just a stronger spring do or do i need the whole dampner as well?

Thanks,
jim

**FredXTZ** · #2 24th December 2003

The original Yammie thing is one of the best quality. Don't go for a cheap replacement. To make sure take it to a professional repair shop [like the motorcross ones] and have it rebuilt, with fresh oil and gas, and ask for a new heat resistant rod seal! If the spring and/or the damping has become too weak, have them adjusted. A ful overhaul job like this costs about Euro 90,-- here.
Have fun and let us know how the trip goes!

------------------
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.

**jim** · #3 26th December 2003

Hi Fred,

Thanks for the tip, thats really music to my ears - this trip is getting really expensive so every saving helps.
Good Christmas and Happy New Year to you and all at HU!
Jim

**aukeboss** · #4 28th December 2003

Sorry Jim,

I profoundly disagree with Fred. I do, as a matter of principle, by the way.
But, seriously, me and my then girlfriend did the same trip the other way. My original-yamaha-shock-with-overhaul packed up totally after 2000 kms in Sudan, hers packed up just after the Namib-SA border.
It is not bad, that shock, but not good enough for this purpose. So, get a at least a stronger spring (go for a 135 kg / cm spring, with all the luggage) and an overhaul, or better, get a aftermarket unit.
Flying a replacement in to some godforsaken place and waiting for it is even more costly, and irritating .....

Just think of the 100ds of kms of corrugation .....

Succes!
Auke

**aukeboss** · #5 28th December 2003

Oh, and while you're at it, also change the front fork spings for progressive ones. The originals are far too soft.
Progressive, stiffer springs, will improve handling and braking.

Do'nt forget: put in new fork seals. Small investment, they'll bring you to Europe.

Auke

**giorgioXT** · #6 14th January 2004

I'm 100% with Aukeboss ...from my experiences the best thing you may make to a Teneré is to change the rear shock and fork springs; even only to cope with the surely increased weight, since ALL bikes are conceived for the use of a 75 kilo pilot w/o baggage ...even looked at the labels of "maximum permitted load" on the racks?

The originals are not bad, but a good aftermarket (even not the top-class and cost WP or Ohlins) even at look show its difference : shaft diameter, spring diameter, body thickness etc...

**Matt595** · #7 7th February 2004

Hello,

Yes better change for a fresh and strong rear shock!
Try the Fournales one, very good piece and very long life, because of its original conception with compressed air.
(cheap also)

http://www.fournales.fr

Mattias

**Chris Scott** · #8 8th February 2004

I recall that my Mark 1 Tenere (B reg whatever that is) was a great machine but did have very soft suspension. I didnt carry much of a load and half of it burned away anyway (see http://www.adventure-motorcycling.com/deserttravels , halfway down) but it was cranked up at the back and with the usual spacers in the front.
From D.Riders I can recommend K Tech 01530 810625 in Colville for alt springs - not expensive. Depending on your set up go up to 20% harder - but do it at both ends (we didnt) or it will handle like a sinking boat!

Chris S