hardening dakar original suspension (in Pakistan)
 

Hi,
Im in the subcontinent on a Dakar 2004.
Is there a way to harden the rear suspension (ie: changing gas canister or pretensioner on the spring)?
It has become so soft i bottom it often.
I'm in Pakistan and with no chance (nor money) to purchase aftermarket stuff.
Any feasible solutions, recomendations most welcome.
Thanks
Fernando

Hi,

Don't know the F650, but if there is a way to raise the suspension this may help, but if you raise it too high the shock will hit the top stopper. I assume you have tried all the adjustments there are, like damping?

I hear there is a BMW dealer in Lahore, perhaps he can help you.

Under no circumstances would I let a Pakistani or Indian mechanic touch the shock.

If all else fails you will have to decide whether you put up with the shock as it is or have a new one sent from home.

Cheers from Leh, Ladakh,
Peter.

It is possible to put a stiffer spring on shocks - thats what the customizers do when they build a shock to your specks. However, it takes special equipment to do disassemble a shock, which may be a real problem where you are at.

And, your OEM shock is probably hosed anyway, a stiffer spring may not provide any real solution. It needs to be rebuild - again, the aftermarket shocks are generally easier to rebuild then BMW OEM shocks.

I made it to the UAE
 

Thanks Peter and Quastdog,
I made it to the United Arab Emirates.
There' is a really good Beemer dealer and workshop here, the motorcycle section is run by guys who are there because they like bikes (to Germans named Toby and Toby).
The mechanich told me there is nothing that can be done other than replacing the shock absorber.
the question now is which one to get.
Because the bike's way to tall for me I fitted longer link bones to the suspension. I got the from Koubalinks. There are good, but I went for the longer of the two in offer and if you bottom the suspension the tyre touches on the fender and the exaust pipe. Maybe I should have gone for the shorter lengthening links.
Nevertheless, fitting the links and pushing the front forks about 2 cm up the triple cam holders made the bike far better balanced than the original configuration, at least for me. It corners and scratches better, feels more nervous but more responsive. I wonder if there are anyone out there with experience about lengthening the link bones?

I wonder if some of the aftermarket shock absorvers can be set to have less or more swing and stop the tyre hitting the fender when compressed to the max. You see, I know nothing about this stuff!
The bike will stay here until I can get (money! and) parts and repair it.
Nevertheless, thanks a lot for the replies.
I never went to Leh, but I heard it is a great ride. I'm jealous. Ride safe there and carefull with those crazy Indian drivers!
Fernando

There is an Oehlins expert in Dubai who just might be able to help you. Email lars at ontheroad dot de for the exact location. If this guy can rebuild the shock than that will be cheaper and possibly better than buying something else unseen.

Yes, Leh is great, even better is Zanskar. Too bad Indian visas can't be extended any more. I'm off into the monsoon soon. :-(

Are you whining about your swanky but springy shock still?!?!? Sheesh Dago...

If that thing is still bouncy no matter how much you dial in the damping, its a dead one, and you have to replace as the guy said...preload doesn't impact damping from the springy point of view.

If you do go after market, take a peek at TechnoFlex...not as expensive as Ohlins but not cheap either...
And if you need some money, PM me and I can give you a list of escort agencies in the UAE for you to work for...

Anways...hope all is well and glad to read you're riding again!

great, good news on all fronts (except for cost)!
 

Thanks Peter, I'll try to contact Lars. I will let you know.
Good to hear from you Ed. Yes, the doodah its completly gone now. You can push it down till the tyre touches the fender pushing down with your hand. Nevertheless I'm greatfull it made it here.
There's a great BMW dealer and workshop (motorcycles and all) Run by to Germans, both called Toby. Great guys and enthusiastic about bikes. They have already been of a lot of hel so I feel safe and I'm sure I'll find some solution.
Where are you?
How is it going?
Ride safe and hope to see you soon!
Fernando

Lars answered straight away
 

last night I checked and I already had a reply from Lars.
The Ohlins specialists are: Arab Automotive Technologies (AAT) in Sharjah. They do cars. I will contact them to see if they can help importing a shock for a bike.
I will keep you posted.
Thanks to all.
Fernando