I have found that the net load- carrying capacity for the above bikes is around 200kgs i.e. rider, passenger, luggage. It maybe a little less for the R80 GS. To carry that weight, does anyone know if the rear shock needs to be upgraded and/or the front forks improved? On some bikes,(2016 Africa Twin) to carry these weights the shock and/or the front forks need upgrading which can be expensive. This question is important obviously for long-distance riders especially.

I found the original BMW shock to be perfectly adequate but I did use the shorter one from the R100R which allowed me to get my feet flatter on the ground and improved the driveshaft life which can be limited on those bikes. I carried the same mod out on another well travelled 80GS with the same results, both bikes did 100,000 miles/160,000 km without the shaft failing which is good for that model.
If BMW on longer stock new shocks I have found Hagon to be perfectly good and have read good things about YSS as well and don't think you need to spend a fortune on a WP or Ohlins, you are not going rallying.

By R80GS I presume you mean the smaller engined R100GS and not the monolever R80G/S.

Hi Mark, thanks for the reply. You were right-I wasn't referring to the G/S bikes. I'm short in the leg and you're idea of the R100R shock switch sounds interesting. My query was relating specifically to loaded up RTW travel. I'm 100 plus kilos, so it won't be hard to put 150 kgs in total on the bike-possibly more, so I was wondering if the R80 GS or the R100GS (1991-1995) models were equipped for RTW stock standard. i know from experience how expensive it is to fashion stronger shocks and strengthen the forks. it's possible from your comment that it may not be necessary. The frame would possibly need strengthening according to Grant but he may have been referring to older models than the ones I've listed.

Some bracing of the sub-frame can be helpful but as far as I am concerned the frame and forks are fine as they are, I did travel at times with a passenger which would of at least doubled my 65 kg plus luggage although that was generally on better roads.
Hagon will fit a stronger spring if you give them your load, they are not sophisticated but I use them on all my bikes and have found them reliable and re-buildable.
I would highly recommend a re-buildable driveshaft.

Yes, my reference is PRIMARILY to the older R80G/S (monolever) but I also know of R80/100GS (paralever) that have had both shock and sub-frame issues. They are better than the G/S series, but still not great. I know a rider who went through two or three stock shocks on an R100GS... and broke the frame. It's all down to load.
My R80G/S has a custom heavy duty sub-frame and a Works Performance shock still working fine with no failures.
Mark is light and knowing Mark I'm sure he packs very light, so stock is probably fine.

BUT if you're heavier and perhaps not a super light packer, then yes, I would absolutely go for an aftermarket shock with the correct spring and valving to do YOU. I really hate breaking down in the middle of nowhere, and a broken shock or sub-frame is a huge pita. OR, make damn sure it's 100% in advance and not worry.

As Mark says you don't need a very pricey Ohlins, there's others out there that are very good for the purpose - maybe not the super-sophisticated race-tech valving of an Ohlins, but perfectly good for the job.

BTW the forks on the R100GS are excellent, just need springs for YOU and possibly valving. Strength is fine - my R80G/S has an R100GS front end on it, as the R80G/S forks have been known to snap when abused.

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Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
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Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

Thanks Grant and others. I think this aspect of travel on these models has been thoroughly assessed. Great to obtain information from experienced riders. This site is priceless!

I'm not light! But have never had a problem with my R100GSPD managing me and luggage. Certainly no signs of the frame being stressed.

It's not so nice two-up, but it can easily handle 180KG combined, and luggage.

The forks are OK. The Öhlins with remote preload is much better. I used one for 20 years, and have just swapped it out while I get it refurbished.

Good tyres and precise tyre pressure seems to be the most important factor.

I've got a set of Andreani Misano Evo fork inserts to try, once I've been able to interpret the badly translated instructions. That might help with riding on badly rutted roads - adjustability would be helpful.

I'd definitely suggest better fork springs. After fitting a 40 litre petrol drum (HPN) on my R80GS I got progressive springs. They are offered by Wilbers and White Power. They do make a difference.


Originally my GS belonged to a short-legged lady. She also had the R100R shock, which is about 2 cm shorter. To align the suspension she let the fork pipes stick out 2 cm.

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