Suggestions on rear shock replacement for a BMW K1200RS

The rear shock on my 98 model K1200RS is stuffed, so that it now
bottoms-out over bumps one-up, even with preload on max. Since I plan to
do the Snowy Ride in a few weeks, two-up with extra gear, I reckon I
need to replace the shock urgently.

The local BMW shop offers:

1. the same shock for approx $860, ex Germany,
2. the version used on the K1200GT, which has the addition of a remote
preload adjustment for $900, ex melb, or
3. an Ohlins replacement for $1600.

Given I need to get this done before the Snowy Ride (26th Nov), and
price is importatn, #2 is the only real option.

While I expect the BMW OEM shocks are probably great, I wonder if there
are any other after-market shocks avalable in Australia at a similar
price which offer more features.

I have done a web search with no success.

Anu suggestions please?

David

 

Shop around for a better price on the Ohlins, you should be able to pick one
up for $1,350 or so.

I have Ohlins on my K1100LT, K100RT with HRD Sidecar and my R100GSPD, and
would highly recommend them being a much better option than a stock unit.,
don't waste you time on inferior products.

Boxer

 

If you're in Sydney, call a suspension place like Terry Hay's Shock
Treatment, Frank Pons' Biketek or Dave Cullen's Radar's Shock Service
and ask how much to have your shock overhauled... new oil and internals,
plus, if you need it, new spring, all for a lot less than any of the
options you list.

 

Sure, sure, expect away. They're garbage.

Either pony up for a top-of-the-line replacement, or buy a cheaper
replacement for less than the stocker: it'll most likely work
better anyway.

-----sharks ('93 R100GS, Bitubo CZE shockie, ripper)

 

I didn't think it was feasible to rebuild the original BMW shock.
Since cost is an issue that would be a good option.
I'll make some calls Mon AM.
Thanks
David

 

I managed to stretch the domestic financial controller to $900 for the
BMW shock. I hate to think what I would have to do to push that another
$450
Realisticly, around $900 is my limit currently. In a few years when kids
have finished high school, then we'll see ....

Thanks for the suggestion
David

 

A rebuild could get you out of trouble for a year or two for about half the
price of a new OEM shock.

Boxer

 

A lot of these guys will pick up the phone on Saturday mornings.

Terry Hay, for instance, works out of a shed on his property out the
back of Penrith.

Why only a year or two? When they rebuild a stock shock, they typically
use higher-spec components like seals, needles and valves than OE.

 

My "Guess" of a year or two was based on his useage.

Boxer

 

Usage would be about 10K kms per annum.
David

 

Mailnty related to weight of the load and weight of the bike and kilometres
travelled and the fact that the original shocks were not that good.

My Ohlins have a renote oil resovour that reduces fade by allowing greater
oil volume and better cooling.

Boxer

 

Well, mine is still fine. Has it rebuilt at 6k, now has 24k on it, still
works a treat. Dave Cullen did the work, but he is now in Brisbane working
for the Paul Feeney Group. Will still do suspension work however it's a bit
hard for you to get the bike to him. The other two options in Sydney, well
... who knows, both pluses and minuses. Still, get it reworked, should be
fine. For $900 you could get the front AND the rear reworked and you'll be
carving up the twisties like there's no tomorrow. Do yourself a favour, do
the front at the same time.

 

I had a Koni shock on a K100, it was great...I had a lighter spring made
though

Since me missus and me weigh 120kg, and the original spring was for 2
solid Germans and their luggage

And progressive front springs are worth the addition too

on a CBR 600 I had the original shock worked over and a remote reservoir
added, this cost a couple of hundred back in '96, much the same and a
lot cheaper than an aftermarket shock

 

Apparently Dave 'Radar' Cullen has moved his business back to QLD (again?).

Unfortunately, Terry Hays and Frank Pons are both a long way from my
normal haunts, making the logistics very difficult.

While I was at Castle Hill, looking for Radars, I stopped into MAW. They
suggested trying Chivos at Granville. I have spoken with Chivos, and
they reckon they can probably rebuild the shock, for approx $180. At
that price it is probably worth doing both front and rear.

Thanks for the pointers
David