Raise the rear on a 1150gs

[Toby_Wan]

Hi! I'm new. Did a little searching but couldn't find a thread that answered my question.

I'm thinking about replacing the rear shock on my 1150gs. Thing is that I want some more ground clearance.

Has anyone swapped just the rear for an adventure length shock and left the front regular GS? How does that effect the handling? Does it render the bike unrideable?

Also, has any one got any experience of riding with M-Shock/Shock Factory suspension? Did some emailing with Mike Capon and really appreciate the commitment to customer service. Also the price on his shocks.

Thankful for any input or hints to a thread where I can find some answers...

[mfbRSV]

I have done this mod and really like the way the bike handles. Besides the extra ground clearance the front end feels more planted at elevated speeds along with quicker steering in the twisties. I only run street tires so my perspective is for riding on asphalt only. Still using the standard centerstand and sidestand. Centerstand is easier to employ but tipping up the bike off the sidestand requires more effort.

You can also achieve similar results without changing the shock length by buying one of the shortened paralever arms offered by San Jose BMW. The standard GS P-arm is 363mm long. The guys at SJBMW offer one at 355mm long and one at 350mm long. I ordered the 350mm length. Looks cool, too.

[Toby_Wan]

Originally Posted by mfbRSV

I have done this mod and really like the way the bike handles. Besides the extra ground clearance the front end feels more planted at elevated speeds along with quicker steering in the twisties. I only run street tires so my perspective is for riding on asphalt only. Still using the standard centerstand and sidestand. Centerstand is easier to employ but tipping up the bike off the sidestand requires more effort.

You can also achieve similars results without changing the shock length by buying one of the shortened paralever arms offered by San Jose BMW. The standard GS P-arm is 363mm long. The guys at SJBMW offer one at 355mm long and one at 350mm long. I ordered the 350mm length. Looks cool, too.

My main goal is to achieve more suspension travel and ground clearance at the back end. Shortening the paralever only helps with the ground clearance.

Nobody with any experience of M-Shocks / Shock Factory suspension?

http://www.shock-factory.co.uk/

[Toby_Wan]

Nobody with any experience of M-Shock/Shock factory suspension?

[rebelpacket]

I don't know how it would handle. Its an extra 1" in the rear, which isn't huge, but its something. Is there a particular reason you want to jack only the rear up?

I don't know enough about the geometry of the GS to give you an educated answer on how it would handle.

My guess, like crap. My 1150GS outhandles my Guzzi, Duc's, and virtually every sportbike I've ever ridden. If I was going to "improve" it, I probably wouldn't touch the geometry.

[Buffalo Bill]

I installed an Ohlin GSA rear on my 2001GS back in 2007 prior to AK trip. Know real good reason other than I wanted the bike to stand a little taller and have a little more stroke in the back..The setup was especially nice in the Northern Yukon where I was rolling, loaded for bear(heavy) and running fast. The miles and miles of heaving pavement never caused me to bottom out the shock once. It was like the endless roller-coaster ride.

40,000 miles later, still running the same setup with stock front shock..Keep planning on getting the front matching ohlin, but keep spending my money on beer and wine..

Makes sense that the geometry is not in balance unless you install a GSA shock on the front, but given the inconsistent and out of balance loads that GS's tend to carry, it might not be noticeable anyway. My bike still goes fast thru the corners and handles good to me. Never notice any change either in component or tire wear..

[Toby_Wan]

The reason for only changing the rear is mostly a question of finance. Also M-Shock doesn't yet produce the front shock since it is a different diameter spring or something. They would get to it pretty soon though if I understood correctly.

Oh well. I guess I just need to try it and see the results for myselfs. Worst case scenario is I have to revert to my stock shock and wait til I get the moolah for the front shock.

[mfbRSV]

Originally Posted by rebelpacket

...My guess, like crap.

You would be surprised.

[Toby_Wan]

Ok.

So after a few emails back-and-forth with Mike Capon who runs Shock Factory (www.shock-factory.co.uk) I ordered the shock on sunday evening and supplied my weight, luggage and riding style.

Monday afternoon I get an email from Mike saying that the shock has been built and is shipping the next day. On Thursday midday the shock arrives at my place in Sweden.

Build quality is top ranking and installation was a breeze. Was wondering a bit over the ride height so I dropped Mike a mail from the iPhone. Still in the garage no more than 5 minutes later Mike calls on the phone and gives me detailed instructions and measurements for customizing the settings to my likings. Cranked up preload over stock setting and settled with a 20mm static sag.

Took it for a spin and wow! It's like a new bike to me. Even more nippy round the corners than before and awesome grip and control on the gravel. I couldn't be a happier rider right about now.

The old pig running nicely on Shock-Factory 1150GS Adventure shock on the rear and stock Showa on the front. Karoo T tires.

Some pics.


The product.


Installed on the old pig.


Old standard stance.


New and improved B-Boy Stance

[madleemark]

looks good, a much more affordable shock than the ohlins, i had never seen these shocks before i read your post, can you adjust the spring preload ok? and they got it to you quickly,

[Toby_Wan]

Originally Posted by madleemark

looks good, a much more affordable shock than the ohlins, i had never seen these shocks before i read your post, can you adjust the spring preload ok? and they got it to you quickly,

Yeah I was surprised by the good build quality. Spring preload is adjusted the old-school way with a c-spanner. Sure. A bit fiddly if your excess weight vary alot, but then again. One less thing that may break.

Also. At least I don't ride as hard when I'm geared up for a long-haul as I do on the evening outings on the green lanes. So one preload setting is good enough for me.

I'm not endorsed in any way by Shock Factory, paid the full price. Just think that they do a smashing product and have great care for their customers. I simply give credit where credit is due.

[madleemark]

all good then, a decent warranty and rebuildable, sounds a good place to deal with as well.

[mfbRSV]

Looks good. Glad you like the way it handles. I like the way they did the accessible preload adjustment.

[Toby_Wan]

Yeah the preload adjustment was easy enough. But i do think one should be careful adjusting it after the bike has gotten dirty. Probably best to clean the threads properly with some degreaser and compressed air so that grime doesn't tear up the threads...

[bubu]

Hello,

I am a french racer, and i ride on a VFR RC36 I with a M-SHOCK. So really great!!!

I can open Full the throttle when my knee pad is on the floor. And the VFR is easily to turn, etc...

Mike is the designer of the EMC shock, so he really knows the job!

The picture of the VFR