The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2
Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: Billmc on May 31, 2016, 08:56:04 AM
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As I do the refresh, I just took the rear shock off the '87 and its shot. Rattles around, wont stop that even at the stiffest setting and sounds like a bad sinus infection when compressed and extended. I have done some searching on this forum and really don't find a whole lot of applicable info on this subject.
I am trying to find out from the sage wisdom of this group what options I have. Is it possible to rebuild or do I dig deep and pay more for a new strut than I paid for the bike? If that's the case what is recommended? The shock says Boge on it but I don't know if that was the original one or not. Its just me at 180lb so nothing heavy duty or "sporty" needed.
Thanks in advance.
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Hello!
Based on the twin shock BMW, Boge are not rebuildable, as far as i know. They are the OEM brand.
It is funny you ask because we discussed shocks a few posts ago.
If yu want a new one, except the OEM there are EMC, Shock Factory and Fournales. The later are without a spring because they use air to replace it. This has two main advantages : As the pressure builds up on compression they become stiffer and, thus, can't go hit the mechanical stop. Second advantage is that you can change "the spring" by changing the air pressure inside to allow for a passenger or a heavy load. EMC, also French, is very good and cheaper and Shock Factory, owned by a Englishman is in France too and the cheapest. All three brands have very good reputation, are rebuildable and in the case of the Fournales will outlast the bike...
You can also go the South European route and ask if Betor does something for your bike (should be very cheap) or go north and have a look at Ohlins or White Power... In this case be prepared to trade in your last born child to pay for the shock...
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Recently I replaced the original mono shock with a Progressive shock on my '86. It makes a big difference, but in a very subtle way. There's a local suspension guru who recommended the shock to me as the sweet spot of value and rebuildable. I haven't even tried the other settings, it has six adjustments.
(https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7316/27327595211_c4dc140a8c_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/HCR4YF)
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Thanks for the information folks, I will look into the options you recommended and report back my results and observations.
Since I have no background to base the 'differences' on I will just have to go by my "butt feeling". I am some-what surprised at the cost of a new unit, even the least expensive ones, but I guess being new to BMW, its the norm.....
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I am some-what surprised at the cost of a new unit, even the least expensive ones, but I guess being new to BMW, its the norm..
Regardless of the brand a mono shock always seem to cost a lot more than a pair of twin shocks. Why is that ?
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Regardless of the brand a mono shock always seem to cost a lot more than a pair of twin shocks. Why is that ?
One shock doing the work of two? Limited production run and therefore limited target market? Limited suppliers having us by the proverbial shorties?
My replacement was around 500$, I seem to remember twin shock sets going for ~300$...
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Overly late follow-up:
Went with the Progressive spring. Found it on Amazon for $346.00 including shipping. Works great and makes it a totally "new" feeling motorcycle. Once I had the presets and load rate set I haven't touched it in 8 months and over 3K miles.
Only issue is I believe the 'standard' length version of this shock, which was recommended by the folks at Progressive, is an inch or so longer than the 'shorty' version. I didn't realize there was a choice until I installed it and noticed the seat was a little taller than before the refresh.
Overall, I am pleased with the quality, performance, operation and know this shock should outlast me and the next 3 people to be her caretakers. 8-)