K11 Owners Group

Saltcreek · Posted: Mon May 18, 2009 7:03 pm Post subject: Stock Shock

I end up riding a lot of fairly rough roads here in NH. I have the original stock shock with 30.000 miles on it. I would love a smoother ride but I have nothing to compare to.

1. How do I decide if I have it adjusted right?

2. How do I know when it's time to replace it?
_________________
Jim

1994 K1100LT Mystic Red, bfd, 37000 miles, sold Sad

2009 Wilderness Systems Zephyr 155 ST
2002 Litespeed titanium

Stoked Steve · Posted: Mon May 18, 2009 7:26 pm Post subject:

As someone who just replaced his stock shock at 50K, I'll take a swipe at answering your questions.

Adjusting - There aren't a whole of options here, only preload and damping. I always had my preload on the third and fourth highest settings of preload, but when I got a temporary stock shock from Scott A, it was in better shape than mine, so I found the third setting more than adequate. If you ride two up a lot or with a full load, definitely the third or even fourth (out of 5) notches would be appropriate.

The dampening, that's the little flat head screw head at the top of the shock that has S and H with an arrow line in between. I always had mine up as hard as it would go, but when I got the better shock from Scott A, the hard setting about knocked my teeth out! So I had to back it off quite a bit so it wasn't so hard on the bigger bumps. I would set this as hard as is comfortable for you, just play with it and see if you notice a difference.

As for when to replace, at 30K you’re coming up on the later part of its useable life. It depends on how hard it's been used. My stock shock was obviously shot at 40K, but the one I got from Scott also had 40K on it and was still quite usable. So, there's probably some life left in it, but maybe not much. I'd say if you notice a big difference when turning the screw from H to S, it's probably good, if you notice very little difference, it's probably shot.

I'm no shock expert; these are just my observations from my recent shock changes. My new RAM makes my bike seem like a new one, much smoother and more controlled than either stock one was.
_________________
Steve
Virginia Beach, VA
93 K1100RS Mystic Red SOLD
12 Suzuki DL650A VStrom

Off the grid · Posted: Mon May 18, 2009 9:56 pm Post subject:

You shouldn't replace it because it's life is ended, you should replace it because it sucks.
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Bane of your existence since July 2006
2007 Triumph Tiger ABS. "Sabertooth"
2009 Husqvarna TE610. "The dirty Italian mistress"

Saltcreek · Posted: Tue May 19, 2009 8:23 am Post subject:

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Tue May 19, 2009 12:45 pm Post subject:

"Another package from BMW" (Max or somewhere else...) is a regular occurrence around my house.

It feels like something is always being ordered, being shipped, waiting to be installed or just been repaired.

Kind of a maintenance conveyor belt. Thought that was business as usual with an older BMW.
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

Tim (Midland Section) · Posted: Tue May 19, 2009 1:29 pm Post subject:

Saltcreek · Posted: Tue May 19, 2009 5:24 pm Post subject:

I adjusted it up to the middle position and I think it's some better. It was a lot better riding 2 up with my winsome wife, which intuitively makes me think it's too stiff but I'm thinking stiffer. I also adjusted the damper almost all the way to hard but haven't ridden since.

Stoked Steve · Posted: Tue May 19, 2009 7:26 pm Post subject:

Beachcomber · Posted: Wed May 20, 2009 4:59 am Post subject:

Hi Jim,

sorry to hear of your problems. Crying or Very sad

With any shock you need the smallest amount of dampening you can get away with.

The spring is doing the work of suspending the bike, and the dampening merely to control it. Wink

The dampening should never be used to mask poor spring / shock operation.

That's why the preload on the spring is the first thing to set with the dampening in it's lowest position. Once the weight of the bike / rider has been dealt with, you can then adjust the dampening.

This [ as the pre-load ] can vary dramatically from rider to rider weight / riding style.

SK posts of setting his dampening to the 7th. click on his shock - on my identical bike / shock I am on # 5. BUT I never take a passenger and have no additional weight on the bike [ panniers and so on ]. I do ride "briskly", but in the main on good surfaced roads. I have 35mm of pre-load [ 1 3/8th."]

And believe me you CAN notice the difference of 1 click of adjustment [ of 12 ].

Here's what I would do. Slacken the dampening right off and just sit on the bike, check how much the shock compresses - if it's more than 1/3rd. there's a good chance the spring is weak. Then try the bounce test [ as a car ] Adjust your dampening to where you had it [ before you cranked it all the way up!] - and do the same excercise again.

All the above said - I think it's a fair bet your shock is shagged!!!!!!!!

TJ
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Beachcomber '93 K1100RS / '93 K1100LT and several K100's

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Wed May 20, 2009 8:37 am Post subject:

TJ, (slight hijack- sorry Jim)

Been using the new RAM shock for a few weeks and wanted to give you my input.

Under unloaded, 1-up conditions I do notice some difference, but not huge. I am not a fast rider and don't like surprises around fast corners. I use 4 "clicks" and around 35mm preload. (I weigh 178#)

But over the last few days we loaded up the saddlebags and had a pretty heavy bag on the rear rack plus Cathy and I (we total 320#- don't do the math, Cathy would NOT be happy). Figure we were at least 1000# total weight.
Cranked the preload up to about 45mm and 9, then later 10 clicks. Each "click" really does make a difference.

Handled that load very well- felt great. Wouldn't want to do that with the stock shock.

Thanks.
John
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

Beachcomber · Posted: Wed May 20, 2009 9:22 am Post subject:

Hi John,

Glad to know the good times are still rolling!

I have noticed a much bigger difference on my K100RS in "normal riding" conditions, but still a noticeable difference with my K11. It's when you start to crank the speed up the big differences come. Twisted Evil

I find I can attack my favourite stretches of road at least 20% faster and confidence is still growing to push even further. It's at these higher speeds that it gives me the confidence to push on - the bike feels totally planted. Wink

I have subsequently fitted a 25mm lower unit to my K100, and the difference is REALLY noticeable. The bike behaves more like a sport bike, and turns in really sharp without having to muscle it around.

Like others here - the front end needs sorting out now! Crying or Very sad

Initial enquiries with the RAM spring suppliers have proved unhelpful, as their expertise is in non progressive springs. I've approached a couple of other manufacturers, the initial problem is one of small order numbers. NOT a problem with the RAM experience as I could twist Adrian's arm as a long term friend - these guys are purely commercial! Rolling Eyes

I am currently prepping a K11 RS complete front end to go into my K100 Race Rep project - that will be interesting as I also intend to play with rake / trail and at a later date - shortened wheelbase ! Cool

TJ
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Beachcomber '93 K1100RS / '93 K1100LT and several K100's

Saltcreek · Posted: Thu May 21, 2009 3:06 pm Post subject:

I have it up to the fourth setting now and it feels somewhat better. I will plan for replacing it but probably have it behind new brake lines on the list. Anyone have one for sale?

Having searched the forum for opinions it seems to be a pretty heated discussion on which replacement is the best. I will do some research.

Works
Ohlins
Ram
Wilbers

Any other candidates?

Best place to buy?
_________________
Jim

1994 K1100LT Mystic Red, bfd, 37000 miles, sold Sad

2009 Wilderness Systems Zephyr 155 ST
2002 Litespeed titanium

Phil Marvin · Posted: Thu May 21, 2009 4:04 pm Post subject:

Stoked Steve · Posted: Thu May 21, 2009 4:07 pm Post subject:

For the money, you can't go wrong with the RAM. Mine was just under $400 including about $90 shipping. I understand they have that down a bit.

All the others there are also nice shocks as well, anything is better than stock, which I saw listed for $679!

The Ohlins is overpriced in my opinion unless you're going to so some serious racing or can find a used one, which will still be $400 -$600.
_________________
Steve
Virginia Beach, VA
93 K1100RS Mystic Red SOLD
12 Suzuki DL650A VStrom

Beachcomber · Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 2:23 am Post subject:

Due to a technical error [ someone put the wrong shock in the box!!! ] there is a brand new RAM shock resident in the USA, which will be at a bargain price.
It is suitable for the K 75 / 100 series STOCK length or lowered K1100 series. I bow have such a shock on my 1993 K1100RS and it's a revelation.

It's now listed under "For Sale" header - grab a bargain

TJ
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Beachcomber '93 K1100RS / '93 K1100LT and several K100's

wera32 · Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 4:58 am Post subject:

Sport Rider magazine's web site has an excellent tutorial on suspension set up. I have mine set at 1.5" of sag. From there I have an Ohlins shock and Luftmeister springs using Mobil 1 10w30 for fork oil. This combo works well for me. Check out the tutorial.
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Paul - '93 K11/12RS (sold), 2002 R1100S BCP and '03 RC51 KOG 29

Saltcreek · Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2009 5:30 pm Post subject:

Thanks Paul, for some reason I never saw your post until today. I'll check it out. Meanwhile I have been experimenting with adjusting my stock shock and getting frustrated. When I could feel every loose cell in my but vibrating I decided I was adjusting in the wrong direction. I'm back down to 2 (out of 5) on the preload and feeling like I can wait to find a good deal on a shock.

/edit: great site and great article!

http://www.sportrider.com/index.html

http://www.sportrider.com/how_to/146_0902_suspension_setup_guide/index.html
_________________
Jim

1994 K1100LT Mystic Red, bfd, 37000 miles, sold Sad

2009 Wilderness Systems Zephyr 155 ST
2002 Litespeed titanium

Saltcreek · Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 12:53 pm Post subject:

Does anyone who has replaced their stock shock have a spanner they would be willing to part with? I'm getting tired of using a pipe wrench and if I'm keeping it for a while I don't want to bung it up.
_________________
Jim

1994 K1100LT Mystic Red, bfd, 37000 miles, sold Sad

2009 Wilderness Systems Zephyr 155 ST
2002 Litespeed titanium