Aftermaket shocks

SonnyJim · Post by **SonnyJim** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 7:56 pm

Can anyone tell me if its necessary to change the front shock when replacing the rear with an aftermaket item.
The rear on my bike needs replacing, but will fitting for example a Hagon rear mean I also have to change the front or will it work with the standard front shock as it is in good condition?
I am presuming that replacement items have the same spring length as the originals but am not sure and would not like to upset the handling.
Any help would be much appreciated.
Clarke

winger · Post by **winger** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 8:10 pm

Blimey here we go

,all depends on which model it is,i've never changed my front shock,a combination of i rather like the concrete feel,and i'd have to get an Ohlin made up to a custom length,as the stock Ohlin is longer,go for a shock with a ride height ajuster on it,you can tinker till your hearts content then,depending on how quickly you want the bike to steer.

Were you have to be carefull,some S's around 2001 mark have shorter shocks,and shorter para arms,what model and year is yours?

Just looked at some spec sheets,if you have a stock blue shock they measure 314mm,if it's a yellow shock pre 2000 sold as the sport shock it's 318mm when i bought my Ohlins 6 years ago measured 315mm, originally changed my blue rear shock for a yellow sport,great steering two up,one up the tranny didn't like it,put an Ohlin on,with a Verholen ajustable para arm,hence why if i put a stock ohlin(longer) on the front i'd have to raise the rear up to keep the steering as it is.

As i said problem is,BM sold some S's with a shorter yellow shock with a short para arm,i've a gut feeling it was 310mm but you'll have to check.

The problem,if it's a boxercup of one version or another,i'm not sure what length shock they are(the difference is in the casting at the bottom of the shock),they don't steer any better, they are just a lot taller,the problem with Boxercup's if you want to quicken the steering up,and raise the rear,your going to end up with seat height akin to a GS.

Still with me!!

and i bet you thought it was simple,it is, just need to get your head round it.

POB · Post by **POB** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 8:58 pm

Remeber as well that the "sport kit" shocks are about 20mm longer on both ends (I think) than stock. They normally have yellow springs. I just got some prices for Wilbers shocks, and was surprised that a remote preload added £160 to the price! A ride height adjuster added another £70. Ouch!

winger · Post by **winger** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 9:10 pm

And did you talk about what spring you wanted??

If you want to go the Wilbers route talk to Andrew S,he has a contact in the States,yea yea,i know their German made!!

If you go Ohlins,Harris who bring them in will qoute you a stock price,shop around and if you look at other shock check the spec like for like,a cheap shock is cheap for a reason.

POB · Post by **POB** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 3:29 pm

I don't want to pay for the O-name. I think a custom Wilbers (I'm a touch heavy) or possibly a HyperPro (?) might be on the cards. Depends on whether I get a bonus at work this time round.

SonnyJim · Post by **SonnyJim** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 4:53 pm

Thanks for the info guys.
What can I say? Phew thought it was a simple case of substituting one shock for a new one!
The bike is a 2002 model, Marakech red, black engine, "sports" pack which seems to have been a Vanderlinde exhaust and shocks with yellow springs.
The front is fine but the back is pretty rusty and the pre-load adjuster does not seem to make any difference whichever way it is turned. Haven't checked the length of the paralever yet.
I've had it a year and it's been a revelation. Love it to bits( but the price of spares, my God!).
Handling's still fine but the shock will need changing soon.
Would love to go the Ohlins, Wilbers route but financially not poss.
I have managed to buy a standard(blue) front and rear from e-bay which I probably will have to fit in the mean time to ensure both ends matched.
It's been really handy having a site like this where truly clued up owners are prepared to share their knowledge.
Many thanks again.
Clarke

winger · Post by **winger** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 6:55 pm

Going from the yellow shocks to the blue will make no difference what so ever,either steering or quality of ride,the bike will just be lower.

Just check the two shocks,as it might just be you've got a short yellow shock,in which case the blue shock being longer will quicken the steering up

POB · Post by **POB** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 8:32 pm

So a long front quickens steering? Is that a funny wishbone effect (a bit counter-intuitive!)

Mine is pretty high, so I think it must have the tall ones on it. Funnily enough, it's also an '02 Marrakesh Red with the Sports pack (which does nothing to the exhaust, but does give you a fat rear wheel and a steering damper I believe). Your vanderlinde will be a well-informed owner upgrade. Mine has the Lazer cans with a Remus y-piece and a Lazer race chip w/ a K&N.

The search continues. Might spend £90 and ask ABE if they fancy rebuilding my shock... they did a blinding job on my Dommie...

winger · Post by **winger** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 10:26 pm

No.i'm talking about the rear,i originally changed the stock rear(blue 314mm) to the old sport shock 318,made the steering really quick but the tranny didn't like it,although it worked fine two up,because of it straightening the drive shaft out,i've always had the original blue shock in the front,if you want a quick steering bike,doesn't mean it's got to be tall.

nab 301 · Post by **nab 301** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 11:45 pm

POB wrote:So a long front quickens steering? Is that a funny wishbone effect (a bit counter-intuitive!)

...

Possibly..

See this(old) thread on pelican .

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthre ... rake+shock

winger · Post by **winger** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 5:14 pm

Thats were you'll have to do your own R+D,i put a taller shock in the back,it quickened the steering,i put the longer sport shock in the front(to match) and it slowed it down,but made the bike taller,Richard(Gromit) found the opposite,you'll have to do your tinkering and come to own conclusions.