Dead rear shock

[awicks]

My Glee's rear shock has been given a terminal prognosis at 34k miles :( . My bike is primarily used for commuting (all year round), so I don't need anything fancy.

Can anyone suggest what I should go for?

Thanks

Andy

[hookie]

Buy a cheap and cheerful used one and get it properly rebuilt by a specialist like Ktech, JHS or Brooks.

[porter]

Hagon arre the cheapest at about 300 quid then Nitron, Hyperpro and Wilbers at around the 400 mark.  More if you need the remote preload added.  If you ride solo don't bother.
My shock on my Veek is on its way out to now at 24k, on max damping to get anything .
You might find an oe shock or aftermarket on ebay and save a bit. Good luck

[awicks]

I haven't seen anything suitable second-hand on eBay. I have been looking at Hyperpro - does anyone have any feedback on these?

There seems to be 2 primary options:
- Emulsion shock
- Fully adjustable shock with reservoir on a hose
and then two options for each shock type:
- optional Length Adjuster
- optional Hydraulic Pre-load Adjuster

Can anyone recommend what to go for?

Thanks

Andy

[porter]

I have used a Hyperpro on a tiger 1050 before, It was very good.
If I was you I'd just get the emulsion shock, after all that's what the oe shock was and it lasted you 34k.
If you carry a pillion you will need the preload adjuster, it will make life easier.  You don't need the length adjuster.
Unfortunately the preload adjuster ramps the price up a good bit so if you ride solo forget about it., the new shock will have a much firmer spring than the Suzuki shock.

[UK_Vstrom650]

I seem to recall one if the shock companies offering a free remote preload adjuster last year around Christmas/over winter. Depending on how bad yours is, you may want to see if they repeat it.

[porter]

Nitron usually do a half price preload adjuster in November and December through HPS bike parts specialist. So a hundred quid instead of 200.  A Hagon is the cheapest with preload adjuster at about 425 but they don't do the new 1000 yet but they do the 650 OK.

[The Border Riever]

I've fittted Wilbers in the past, and are the only Manufacturer offering a 5 year warranty and a rebuild service at Revs suspension their UK authorised distributor.

[TimV]

Is it not possible to get the original rebuilt? I do various offroading on other bikes (Suzukis too) and having a  rear shock rebuilt is a pretty normal maintenance item, someone like Dr Shox usually does it for around £100ish

[Asmith61]

Hagon all the way for me have them on all my bikes 

[hookie]

Is it not possible to get the original rebuilt?

Absolutely right. There's nothing wrong with the OEM shocks. If you get a good company to rebuild it they can also re-spring and re-valve the damping to suit your weight. Well worth considering.

[awicks]

Thanks for all the advice and tips. I am currently looking at getting a Hyperpro emulsion shock as a replacement - just need to wait now but looking forward to riding a non-bouncy bike again soon

[rayboy68]

I've used wilbers and hagon in the past on a few of my bikes, wilbers are quality but come with a hefty price tag, I live about 10 mins from REVS suspension and have to say their service is brilliant whether it be wilbers or any other make. I'd personally go with having my oem shock rebuilt when the time comes.

[porter]

Anyone out there have their oe Suzuki shock rebuild?  If so where and how did it perform.
I've read on other forums it can be done but they're usually USA based not Uk.
  My shock is giving up the ghost fast, sits right down if I open the throttle hard or change direction like on a roundabout.  I'm at 24k miles,  all two up. Will need a rebuild or new shock this winter.

[sillyboy]

had a BMW esa one done at firefox in keithley yorks. good job done.  there is also mtc? in suffolk. I am sure either will manage your suzi one.

[porter]

Thanks sillyboy. Mtc not interested but firefox will do it for £120 plus postage and anothet £80 if I want a heavier spring fitted. Bike will be off the road end of October so if no secondhand ones on ebay I'll send it to them.

[sillyboy]

good, they do a good job.

[awicks]

I ended up replacing the dead shock with one from Hyperpro. After waiting around 4 weeks, it was fitted last weekend and have managed to ride it a few times this week. 4 weeks felt a long time to be without it! I am amazed at the difference it has made - I have discovered that a few other niggles I was having with the bike were entirely down to the dead shock primarily causing poor traction.

Hoping to get out for a proper ride soon to really rest it out.

Thanks for all the advice and suggestions.