R1200CLC rear shock issues

[RichardCCarson]

The rear shock adjustment has always been difficult to turn, even when new. Dealer lubricated it once, but that didn't help much. When attempting to adjust to a lighter setting after two-up riding, I apparently broke it. Dealer said it was expensive to repair, and with nearly 55K on the bike, it was approaching new rear shock time anyway. So it is stuck in a firm setting, which isn't the end of the world but not as it should be. My dealer says a new shock would be about $1,000 and would recommend a rebuildable one, such as Ohlins or Hyper-Pro (I thought he said Hyper-Pro - not sure) Any thoughts, advice, or similar experience with rear shock on this model?

[enfoman]

At 55k I am surprised that you got that much life out of the rear shock. You will have a hard time finding an Ohlins replacement new for your model as they have stopped making them a few years ago. Best bet is to go to Chromeheads and put your wants in for one or to beemerboneyard. I don't even think that Foxshocks makes them for the C's anymore but you can inquire. Yes, the cost is high for new shocks but believe me when you put a new set of shocks on the bike vs. the stocks that have worn out at 30k, it will be like a new bike for you. Good luck

Bob

[clcgsa]

I put Wilbers on my CLC at about 30K and it really improved it. I got them from Klaus; I asked about Hyper-Pro, but he said that they don't make them for our bikes.

[58058D]

While you are at it....you might consider replacing the front as well. What a difference they will make for you. Not sure how you would have broken it such that it is left in the stiffer preloaded position...but 55k is a lot of miles on a shock....

[Weasel]

Mine did the same thing (adjuster knob frozen), but it was under warranty and was replaced. That was when the bike had about 1500 miles on it. I now have close to 81,000. Shock still works fine. Still adjustable and smooth. When mine wears out, I think I'll just stick to the OEM, considering. I weigh about 180, and wife alot less.

[RichardCCarson]

Thanks for the posts on the rear shock issue. This helps a lot. The benefit of someone else's experience is the big plus for the forums. Have a Merry Christmas!

[bikerfish1100]

Mine did the same thing (adjuster knob frozen), but it was under warranty and was replaced. That was when the bike had about 1500 miles on it. I now have close to 81,000. Shock still works fine. Still adjustable and smooth. When mine wears out, I think I'll just stick to the OEM, considering. I weigh about 180, and wife alot less.

in all honesty, at 81,000 miles, your shocks are worn out, and have been for quite some time. the degradation in performance is not usually noticed as it is a gradual decline. this will be especially true of a cruiser style bike, as they are rarely pushed to the limits of handling/performance, so worn suspension is less likey to be apparent. when you put new shocks on, you will be aware of how poor the originals had become.

[Weasel]

I ride every day, do an indicated 80 mph on the HOV, and slightly less on the expressways through Norfolk where there are all kinds of potholes. The shocks still take the bumps quite nicely. Lean into curves and smack all kinds of things while leaned and at speed. HOV lanes are not smooth, they are what's left of the original shoulder. This is my daily commuter and is in top-notch shape. I will replace the shocks when they are compromised, but they're still good. I understand what you are saying about slowly getting used to something, though. The main purpose of the shock is to keep the tire on the road and not bouncing, and they still do that quite nicely. I've only one problem - I'm sold on the fat front tire (front tire is bigger than the old hog wheels) and BMW only makes bikes with little skinny front tires, now. I would have bent the rim on any other beemer, by now.

[osbornk]

I ride every day, do an indicated 80 mph on the HOV, and slightly less on the expressways through Norfolk where there are all kinds of potholes. The shocks still take the bumps quite nicely. Lean into curves and smack all kinds of things while leaned and at speed. HOV lanes are not smooth, they are what's left of the original shoulder. This is my daily commuter and is in top-notch shape. I will replace the shocks when they are compromised, but they're still good. I understand what you are saying about slowly getting used to something, though. The main purpose of the shock is to keep the tire on the road and not bouncing, and they still do that quite nicely. I've only one problem - I'm sold on the fat front tire (front tire is bigger than the old hog wheels) and BMW only makes bikes with little skinny front tires, now. I would have bent the rim on any other beemer, by now.

My daughter lives in Norfolk. That area has the worst roads overall of any place I have ever been. The narrow roads are full of pot holes, tar strips, expansion joints and everything else that can make your ride "eventful". You get to "relax" occasionally while sitting in traffic waiting to go through a tunnel.

I remember President Bush griping about the lousy roads in Norfolk a couple of years ago.

[Weasel]

Then, you know what I'm talking about, OzbornK. While I'll admit that if I did have a brand-new set of shocks, I'd no doubt know the difference - mine are functional and do the job. They're not broken, don't leak oil, and still provide a good smooth ride at speed over these nasty roads. These shocks on the CLC must be mighty beefy, as the whole bike is beefy and fairly bulletproof. Wonderful in mighty crosswinds, as well. Holds the road like a magnet. What a machine!