R1100GS Suspension Options

[beemerron]

The ole GS is in need of new suspension (68k). Any aftermarket recommendations?

[martinPH]

I replaced my stock Shocks on my 1100GS @ 90,000 Kms. Put Ohlins on! I love the shocks but not the price. Martin.

[beemerron]

I replaced my stock Shocks on my 1100GS @ 90,000 Kms. Put Ohlins on! I love the shocks but not the price. Martin.

I can't justify spending 1/4 the value of the bike on shocks. :cry

[pmdave]

My 2003 GS isn't ready for new shocks yet, but it will be someday. and My K1 will need a rear shock pretty soon. I'm also a bit in sticker shock over the Ohlins prices.

Has anyone installed Works Performance shocks on a GS? What's your opinion of WP vs O. Other brands?

pmdave :dunno

[gssuv]

I have a 1996 R-1100GS. At 72,000 miles I installed a new set of Ohlins shock absorbers. What a vast improvement in ride with new Ohlins. The GS is now Lexus- smooth and gone is the jarring ride I endured for 72,000 miles on the original shocks. Plus the bike handles much better. In fact there is no comparison between the Ohlins and original shocks in terms of handling. Even I, with my non-agressive riding style can easily tell the difference in handling.

Deciding to buy the Ohlins was a tough decision because they are expensive. At the time I was debating whether to buy a new bike, but eventually decided to hang on to the GS. After all, it still ran strong, was trouble free and very reliable and still had a new-bike appearance. So after a lot of thought I decided to keep the GS and buy the new Ohlins. I'm glad I did because the bike is like a new bike with the new shocks.

Provided your GS is in otherwise good shape mechanically and cosmetically and you want to hang onto the bike, my suggestion is to go ahead, and buy the Ohlins. I think you will be pleased with the new shocks. There are less-expensive alternatives to the Ohlins but I do not have experience with them.

With now over 95,000 miles on the GS and over 20,000 miles on the Ohlins I can say that without a doubt, the new shocks are the best addition I've made to the bike after the Sargent seat I purchased at 50,000 miles. I am a very satisfied GS rider with Ohlins schock absorbers on my bike.

One further suggestion, perhaps find an Ohlins equipped GS you can take on a test ride. My guess is that if you take a test ride there will be no doubt in your mind that the Ohlins are worth the expense.

[r1dinman]

Keep an eye on the Owners News. I bought a set of Ollins with about 3k miles on them for half price. The seller was trading his GS so he put the old stock shocks back on. What a difference! :clap