1991 R100RT rear shock

[b1620]

I tried to find this and couldn’t so here goes.
My 91 bmw r100rt needs a new rear shock. The one on it has what looks like a air shock ( but isn’t) with a resivior on the right side.
As you can tell I’ve no experience with shocks so I need some advice.
Could someone explain what this does? I don’t know any idea.
I also need some advice about a replacement. I’ve seen these in all price points from 3-800 dollars.
Thanks in advance!

 

[20774]

There's a thread for '91 RTs in the Similar Threads pane below...might find some useful info there. Shocks are available from the usual culprits, Tom Cutter and Ted Porter...probably others as well.

 

[khittner]

Can't discern the brand of that one, but if it's fancy enough to have a separate reservoir, it's aftermarket and probably rebuildable. I don't know much about suspension bits, but most of the reservoir shocks I'm aware of typically have greater degrees of adjustability (compression damping, as well as rebound damping) than most. But maybe it's more common than I'm aware with aftermarket single-side rear shocks for the monoshock bikes. Is that a sidecar linkage in the top photo?

 

[b1620]

Can't discern the brand of that one, but if it's fancy enough to have a separate reservoir, it's aftermarket and probably rebuildable. I don't know much about suspension bits, but most of the reservoir shocks I'm aware of typically have greater degrees of adjustability (compression damping, as well as rebound damping) than most. But maybe it's more common than I'm aware with aftermarket single-side rear shocks for the monoshock bikes. Is that a sidecar linkage in the top photo?

Yes, just got it. One of the reasons I knew the shock was bad. (You know, other than the oil everywhere)
Still getting used to driving it. Haven’t given up on two wheelers have an R75/5.

 

[81twins]

A friend has a 95RT with a Kenna car. It came with a progressive 465 that has a 550lb spring that he suggests is firm but comfortable. He is not on this forum but might be available to go through some thoughts and ideas with you. If this is of interest PM me and I will forward his info.

 

[darryl cainey]

That looks like a Works Performance Shock, I had one & they were rebuildable.

 

[na cl k9]

I was thinking that was what it looked like too.

That looks like a Works Performance Shock, I had one & they were rebuildable.

Unless something has changed in the past few months, Works Performance has closed it's doors. Check with a local KTM shop and see if they have the parts to rebuild your shock since when working properly, those were some of the best shocks made. A fair number of KTM motorcycles had Works shocks and so most KTM shops I've dealt with have parts for Works shocks and service tools.