R1100RT Shocks

[txav8r]

I bought a mildly used 97 R1100RT in 2010 with 26K miles for $5K. Now at 42K miles the shocks were way worn out. After comparing brands, I ordered a set of Hagon shocks from Dave Quinn Motorcycles. We talked on the phone and he asked many questions about weight and riding style to set me up right. Shocks arrived today; 4 days after placing order. Got front and rear shocks for the price of a rear Ohlins. Heading out to garage to install. I will follow-up with how the installation goes and how the ride feels.

Picture attached.


Txav8r
R1100RT
Houston, TX

 

[hickory33]

I have a 96 R1100RT in need of new shocks (40k miles) so I look forward to your update on the process. Thanks for the post and recommendation on the source and brand you purchased.

Greg

 

[paneyes]

Hagon shocks

I too am looking forward to your comments. Could you give a little information of your ridding style and weight? What convinced you that your old shocks were worn out? I am thinking I need new shocks but am not sure. Thanks for the post. Steve

 

[bikerfish1100]

steve- how many miles on your bike? what model & year? (would be good to include all that, along with your location, in your profile info).
stock shocks are good for about 30K, + or - a bit.

 

[bc1100s]

I installled a Hagon shock on the front of my '03 1100S about 2 years ago. Very adjustable rebound damping via the lower allen screw. Came properly sprung. Preload can be fine tuned via adjustment rings.

I have an Elka on the rear and I really like that shock. Unfortunately, no front unit available for my bike.

The Hagon is an economical and practical replacement unit which works very well and which I would recommend. Also got excellent service from Dave Quinn.

Two thumbs up!

 

[Cyclepilot]

Need them?

I'm just assuming I need them...

1997 R1100RT-P, 120,000 miles, the last 30k miles were put on by a guy that doesn't seem to know maintenance...

 

[paneyes]

shock replacement time?

Bikerfish1100: I have about 70,000 on original stock shocks for the 2000 1100rt. They seem to be stiff and stable and thats why I am questioning the need. Is there a good way of testing other than just assuming they are worn out? Steve

 

[txav8r]

Here is the informantion Dave Quinn ask for to set my shocks up:

Year: 1997
Make: BMW
Model: R1100RT
Bike has full fairing, saddle bags and top case
Rider Weight (geared-up): 230 pounds
I carry a passenger 10%
Passenger Weight (geared-up): 140 pounds
Bike use:
40% backroads sport riding (30% solo, 10% dual) without saddle bags or top case.
40% urban highway solo commuting with saddle bags each loaded with 20 pounds.
20% Long distance solo touring with saddle bags and top case loaded. Each loaded with approx. 20 pounds.
Anticipated Maximum loading: 370 pounds

 

[txav8r]

The worn shocks were most noticed when riding with my 130 lb wife. I would adjust the rear preload to max and still had spongy ride, grind center or side stand in turns and occasionalyl bottom out. On the front, the dampening great deteriorated. I have aux lights mounted on the front fairing under the oil cooler and they were contacting the front fender on speed bumps.

I hope to start installing tonight and will take pictures to share.

Don

 

[ANDYVH]

I'd bet you'll have a great ride, very accurate dampening control, better handling overall, vastly reduced two up bottoming, better ride height control, a more "solid, accurate" feel of the bike going over bumps small and large. But especially over the smaller, more frequent bumps.

To me, it doesn't matter which aftermarket brand is chosen, be it Hagon, Wilbers, Ohlins, Hyperpro, Penske, etc, etc etc. What does matter is you are getting a much higher quality (than stock) internals for the shocks, better compression/rebound damping control/adjustment, spring rates chosen for the mid-range of YOUR wieght/loading/riding style, AND the ability to tune and rebuild the shocks when they do wear. I chose Wilbers at the time because I caught a great deal on the front shock on ebay, and then bought a Wilbers rear shock to match from my local dealer. Had that not happened I would have first chosen Hagon.

Someone once asked "how do shocks wear out?" I guess the impression is, "how can a spring wear out?" But its the internal valving in the shock that wears, the internal seals that wear, the fluid itself goes through repeated heating/cooling cycles that can cause foaming in the oil which degrades the damping control. If a seal wears enough to not allow oil seepage out, but allows air in, that air causes foaming in the oil. This all degrades the ride/control qualities of the shocks. Yes even the springs can permanently sag over time. Just think of the millions of repetitive actions of the shocks over the miles of riding that we do, and its obvious something internal has to wear.

 

[txav8r]

Installed the Hagon shocks tonight. Took about 3 hours including removing and installing the bodywork. Removed the fuel tank too. Glad I install Beemer Boneyard fuel quick disconnects last year when in replaced the fuel filter. Only had two issues. The upper front shock bushing was rotted and unusable. the Hagon shock did not come with a replacement. I was lucky I had spare shock bushes from a 99 chevy pickup in the garage that fit perfectly. Other issue was mounting the rear preload adjustor. I had to tywrap it in place for now. I will need to make an L-bracket to mount it properly. All in all it went well. Can't wait to go for a sport ride on Sat. to see how they feel.
Don

 

[txav8r]

Need to make an L-bracket for the rear preload adjustor.

 

[ANDYVH]

Good on ya mate! Lucky you, you'll soon feel the revelation of what properly set up quality shocks will do for your ride, comfort, handling, precision and ability. I doubt I will ever own/ride a BMW on stock (crap) shocks anymore.

 

[txav8r]

A 90 degree bend in the bracket solved the mounting problem.

 

[redsledrider]

I called Dave yesterday and will be ordering a set for my 95 R1100RS. I bought a used set of Wilbers had them rebuilt to find out they do not fit my bike. Now just sitting in a box NICE!!
Turn aound time is pretty short so I hope to have them on before my trip to Deal's Gap in May.

 

[MarkM]

I called Dave yesterday and will be ordering a set for my 95 R1100RS. I bought a used set of Wilbers had them rebuilt to find out they do not fit my bike. Now just sitting in a box NICE!!
Turn aound time is pretty short so I hope to have them on before my trip to Deal's Gap in May.

I've been thinking about getting new shocks for my R1100RS. Please let us know how you like the Hagons and any installation tips you think will be useful. I'm also looking at Hyper Pro.