Works/Worx Shocks advice (K75C with a sidecar)

[SGTBILL]

(also posted in K-Bikes and Sidecars).

I just picked up a 1985 (Euro model) K75C with a Squire sidecar attached. The rig was in Phoenix and I rode it back to beautiful southern Indiana. When I got back I found a small bit of oil on the pole barn floor the next day. I inspected the bike and found a light coat of oil spray about the final drive and rear shock. I cleaned the rear end and wiped down the wheel. Today I removed the rear wheel and looked at the brake shoes and inside the final drive assembly. Everything inside (including the brake shoes were clean and dry. I remounted the rear wheel and took the rig out for a spirited ride about town. After about 30 minutes I looked at the rear end and found a small oil path from the shock running across the final drive.

Imagine my relief that the final drive seals weren't the source of the oil! The rig has a unit fork front end with a Works shock on each side. And there is a single Works shock on the rear (it's the one leaking). I did not realize that Works had gone out of business a few years back. I my initial research I saw that Worx has continued the Works company.

Is the Worxs company still reputable? Is rebuilding a shock something I can get any competent suspension shop (Ted Porter's Beemer Shop?) to do?

sgtbill

 

[88bmwjeff]

I have a Works shock on my 88 R100 RT. The shock needed to be rebuilt. I called Ted Porter's shop and was told that they will not rebuild them. The told me they would send them out to Worx. That being said, I bit the bullet and sent my shock of to Worx. It came back and works fine now-I think the turnaround was about 3-4 weeks, but I really don't remember. I realize that if I still have the bike in about 15 years and it needs a new shock, I will most likely be buying a new shock. While the shock came back rebuilt, I would give it a B-/C+ experience. The shock came back a bit oily and was somewhat scratched up. However, with a wipe down and a little metal polish, in ±15 the shock looked good. I'm happy that I saved a little money this time around. Knowing what I know now, I would still send them off, but I was spending a bunch of money at the time and already had exceeded about twice my budget for the work, so saving a bit of money at this time was a deciding factor.

On a side note, I got the impression (I could be completely wrong here) that they are concentrating on rebuilding existing shocks and not new production--for whatever that is worth.

 

[GTRider]

FWIW, I have had good results rebuilding NLA aftermarket shocks through Lindemann Engineering at https://www.le-suspension.com/

Best,
DeVern

 

[SGTBILL]

I have a Works shock on my 88 R100 RT. The shock needed to be rebuilt. I called Ted Porter's shop and was told that they will not rebuild them. The told me they would send them out to Worx. That being said, I bit the bullet and sent my shock of to Worx. It came back and works fine now-I think the turnaround was about 3-4 weeks, but I really don't remember. I realize that if I still have the bike in about 15 years and it needs a new shock, I will most likely be buying a new shock. While the shock came back rebuilt, I would give it a B-/C+ experience. The shock came back a bit oily and was somewhat scratched up. However, with a wipe down and a little metal polish, in ±15 the shock looked good. I'm happy that I saved a little money this time around. Knowing what I know now, I would still send them off, but I was spending a bunch of money at the time and already had exceeded about twice my budget for the work, so saving a bit of money at this time was a deciding factor.

On a side note, I got the impression (I could be completely wrong here) that they are concentrating on rebuilding existing shocks and not new production--for whatever that is worth.

Thanks Jeff. I guess I will give the Worx folks a shot. The turn-around is not an issue in December and January. Hopefully they will have the bandwidth to get a rebuild done.

sgtbill

 

[SGTBILL]

I have a Works shock on my 88 R100 RT. The shock needed to be rebuilt. I called Ted Porter's shop and was told that they will not rebuild them. The told me they would send them out to Worx. That being said, I bit the bullet and sent my shock of to Worx. It came back and works fine now-I think the turnaround was about 3-4 weeks, but I really don't remember. I realize that if I still have the bike in about 15 years and it needs a new shock, I will most likely be buying a new shock. While the shock came back rebuilt, I would give it a B-/C+ experience. The shock came back a bit oily and was somewhat scratched up. However, with a wipe down and a little metal polish, in ±15 the shock looked good. I'm happy that I saved a little money this time around. Knowing what I know now, I would still send them off, but I was spending a bunch of money at the time and already had exceeded about twice my budget for the work, so saving a bit of money at this time was a deciding factor.

On a side note, I got the impression (I could be completely wrong here) that they are concentrating on rebuilding existing shocks and not new production--for whatever that is worth.

I have to say the Worx Shock web site may be the worst I have tried to use in many years. I can't find an address or phone number for the business. Anyone know where they are or a phone number for them?

Worx Shocks

Worx Shocks - #1 in Replacement Shocks for ATV & Motorcycles

worxshocks.com

sgtbill

 

[88bmwjeff]

Here's what Google has on them, which is consistent with the information on my invoice. If I remember correctly, I did need to leave messages on their phone number and they did get back to me.

 

[SGTBILL]

Here's what Google has on them, which is consistent with the information on my invoice. If I remember correctly, I did need to leave messages on their phone number and they did get back to me.


Thanks Jeff. I'll give them a call this week.

sgtbill