Changing Shock Spring

[frez]

Has anyone changed the spring on the standard shock? Will the damping on the shock stand up to a large change in spring rate? I know a new shock from a suspension specialist would be the best solution, but at a quarter of the cost would an upgraded spring be "good enough"?

 

[snakebitten]

Some say yes. Some say no.
I personally believe it is a short term improvement because it is a short life shock.

Ride a new Tenere with OEM shock. Ride a Tenere with 15,000 miles on it and an OEM shock.

It deteriorated.
Nothing unexpected really.
Do the same test with an F150.

Same result.

 

[ejy712]

Has anyone changed the spring on the standard shock? Will the damping on the shock stand up to a large change in spring rate? I know a new shock from a suspension specialist would be the best solution, but at a quarter of the cost would an upgraded spring be "good enough"?

I changed out the rear spring for a Hyperpro progressive spring about 10,000 miles ago. No problems so far...

 

[Ramseybella]

Save up the cash and buy a custom shock, I am going with Hyperpro http://epmperf.com/hyperpro-motorcycle-shocks.htm
Emulsion shock $619.00.
If your a heavy rider or you carry a load of stuff or both the stock will give up the ghost, unless your installing your own spring it will cost you at least $300.00 to have a pro do it.
I was going to do the same but no one will install a heavy spring for me.

 

[mcbrien]

Some say yes. Some say no.
I personally believe it is a short term improvement because it is a short life shock.

Ride a new Tenere with OEM shock. Ride a Tenere with 15,000 miles on it and an OEM shock.

It deteriorated.
Nothing unexpected really.
Do the same test with an F150.

Same result.

'

With 21,000 miles I think my stock suspension is getting better ;D

 

[snakebitten]

If you THINK it is, that might be all that matters.

Ride on!

 

[mcbrien]

I could be that because I've downsized from 200lbs to 170 that
I'm more in the stock suspension zone . It's definately faster too . ::008::

 

[snakebitten]

30lbs! Congrats.
Yea, that definitely makes your Tenere lighter than mine.

 

[Rasher]

I would not spend much on an OE unless recommended by a reputable specialist .

I have had many bikes suspension tweaked over the years and for the last 6 years all by the same company, who are always honest about what they can do with any shock, on occasions I have modified OE shocks with good results, more often I have replaced them with Wilburs or Ohlins.

Most can be re-filled with better quality oil / re-gassed / re-sprung, others can be completely rebuilt and even re-valved.

One benefit of a decent aftermarket shock is it will perform better in all conditions and last many years and with servicing stay as good as new - and hold at least 50% of the original price if you ever want to sell the bike - where you can re-fit the clean and tidy OE shock that you removed.

 

[avc8130]

Unfortunately the OEM shock is pretty much worthless. It is not serviceable.

ac

 

[Firefight911]

I love my stock shock..........for when I remove my Ohlin's for servicing. Otherwise, it's a paperweight.

Sent from my Windows phone. Spelling errors free of charge.

 

[myzter.red]

I changed out the rear spring for a Hyperpro progressive spring about 10,000 miles ago. No problems so far...

Hey ejy712, when changing the hyperpro spring from the stock spring. Do we need to re-fill new oil, re-gas, re-tune etc? Or just remove the old stock spring swap with the new hyperpro spring?

I was wondering, if it will make any difference if we just replace the spring to aftermarket ones without needed to service the stock shock.

Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk

 

[Boris]

Hi Frez, probably best to give someone like MCT a call and get a precise answer. They're in or near Stowmarket in Suffolk. I know many many people who have used them and never heard a bad word. They're good for advice.

I hear your concern and agree it's a potential issue, a heavier spring rate could well be outside of the range the damping/rebound work.

Please let us know how you get on.

Cheers

 

[WJBertrand]

I fitted a 30% stiffer spring on my ES and so far the stock damping seems to be able to handle it OK. I suppose at some point a rebuild might be due and I'll send it to Race Tech as I believe they have figured out a kit to rebuild the ES shock.

 

[EricV]

Hey ejy712, when changing the hyperpro spring from the stock spring. Do we need to re-fill new oil, re-gas, re-tune etc? Or just remove the old stock spring swap with the new hyperpro spring?

I was wondering, if it will make any difference if we just replace the spring to aftermarket ones without needed to service the stock shock.

It depends on what you are after. The stock shock is not serviceable by normal standards. I swapped to a much stiffer spring, (a spacer is usually required to fit the spring), and was pleased with the results, running it for 50k miles on one stock shock and about 30k miles on another stock shock. Is it as good as a custom suspension set up? No. Did it cause any problems? No. It better handled the weight and load I had on the bike, and that was my goal. With the sag set nicely it didn't pogo in the corners and handled better than with the over loaded stock spring.

If your weight/load is not an issue, just changing the spring to attempt to improve handing won't do anything significant.

 

[myzter.red]

It depends on what you are after. The stock shock is not serviceable by normal standards. I swapped to a much stiffer spring, (a spacer is usually required to fit the spring), and was pleased with the results, running it for 50k miles on one stock shock and about 30k miles on another stock shock. Is it as good as a custom suspension set up? No. Did it cause any problems? No. It better handled the weight and load I had on the bike, and that was my goal. With the sag set nicely it didn't pogo in the corners and handled better than with the over loaded stock spring.

If your weight/load is not an issue, just changing the spring to attempt to improve handing won't do anything significant.

Thanks for the reply.. Glad it works out for you.. Will consider about it tho..

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[Ramseybella]

I never went with the Hyperpro as I lost my job.
At 71k the original is still holding it's own and may big self fully loaded.
Have another stock shock with 2k on it ready if this one gives out.
OF all the bikes i have owned this shock is doing it's job and then some, never complained unless riding like a Rodeo cowboy in the back woods.