Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
Special tools for White Power shock needed? Special tools for White Power shock needed?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12 Oct 2005
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Germany
Posts: 241
Special tools for White Power shock needed?
Hi there,

the BMW dealer in Seoul insists that he needs special White Power tools for repairing my rear shock even though I will have spare seals flown in from Germany.

I never heard of that. Is it true?

Apart from that I am discussing with friends whether to buy a new Oehlins shock instead. I was told, White Power shocks tend to break down anyway and even more after having been repaired.

Is it worth the huge expense?

My White Power Shock was overhauled 50.000 km ago and suffered about 20000 good roads, 26000 more or less bumpy tar roads, 3000 km offroad or gravel road.

Any advise is very much appreciated.

Regards

Lars
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12 Oct 2005
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
What kind of bike do you have?
I have the WP that is standard on the Basic/Kalahari and I have had it rebuilt but I don’t know if they used any “wp-tools”.

IMHO it should be rebuilt after 30kkm (that also goes for Ohlins). That said I have used one shock for more then 100kkm without any service before it broke.
If you compare it with an Ohlins you will find that the Ohlin is far better built (bigger bearings, better materials).
The Ohlins is a bit longer which will give you better ground-clearance but it will probably increase stress on the shaft..

I still run WP on both my bikes but I will probably change to Ohlins when/if they break so much that rebuild is not an option.

Good luck!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 Oct 2005
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Germany
Posts: 241
Yes, I forgot: It is a R 100 GS, built in 1991.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 13 Oct 2005
BCK_973's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Buenos Aires,City of good sex,mate and asado!
Posts: 539
Lars
How about time limit? could you send the WP to europe to repair? Costs? Airmail the shock?
Or just buy a öhlins?
I had a G/S back in the 90´with WP.Never broke down on tour.A new one is up to 700 Euros i think.
Its decision time.....
KH
__________________
http://vientoderipio.blogspot.com/
America is a nice continent,not a country.All people who lives in this continent are americans.Discover it in peace!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 13 Oct 2005
simmo's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: melbourne
Posts: 555
Lars a much cheaper alternative may be an IKON they are the same as KONI and made in Australia. If you want I can find out a price to Korea for you. They are reliable and rebuildable but not as racey as WP or Ohlins, but still have spring preload and damping adjustments.

Alternatively you could send the shock to Australia or Europe for repair, I dont know the turn around time but regular airmail would be quite fast.

cheers

alec
__________________
Close to Antarctica and a long way from reality
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 13 Oct 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
Both Ohlins and White Power shocks require 'special tools'.

To say one is better than the other is a matter of argument.

To say that one once 'repaired' lasts less than new is complete bull. Both are repairable and rebuildable to as new - and should last as long as a new one IF DONE RIGHT. I'd be looking for another person.
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 13 Oct 2005
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Germany
Posts: 241
Thanks for your replies.

Seems that there are special tools needed for repairing it properly.

Therefore, at the moment my favorite option is to have new shock flewn into Korea, send the old one back to Germany, have it repaired and sell it via ebay or so (if anyone would be interested in a nice WP heavy duty rear shock... ).

Air mail from Germany is pretty fast.

Still, I am sorry for all the money...

Regards

Lars


Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 18 Oct 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Cape Town / South Africa
Posts: 207
I have noticed a lot of negative talk about the WP shocks, one thing I must add is that Olhins only make a shock with reservior where as WP have two versions available. One for offroad use fitted with a resevoir and one for onroad use without the reservoir. I believe a lot off problems come from fitting the non offroad shock even though these bikes are used in offroad conditions.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 18 Oct 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Norway
Posts: 70
Hi, Iv got a r80gs 91mod with Øhlins. Its a good shock, but I miss seperate adjustment for comprecion and rebound. But beside of that Im happy. The shock is now taking me and alot of luggage around Australia.
I can recomande Boxer Schmiede in Berlin. They send parts where its needed, and as fast as you want.

Good luck
-Yngve-
www.gravelseekers.com
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 04:21.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top