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What is a "good replacement shock"? What is a "good replacement shock"?
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Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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



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  #16  
Old 28 Jul 2020
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Originally Posted by Warthog View Post
In other words, for similar money why settle for "fine" when you can have "excellent" or at least "better".
Well, in my case, the answer is that I don't think I can perceive sufficient of a difference between the OEM shock and an aftermarket shock to justify any additional cost, or, more importantly, any additional fitting headaches that might come with an aftermarket shock.

It's kind of like buying Scotch - why pay a premium for Johnny Walker Blue when Red tastes just fine?

Michael
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  #17  
Old 28 Jul 2020
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Originally Posted by Endurodude View Post
Interesting stuff.

At the risk of widening the discussion too much, has anyone any experience with any of the Touratech shocks? I had an Ohlins shock on an old bike, and I’d agree with Grant’s comment above. I don’t disagree with higher end shocks being overkill for some, but I like the idea of being able to get a rebuild and the way an after market shock will cope better loaded.
I've got the electronic adjustable Touratech shocks on my 1200GSA, and they work VERY well. The ride is ALWAYS well controlled, feels completely stable, no wobbles, wiggles or other issues. Nice! One of the REALLY nice things is that I can push a button and it's perfect for solo fun rides, or two-up Sunday rides, or loaded two-up camping trips, or playing silly ass in the dirt with it. Susan likes it when I lower the bike so she can get on easily!

Is all that adjustment necessary? Arguably yes if you appreciate being able to ride as you want under any condition. Arguably not if you ride slowly and carefully at all times. But who does that?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Warthog View Post
I get that the OEM does fine, but how much does a new one cost from Honda?

I bet the likes of Hagon compare very favourably, perhaps even Hyperpro, when you think that Honda charge €25 for a brake lever.

With rebuild options, you get to keep new shock performance indefinitely.

I'm speaking as someone who's only once replaced shock on a bike and that was with an OEM one, but that was from a different model to stiffen the ride which worked as planned.

I've always baulked at the cost, but I can see the benefits of buying decent gear.

In other words, for similar money why settle for "fine" when you can have "excellent" or at least "better".
Last time I checked a good after market shock was CHEAPER than OEM and was rebuildable multiple times, and more adjustable and tuned to the riders needs instead of a generic person. Of course that will vary greatly depending on manufacturer, but certainly worth checking. And without a doubt a rebuild is MUCH cheaper than ANY new shock, so second time round you save substantially.
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  #18  
Old 29 Jul 2020
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Originally Posted by PanEuropean View Post
Well, in my case, the answer is that I don't think I can perceive sufficient of a difference between the OEM shock and an aftermarket shock to justify any additional cost, or, more importantly, any additional fitting headaches that might come with an aftermarket shock.

It's kind of like buying Scotch - why pay a premium for Johnny Walker Blue when Red tastes just fine?

Michael
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  #19  
Old 10 Sep 2020
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Originally Posted by Grant Johnson View Post
I've got the electronic adjustable Touratech shocks on my 1200GSA, and they work VERY well. The ride is ALWAYS well controlled, feels completely stable, no wobbles, wiggles or other issues. Nice! One of the REALLY nice things is that I can push a button and it's perfect for solo fun rides, or two-up Sunday rides, or loaded two-up camping trips, or playing silly ass in the dirt with it. Susan likes it when I lower the bike so she can get on easily!

Is all that adjustment necessary? Arguably yes if you appreciate being able to ride as you want under any condition. Arguably not if you ride slowly and carefully at all times. But who does that?



Last time I checked a good after market shock was CHEAPER than OEM and was rebuildable multiple times, and more adjustable and tuned to the riders needs instead of a generic person. Of course that will vary greatly depending on manufacturer, but certainly worth checking. And without a doubt a rebuild is MUCH cheaper than ANY new shock, so second time round you save substantially.
Grant, if you need to have your GS shock rebuilt at any time try Denzo on 07 93011 2051.
Refurbished the shock on my wife’s 1200 LC including fixing an electrical fault. Excellent service and extremely good value for money.
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