Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Tech
Replace rear and front shock/suspension? Replace rear and front shock/suspension?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Tech ALL bikes: "Generic" tech questions and answers. Maintenance, general discussions etc.
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 19 Jan 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: George, South Africa
Posts: 21
Replace rear and front shock/suspension?
Hi Hubbers

Planning a long distance (30 000km +) dirt/dust road trip all the way around Africa in 2011. I will replace my rear shock closer to the time with a quality and more reliable one, as I have heard they do take a beating on the rough African roads and tend to fail.

Will it be necessary to replace my front shock as well with a better quality one. I haven't heard of any people who's front shock failed on them, and I wont be putting much more than the normal amount of weight on the front.

All information greatly appreciated, and any recommendations for which quality rear shock welcome.

Safe riding
Rassie
__________________
He who lives the adventurous life will remain unafraid when he finds himself alone - Raymond B. Fosdick
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 19 Jan 2010
electric_monk's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Waterford, Ireland
Posts: 310
It would help if we knew what sort of bike you had.....
__________________
The electric monk always has faith.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 20 Jan 2010
Champ's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Beenleigh Qld Australia
Posts: 44
Travel Bike year: 2008 Bike Model: Skygo GY6 200cc via Profile Champ
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 20 Jan 2010
klaus's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Ehime-ken, Japan
Posts: 273
Front shock
"Rasman", hi there,

in my humbled opinion new fork springs (I assume that's what you are talking about) are always a good investment. I put Wirth progressive fork springs in my 1991 Honda TransAlp last year and it really DOES make a difference!!
__________________
Klaus D. Orth
A German in Japan
1992 Honda TA
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 22 Jan 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: George, South Africa
Posts: 21
Fork Spring
Hi there

Would you say it is a necessity to replace the stock fork spring with a better quality one, or would my current front spring last the trip. I believe it would be a good investment, but I'm on a small budget and can only afford to replace the rear shock. But I don't want to be halfway onto my trip and my front spring fails.

Thanks for the advice. If you can't find any info on my bike, its very similar to a Honda 200cc Bushlander.

Cheers
Rassie
__________________
He who lives the adventurous life will remain unafraid when he finds himself alone - Raymond B. Fosdick
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 23 Jan 2010
klaus's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Ehime-ken, Japan
Posts: 273
Fork Springs
You can get the progressive fork springs for something like Euro 100 from the Wirth company in Germany. That's where I bought mine (much cheaper than in Japan) and got them installed by my local bike folks. Just google for the company.
__________________
Klaus D. Orth
A German in Japan
1992 Honda TA
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 23 Jan 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Dorset UK
Posts: 395
Quote:
Originally Posted by RasMan View Post
Hi there

Would you say it is a necessity to replace the stock fork spring with a better quality one, or would my current front spring last the trip. I believe it would be a good investment, but I'm on a small budget and can only afford to replace the rear shock. But I don't want to be halfway onto my trip and my front spring fails.

Thanks for the advice. If you can't find any info on my bike, its very similar to a Honda 200cc Bushlander.

Cheers
Rassie
I have never heard of fork spings actually FAILING :confused1:

They usually tend to "wilt" maybe, but not heard of any breaking? If the front end is a bit soft, it may be worth replacing the springs & doing the fork seals & oil, maybe a silgthly heavier grade.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 23 Jan 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Nottingham UK
Posts: 227
As above, you'd be pretty unlucky to snap springs in either front or rear suspension!

Most suspension problems are damping failure. The oil/gas seals fail and oil/gas pisses out and your suspension goes all bouncy. This is problematic on rear shocks as often they're manufactured so they can't be repaired. On front forks it's not normally an issue - Oil seals are normally generic parts cheaply sourced from any engineering stockists, and easy to replace.


If your front suspension is too soft, you could try preloading the springs by sticking washers/2p-coins under the caps at the top. Or sticking in heavier oil to harden the damping. Good forks, like on proper dirtbikes, often have adjustable damping and spring preload.


I wouldn't worry so much about front suspension failing, most of the extra weight when your touring is going on the back of the bike, so it's the rear shock(s) that need looking at. Good quality shock is nice, but most important thing is to have a spring hard enough for the weight you're carrying - Carrying too much weight for the spring(s) is what is likely to induce shock failure.
__________________
UK to Mongolia 2009, on a DR350
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

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Suspension: Rear Shock Grant Johnson Honda Tech 51 5 Sep 2014 23:25
R1100GS/R850GS brand new WP suspension rear shock MarkShelley BMW Tech 1 13 Feb 2010 18:39
Rear shock/suspension for DL650 apapadop Suzuki Tech 3 15 Sep 2009 13:48
Suspension: Rear Shock Grant Johnson Other Bikes Tech 0 31 Oct 2008 21:13
Soft front suspension? Sean Kelly BMW Tech 0 12 Jun 2001 19:17

 
 

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 10:32.

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