F650 Aftermarket Shocks

Original FAQs by Kristian #562, BradG #1002, Scott ID #1244
Please read the Disclaimer before attempting any work in this FAQ.
Last Updated: 21 Feb 2007, by Winter #1935

For FAQs related to forks, shocks, maintenance and aftermarket options:


Introduction

Many people find the rear shock on their F650 is just not up to it - especially after thousands of kms/miles. This page covers a wide range of aftermarket shocks. Many people will often combine the rear shock upgrade with aftermarket fork upgrades as well. This page is divided into the aftermarket options, and the opinions. It also contains the shock protectors - why invest in a new shock and not protected it? Reports of shocks needing replacement at around the 20,000miles mark onwards are reasonable.

Particular Shock Not Listed?

The shocks listed here are what we could find at the time of last editing this FAQ. So if a particular brand of shock is not listed for your bike, then it probably does not exist. Your best option is to email the manufacturer and get the details yourself. Then let us know so we can update this page for others!

Ohlins, WP Suspension, Technoflex and Works Performance appear to have the most extensive range of shock options. Some people have noted that they get better customer service dealing with the "smaller" dealers - with shocks often tailored to their requirements.

Special Deal for Chain Gang Inmates
Wilbers offers a special deal for Chain Gang Inmates. You can find out more information from the Wilbers Website, or check the main Chain Gang Webpage for more information on the deal.

Aftermarket Shock Options

Ohlins Shocks

Websites:

(Refer this FAQ for Installation Details)

Expensive but good. The table below shows the relevant shocks, and relevant installation manuals (please check the Ohlins website for the most recent information). The GS has NO remote, just the Preload. The Dakar has a remote AND remote. Iceman #975 DID manage to fit an Ohlins Shock to the GS. GS/Ohlins Shocks Compared. He put the remote reservoir on the GS Frame, because it wouldn't fit/there is no bracket for it in the STOCK DAKAR position.

Ohlins 46 DRS/ERS

Ohlins 46 HRCS

  F650 Classic F650 ST F650 GS F650 GS Dakar F650 CS
Part Num. BM 423 / BM 623 BM 705 BM 344 BM 048 BM 204
Type 46DRS / 46HCRS 46DRS 46ERS 46HRCS 46ERS
Length 315.0mm   316.0mm 328.5mm 301.0mm
Stroke 46.0mm   50.0mm 60.6mm 52.0mm
Installation Manual bm423.pdf (?kb)
bm623.pdf (?kb)
bm705.pdf (?kb) bm344.pdf (194kb) bm048.pdf (268kb) bm204.pdf (162kb)
Also see the Rear Ohlins Installation FAQ

Different springs are also available for Ohlins Shocks as per the following table (see also the Spring Rate FAQ):

Part No Weight (lbs) Weight (kgs)
01093-64/160 L036 (Stock/#16 Spring) ? 75-95
01093-69/170 L480 (#17 Spring) 220 100
01093-74/180 (#18 Spring) ? 105-115

The Ohlins nomenclature means this: (thanks to David#476)

46=diameter of piston in mm
H= Hosed reservoir (as in remote) rather than attached
R= Rebound adjustable
C= Compression adjustable
L= Length adjustable (or height, as it works out)
S= Spring pre-load adjustable.

So a 46 HRCS is not adjustable for length.

Can an Ohlins be serviced / rebuilt?

Typical cost for a service on an Ohlins is about $110.00 plus needed parts. This depends on the condition of the shock and general overall health. We have a customers shock in to Ohlins now and his bill will be just over $300. This is because he ran the shock for almost 70,000 miles without service. The lack of care resulted in a scored inner body and damaged shaft. The body was honed and the shaft, seals and preload hose were replaced to make the shock almost new again. Cost for a replacement shock was $935.00.

Ohlins recommends about every 20,000 miles send in for an oil change and service. This depends on your riding style but is a good guide. Don #301

Wilbers

Websites:

Wilbers provide a special deal for Chain Gang members... so if you are not a member yet, and you are considering a Wilbers shock, if you join the club you will save money when you purchase your shock! There is far more detail on the various shocks and options on the Wilbers website.

The following was provided by patobravo in an email received from Wilbers:

The WILBERS shocks come with a five year warranty.

The service intervals during this time are approx 2=3 years or 20-30,000 miles.

Service is done here in the US at my place at a cost of approx. $ 75 - 110 per shock.

The WILBERS shocks are custom built to your specifications by the factory
and not converted over here. Shocks from other manufacturers are not usually
done this way and you have to send them to a service location for that brand
to get them customized at additional cost.

The shocks can be built to lower your riding height - some bikes up to 3",
as well as to raise the riding height at no additional cost.

Other manufacturers will not do that at all, because it does not agree
with their mass production, or way of manufacturing.

The WILBERS shocks are offered with adjustable HIGH and LOW speed
compression damping as well as rebound damping and spring pre-load.

There is a choice between the SPORTSLINE ( BLUE spring ) or CLASSIC
(Black spring), at no cost. Other colors can be done according to the
RAL color chart at extra cost.

Delivery is between 2 - 3 weeks.

The WILBERS shocks are high quality items, exclusively built to your
specifications, at a price level of a mass-production item.
Model 640 Model 641

(shown with option 625)
Adjustable rebound damping (22 clicks)
Mechanical pre-load adjuster
External Reservoir
High and low speed compression adjustment (22 clicks)
Adjustable rebound damping (22 clicks)
Option 625 Option 629
Hydraulic Pre-load Adjuster
Fits either model 640 or 641
Completely replaces pre-load adjusting nuts
Ride-Height Adjuster
provides +/- half at the seat
+/- 5mm at shock

WP Suspension

Websites:

Notes and other information on selection:

4014 Emulsion 4014 Fusion Preload Adjusters
499 Euro 769 Euro 229 Euro
preload adjustment
adjustable rebound, 16 positions
Adjustable length is standard
remote reserviour
High/Low speed compression, each adjustable 16 times
adjustable rebound, 16 positions
preload adjuster
Adjustable length is standard
+/- 10mm
  F650 F650 Strada F650 GS F650 GS Dakar F650 CS
Product Code 169 163 R13 R13 174
Model Year 94 on 97-01 00 on 00 on 02 on
4014 Fusion Model 17.06.O8.02 ? 17.06.U8.02 17.06.U8.08 17.06.W8.04
4014 Emulsion Model 17.06.O9.02 ? 17.06.U9.02 17.06.U9.08 17.06.W9.04
Hydrolic Preload Adjustment /02 ? /02 /02 ?
Length 315-325 ? 316-326 326-336 300-310
Air Chamber 140 140 140 140 180

Penske Shocks

Website(s):

Not much information available, however they do have extensive maintenance manuals for their shocks available online.

Progressive Suspension

Website(s):

It has been reported that these shocks do not feature a remote preload adjustment and have to be removed from the bike to be adjusted.

  F650 Funduro, 1997-1998 F650 CS, 2003
Shock Model 420-1032 420-1053
Image

Hagon Shocks

Website(s):

The subject of rear shocks comes up often, and I don't think I've heard Hagon mentioned here before. They list a shock for the F650, less than $350, adjustable, re-buildable, 2 year warranty. Seems quite competitive. Lowered shocks and fork springs too.

  F650 F650 CS
Part No 60007 60059
Image

Technoflex

Website(s):

There's also the Technoflex, but at $900 I'd go for the Ohlins.

  F650 F650 ST F650 low ./.45 F650 GS F650 GS-Dakar F650 CS
Frame BMW 169     WB101-R13 WB101-R13  
Year 95-00 00 on 02 on
Standard Emulsion 55302-213-571 55302-213-572 55302-213-573 55302-213-574 55302-213-575 55302-213-576
Remote Reservoir 55202-213-571 55202-213-572 55202-213-573 55202-213-574 55202-213-575 nil

Works Performance

Website(s):

  F650 Funduro F650 Funduro low F650 GS Dakar F650 GS F650 GSL F650 CS F650 CSL
Length (inches) 12.38 12.00 13.00 12.63 12.25 11.88 11.25
Spring Single Rate Spring
Hydrolic Preload Option     Yes Yes Yes    

HyperPro Suspension

Website(s):

The international site contains a helpfull page on selecting shock options, including length adjustment, additional shock length, rider weight, and progressive spring.

Type 40 (Emulsion) Type 41 (Remote Reservoir)
  • Lightweight 7075 aircraft alloy CNC machined Body
  • Integrated heat compensation
  • Infinite spring preload adjuster
  • Exclusive rising rate spring standard,
    linear option available
  • 50 clicks on rebound adjustment
  • Nitrogen reservoir
  • High and low speed adjustable compression damping
    each with 30 clicks
  • 50 clicks on rebound adjustment
  Classic ST GS Dakar CS
Type 40 (Emulsion) BM06-002RBM06-004RBM06-006RBM06-007RBM06-008R
Type 41 (Remote Reservoir) BM06-102RBM06-104RBM06-106RBM06-107RBM06-108R
Fork Springs SP-BM06-SSA002   SP-BM06-SSA001
Shock Springs SP-BM06-SSB002   SP-BM06-SSB001
Fork+Shock Springs SP-BM06-SSC002   SP-BM06-SSC001

Upgrades, Conversions and Rebuilding

Touratech Upgrades

Website(s):

Touratech offers several upgrade options for the F650 GS models. The most extensive upgrade is to WP forks and shocks with a huge 280mm and 250mm of travel (respectively). This upgrade includes all parts to perform the upgrade. However the kit is expensive - but includes everything you need including the bracket for the ABS sensor (if you have ABS). Touratech also sells fork springs for the Funduro and GS. Check the Aftermarket Forks FAQ.

Figure: Touratech upgrade (taken from Max Kool on advrider)

How much higher is the Touratech WP setup?

The upgrade takes to front and rear suspension travel to 280mm and 250mm (respectively). This is compared to about 170mm on the GS and 210mm on the Dakar. In other words an extra 40mm (nearly 2in) of travel on the Dakar and a huge 80mm (just over 3in) on the GS. What this results in height-wise depends on your suspension settings.

Max BMW 'Upgrade'

Rear Suspension: New reservoir that includes a compression adjuster. Also has a larger oil capacity than stock. Revalve for increased bottoming resistance while maintaining adjustability for more technical conditions. Lengthen shock approximately 5/8" for increased ground clearance.

Front Suspension: Revalve damper rods to increase offroad ride quality Lengthen through use of taller fork caps with an integrated air bleed.

Turn around time is 1-2 weeks.

(Thanks to SScratch #1082 and Sadlsor #1444)

Rebuilt / Serviced Shocks

Here are some options for rebuilt / services / second hand shocks:

Lindemann Engineering

I recently had my flogged OEM rear shock (97 F650 Funduro - 31K miles) rebuilt by Lindemann Engineering (520 E. McGlincy Lane, Campbell, CA 95008-4934). For US$387 (2004 price), the shock was rebuilt, spring was replaced/upgraded, and the damping changed to match the heavier duty spring. I mailed the shock to Lindemann on February 9, 2004, and it was received on February 13, 2004. I received it back on May 3, 2004 - after a promised 2-week turnaround - so caveat emptor.

Observation of the rebuilt shock showed a new (IIRC) "inflation nozzle" sprouting from the upper shock mounting assembly. The new spring had a label on it that says Elbach Springs - 82382 - 0700.225.1100. IIRC (when I spoke to Jim), the stock OEM spring was a claimed 800 or 900 pound spring, while this new one is 1100 pounds - he said that's pretty high, but also noted that the BMW linkage had "high leverage". Marty Graves #436

Rebuilding Ohlins

Has anyone here had their fully farkled Ohlins shock rebuilt? If so, where did you get it done and were you satisfied with the service? Shank in Colorado #974

Heavy Duty Spring (for OEM Shock)

GS to Dakar Conversion

Q. I want to install an Ohlins 46HRCS (Dakar) rear shock on my 2001 F650GS + Dakar 21'' front wheel and Dakar upper fork part with Ohlins spring kit. Because I have a normal GS, I would like to know if there are any differences between the frame, tension struts, angle lever or swingarm on the GS/GSD?  Do I need to replace other parts prior to installing the rear shock? I made chain roller which can be connected to the frame. I noticed the space between the lower left side of the frame and the swingarm in limited. Could this give any trouble when the swingarm is lowered even more? I know DHP has the 250mm WP shock on this bike and Iceman installed an Ohlins shock on a GS. Could you guys or anyone else give me some advice on this? Do the RaceTech emulators compensate the fork suspension length enough with the longer Ohlins shock at the rear? The Dakar fork is (about 2" ?) longer compared to the GS fork. Maarten.

Dakar to GS Conversion

Q. I'm still thinking about trading up for a Dakar. But somehow I don't like the 21'' front wheel, I do mostly street riding. I'd want the Dakar mainly for comfort reasons, ground clearance and, ok, for looks too. Looking at the cost of raising my bike, and the Dakar seat, I think I might be better off trading for a Dakar and maybe getting a 19" wheel for it. Yeah, as I said, I'd want it for comfort reasons and more ground clearance. My feet touch the ground too often, when I don't remember to shift them back so the balls of my feet are on the pegs. The comfort problem would be solved with the Dakar seat or some aftermarket seat, I agree. Anyone with similar thoughts / ideas?

GS Shock on Funduro

My wife's 2000 Funduro's Mono-Shock Showa B011 sprung a leak and needed replacing. At $650-$1100 for a stock replacement or after market, well, I decided to look for a cheaper alternative. What I found was a 2001 F650-GS 7 650 206 SHOWA B019 Mono-Shock with 2050 Miles.

  1. I measured the mountings center-to-center and found they were the same.
  2. The spring diameter and coils were the same as well.
  3. The Pre-Load Adjustment/Knob is the same and mount lines up correctly after removing the additional bracket the GS uses.
  4. The Pre Load Adjusters hose is longer on the GS than the Funduro. I routed it in front of the mounting bracket and it works fine. Clearing excess from touching the exhaust pipes.
  5. The Rebound Damping ( Little screw at bottom of shock) is now on the right side of the bike and not the left as original. This allows for easier access when on the side stand.
  6. All bolts that came with the GS shock were an exact match with the Funduro's bolts
  7. The new shock was slightly firmer at the same settings of the Funduro shock, but can be adjusted softer if needed.
  8. The ride heights are the same, but, sags less over all.
  9. The ride was better with the GS than the Funduro Shock. The high speed wobble (90+) that use to have for the past 14,000 miles (Bike only has 18,873 total) went away. It was a slight sway in the rear-end that could be seen by a bike following, but, they had to look hard for it. Full BMW Baggage.... Clikel

'Zerk' Linkage for the F650?

This photo is from multisurfacemotorcycling dr650 page. This seems like a really good idea for the F650's linkage, and other pieces with roller bearings. Would it work on the much higher classed precision BMW products? (scoff) Care to comment? damalden #1598

Questions

Which bike should I buy if I plan on upgrading the suspension?

It depends on how extensive the upgrade will be. The GS and Dakar are very similar bikes, with the difference that matters being the Dakar having longer front forks and 21" front wheel. So if you plan on upgrading the wheels and forks when you upgrade your suspension, you might as well purchase the GS. If you are not upgrading the forks and front wheel, you may be better off buying the Dakar. There are heaps of options, but this might help:

  1. Most Expensive: Buy a GS, and get a full upgrade including rear shock, front forks, and larger wheels. This will give you about 250mm suspension travel if you go for something like the Touratech WP upgrade.
  2. Most Common?: Buy a GS or Dakar, replace the shock with an aftermarket option, upgrade the fork springs and use heavier fork oil.
  3. Least Expensive: Replace or service your shock, and use heavier fork oil. Oh, and loose some weight.

The F650 in its original form is an Enduro - and so you must find a balance between long distance riding / carrying capacity, and offroad capability. If you want to make the F650GS/Dakar more dirt worthy buy the Oryx Enduro kit from Touratech - but don't put too much trust in the load you can carry on the back of the bike. If you want to make the bike more comfortable for longer trips, it will add more weight. You must find the balance between what you use YOUR bike for.

Can I upgrade to a Shock with longer travel?

Most likely yes. Probably the more common example would be upgrading a GS shock to a Dakar equiv. There are some things you should consider though:

Do you have any pictures of suspension upgrades?

Yes, see the Touratech upgrade

My sidestand is too short after upgrading my suspension

The solutions for this problem are yet to be added to the FAQs... check Bill's hockey puck solution for now...

How can I increase the ride height / travel?

Aside from the $3200-plus WP shock and fork set-up from TT, what (if any) would be my options for increasing the suspension travel or just even the ride height with a stock suspension? When sitting on my Dakar, I can flat foot the ground with my knees bent...feel like I'm sitting on a cruiser sometimes. I've considered an aftermarket higher seat, but figured maybe a new suspension set-up instead of a phone book disguised as a $500 seat. Does the Ohlins add some height? If it does, then I'm left with the task of increasing the fork height as well...hmmm. beem_dubya #1328


Aftermarket Shock Opinions

Rebuilt OEM (Showa)

Ohlins

(Refer this FAQ for Installation Details on a Classic)

Penske

Wilbers

Technoflex

HyperPro Opinions

Touratech Kit / WP Opinions

Ohlins 46HRCS vs. WP250mm

Q. I'm planning to add some new suspension to my bike over the winter (if it ever comes, worst start since '76 in Whistler) and I'm trying to clarify something. I've narrowed it down to the Ohlins 46HRCS-BM048 ($852.00 from MR. Eds) and the WP250mm ($695.00 from Touratech). I've seen a few instances of a GS (I haven't got the Dakar) with the Ohlins installed but I haven't heard anything about installing the WP250mm on a GS. Does anyone know if this shock is limited to the F650RR (with the new swingarm) or can it be installed on a stock GS? Andre Whistler, BC #1119

Works Performance

Well I am trying to narrow this down and I have come across the Works Perfomance shocks in the faqs, but not any real reviews. Has anyone used these yet. The guy at the company said he could customize them for me and make them more dirt orientated, but I am wondering if anyone else has any experience with this brand, and are they as good as an Ohlins shock for off road ability. They cost $750 and have adjustable compression and rebound, and will be built for my weight and riding style. I dont really want to sacrifice my tarmac ability to much, but I need to have a better off road shock. Get Dirty

Hagon Shocks


Shock Protectors

Rubber Strip

June 8, 2000, Harl #380

Changing the stock shock on the F650 for an Ohlins has many advantages but one big disadvantage. The stock shock has a cover that protects the shaft and seal. The Ohlins shaft is exposed to the debris spun off the rear tire. It is a nice shock but expensive to rebuild. Aprilia makes a cover for the Pegaso that protects the shock, but seems to be in very limited supply. With that in mind, I fabricated a simple cover that fastens to the shock, rather than the swingarm ala Aprilia.

The materials you'll need:

The cross-section shows how to put the guard together. I put a slight bend in the plastic for clearance. That's also the reason for using a button head cap screw, so the head won't rub on the spring on full compression. Other than drilling a 6mm (1/4) hole in the plastic, all that's required is putting the parts together on the spring. Depending on the type of clamp you use, you may need to fiddle some with the fit, so that the guard assembly won't rotate on the spring. Other than the fact that there isn't much room to work, it's a relatively easy task.

Windsurfing Mast Protector

November '01, Kristian #562

One Solution

Aprilia Shock Protector

December '01, Marty #436

Another Solution

Image thanks to Marty Graves #436

The Aprilia Shock Absorber Cover (really a splash shield to mount on the rear swingarm) part number is APR8138918. The price is about US$8 (plus your RTV to glue it in place). Marty #436.

DirtSkins

http://www.off-road.com/atv/reviews/products/dirtskins/gallery/

Neoprene or Clingfilm

Glad wrap. You know, some people call it Clingfilm. A few times around will keep Mud off for a day, cheap easy, flexible disposable.

Actually on my GS I have a length of thin neoprene. I bought a roll of it, cut out a length, rolled it around into a 1/2 circle and jammed it up under the plastic tank/suspension well. I thought I might need tie-wraps, but it just sits there. Works great. k.

Rear Huggers

Touratech Shock Protector

Touratech rear shock protector... Part number 01-300-0147-0... Bought one recently for my 650GS 05. Easily fitted and looks good quality stuff. Price was around GBP21 plus delivery and VAT (UK) Carl ( UK)

Bill Mallin Crap Flap (CBOA Approved)

Inspiration for the project was a picture someone sent me of Charlie Boorman's F650RR for the 2006 Dakar Rally. After studying the original design a little more, I set out to create The Crap Flap today. For reference, the original design is on the left... And on the right is the problem I set out to fix. My new fancy shock is a bit exposed. While nothing may ever fling off the back tire and damage the shock, I figure why take the chance...

So here's what I did...

  1. After removing the rear wheel, I removed the bolt in the picture below which holds the inner piece of plastic fender on. It's not a great picture, but when you are doing the doing and the photographing... well, you get the idea. Removing the bolt allowed me to access the area between the gas tank and the inner fender...
  2. Next I used a little nub screwdriver to remove the Phillip's head screw in the picture below... It lifts up quite easily to reveal the hole I used to secure the right side of the flap...
  3. The material I used is Firestone PondGard EPDM Pond Liner. Apparently it "stays flexible from -40 degrees F to 175 degrees F." And "shows outstanding resistance to the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation (UV), ozone and other environmental conditions." This stuff is incredibly strong... it's the perfect material for this application -- very pliable and very very strong and resistance to tears or rips. There was a great deal of trial and error cutting out the flap. Lots of cutting... lots of figuring... lots of loud music... several Cokes... one failed version, and finally on the left is the version after about 30 minutes of tweaking it...

    And on the right is what it looks like installed...

  4. Note in the picture above I made my version wrap around the side a bit on the right side to better protect the shock. I felt this was a flaw in the original design. Below is a picture of the other side...
  5. You can see on the picture above that I drilled one hole in the swing arm and used a stainless steel screw and a stainless steel fender washer to hold it down on the left side. The right side is held down by re-securing the screw I removed earlier with the nub screwdriver. The screw goes through the flap.

    I went round and round with myself on how to secure the top. Finally I decided to see if it would stay-put smashed (sandwiched) between the gas tank and the plastic inner fender. What I did was to cut it quite tall and tuck it behind the inner plastic fender. You can see in the picture below how tall I made it. There is a significant amount of material sandwiched between the fender and the gas tank, so I am hopeful it will stay. The large notch I made on the right side should also help...

  6. If it does move, I will squirt some RTV or other adhesive under the inner fender, but I think it will be OK... I mean, that's a lot of material sandwiched back there... time will tell I guess... Here's a shot with the wheel back on...

So for less than $2 in parts, I have a little protection for my shock!


Shock Protector Opinions


Flash 412 (CO): Lower your daily calorie intake to 1000. Run at least five miles every day.
In a month, your shock will seem as if it has been resprung. Cost... $0
Komatias: Fantastic tip there as per usual. Flash If i lost that much weight
I would look like a starvin Ethanopian. Thanks anyway