Author Topic: Shocks?  (Read 4840 times)

Offline tweather

  • Motobrick Curious
  • Posts: 38
Shocks?
« on: October 13, 2016, 01:35:54 PM »
My rear wheel becomes compressed and doesn't return to its original position immediately, even after dismounting. The ride is noticeably rougher.

I have never had to troubleshoot suspension issues. Is this the obvious shock problem I am guessing, or is it something else?
  • Denver, CO
  • 1994 BMW K75RT; 1995 K1100LT

Offline Laitch

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Re: Shocks?
« Reply #1 on: October 13, 2016, 02:29:49 PM »
Hard to tell from here, tweather. :giggles It could be a couple of things. Did you ever fix your bulb monitor light situation? You didn't followup on that thread. It might help others if you did.

This problem could be from the shock. Remove the shock. Leaks should be obvious. If the swing arm bearings haven't seized, the swing arm should move with relatively easily once the shock has been removed. Do you have a manual to help you with removal of the shock?
  • Along the Ridley in Vermont.
  • 1995 K75 89,000 miles

Offline Martin

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Re: Shocks?
« Reply #2 on: October 13, 2016, 02:48:56 PM »
More than likely sticking shock, to verify this when the shock is compressed put it on the centre stand ( might require help, as the compressed shock  makes the bike lower). Measure the length of the shock, centre of retaining bolt to centre of retaining bolt it should be 14". With it on the stand sometimes a compressed shock may unstick itself so observe the shock and remeasure a couple of times. The first clue I had with my bike was my difficulty in getting it onto the centre stand and once on the stand the shock slowly extended to it's full length. If you remove the shock make sure you support the swinging arm, failure to do so may damage the rubber boot.
Regards Martin.
  • North Lakes Queensland Australia
  • 1992 K75s Hybrid, Lefaux, Vespa V twin.

Offline kennybobby

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Re: Shocks?
« Reply #3 on: October 13, 2016, 07:21:00 PM »
Is it the original shock--how many miles on it?  They seem to wear out after 20-30k miles.

i've dismantled one to investigate the failure but it looked like brand new inside--it would be nice to figure out a way to modify it for rebuilding, i have a bucket full of em...
Ridin' 87 K75S vin 1334,
Renchin' 86 75S vin 0061

Offline Laitch

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Re: Shocks?
« Reply #4 on: October 13, 2016, 07:28:36 PM »
Is it the original shock--how many miles on it?  They seem to wear out after 20-30k miles.
+1 Mine did, anyway, at ~32K.
  • Along the Ridley in Vermont.
  • 1995 K75 89,000 miles

Offline Motorhobo

  • +25 years of K75
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Re: Shocks?
« Reply #5 on: October 17, 2016, 06:31:11 AM »
I bought my first K75 with 6k and a Progressive 420. At 90k miles it failed and if felt like I was riding a hardtail. That's how I knew...
1994/1995 K75 ABS Frankenbike: original engine 136k miles, frame from Gary Weaver (RIP), 173k miles -- Current Odometer: 198k miles
1994 K75 since 2013, 82,000 mi (19k mine) w/California Sidecar Friendship II Sidecar & Black Lab 'Miss B' - RIP

Past: 1974 Honda 550/4 (first bike), 1994 K75 (sold), 1995 K75 ABS (parts bike), Sidecar Dog & Best Bud 'Bo' - RIP

Offline tweather

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Re: Shocks?
« Reply #6 on: October 18, 2016, 12:41:20 AM »
Seems my shock has worn out.

Laitch, I have the Haynes manual.

Martin, I have observed every symptom that you described. I keep my bike on the center stand most of the time to avoid the white smoke on start up, and that has been much more difficult the past half week. From what I've read, it seems the OEM shock is not repairable. So time to buy a shock, I guess.

Over 35k on it. So, seems it was about it's time to go, eh?
  • Denver, CO
  • 1994 BMW K75RT; 1995 K1100LT

Offline Martin

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Re: Shocks?
« Reply #7 on: October 18, 2016, 12:48:37 AM »
 :2thumbup:
Regards Martin.
  • North Lakes Queensland Australia
  • 1992 K75s Hybrid, Lefaux, Vespa V twin.

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