K11 Owners Group

SugarHillCTD

Our current '92 K-RS leads a dual personality.

I do probably 2/3 of my riding solo and with little load in the side cases.

But Cathy and I frequently like to go 2-up and will load the cases to go for 2-3 days.

What rear shock do others have that can be changed easily to accommodate these type of weight differences?

I do not want a shock that adjusts via a threaded body- using those hook spanners to get 1/4 turn each is NOT what I am looking for.

Any thoughts?

New vs. used would be preferred, if available.
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

Don Sproule · Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2011 3:46 pm Post subject:

Works Performance.
The spring rate can be adjusted in seconds by sliding the rotating lever. Four different load sttings. No tools needed.

Don

lee richter · Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2011 4:30 pm Post subject:

*1 on Works performance, best money I've spent on this bike, hands down.
_________________
Lee Richter
Orlando, FL
I like flying, HIGH or low, Wings or Not
182 Texas Tail Dragger
'39 J3 Cub
2000 HD Soft Tail Sold
2002 R1150R
1994 K1100LT

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2011 4:47 pm Post subject:

John, I have an Ohlins on my '95 with the remote adjuster.
Easier than the Realm on my '97.

If I'm thinking of any 2up I'll take the '95 otherwise the '97 is fine for one-up with cases.
_________________
Ride safe.

1995 K1100LT 0302044
2017 FLHTK Ultra Limited
Garmin StreetPilot 2820
Garmin Zumo 550
Garmin Zumo XT
"One who does not ask questions is ashamed to learn" Danish proverb
1997 K1100LT 0302488(R.I.P.)
1997 R1100RT ZC62149(sold)

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2011 5:39 pm Post subject:

Thanks everyone- some things to look into this winter.
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

mnb · Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2011 7:23 pm Post subject:

Off the grid · Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2011 9:14 pm Post subject:

The works is awesome. It has an aluminum dial on the top which has 3 adjustments you can choose from to stiffen the spring as you choose. Simple, effective and phenomenal customer service without the Ohlins price. That's what Don is referring to...it actually stiffens the spring, correct? Totally different than preload, but most of you know I really have no idea wtf I am talking about half the time. Razz

Alls I know is that it worked for me...."soft" setting solo, crank it up when riding with Paula.

I think I paid 450 for mine new IIRC, and they called me for specifics about weight, usage, 2-up, etc. It was tailor made for me. One of the better $$ I sunk into the Brick. (that, the Remus, Corbin and Cee Bailey were the top 4)
_________________
Bane of your existence since July 2006
2007 Triumph Tiger ABS. "Sabertooth"
2009 Husqvarna TE610. "The dirty Italian mistress"

mnb · Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2011 11:03 pm Post subject:

You're right, it's not preload.

Works describes the adjustable spring rate here, although not very well...

http://www.worksperformance.com/html/multirate_desc.html

Sounds interesting. I'd need to see a diagram, video or shock in person to get how it works exactly.
_________________
M N B
1997 BMW K1100LT ABS Special Edition
2003 Husqvarna TE610e
2007 Harley Davidson Road King
2009 BMW F800GS
2011 Husqvarna TE310
2014 Ducati Multistrada Pikes Peak MNB Edition

Off the grid · Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2011 3:00 am Post subject:

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2011 6:01 am Post subject:

Sounds interesting guys.

While Scott's idea of an Ohlins is attractive, (Hey, I'm addicted to MotoGP and WSBK) the $1135 plus shipping seems over the top for a bike that's approaching 20 years old.

I'll look a bit for a used Ohlins that could be refurbished, but those seem to be more rare than finding a MC trailer and two used bikes for a few hundred bucks. Rolling Eyes

Failing that, a Works shock does look to be the way to go (about 1/2 the price of one of those gold colored units)

Probably add it to the winter R&R list which is growing- it is a K bike after all...... Confused

_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2011 7:43 am Post subject:

John, just remember while you are looking that the shocks don't all interchange.
What will fit on an ABS2 bike probably won't work with an ABS1 bike. That's how I got mine from Steve, it didn't fit his bike.
_________________
Ride safe.

1995 K1100LT 0302044
2017 FLHTK Ultra Limited
Garmin StreetPilot 2820
Garmin Zumo 550
Garmin Zumo XT
"One who does not ask questions is ashamed to learn" Danish proverb
1997 K1100LT 0302488(R.I.P.)
1997 R1100RT ZC62149(sold)

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2011 7:56 am Post subject:

Don Sproule · Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2011 12:22 pm Post subject:

The Works shock actually has a few springs in the assembly. When you rotate the lever, it rides on a different spring.
I believe it will fit on all K bikes from 85 to 97 but it wouldn't hurt to check with the manufacturer. Ask for Tom at Works. He won't steer you wrong.
Don't forget about the discount if you drop my name.

Don

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2011 6:32 pm Post subject:

Jimmyd · Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 11:19 am Post subject: Rear Shocks

Anyone know if the rear shock off a K1100 LT will fit right onto a K1100RS?
_________________
1994 K 1100 RS

Mystic Red · Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 12:22 pm Post subject:

Yep.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partxref.do?part=+33532312257
_________________
Scott Hespelt, '94 K11LT
K11 OG #466

RJTrucker · Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2011 11:40 am Post subject:

The only issue is if you have a 1993 with ABS1. If you have a 1994 or later no problem at all. Length is same and so are the bushings. Like I have said before you can't beat YSS for the price and quality. I do work part time for them so I wanted you to know that up front. But I have had one on my bike for 4 years now with no problems at all and it rides great both 1 or 2 up and also pulling a trailer. I do not have a resevior on mine and I don't think it is needed for my style of riding. The other thing is you can get them shorter to lower ride height. I had to do that on my bike. Only have a 28" inseam here. He will also give 10% off to K11OG members. Just tell them Ron said so. On another note we also service most brand of shocks. So if it is time to freshen up your shock keep us in mind.
_________________
Ron
1993 K11LT
1985 K100RS with over 100K on it
1985 K100RS Luftmiester Turbo Work in progress (any help is appreciated)
1974 R90/6

Don Sproule · Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2011 3:28 pm Post subject:

The Works Perfomance shock has a separate reservoir that attaches to the frame tube under the seat using a couple of hose clamps and two rubber saddles so it's not in the way of the ABS 1 modulator. I believe the same shock should fit any K bike before the K1200.
The shock is a fairly simple rebuild. 'm told it can be done by the owner or sent back to them, if desired.
Each unit is custom made for the rider's weight and riding style. The rider can adjust the sag and preload.
I've had mine for about six or so years. Still works fine.
BTW, I have no commercial interest in the company but you can get the club discount by dropping my name.
Just ask for Tom (sales mgr.)

Don

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2011 7:17 pm Post subject:

OK, update.

Two weeks ago, Cathy and I were 2-up with loaded side cases. We hit a big, unseen dip in the road HARD.

We need to update the F & R suspension this winter.

Have some ideas on how to get an Ohlins shock on the rear of our '92 RS. Stay tuned........
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

drmalacarne · Posted: Sat Oct 01, 2011 2:16 pm Post subject:

I have a Works in my K1100LT and "works" perfect just for me or 2 up.
With the Remus, best upgrade yet.
Guilherme.
_________________
1994 K1100LT SE n° 0267
1998 HD Heritage Springer 95th anniversary
Yes, a Hog and a Beemer can live together!