K11 Owners Group

dwerbil · Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2010 9:13 pm Post subject: Newbie here, rear shock question

Hello,
I'm a long time airheader here in the Austin, Texas area and now have recently bought my first K bike, a '93 K1100RS with 43k miles on it. Recently when adding a 'missing' centerstand, I discovered I couldn't raise the bike on the stand, hence the bike has been lowered, which leads me to my first question:
1. What is the center to center measurement for a stock rear shock?

The bike currently has a worn out rear Progressive air shock. I'm not sure what the measurement is on this shock at this time.
2. Does Progressive sell kits or rebuild their shocks?

3. Is there a fair to decent mid-priced rear shock UNDER a grand?! (gack, those prices are high!)

4. Are front forks typically shortened with a spring kit? If so, would replacing same with stock springs bring the forks back to stock length?

The bike has a five spoke rear rim which is 17" compared to 18".
5. When is a shim used, changing a 17 to a 18 or vise versa?

The past month has been really educational scanning some of the threads here. Many various questions that have come to mind have been answered here in the archives. Thanks for that, and for any help with my new K.

I was really lucky with this find. The seller was just down the block from me. He had the bike listed for a quick sale on Craigslist. After a month of no sale, half hoping he had sold it, I took a look, rode it, made a offer, and made the deal. Said the bike didn't get used much, which got the bike last fall taken to Lone Star BMW for a going over. Injectors cleaned, etc. "About a grand for the tune up" he sez.
I believe it was probably a previous owner that lowered the bike.

I'm looking to bring the bike back to stock after a while. Mainly, it's just the suspension to deal with, and the rear wheel. The bike came with a Remus muffler and header that I replaced with a quieter stock set up. I'll sell the aftermarket pipe later. Have added a nice set of OEM bags from Ebay.
Here's a few pics the day after I bought it.....

http://www.pbase.com/dwerbil/image/124642895/original.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/dwerbil/image/124642896/original.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/dwerbil/image/124642897/original.jpg

Have a 'near new' stock seat due in in a few days. The Corbin, though it looks in good shape, is needing a change. Bike has been painted a 'midnight blue' I'd say. May had gone down sometime in its past. The brakes, engine all seem to be in great running order.

All in all, I am very pleased with this, new to me, high tech bike. I've been riding airheads for some thirty years and will continue to. I know this KRS is going to grow and grow on me.
Thanks for the great board here.

One more question...
6. Does the forum have forum rallies anywhere in the states and when?

Cheers
_________________

93 K1100RS ~ 2004 R1150RT ~ 84 RS ~ 78 R100/7 ~ 65 R60/2
Click for pics
Randy at Round Rock, Texas

Flying Duck

Mystic Red · Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2010 9:50 pm Post subject:

dwerbil · Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2010 10:16 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the help, Flying Duck.

Center stand problem....yep, my guess it's combined from the 17" rim and a shorter rear shock = no can get it on center stand. Have read on other boards of some that had the same problem after lowering their RS bikes. They'd shorten the stand for it to work properly. I'll have to do the same if I keep the bike shortened as it is. Some spoke of 'spacers' in the center stand mount. There are none on the bike. The center stand came from a same as mine '93 KRS. I used OEM mounting gear to put it on.

I'm still hoping of finding out the answer to #1 question about the rear shock stock center to center measurement.

I can't seem to find that info anywhere. With knowing that measurement, I'll find out if my rear shock is stock size or not and can then proceed on with the bike's issues. I have a 2k trip on the calendar in three weeks and I hope to take the K.
Thanks again!
_________________

93 K1100RS ~ 2004 R1150RT ~ 84 RS ~ 78 R100/7 ~ 65 R60/2
Click for pics
Randy at Round Rock, Texas

mtnroads · Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2010 10:35 pm Post subject:

Welcome! Nice RS and I like the dark blue. The 17" rear wheel looks like one from either a K1200RS or R1150RT and may be too short for proper handling due to changed geometry, also exacerbating your centerstand issue. The original owner probably wanted more available 17" rear tires. I have an 18" 3 spoke if you want one - PM me. As for shocks - a new Works Performance shock will be around $500 and change and works well, a Fox will be more/better and an Ohlins is $1000+ (not worth it IMHO).

Enjoy your new ride!
_________________
2012 R1200RT Midnight Blue
95 K1100LT Graphit (sold)
01 R1100RT Black (sold)

jpberens1994K1100RS · Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2010 10:44 pm Post subject: rear shock

I have a 93 K1100RS!
I just went & measured the stock shock. 15 1/8" center mount to center mount. Or mount center to center. You know, where the bolt goes through.

I replaced the stocker about 10K miles ago and it has 31,000 miles on it.

I bought a RAM shock set up from Realm Enginerring. VERY resonable price I thought comparatively. Wonderful ride! Supple and comtroled

If you need a stocker to get going you can have mine if ya want it.

You sould be able to get it up on the stand, but it will take great technique and a committed yank on the handle while pushing down hard on the stand.

Keep at her. They are wonderful bikes when set up properly.
_________________
1993 K1100RS that I'd rather be riding FAST!
2014 Moto Guzzi Norge

miKeinWIs · Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2010 10:45 pm Post subject:

Just did some research the other day. "Stock is 15.13":

http://www.worksperformance.com/pdf/app_guide/street.pdf
Using a WP short= 14.38"
I have a stock BMW shock in the garage attic. Can measure that tomorrow if you want it.

Good luck
Mike
_________________
'97 K1100LT
Bought 6/30/09 w/26,750 miles

dwerbil · Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 12:55 am Post subject:

Thanks for all the help guys.

This K bike is something else to me. Right now it's the different feel of the engine/power/ergonomics and all. Suspension will come around. I commute in traffic in the Austin, Texas area daily the past twenty years on my bikes doing electrical work. Wide eyes save lives I say.
This K thing on the road is like a hummingbird on steroids. I'm going to dig this new little project.
_________________

93 K1100RS ~ 2004 R1150RT ~ 84 RS ~ 78 R100/7 ~ 65 R60/2
Click for pics
Randy at Round Rock, Texas

Flying Duck · Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 1:54 am Post subject:

Beachcomber · Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 6:18 am Post subject:

Hi Dwerbil,

If you want to know more about the RAM shocker visit the site www.realmengineering.com. - or pm me, I'm the guy that developed it for Realm. Wink

The RAM seems very popular with K1100 owners all over - US, Autralia, Africa, Europe and we have just received a big order from Germany !!!!! Laughing

I wanted to arrive at a high quality shocker for what I considered a reasonable price. I'm sure the guys here will tell you - but I think I achieved those goals [ unlike the English soccer team Rolling Eyes

ha,ha,ha.]

I do believe that you guys are close to a second batch order of 10 shox.

The first order arrived 2 days ago. By bulk ordering 10 at a time, the shipping costs are dramatically reduced [ about 2/3rds. ].

Flying Duck was involved with this one, liaising with another forum. Cool

As a bonus you receive 10% discount as a club member.

BTW - re: the lowering. Stock K1100 shocker is 380mm centres - K100 is 350. RAM offer alternates to suit both bikes in various lengths.

The trick here in the UK for lowered bikes is to shorten the stand ! you have a greater angle to overcome when rolling the bike up with a lowered shocker. Unless you are a heathen like me - and ditch the stand !

TJ

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_________________
Beachcomber '93 K1100RS / '93 K1100LT and several K100's