M1100 aftermarket rear shock

[kocheroni]

... need you guys opinion and knowledge

Want to get a decent mono shock for my M1100 - suffered enough from the OEM damper


I am currently looking at the following options:

>>>BITUBO

This is the S2R/S4R version. Don't really know if this one would fit or if BITUBO offers a M1100 model.
Any idea?

>>>Extremetech

Very much like these shocks, but Extremetech told me last week they don't offer a M1100 version.

>>>Matris

Matris only offers an orange spring with their M1100 model. I am a bit reluctant putting an orange spring on a red/black bike 

>>>Hyperpro

With a few bucks extra you can get a red spring 

>>>Wilbers

Wilbers offers all possible spring colors. Their products get top ranks in all rear shock tests I have seen. 

???Given all that and especially your experience, what would you choose???

[cduarte]

you could get the matris shock and get the spring powdercoated any color you like.

[stopintime]

Can you describe what's wrong with the OEM - what do you want to accomplish - have you had it set up for you?

From my personal point of view, changing to a linear spring will change your ride quite a lot. That and customized adjustment might be all you need?

[ungeheuer]

I'm considering this option >> http://shop.revercorsa.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=1_52_79&products_id=212

[swankdaddy7]

I'm considering this option >> http://shop.revercorsa.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=1_52_79&products_id=212

I was talking about this shock with the Ohlins rep at the bike show in NYC yesterday.  It seems like a nice setup (space being so tight).  What general or specific benefits are you looking for over stock Ohlins on the 1100S (which obviously has no reservoir)?  I am new to the nuances of shocks.

[Raux]

have you checked with Penske?
they have a shock that fits the MH900e that i bet isn't too different than  the 696/1100 dimensions.
i've read here that they are good with working with customers on getting a direct fit replacement

[kocheroni]

have you checked with Penske?
they have a shock that fits the MH900e that i bet isn't too different than  the 696/1100 dimensions.
i've read here that they are good with working with customers on getting a direct fit replacement

Haven't really considered Penske. What's the quality of their shocks?
Hyperpro did mention their M900 shock would be an exact swap.
Do you know if Penske has a distributor in Europe? 

[cduarte]

Penske shocks are as good as, or better than ohlins... With the current exchange rate in your favor, they might be less expensive.

[Raux]

Haven't really considered Penske. What's the quality of their shocks?
Hyperpro did mention their M900 shock would be an exact swap.
Do you know if Penske has a distributor in Europe? 

SPA Design, LTD.
Penske Racing Shocks United Kingdom
Common Barn
Tamworth Road, Packington
Lichfield, Staffs
WS149PX
United Kingdom
011-44-182-730-0150
011-44-182-730-0151 (fax)
Website: www.penskeshocks.co.uk
Email: sales@penskeshocks.co.uk

[junior varsity]

Penske rocks.

And don't forget, removing the spring and having it pc'd black or purple or whatever color you want is a piece of cake. Don't get hung up on the color of the spring.

[kocheroni]

Can you describe what's wrong with the OEM - what do you want to accomplish - have you had it set up for you?

From my personal point of view, changing to a linear spring will change your ride quite a lot. That and customized adjustment might be all you need?

Yes, I had the entire suspension set-up changed. For the SHOWA rear shock spring preload was very much what you could change. But still the shock is quite jumpy and doesn't give a good felling especially during fast load changes. I did consider to change the spring only but decided in the end to go the full way and to get a decent damper.     

[kocheroni]

Penske rocks.

And don't forget, removing the spring and having it pc'd black or purple or whatever color you want is a piece of cake. Don't get hung up on the color of the spring.

Alright, let me call the distributor in the UK then. Let's see what they exactly offer.
Do you have a Penske shock in your current street bike?

[junior varsity]

Yep. Penske 8983 on my Monster 900. Remote reservoir mounted on frame member. I'm in the US, so I went with Traxxion Dynamics to get set up, and they weren't too far from where I was living at the time. I weigh a good bit, so I also had a torrington bearing installed in the midst of the spring/preload collars so it was easier to adjust.

[kocheroni]

I was talking about this shock with the Ohlins rep at the bike show in NYC yesterday.  It seems like a nice setup (space being so tight).  What general or specific benefits are you looking for over stock Ohlins on the 1100S (which obviously has no reservoir)?  I am new to the nuances of shocks.

I am having a SHOWA shock. This particular Ohlins shock is really cool, like the concept very much because you wouldn't have a remote reservoir.  Unfortunately doesn't fit the stock exhaust system.

[junior varsity]

Remote reservoir, either remote or piggyback functions better than a reservoir-less shock. Sure it stinks to find a place to put it if room is limited, but the damping ability is superior.