K1100LT... Which Shock to buy???

[K1100LT_AllDayLong]

My shock is blown, i have a WERKS shock on my '93 K1100LT.
Someone at the dealerships suggested the Progressive 420 shock, but could not find it in their inventory, and only found the 1"LOWER version online.
Somone also mentioned the Ohlins, but the price tag is much larger!

So my questions:
1. should I attempt a rebuild, if I can, of my WERKS shock?
2. Should I go with the 1" lower Progressive 420? What's the performance difference?
3. Ohlins, is it worth the price tag?
4. Should I be doing ANY of this work myself?
5. What is the speed of an unladen swallow?

Thanks for any input on this!

TLD

[Steve_R]

Are the "Werks" shocks rebuildable? If it were me and I was happy with them, that's what I would do.

[Ted Shred]

My shock is blown, i have a WERKS shock on my '93 K1100LT.
Someone at the dealerships suggested the Progressive 420 shock, but could not find it in their inventory, and only found the 1"LOWER version online.
Somone also mentioned the Ohlins, but the price tag is much larger!

So my questions:
1. should I attempt a rebuild, if I can, of my WERKS shock?
2. Should I go with the 1" lower Progressive 420? What's the performance difference?
3. Ohlins, is it worth the price tag?
4. Should I be doing ANY of this work myself?
5. What is the speed of an unladen swallow?

Thanks for any input on this!

TLD

If you're happy with the "WERKS" then have it rebuilt. That would be the most cost effective.

I don't know how much difference changing just the rear shock to an Ohlins would do for an 1100...

Changing front and rear on my 12GS and my 12LT was HUGE and worth every penny.

What ever you decide to do with the rear, I would change out the front spings on the bike...

[K1100LT_AllDayLong]

First of all, HOW do I rebuild the WERKS? Ideas on Kits?
or should i send it out to be rebuilt.
And if I do it that way, how long will by bike be down? I ride year round (Like you're supposed to! ;-) )

Also, replacing the front. i assume you mean to replace the Front springs.
So, perhaps I need an explanation of what difference it makes just to replace the blown rear shock versus replacing said blown shock AND the front springs?
And if there is a huge difference, suggestions on front springs?

Thanks, greatly appreciated.

[Ted Shred]

First of all, HOW do I rebuild the WERKS? Ideas on Kits?
or should i send it out to be rebuilt.
And if I do it that way, how long will by bike be down? I ride year round (Like you're supposed to! ;-) )

Also, replacing the front. i assume you mean to replace the Front springs.
So, perhaps I need an explanation of what difference it makes just to replace the blown rear shock versus replacing said blown shock AND the front springs?
And if there is a huge difference, suggestions on front springs?

Thanks, greatly appreciated.

Springs wear out. The front springs are probably the originals. Also, most OEM springs are set up for light riders (160-170lbs) they are too soft for many people.

I would have the rear rebuilt by someone that knows what they are doing and they will also be able to suggest proper springs for the front end.

Call Dan Kyle at Kyle racing. He is an Ohlins dealer and REALLY know his stuff. If he can't help you he may be able to suggest someone who can...

http://www.kyleusa.com/Home_Page.php

[K1100LT_AllDayLong]

Thanks for the info!

I am a pretty heavy rider, at least compared to the last owner of the bike.
took him 12 years to do 24K miles .
I did 28,600 last year alone.
(russell seat, BIG HELP!!)

[Dick]

Thanks for the info!

I am a pretty heavy rider, at least compared to the last owner of the bike.
took him 12 years to do 24K miles .
I did 28,600 last year alone.
(russell seat, BIG HELP!!)
Toby - check your PM inbox for some info on 1100LT shock experience. And welcome to the forums too - glad you're aboard.

[K1100LT_AllDayLong]

Thanks for the advice!

I just called WORKS Performance:

WORKS Performance

818.701.1010

21045 Osborne Street

Canoga Park, CA 91304

www.worksperformance.com


Talked to them about rebuilding my current shock, turns out they can rebuild it, do a little customization to make it stiffer, softer, even Longer back to factory length (previous owner put on a short shock due to his height).

Turns out it will cost me UNDER $100 for them just to do a standard rebuild.

And it will take 2 weeks to do, since I'll be away on business for the next two weeks, perfect timing! (Would take my bike to TX, but not enough time for a NICE bike trip)

This is a MUCH better alternative, price-wise, then picking up a brand new shock. And much more direct than I was originally thinking.

So, tonight, looks like I'll be dismantling the bike!

Based on the advice here, I'll be looking at redoing the front springs as well, a whole new adventure.
I'll check with Works to see what their options are.

Thanks again!

[K1100LT_AllDayLong]

Just finished taking off the Shock, took me less than 45 minutes... took more time to take the pictures!
I will attach pictures.

1. To prepare put K1100LT on Center Stand. (If not experienced, get help to steady bike... or if tired, like me, get someone to keep you from almost dropping the bloody thing).

2. You'll need a Size 8 Long Allen Wrench and a 19MM Open (Box end) wrench as well as a 6mm socket for the nitrogen canister. you can also get by with a screw driver.

3. Bottom 19mm bolt is easiest to remove first.

4. For top use the Box end wrench 19mm to hold the back nut, and the long 8mm Allen to loosen from the front/visible side. May need some extra leverage to break the initial seal.

5. After that both slide out very easily, be sure to be mindful of the three washers and the 4 internal "spacers" on both upper and lower shock eyelets.

6. Use the 6mm bit or socket to loosen the circular clamps around the nitrogen canister.

VOILA!
Pack up and send to company to rebuild... or replace with new shock!
Easier than working on my 5-series!!