I Need The Shocking Truth About Shocks

[Boxer]

The MAX BMW parts fiche lists two different parts numbers and prices for the front shock.

31427650047-costing $368
31427689856-costing $250
Does anyone know what the difference is on these two standard shocks?

Also, can the rear BMW shock be rebuilt?

The rear BMW adjustable shock is...If I remember?...around $650

Works Performance shocks are right at $1000 for both
Ohlins come in at about $150 more. Both of these can be rebuilt apparently.

[beemerphile]

A&S Cycle shows the ..856 shock replacing the ..047 shock after August 2004. Kind of unusual that the newer one is cheaper unless they have downgraded the item. If you are buying shocks, be sure to check out Wilbers. - Lee

[R4R&R]

Phil,
Let me know your endeavors on shock shopping. I'll probably replace mine sometime this year and it would be great to learn from your experience.

[wncbmw]

I can't help you with the stock shock questions. But I hope to soon tell you how much better the Ohlin is, since I have one on order from a local friend/dealer!

[beemer-biker]

I was under the impression that the stock ones are rebuildable. I was lucky enought to have Ohlins on the bike when I bought it, thank you previous owner!!
Don't know about the two part nos. you have tho.

[KHaynes]

All shocks can be rebuilt but some of them, the OEM shocks for example, are not cost efficient to service in this way.

[Pat]

The factory shocks can in fact be 'converted' into "rebuildable"....... don't waste your money though, use it instead to apply toward better shocks.

Works Performance makes a very decent product, and you can deal with them over the phone. Kind of a personal touch. After you log thousands of miles on 'em, score the moving parts with particulate you never washed away, or exhaust them with tons-o-camping gear over rough roads, Works can rebuild them. Nice.

Ohlins has a reputation that precedes them..... racing. Buy them, and you might find them rough or too stiff. Ohlins will swap out the spring one time at no additional charge. They are a quality shock that you can take to a suspension specialist to have re-valved for YOUR particular needs/bike. It's quality stuff that a trained mechanic can tailor for you, be it for monthly Track Days or annual Iron Butt adventure.

Never would it be more true when talking shocks, that to say that you get what you pay for. You can buy a cheap fix for 'cheap', you can buy shocks good enough for a season or two before you sell the bike, or you can spend a little more money in keeping with the craftsmanship of the rest of your bike. Are you cheap, just passing through, or true to the spirit of a superb road machine? Your shocks will speak volumes about you.

[ferroknight]

Brought stock rear shock to Jim Lindemann in Campbell, CA. I didn't like the soft-ish feel and low preload/ride height, so he revalved and installed a 1300 lb spring and converted to nitrogen charged with Schrader valve on shock body.

Then I replaced rubber line from preload reservoir to shock body with steel braided hose. This was a daunting task because the BMW banjo fittings are 8mm, while everyone else is 10 mm. I had Jay at American Streetrod custom weld two 8mm x #4 using my standard fittings.

Since the reservoir is so close to the cat, the hose is sheathed in high-temp wrap.

[Beemeridian]

765

[ferroknight]

I've read on this board in the past that the stock shock should provide between 12,000 and 18,000 miles of sevice.