For those with upgraded suspension, how many miles before a rebuild / replacement is required / recommended?


Let us know what bike you have and what suspension you're running (front / rear) and how many miles you're getting out of it before the effectiveness diminishes...


I have the HD Premium Fork Cartridges / Hand Adjustable Shocks on the '09 SERG, at 27k miles on the suspension is as good as new, 2-up / loaded "Sport Touring"

 

I can't remember what Howard said as far as a shock oil change on the Ohlins, but I think it is around 40k miles.
In my MX days they would change oil in the shocks, and replace anything that needed replaced.

 

This may not be much help, but I DO know at 50k miles the stock front fork oil has to be changed out.

BTW, how do you like the upgrade to the HD Premium cartridge, was it worth it?


YB

 

Like most, I did the shocks first (cheaper, easier). Putting a good pair of shocks on made me realize that the front (on the '09)was really the weak link (soft, mushy, poor damping). The HD Cartridges (once settled in at 6-700 miles) transformed the bike. The difference was night & day! If I'd done the front first, I might still be running the OE shocks, in fact, I'm running the OE Shocks from the '09 on the '05 SEEG, the OE shocks on the '05 were beat down around 45-47k (which has a great front end from the factory ~ just changed the fork oil(heavier) at an early 50k service), handles / rides like a dream...

 

IIRC, I think he recommends 20K.

 

FHW,

Thanks for the info!

I really haven't done any upgrades in awhile on my ride, but that will be my next one in the near future. I have been focusing on another "Toy" and spending all my time & money on! (It's always something, lol)

How's that upgraded motor treating you?

Glad you still have your "Yellow" SE3!


YB

 

Cheaper brands of shocks aren't serviceable, so we can only throw them away once they wear out. Some brands and models of suspension units are rebuildable, so at suitable intervals they can be stripped and refreshed for a second life, etc. I have Ohlins shocks and I'm currently working on installing Ohlins fork cartridges, both of which are rebuildable.

So there are two answers to your question: routine service, such as fork oil changes; then longer term rebuilds to replace worn parts. Like engines, I suspect decent serviceable suspension units will work fine for several service lifetimes, before becoming so knackered they have to be thrown away. As for when that might be I suspect I won't live to find out!

One of our members has recently completed 200,000 miles on his '08 SG and I doubt if he had to do any more than change fork oil, not sure about his shocks. But with those sorts of mileages being possible I doubt if we have much to worry about! I've done just over half a million miles since I started riding (using many bikes!) and have only changed shocks a handful of times.

 

Strollin' right along...