Evo 1100 rear shock - possible upgrade?

bigredduke · 13-01-2021, 12:42 PM

I know there are several members who have upgraded the rear shock, I have read the threads.
Here is my situation: I probably ride around 1,500 miles each year unless I take the bike to France or Italy on holiday (in a trailer). I don't do track days, I'm not a knee-down merchant but I enjoy a brisk ride from time to time. The bike is a dry weather indulgence & as I am now retired I don't commute. I doubt I will change the bike anytime soon. Most of the time I ride alone but occasionally one of my daughters will ride pillion. I find the bike handles well enough most of the time for me apart from on poor road surfaces when it can be a bit jarring.

I realise a decent upgrade will cost around £800 - £1000.

Is it worth me upgrading the rear shock or would it be like giving a pig a strawberry?

All opinions welcome even of the "FFS you're old & fat & slow, what's the point" variety

Mr Gazza · 13-01-2021, 12:51 PM

You might as well trade it in for a push bike, I know people who cycle higher mileages than that annually. (like the bloke who bought a new bike every year as he did 10,000 miles a year.)

Only joking Paul..

Why have cotton when you can have silk.. Get the shock.

.. And what have you got against pigs?..

Luddite · 13-01-2021, 01:17 PM

Improving the rear shock is definitely money well spent although, to fully benefit, it should be coupled with a fork upgrade too as a better shock will highlight how bad the forks really are!

Have you had a look here, where I set out the changes I've made?

http://www.ukmonster.co.uk/monster/s...ad.php?t=56541

I think the main culprit with the rear is the standard progressive spring rather than the shock itself so, if you want a really cheap upgrade, you could try just changing the spring to an Öhlins tailored to your weight, which is a straight swap and is only about £80.

The recommended Öhlins shock is the DU737, (which is effectively the same as fitted to the 1100S but with a softer spring). They can be had for under £500 and offer rebound and preload adjustment.

If you want something fancier, then there's the Öhlins DU432, which has rebound, compression and preload adjustment plus a remote reservoir. It's actually only listed for the 795, (which was an Asia only model), but it is available via the internet and would still be under your £800 estimate.

To be honest, when I swapped from standard to the DU737, I noticed a marked improvement but the difference between the DU737 and DU432 was less obvious (but I do like the look of it!).

If you do go down the Öhlins route, make sure you also get a spring that's suited to your weight and riding style - the springs on both the DU737 and DU432 were too firm for me (115N/mm) and so I fitted softer ones (105N/mm). Some suppliers will allow you to order the shock with your preferred spring rather than buying it separately, so that can save some cash.

Chris.p fitted a Wilbers shock to his Evo and really rates it and Flip has good things to say about Nitron. I think, in both cases, you get more features for less money than with the Öhlins. I think Omar has just got a fancy Maxton for his Evo, but I don't think he's properly road tested it yet.

Ron1000 · 13-01-2021, 01:41 PM

I’ve got the DU737 on mine. It came with it fitted tho so no frame of reference to before and after type thing. Handles well enough tho.

Nitron are excellent too, I run one on my track bike, no issues.

One of my mates got a mupo rear on his track bike, he really rates them.

Which ever one you get. It’ll be best going to a suspension guy just to tweak it to suit you.

slob · 13-01-2021, 01:56 PM

If it makes your ride more enjoyable and you can afford it, go for it!
As others have said something higher quality, properly set up will feel loads better.
I love having remote preload adjustment, since it makes adjustments for regular pilion touring and track riding a doddle, but is probably overkill in your case.

stopintime · 13-01-2021, 02:27 PM

Please, do it - do it - do it.

However: a very big +1 on the fork at the same time. Harmony is important.

Very little compares to a smooth and steady suspension. Comfortable all the time and enjoyable when you want = confidence.

utopia · 13-01-2021, 02:14 PM

Purely from the point of view of occasionally carrying a pillion, I would definitely recommend fitting a rear shock that has a remote/hydraulic preload adjuster.
I fitted a Nitron (with remote preload adjuster) to my 750 years ago and to be perfectly honest I haven't noticed any great difference in the way the bike performs solo under normal conditions.
However the ability to increase the rear preload easily and quickly has made a world of difference to the way the bike handles when laden with either a pillion or a significant amount of luggage (eg full camping kit for the TT last year).
In my opinion a rear preload adjuster is essential on any bike used in this way. Without it you end up riding a bike which (when two-up or laden) steers as slowly as a chopper (due to the reduced steering head angle) and risks bottoming out at the rear.
... unless of course you're prepared to get the c-spanner out and laboriously adjust the preload by hand ... and then adjust it back again afterwards ... skinning your knuckles each time. I'm guessing you wouldn't bother.

In fairness, for solo riding the limiting factor on my bike is probably the particularly harsh compression damping on the front suspension, and this probably masks the effect of the rear shock.
For solo riding I reckon my bike would have benefited much more from an upgrade at the front by the likes of Maxton.
Dunno what the forks are like on the 1100.

Luddite · 13-01-2021, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by utopia

Dunno what the forks are like on the 1100.

Don't worry, utopia, you've not missed anything!

Darren69 · 13-01-2021, 03:38 PM

The remote pre-load adjuster is a great thing to have and very handy if you do touring with luggage or pillion use but if you're looking at a s/hand Ohlins however then budget for a complete strip service and rebuild with a re-spring for your weight. Mine was a good buy but it was sprung for a 10st Desmodue racer and so I needed the pre-load added to make it ok for me for solo use and now the pre-load adjuster had stopped working, so it needs a lot of remedial work. Which will most likely cost a small fortune.

The Nitron is supposedly a very good alternstive option, if you can live with either a turquoise or black spring?

Luddite · 13-01-2021, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darren69

...if you can live with either a turquoise or black spring?

Don't let spring colours put you off - Brook Suspension offer a postal powder coating service for springs for £30 (metallic gold, anyone

).

Darren69 · 13-01-2021, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luddite

Don't let spring colours put you off - Brook Suspension offer a postal powder coating service for springs for £30 (metallic gold, anyone

).

Yea, easy to sort I suppose, it's just more of a faff, but still cheaper than a new Ohlins. Just where the hell did turquoise come from though? Like that's a common colour for bike parts to be.

NITRON: - Please give the spring colour as an option by all means and offer the main primary colours, that I could understand. Why not pink or brown too, they're equally unsuitable for most applications?

slob · 13-01-2021, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darren69

... Just where the hell did turquoise come from though? Like that's a common colour for bike parts to be ... Please give the spring colour as an option ...

I think that's exactly the point, you immediately know it's Nitron.

Ti-Black is an FOC option

Blah blah · 13-01-2021, 04:12 PM

I do less miles than you and have changed my shock and forks... definitely worth it.

Alternatively, have you considered just getting what you have set up by someone? I don't know how adjustable the 1100 is

boris · 13-01-2021, 06:42 PM

Definitely Plus 1 for the Nitron, a substantial improvement to the ride quality. Quite a weight saving too..

freeimagehost

post image forums

I quite like the turquoise, but it just wouldn't blend in with my virtually black EVO

makemdan · 13-01-2021, 09:45 PM

I've had my forks revalved and reprung by a local Ktech specialist who intended to revalve the shock as well. When he dismantled the shock he couldn't source the appropriate kit so he used a heavier oil and fitted an ohlins linear spring to match my weight. The bike feels totally different but until the weather improves I won't be able to test properly. I would have gone down the Nitron path but felt the forks were the biggest let down and as the job was expensive I couldn't stretch to new shock as sell. The total cost for the shock was £150 including labour but if the change proves to be worthwhile and I decide to get a Nitron I might be able to recoup some of thiscost

13-01-2021, 12:42 PM	#1
bigredduke Nothing to see here Join Date: May 2005 Location: brough Bike: M1100evo Posts: 1,550	Evo 1100 rear shock - possible upgrade? I know there are several members who have upgraded the rear shock, I have read the threads. Here is my situation: I probably ride around 1,500 miles each year unless I take the bike to France or Italy on holiday (in a trailer). I don't do track days, I'm not a knee-down merchant but I enjoy a brisk ride from time to time. The bike is a dry weather indulgence & as I am now retired I don't commute. I doubt I will change the bike anytime soon. Most of the time I ride alone but occasionally one of my daughters will ride pillion. I find the bike handles well enough most of the time for me apart from on poor road surfaces when it can be a bit jarring. I realise a decent upgrade will cost around £800 - £1000. Is it worth me upgrading the rear shock or would it be like giving a pig a strawberry? All opinions welcome even of the "FFS you're old & fat & slow, what's the point" variety

13-01-2021, 12:51 PM	#2
Mr Gazza Lord of the Rings Join Date: May 2013 Location: Norwich Bike: M900sie Posts: 5,984	You might as well trade it in for a push bike, I know people who cycle higher mileages than that annually. (like the bloke who bought a new bike every year as he did 10,000 miles a year.) Only joking Paul.. Why have cotton when you can have silk.. Get the shock. .. And what have you got against pigs?.. __________________

13-01-2021, 03:38 PM	#9
Darren69 Transmaniacon MOC Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Sutton In Ashfield Bike: Multiple Monsters Posts: 6,095	The remote pre-load adjuster is a great thing to have and very handy if you do touring with luggage or pillion use but if you're looking at a s/hand Ohlins however then budget for a complete strip service and rebuild with a re-spring for your weight. Mine was a good buy but it was sprung for a 10st Desmodue racer and so I needed the pre-load added to make it ok for me for solo use and now the pre-load adjuster had stopped working, so it needs a lot of remedial work. Which will most likely cost a small fortune. The Nitron is supposedly a very good alternstive option, if you can live with either a turquoise or black spring? __________________ Roast Beef Monster! Termignoni and Bucci - Italian for pipe and slippers! S4 Fogarty, S4R 07T, 748, Series 1 Mirage

13-01-2021, 04:12 PM	#13
Blah blah Upsetting normal people.. Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Portreath Bike: S2r Posts: 833	I do less miles than you and have changed my shock and forks... definitely worth it. Alternatively, have you considered just getting what you have set up by someone? I don't know how adjustable the 1100 is __________________ Power is nothing without control... I have neither !

13-01-2021, 06:42 PM	#14
boris More Tools! Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Forres Bike: Multiple Monsters Posts: 297	Definitely Plus 1 for the Nitron, a substantial improvement to the ride quality. Quite a weight saving too.. freeimagehost post image forums I quite like the turquoise, but it just wouldn't blend in with my virtually black EVO __________________ Boris from Forres

13-01-2021, 01:17 PM	#3
Luddite Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Southampton Bike: M1100evo Posts: 2,465	Improving the rear shock is definitely money well spent although, to fully benefit, it should be coupled with a fork upgrade too as a better shock will highlight how bad the forks really are! Have you had a look here, where I set out the changes I've made? http://www.ukmonster.co.uk/monster/s...ad.php?t=56541 I think the main culprit with the rear is the standard progressive spring rather than the shock itself so, if you want a really cheap upgrade, you could try just changing the spring to an Öhlins tailored to your weight, which is a straight swap and is only about £80. The recommended Öhlins shock is the DU737, (which is effectively the same as fitted to the 1100S but with a softer spring). They can be had for under £500 and offer rebound and preload adjustment. If you want something fancier, then there's the Öhlins DU432, which has rebound, compression and preload adjustment plus a remote reservoir. It's actually only listed for the 795, (which was an Asia only model), but it is available via the internet and would still be under your £800 estimate. To be honest, when I swapped from standard to the DU737, I noticed a marked improvement but the difference between the DU737 and DU432 was less obvious (but I do like the look of it!). If you do go down the Öhlins route, make sure you also get a spring that's suited to your weight and riding style - the springs on both the DU737 and DU432 were too firm for me (115N/mm) and so I fitted softer ones (105N/mm). Some suppliers will allow you to order the shock with your preferred spring rather than buying it separately, so that can save some cash. Chris.p fitted a Wilbers shock to his Evo and really rates it and Flip has good things to say about Nitron. I think, in both cases, you get more features for less money than with the Öhlins. I think Omar has just got a fancy Maxton for his Evo, but I don't think he's properly road tested it yet.

13-01-2021, 01:41 PM	#4
Ron1000 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Livingston Bike: M1100evo Posts: 867	I’ve got the DU737 on mine. It came with it fitted tho so no frame of reference to before and after type thing. Handles well enough tho. Nitron are excellent too, I run one on my track bike, no issues. One of my mates got a mupo rear on his track bike, he really rates them. Which ever one you get. It’ll be best going to a suspension guy just to tweak it to suit you.

13-01-2021, 01:56 PM	#5
slob . Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: East London Bike: Multiple Monsters Posts: 9,736	If it makes your ride more enjoyable and you can afford it, go for it! As others have said something higher quality, properly set up will feel loads better. I love having remote preload adjustment, since it makes adjustments for regular pilion touring and track riding a doddle, but is probably overkill in your case.

13-01-2021, 02:27 PM	#6
stopintime Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Oslo Bike: S2r Posts: 453	Please, do it - do it - do it. However: a very big +1 on the fork at the same time. Harmony is important. Very little compares to a smooth and steady suspension. Comfortable all the time and enjoyable when you want = confidence.

13-01-2021, 02:14 PM	#7
utopia No turn left unstoned Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: leicester Bike: M750 Posts: 4,561	Purely from the point of view of occasionally carrying a pillion, I would definitely recommend fitting a rear shock that has a remote/hydraulic preload adjuster. I fitted a Nitron (with remote preload adjuster) to my 750 years ago and to be perfectly honest I haven't noticed any great difference in the way the bike performs solo under normal conditions. However the ability to increase the rear preload easily and quickly has made a world of difference to the way the bike handles when laden with either a pillion or a significant amount of luggage (eg full camping kit for the TT last year). In my opinion a rear preload adjuster is essential on any bike used in this way. Without it you end up riding a bike which (when two-up or laden) steers as slowly as a chopper (due to the reduced steering head angle) and risks bottoming out at the rear. ... unless of course you're prepared to get the c-spanner out and laboriously adjust the preload by hand ... and then adjust it back again afterwards ... skinning your knuckles each time. I'm guessing you wouldn't bother. In fairness, for solo riding the limiting factor on my bike is probably the particularly harsh compression damping on the front suspension, and this probably masks the effect of the rear shock. For solo riding I reckon my bike would have benefited much more from an upgrade at the front by the likes of Maxton. Dunno what the forks are like on the 1100.

13-01-2021, 09:45 PM	#15
makemdan Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: West Boldon Bike: M1100evo Posts: 55	I've had my forks revalved and reprung by a local Ktech specialist who intended to revalve the shock as well. When he dismantled the shock he couldn't source the appropriate kit so he used a heavier oil and fitted an ohlins linear spring to match my weight. The bike feels totally different but until the weather improves I won't be able to test properly. I would have gone down the Nitron path but felt the forks were the biggest let down and as the job was expensive I couldn't stretch to new shock as sell. The total cost for the shock was £150 including labour but if the change proves to be worthwhile and I decide to get a Nitron I might be able to recoup some of thiscost