Life expectancy of suspension?

[Dragon]

Hey all

My gsx250 has just hit 56XXXkm and with the service history I have the front forks and rear shock have never been replaced or worked on etc that I can tell

I haven't seem any leaks however

Just wondering how long they last for and if I'm due for a replacement set?

Also an idea of cost would be great

Reason I ask is I went for a group ride yesterday and it was noticed that even when I get everything right into the corner

Speed/line/braking etc I don't get around as well as I should and am having issue leaning the bike as the rear end feels like its skipping

My ride on bad roads seems to feel like the shocks are not working properly either

Ive noticed this more since I got a new front tyre

[Rhys]

Get them serviced !

Many shocks are serviceable, replace the oil and seals and they will be good to go

[Dragon]

Yeah Bikes being serviced at the end of the month (10000km service)

So I will get them looked at/checked then might get them reset to suit my riding style

Had the guys at Wellington Motorcycles on the phone tell me that the suspension setup is pretty bad on the late model gsx250

Possibly because there a learner sport bike and Im possibly riding it alittle hard or not quite right

Who knows will hopefully get it sorted asap as I dont like having the rear end skip on me

Also had sugguested that I try changing my tyre pressures to see if that makes a difference

[Gremlin]

Get them serviced !

Many shocks are serviceable, replace the oil and seals and they will be good to go

What he said. Ask your usual dealer that services the bike if they are able to do so, and yes, usually they can be serviced. Fresh oil can really do wonders.

The life of suspension varies on the suspension itself, and often bikes get skimped on when suspension is configured in the factory. Ohlins recommends 30,000km service intervals for their suspension, as do WP I think. I noticed my OEM suspension in my BMW wasn't itself by 60,000km, and while it still performed it wasn't as good.

[Hitcher]

The OEM rear suspension on my FJR1300 was completely munted after 28,000km. My Shiver had leaking front fork seals after 34,000km.

Suspension works really hard, things wear and oil gets tired. If you're a motorcyclist who actually gets out and rides, then get your suspenders regularly serviced.

[SuperSonic]

Hey all

My gsx250 has just hit 56XXXkm and with the service history I have the front forks and rear shock have never been replaced or worked on etc that I can tell

I haven't seem any leaks however

Just wondering how long they last for and if I'm due for a replacement set?

Also an idea of cost would be great

Reason I ask is I went for a group ride yesterday and it was noticed that even when I get everything right into the corner

Speed/line/braking etc I don't get around as well as I should and am having issue leaning the bike as the rear end feels like its skipping

My ride on bad roads seems to feel like the shocks are not working properly either

Ive noticed this more since I got a new front tyre

Hey dragon

May I suggest coming along to this and learn alot about your bikes suspension, like the other two above gremlin and Hitcher both great people and very knowledgeable in riding get your suspension new oil at least. And this wicked man from USA will help you understand things much better.

Red Baron has a seminar on 14 and 15 feb and cost is $50 per person so get in touch with Stewart their and book a spot.

[Katman]

Possibly because there a learner sport bike and Im possibly riding it alittle hard or not quite right

Slow down Rossi.

[FJRider]

Slow down Rossi.

I've always thought the words learner and sportsbike in the same sentence ... are a contradiction in terms.

In less than two weeks riding ... he tells us he's riding hard

[Subike]

I've always thought the words learner and sportsbike in the same sentence ... are a contradiction in terms.

In less than two weeks riding ... he tells us he's riding hard

another Grantman in the making
maybe he should read this thread,
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...light=grantman

[FJRider]

another Grantman in the making
maybe he should read this thread,
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...light=grantman

In the making ... ??? I would think he would believe Grantman is still a NOOB ...

[Robert Taylor]

Hey all

My gsx250 has just hit 56XXXkm and with the service history I have the front forks and rear shock have never been replaced or worked on etc that I can tell

I haven't seem any leaks however

Just wondering how long they last for and if I'm due for a replacement set?

Also an idea of cost would be great

Reason I ask is I went for a group ride yesterday and it was noticed that even when I get everything right into the corner

Speed/line/braking etc I don't get around as well as I should and am having issue leaning the bike as the rear end feels like its skipping

My ride on bad roads seems to feel like the shocks are not working properly either

Ive noticed this more since I got a new front tyre

Likely this will be a sealed for life non rebuidable shock so essentially it will then be a throwaway item.

As a basis of comparison on a typical motocross track the suspension undergoes at least 17,000 cycles EVERY SINGLE LAP. While the surfaces are less severe on road no road is completely smooth so the suspension is moving all the time. Considering that many rear shocks may have a fluid capacity as little as 100 to 150mls its amazing that they dont turn to toast a lot more readily.
The damping fluid is also a lubricant and there will be wear particles, especially inside front forks. In an ideal world the suspension should be serviced at first service and regularly thereafter

[Dragon]

In the making ... ??? I would think he would believe Grantman is still a NOOB ...

I read the thread I'm nothing like that

Also I'm not going that fast ffs and I've ridden before its just been a few years but guess what its like a bike you never forget

I will look into going to the seminar however it is quite out of my way

I'm happy to listen and take on what people say and I'm willing to take critsims and feedback on board but I am sick of people assuming they know everything about me or comparing me to someone else without even meeting me

I apologize if I'm coming across wrong and I don't mean to have a bad tone