Touratech Rear Shock
1993 BMW R100GS/PD - 64k miles, currently with WP Rear Shock (unknown service history), Continental TKC80 tires, Stock Shield with Laminar Lip
Noticed something disturbing as it pertains to Endeavour's handling during "high" speeds (passing a vehicle, for instance). The front end begins to feel light, and there is a noticeable wobble or weave that makes you think a tank slapper might occur, if speed is not decreased. This appears to occur around 73mph.
Once I back off to 65 mph the handling issues go away entirely. The Laminar Lip I installed did not help eliminate the excessive buffeting the bike experiences around tractor trailers, or on windy days. So, back to the drawing board. By a few threads I read online, my R100GS is not the only bike that is exhibiting this unstable behavior. For several folks, a rear shock replacement fixed the issue entirely. Since I have no history on the WP Shock currently installed, I decided to get an Ohlins, but then settled on the Touratech "Basic" offering, after Morgan from Touratech suggested that this could be a better option (also could be built that day, as opposed to a few weeks on the Ohlins). When ordering the Touratech Shock, I completed a questionnaire about my weight with riding gear, poss. weight I plan to have onboard when fully loaded for a trip, etc. The shock/spring is assembled given the results from the questionnaire.
The shock came yesterday, the fit and finish are first rate, looks and feels like a solid, well made product. Installation was straight forward, it did help to loosen the right rear passenger foot peg and the right luggage rack. I installed the shock and have yet to make the rebound - damping adjustments, I wanted to see how it felt right out of the box.
Went for a ride in similar setup as the day prior with the WP Shock, and I'm pleased to find the high speed wobble (or weave) is now gone. The wind buffeting still makes the bike feel slightly unstable in certain conditions. Overall the bike feels more nimble, yet much more settled at higher speeds. This weekend I'm going camping, looking forward how this bike performs loaded down a bit and for a bit of a longer ride. Morgan did suggest that I adjust the sag, which i will do tonight.
- Need to address the issue pictured below. Small weep from the brake lever seal, which sadly is covering the brake shoes.
UPDATE!
Went to the Golden Age Of Airhead Rally, Bethel, PA - loaded down with "standard" camping gear, stock BMW bags, no tail trunk. While passing a group of 8 Harley's that were "hogging up" the road (going just soo slow), the high speed weave is back, not when doing 80mph or so - YAY! What great timing too. I didn't look at the speedo to see the exact speed since I was passing and had other worries (like safely wedge myself into the Harley Clusterfvck). Tires are next, the TKC80's are coming off, will try some tires a bit more oriented to street usage.
Final Update. Highspeed Weave is now gone!