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2002 Gen1 Shock Replacement?

Kel

Kel

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My new-to-me Gen1 has been leaking fluid since I bought it. The ride has been getting bouncy to the point it feels unsafe to ride. Been looking around online for replacement options. From what I've read in other threads it seems like y'all have had success with using 2014 BMW RR or R6 shocks, but I don't seem to have much luck finding reasonably priced options online. Curious to hear where y'all have grabbed your replacements from and your replacement process. Any advice is appreciated, thanks!
 
There’s several on ebay for less than $200. How much do you want to pay? The old days when you could pick up one for around $50 are probably over. It is a great alternative to stock Gen 1.
 
Isleoman said:
There’s several on ebay for less than $200. How much do you want to pay? The old days when you could pick up one for around $50 are probably over. It is a great alternative to stock Gen 1.
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Looking at these listings for the BMW shocks; saw a few cheaper sourced outside the US, but tariff fees would spike the cost:
US $145.00
US $185.00
US $253.00
Whereas alot of the OEM ones are being sold sub $100 in decent visual condition, and some clapped out looking ones sub $50
OEM Shocks

Summary:
The BMW shocks look significantly less scuffed up, but the OEM are a lot cheaper and seem like less stress to install & just replace. Only suspension work I've done before is fork oil change on my other motorcycle, so replacing with OEM seems less daunting since I've got no experience with shocks. Again I've got no experience with these, so I have no idea how to judge just by the listings photos beyond comparing them to how bad & leaky mine look.
 
Personally I would rule out oem as a replacement. Not even the same league as the BMW. The BMW made by Sachs is more comparable to a Penske or Ohlins than an original Gen 1 OEM, and any OEM is a decade older.

I love my Penske but my BMW shock is a very close second…. On a pure cost to performance basis the BMW wins in my book. I have two Gen 1s.

If you ride two up or weigh more than 190 there’s evern more incentive to get the BMW.
 
I put a Penske shock on mine years ago and removed the R6 that was on there when I bought the bike. It might still be lying around here somewhere. I'll look around and get back.
 
Is the BMW 1000rr shock an exact fit for a GEN 1 FZ1? Is it just a 1-for-1 swap or is there some modification involved? Would any aftermarket shock made for the BMW also work for a GEN 1 FZ1? Thanks in advance for any help.
 
WRFF said:
Is the BMW 1000rr shock an exact fit for a GEN 1 FZ1? Is it just a 1-for-1 swap or is there some modification involved? Would any aftermarket shock made for the BMW also work for a GEN 1 FZ1? Thanks in advance for any help.
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Top mounting hole needs to be drilled out to larger dia.. You then need to decide if the rear has been lifted too much for your liking. If you find it’s too high you can change the dogbones to bring it back to stock.

I have a 30” inseam and didn’t find it too high. I like the raised rear from a handling stand point.

Don’t forget to consider the R6 shock option. There’s a post from the guy who came up with this idea with more detailed instructions. see https://998cc.org/threads/a-different-shock-upgrade-for-the-gen1.14627/
 
Isleoman said:
Top mounting hole needs to be drilled out to larger dia.. You then need to decide if the rear has been lifted too much for your liking. If you find it’s too high you can change the dogbones to bring it back to stock.

I have a 30” inseam and didn’t find it too high. I like the raised rear from a handling stand point.

Don’t forget to consider the R6 shock option. There’s a post from the guy who came up with this idea with more detailed instructions. see https://998cc.org/threads/a-different-shock-upgrade-for-the-gen1.14627/
Click to expand...
Thank you.
 
Hello WRFF:
I am that guy that started the R6R shock conversions, fifteen years ago for gen. 1's.

I have sold over a hundred of them on the old FZ1 O.A., and one here. They work well on our bikes.

You can give me a shout on 831 332-9458, and we can talk about what you need. I am located in central Ca., and am home every evening.

Have a great day.

Dean L. Dinnetz
 
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