RXS100 Shocks

[UnspeedySam]

I haven't posted here in far too long, but I've been extremely busy over the summer, and the bike spent most of it in the garage However I've recently sorted out my leaky forks and the bike flew through it's MOT.

The only thing that the very nice (and cheap) local mechanic said to me was that the left rear shock is leaking, so he had to wipe off the oil to get it through the MOT.

I've read that GT185 shocks might be an idea, and I've found some on ebay. However I've no idea what to look for with shocks and if those are likely to be leaky. I'm also open to suggestions about a way to repair my existing shock.

Thanks Again

edit: Another thing I need to get hold of at some point is a new front brake cable adjuster (the one at the wheel hub). The one I have is mangled and snapped in two, but still pretty much works...

Here's an out of focus pic of my bike, ready for my trip from Essex to Southampton tomorrow. https://twitpic.com/2q2ia6
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Riding: BMW R1150RT `02 bought mildly crashed
Fixing: Also the BMW as I get less broken bits
Gone: ZZR600 '00, TRX850 '97, RXS100 '93, JS125-6B '07, BMW R1100RS '93, Kawasaki ZX-6R-J2 '01, Honda Bros NT400 NC25 '88

[27cows]

The GT185 shocks are sealed units. I guess it's possible that they could (and do eventually) leak but mine never have. They've been on the bike since 1995 and have survived something like 200,000 miles and 30-odd winters (they were off a 1976 bike, I think).

https://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc223/Funkdooby_album/4884992521_5a8949fc82_o.jpg

Mine were part chromed once but have got about 20 coats of black paint on them now. Every winter the rust comes through, and I just attack them with a wire brush and slap a fresh coat on

You can't repair the original shocks. Well, theoretically I guess you could, but they're easy to come by (though not recommended - they're crap ).

Front brake adjusters are ten a penny. Any breaker should have plenty knocking about as numerous bikes use the same ones, but be careful - some RXS100s have big nipples, others smaller nipples. It's a good idea to have brake and clutch adjusters in both sizes.

You downpipe has got the plague
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The RXS100: vehicle of choice for Chuck Norris

[UnspeedySam]

[27cows]

I bought a whole GT185 just for the shocks It turned out to be a wise move as they've just gone on and on. I used to go through standard shocks every few thousand miles. They couldn't withstand the constant battering of potholes.
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The RXS100: vehicle of choice for Chuck Norris

[UnspeedySam]

Ok then. 35 year old shocks it is! No doubt your insane tips will prove to be useful once again
____________________
Riding: BMW R1150RT `02 bought mildly crashed
Fixing: Also the BMW as I get less broken bits
Gone: ZZR600 '00, TRX850 '97, RXS100 '93, JS125-6B '07, BMW R1100RS '93, Kawasaki ZX-6R-J2 '01, Honda Bros NT400 NC25 '88

[evoboy]

What length and fitment are the shocks?

I bolted a set of CBF125 shocks to my X7, theres plenty that might fit the RXS.
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Suzuki GT250 x7------- Fazer 600------CB250RS------Aprilia Rally 70----- Bandit 600

APT Motorcycles

[UnspeedySam]

I found a pair of GT185 shocks for £15 including shipping so I went ahead and bought them. According to wemoto the RXS original ones are 330mm with a 12mm top eye and 10mm bottom eye.
____________________
Riding: BMW R1150RT `02 bought mildly crashed
Fixing: Also the BMW as I get less broken bits
Gone: ZZR600 '00, TRX850 '97, RXS100 '93, JS125-6B '07, BMW R1100RS '93, Kawasaki ZX-6R-J2 '01, Honda Bros NT400 NC25 '88

[UnspeedySam]

I've got on of the shocks but not the other, but the seller was very apologetic and said he'll get the other sent soon. The only thing is, that they say Marzocchi on them, so I guess they're not original Suzuki ones. Is there any way of finding out if they're any good, short of putting them on the bike and blasting over some speed bumps?

Photo attached.
____________________
Riding: BMW R1150RT `02 bought mildly crashed
Fixing: Also the BMW as I get less broken bits
Gone: ZZR600 '00, TRX850 '97, RXS100 '93, JS125-6B '07, BMW R1100RS '93, Kawasaki ZX-6R-J2 '01, Honda Bros NT400 NC25 '88

[27cows]

The seller is a pillock

Clearly these (erm...this) aren't standard 185 shocks. For a start, the damper rod is exposed, not sealed as per the original Suzuki items.

They should work OK on the RXS, but clearly the item he's sent isn't what was advertised.
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The RXS100: vehicle of choice for Chuck Norris

[UnspeedySam]

There wasn't much of a description to be incorrect, and the guy is supposedly a pro bike breaker. I think I'm happy for £15 if they work properly and don't leak. Marzocchi seem to have a pretty good name, although I can't find a model number to research them.
____________________
Riding: BMW R1150RT `02 bought mildly crashed
Fixing: Also the BMW as I get less broken bits
Gone: ZZR600 '00, TRX850 '97, RXS100 '93, JS125-6B '07, BMW R1100RS '93, Kawasaki ZX-6R-J2 '01, Honda Bros NT400 NC25 '88

[UnspeedySam]

Although you're probably bored of this thread by now, I need to vent my anger somewhere The guy sent me another shock, but it's completely different to the first. It's not branded, in a bit of a state and is also not an original Suzuki part...

Trying to get him to give me a refund or send me a second Marzocchi.
____________________
Riding: BMW R1150RT `02 bought mildly crashed
Fixing: Also the BMW as I get less broken bits
Gone: ZZR600 '00, TRX850 '97, RXS100 '93, JS125-6B '07, BMW R1100RS '93, Kawasaki ZX-6R-J2 '01, Honda Bros NT400 NC25 '88

[27cows]

I told you he was a pillock
____________________
The RXS100: vehicle of choice for Chuck Norris

[UnspeedySam]

Sent them back after he agreed to refund me. I'll go round the local breakers when I have a free minute soon. Although I have no idea which of the many shocks that will fit an RXS will be any good.
____________________
Riding: BMW R1150RT `02 bought mildly crashed
Fixing: Also the BMW as I get less broken bits
Gone: ZZR600 '00, TRX850 '97, RXS100 '93, JS125-6B '07, BMW R1100RS '93, Kawasaki ZX-6R-J2 '01, Honda Bros NT400 NC25 '88

[UnspeedySam]

I had a search around ebay and found a set of Suzuki '05 EN125 shocks which look to be a perfect fit, and are sealed units. At the very worst I'll have to buy some different bushes to make them fit. They were cheap, so I went for it! This time there are actually pictures...so I know what I'm getting.
____________________
Riding: BMW R1150RT `02 bought mildly crashed
Fixing: Also the BMW as I get less broken bits
Gone: ZZR600 '00, TRX850 '97, RXS100 '93, JS125-6B '07, BMW R1100RS '93, Kawasaki ZX-6R-J2 '01, Honda Bros NT400 NC25 '88

[27cows]

EN shocks would very likely be fine. It's a similar weight to the RXS.
____________________
The RXS100: vehicle of choice for Chuck Norris

[UnspeedySam]

Thanks for your reassurance. That was my thinking too. Suzuki suspension parts seem to be pretty solid.
____________________
Riding: BMW R1150RT `02 bought mildly crashed
Fixing: Also the BMW as I get less broken bits
Gone: ZZR600 '00, TRX850 '97, RXS100 '93, JS125-6B '07, BMW R1100RS '93, Kawasaki ZX-6R-J2 '01, Honda Bros NT400 NC25 '88

[27cows]

I've used GS125 stanchions in the past - the chrome is much better and the fork tops can be unscrewed with a socket. I only put the originals back on when I had a mad spell of trying to make the old fossil as standard as possible. No idea why
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The RXS100: vehicle of choice for Chuck Norris

[UnspeedySam]

While I can see the merit of keeping a bike standard, I'd much rather have it handle better. I only kept the front end standard because I found some pretty good bits for very little cash. I might consider upgrading the front end as part of the 'restoration' I plan on doing when I have a second bike after passing my test.
____________________
Riding: BMW R1150RT `02 bought mildly crashed
Fixing: Also the BMW as I get less broken bits
Gone: ZZR600 '00, TRX850 '97, RXS100 '93, JS125-6B '07, BMW R1100RS '93, Kawasaki ZX-6R-J2 '01, Honda Bros NT400 NC25 '88

[27cows]

I was worried about my old relic becoming a 'Trigger's broom' It's now about 70% original - it'll be 90+% once this motor finally carks it and I put the rebuilt original back in. But after 109,700 miles the bloody thing just goes on and on. This one was definitely hand built by Chuck Norris
____________________
The RXS100: vehicle of choice for Chuck Norris

[UnspeedySam]

I'm assuming that's not 109k on the original bore? What have you done to it to keep it running that long!?

I've done nearly 4k on mine now and I haven't touched the engine except an oil change and a fresh spark plug. The only imminent issue is the exhaust which despite my best efforts is rusting to bits...
____________________
Riding: BMW R1150RT `02 bought mildly crashed
Fixing: Also the BMW as I get less broken bits
Gone: ZZR600 '00, TRX850 '97, RXS100 '93, JS125-6B '07, BMW R1100RS '93, Kawasaki ZX-6R-J2 '01, Honda Bros NT400 NC25 '88

[27cows]

[UnspeedySam]

Do you ride around at 4k RPM all the time or something? I spend almost all of my life above 6k although I don't thrash it all that often, and never from cold.
____________________
Riding: BMW R1150RT `02 bought mildly crashed
Fixing: Also the BMW as I get less broken bits
Gone: ZZR600 '00, TRX850 '97, RXS100 '93, JS125-6B '07, BMW R1100RS '93, Kawasaki ZX-6R-J2 '01, Honda Bros NT400 NC25 '88

[27cows]

I find that riding long distances at highish revs is the recipe for a long life from a stroker. It's constant stop starting over short distances that kills motors quicker than anything.
____________________
The RXS100: vehicle of choice for Chuck Norris

[UnspeedySam]

I can finally conclude this thread. The EN125 shocks arrived and are in really good condition. I cleaned them and gave them a going over with autosol so now they really shine

Getting the old rubber gromets out of the new shocks to replace them with the RXS ones took me rather a lot of hours, as almost nothing would get out the metal bushes.

More to the point, they're MUCH harder than my RXS shocks. Whether this is because they were leaking a bit or just crap I don't know. Either way, the bike handles massively better now, even if going over potholes does hurt a lot more
____________________
Riding: BMW R1150RT `02 bought mildly crashed
Fixing: Also the BMW as I get less broken bits
Gone: ZZR600 '00, TRX850 '97, RXS100 '93, JS125-6B '07, BMW R1100RS '93, Kawasaki ZX-6R-J2 '01, Honda Bros NT400 NC25 '88

[27cows]

The original shocks are OK when they're not leaking, if you whack the adjustment up to five. But they frequently do leak, which is partly why a lot of RXSs wobble around a lot
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The RXS100: vehicle of choice for Chuck Norris