Most motorcycle manufacturers install suspensions for riders with a body weight of approx. 75 kg. If you are heavier or lighter, you actually need a different spring.
How motorcycle manufacturers arrive at a rider weight of only 75 kg probably remains their secret. Above all, because in the markets where most of these machines are sold, there is unlikely to be a rider weighing 75 kg. Even a supermodel with a height of 175 cm and a only 50 kg body weight can achieve this value with protective clothing on a 'naked' bike (without additional equipment). On a weekend trip with protective clothing, motor protection, crash bars, pannier rack, suitcase and luggage, it would be easily over 100 kg. And who among us is a supermodel?
So for bigger adventures, you should definitely think about at least a new spring or - even better - a new rear shock.
In 2020, we opted for a rear shock from Touratech, as Wilbers and Ölhins did not have any shocks for a (factory) lowered F700 GS in their range. There was a Level 2 for the F700 GS and the High End for the F800 GS (as this was on offer at the time for the same price as the Level 2).
After filling out the data sheets from Touratech, it took a few weeks until the shocks - which were tailored to our travel plans - were installed. We noticed the difference as soon as we drove home from the workshop and it was even more noticeable when riding fully loaded.
For the first 30,000 km each, the suspension took everything we put in front of them without a murmur, even when fully loaded.
First Problems
We had our first real problem after riding almost exactly 30,000 km. Shortly before Seattle, the only Touratech workshop in the western USA, the rear suspension of the F800 GS was full of oil. We didn't want to risk riding on with a broken rear shock, so we took both of them to the workshop. The one on the F700 GS for a normal service and the other for repair.
Shortly after dropping it off, we got a call. "A part in the suspension is jammed and can only be opened with force. Either it works or it's broken. "I (Andreas) didn't have to think long about the answer, as it would be broken either way." On this day, however, the universe must have been kind to me and the attempt to force it open worked and we got the serviced suspension back about 3 hours later.
Uff. Lucky again. I could have bought a new suspension there, but at twice the price as in Austria. We already didn't understand the pricing policy of BMW, as customs, taxes and shipping definitely don't account for 100%. That feels more like a rip-off...
How this problem with the oil loss - especially with the "high-end" suspension - could occur, was not be explained to us. We were also surprised by the answer to the question of how often the service should be carried out, as I still had a guideline value of approx. 30,000 km in my head from Austria. The answer we got in Seattle was: "The service interval is between 3,000 and 30,000 km!" We can understand that the service interval depends on riding style, driving surface and load, but 3,000 to 30,000 km is a somewhat wide range. So, as a customer, I get to play "guinea pig" and if it goes wrong, I'm told: "I wish you'd come to the service sooner!"?
I won´t get easier
At the time of purchase, we were assured that service was possible virtually everywhere and that Touratech was represented everywhere on our route. Unfortunately, in South America at the latest, we realized that Touratech does not offer any kind of after-sales support. In Quito - where there is a large Touratech shop - we can't even buy spare parts for a service but you can buy a shock. As of April 2024, spare parts can also be no longer ordered from Touratech in the USA, as all service and parts sales have been discontinued. Sorry, we are selling something expensive, but after the purchase, we are no longer interested?
What's more, Touratech (which is a branded traction suspension) builds great suspension, but they can only be serviced with special tools. So no after-market support and then you have to make sure that nobody else can service it. A perfect combination for world travelers.
Conclusion
Would we buy it again? Unfortunately, we have to answer with a definitive 'no'. After around 120,000 km, we are still very happy with our suspension, apart from the one problem and do not regret the change and the associated costs. Especially as the handling of the bikes has changed significantly for the better and we have considerably more reserves when riding. These provide a considerable safety cushion.
Unfortunately, serviceability is a big issue on a trip and this is definitely not or no longer the case with Touratech. You can't get spare parts (we only got them over 3 corners) and the parts can't really be serviced except with special tools and specialist knowledge.
If the "high end" hadn't been on offer, I wouldn't pay the extra charge as I never make use of the extra functions on my trips. Even though I am still a little surprised at the answer regarding the service intervals, there is at least some information on this. According to BMW, for example, the original suspension does not need any service at all. BMW must have installed several magical components in its motorcycles that don't seem to wear out.
Our conclusion is also: a good suspension is a must for every motorcycle! With which suspension are you riding on the streets?
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