Wilbers rear shock install

[GunMD]

I installed my new Wilbers rear shock today. I opted for the remote preload and remote compression damping.

This little gem right here:

The FJRTech article helped a lot. The one thing missing in that article was the installation of the remote compression adjuster...the model being installed for the article write-up didn't have this option.

There was one minor detail that I'll add when it comes to the installation of this optional component. On my 2005 California version (Non-ABS) I found a canister (which I think is part of the emissions crap) directly in my path for routing the remote compression adjuster. (below)

I needed to unbolt this canister's bracket from the FJR's frame and move it slightly in order to feed the compression adjuster into its final position. There are two 10mm bolts holding the canister's bracket to the back side of the frame very near the top shock flange. A 1/4" drive ratchet worked nicely for this operation. (below)

A slightly different angle:

Once these two 10mm bolts are removed the canister can be moved around to make room for the compression adjuster. After feeding the compression adjuster through the space vacated by the canister you can reinstall the canister, making sure you don't pinch the line leading to the newly installed compression adjuster. There is plenty of room.

Once its done it'll look something like this:

 

[Ari Rankum]

Nice piece of kit. So no other difficulties besides installing the remote compression module?

 

[GunMD]

Nice piece of kit. So no other difficulties besides installing the remote compression module?

HEY, who you callin' a piece of...OH...wait. Thanks.

No other issues. All of the bolts that I removed were in very good condition (unlike the one in the article on FJRTech that had corrosion) and things went off w/out any problems. I took my time and had a friend help. Two sets of hands made the installation a bit easier...one to hold the wrench on the right side of the bike one on the left...but I don't think it's essential to have two people.

 

[In10city]

I'm having difficulty locating a Wilbers Shock ordering site. Where can I order one? Please tell me they are cheaper than the Ohlins...

 

[Warchild]

I'm having difficulty locating a Wilbers Shock ordering site. Where can I order one? Please tell me they are cheaper than the Ohlins...

https://wilbersusa.com/wilbers/index.htm

 

[GunMD]

I'm having difficulty locating a Wilbers Shock ordering site. Where can I order one? Please tell me they are cheaper than the Ohlins...

www.WilbersUSA.com

If you call them they'll help you figure out what you need. Very good folks to work with.

They're all custom built based on bike type, rider weight, passenger weight, luggage weight, riding style, etc.

Cheaper than Ohlins? Maybe...but even if not...I think they're better due to the custom build I mentioned. (At least that's what I took away from this thread)

 

[In10city]

thanks for the info on on the shock! Now I have to decide between leathers, boots, gps, radar detector, new rear tires, or a new shock.... :blink:

 

[starcruiser(aka downn2)]

We're expecting a full report from you on how happy you are with the Wilburs, once you got a few miles on them of course.....

 

[In10city]

We're expecting a full report from you on how happy you are with the Wilburs, once you got a few miles on them of course.....

Well, this well be a good test of your patience then... I may have to pay the bike off before I can do much with it...

 

[wev567]

Warchild's write-up did help a lot. Two questions:

I got the basic (read: cheap) shock - no remotes or anything. I have a phillips head screw on the top of one side of the shock. Is that where all the remotes would attach? Is the the side of the shock that should face the rear? That's the way I put it together...

Should I take apart the rest of the dogbones and grease them too? 16,400 miles, doing about 8-10k a year commuting. My bits looked much better than Warchild's did. Or should I just wait til the shick needs rebuilt in 20k?

Thanks