Shock Upgrade Search so far

Billo

Billo

Joined
May 31, 2025
Messages
55
Location
San Diego CA
Bike
NT1100
Combi.jpeg
This is a Combi Kit and HyperPro says it works through 2025. Their website hasn't been updated yet so it still shows through 2024.
This is Plan B. I would prefer a customizable shock.
Wilbers didn't answer my inquiry, Hyperpro suggested the kit above. I have inquired with EPM Performance, a U.S. supplier who sells Hyperpro and other brands.

I'm 185 lbs plus gear. At 7 clicks it ran wide. At 8 or so clicks and it holds a line all on its own, but needs smooth tarmac or it beats up. The search goes on.
 
Billo said:
View attachment 22950
This is a Combi Kit and HyperPro says it works through 2025. Their website hasn't been updated yet so it still shows through 2024.
This is Plan B. I would prefer a customizable shock.
Wilbers didn't answer my inquiry, Hyperpro suggested the kit above. I have inquired with EPM Performance, a U.S. supplier who sells Hyperpro and other brands.

I'm 185 lbs plus gear. At 7 clicks it ran wide. At 8 or so clicks and it holds a line all on its own, but needs smooth tarmac or it beats up. The search goes on.
Click to expand...
Why on earth are you looking for a shock-upgrade on a brand new bike?
 
I installed a Hyperpro kit on my NT700. Then did some experiments/adjustments to get more to my liking such as different fork oil viscosity and different spacers for preload.
I believe your 1100 forks have adjustable preload so that would make it simpler to help get it set up to your liking.
I don't have the bike anymore, but I think I still have the original fork and rear shock springs.

Arknt
 
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ARKNT said:
I installed a Hyperpro kit on my NT700. Then did some experiments/adjustments to get more to my liking such as different fork oil viscosity and different spacers for preload.
I believe your 1100 forks have adjustable preload so that would make it simpler to help get it set up to your liking.
I don't have the bike anymore, but I think I still have the original fork and rear shock springs.
Click to expand...
I hear you. I’m hoping the one adjuster on the NT will be adequate for Plan B. Not sure how adjusting one progressive rate spring but not the other will pan out.
 
Just heard back from EPM sales dept.
"The Hyperpro 2024 springs work. I don't see why the shock wouldn't." :rx:
Next stop, Nitron
 
I passed on the Nitron and Maxton after I found Wilbers. I'm getting a shock (640) and fork springs.
Choosing PayPal at checkout pops up a notification, I will get an invoice in 2 business days. I may call Wilbers USA and see if it's cheaper. U.S. sites don't list the NT yet.
 
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I didn’t get an invoice from Wilbers Germany so contacted EPM (Wilbers USA) and they’ve sent an email to Wilbers Germany about the 2025. EPM has the Wilbers 2024 NT listed but not the 2025. Most likely no change but why take a chance $$$.
 
Quick response, order is in! 640 shock, fork springs and fork oil - $1,170 including delivery.
 
ST1100Y said:
Wouldn't you need one with aux preload adjuster? 🤔
Click to expand...
Me? no. The NT may be a pain to dial in without one but I will save about $500 for my effort. I had one on a 2006 V-Strom 650. Once set I never touched it again.
Wilbers may have a remote hydraulic option by request. That would definitely be something to confirm.
 
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Billo said:
Wilbers may have a remote hydraulic option by request. That would definitely be something to confirm.
Click to expand...
Indeed...
I'm riding the ST1100 solo, solo with luggage, with pillion, and full luggage + pillion... such variation of payload needs to be adjusted for...

IMG_20180714_095334.jpg
 
I thought some more about adding a preload adjust, decided I was just being cheap and contacted Wilbers. They said no hydraulic but their XPA mechanical preload adjust does works on the NT. I added one to the order.

xpa.jpeg

now I won't be kidding or kicking myself!
 
Billo,
I am about to upgrade my rear Shock by Wilbers (640 with the adjuster), but I am getting different opinions about upgrading the front fork springs. I have the 2025 NT1100 here in Sun City AZ. I previously had several Goldwings and never had any issues with upgrading the front fork springs to Progressive springs. Very straight forward install that I could get done at Wingding or Americade in Lake George. But these NT1100 Front forks seem to be very complicated because of a unique SHOWA build done for Honda on the NT1100. What did you do for you 2025 Front Forks in San Diego?
 
Hi JimBow,
I replaced the springs myself. The Showa have a short spring with a spacer in one fork, and a long spring (no spacer) in the other fork. The new springs are both long so the spacer is not re-used. Other than that, I don't see anything overly complex or special about them. The Wilbers instructions are straight forward, the only hiccup is removing/replacing the "stopper ring" in each fork. A piece of schedule 40 1" pvc and a ratcheting strap make a quick job of compressing the fork internals, and a pick can be used to remove the ring. Whether you do the job yourself or have it done, you'll need two liters of their 7.5w fork oil.
 
Hi Billo, Thanks for your reply! I have been away for a few days and just saw your info. I have done a rear shock replacement on a BMW 1200 GS which is a lot more work and requires the bike to be taken apart at the back and lifted up for the removal and replacement of the new shock & springs - so the NT1100 is relatively simple - for the rear shock. But I have never done front forks! How did you remove the old oil from from the front forks (suck it out or remove the cylinders from the bike and pour it out?). I now plan on buying the Wilber's front & rear with the lowering of -30mm for both front & rear. Have a hard time getting on & off the bike. I would rather lower the bike with the new springs & shocks than use lowering links (& already have a lower side stand). If I have a problem with the front springs I will ride it over to San Diego (which is a nice ride through the desert & sand dunes!).
 
The factory service manual is a must. It explains and illustrates the procedure. I had never rebuilt USD forks and managed same day installation. You can do it!

I sold my 2007 Honda ST1300 and traded my 2006 Suzuki 650 Vstrom for the NT because at 72 I'm tired of working on bikes all the time.
 
Thanks for the follow up post! I already have the manual and once I have the front fork springs, I will give it a try! I know exactly how you feel about working on bikes after the age of 70. I too like to make the bikes my own ( have done so on 4 Goldwings, several BWMs and a Piaggio BV400 since the 1997 & more before then). I always have changed the seats, windshields added highway boards and other items to make the bikes more comfortable and doing the same with the NT1100. Really like the DCT and getting better with it during slow speed maneuvers (Rain mode and Sport 1). By the way I will be turning 77 in October which means = it is easy for me to get down to work on the bike, just harder to get up. Ha!
 
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