1983 GS750ES Rear Suspension Help

[Guest]

Hello,

I am new to this site and a fairly new GS owner. I am hoping someone can help me with the rear floating suspension on my 1983 GS750es. Both the preload and dampening adjusters are stuck and do not turn at all. With its current settings the suspension seems to work fine, but come spring I am going to tear the rear end apart and hopefully fix the problem.

Although I have experience with rebuilding one motorcycle prior to this (a 1982 xj750 maxim), the suspension on that was a lot less complicated.

Should I tear apart the current suspension and attempt to fix it, or should I look to replace it altogether (the bike has 50k Km on it)? Where do I find an aftermarket replacement? Do I simply need to find a replacement shock that is the same length, or do I need to find one that has similar preload/dampening adjustments?

Any guidance/advice would be greatly appreciated!

[tom203]

I'd take a shot at repairing your unit....since it still sorta working as a shock ,but without adjustment , it might be something simple like a corroded cable,etc. . Get it off bike and have a go at it. Finding a good used unit would likely be expensive .

[salty_monk]

I would suspect the ball bearings inside the damping adjusters have gone rusty maybe... & that galvanic corrosion is stopping the collar from moving on the shock. You might be able to free it all off. A ducati Monster M900 shock fits but is hard to adjust once fitted... (use the original spring).
Various aftermarket sources like YSS etc too.

[reedolavoie]

Thank you for the replies!

[mrbill5491]

Thank you for the replies!

Since you want to take it apart, spend a few extra $$ and up grade your unit. Money well spent.