Ricor Suspension has returned

[Richard230]

I installed Ricor's Intiminator fork valves into the forks of my 2009 F650GS about 10 years ago and found that they provided a big improvement to my fork damping at minimal cost and installation effort. (If you can change the oil in your forks, you can install these valves yourself - they just drop in below the fork spring.) Then I bought one of their spring/damper units and have also been thrilled with its performance. Unfortunately, their rear shocks no longer appear available. I also installed a set of their valves into the forks of my 2005 Triumph Bonneville, which (unfortunately) made little improvement on that motorcycle.

After loosing contact with the company for a number of years, they have apparently returned and are offering a 25% discount on their Intiminator valves. So if you own a model that can use one of their damping valves, you might want to check out this site: https://www.ricorshocks.com/

If I had to guess, I bet the original company went broke and their remaining stock of products were purchased by a new owner who is selling off their old stock of components.

Attached are pictures of the valves that I took when I installed them into the forks of my F650GS.

[The Mariner]

Howdy,

I purchased Intiminators for my F800R from them 18 months ago. I followed the link you gave & the website design has certainly changed from what I remember it was when I bought mine, but I can't say if your 'went broke' theory is correct or not.

The Intiminators worked well for me too, with the added benefit of giving 1/2" of extra spring preload if you don't cut the spacer. Good for 'husky' riders.

[bikemechanic53]

I just installed them on my recently acquired 2012 F650GS yesterday. I found they make.... some.... difference on washboard roads. But nothing major. I can ride, maybe, 15 mph faster than I could with the (admittedly crappy) stock BMW suspension, with the same level of comfort ( or discomfort really).

I considered Race Tech and their Gold Valves. But after experiencing their "customer service", I changed my mind. No response to emails. No interest in discussing what I needed over the phone. Just "buy our stuff or go away". I haven't found anyone else who makes upgrades for the F650GS fork.

I'm considering replacing the shock. But I'm leery of spending $500-1000 for something that may have little benefit. The only options appear to be Ricor, Wilbers or Ohlins.

Does anyone have any recent experience with these shocks on an F650GS they would like to share?

[Richard230]

I installed the Ricor rear shock on my F650GS 8 years ago. I have been very happy with the shock under all riding conditions since installation. My only complaint is that they only have a screw-type preload adjustment that is not easy to use. I crank up the preload two turns when I go camping and am carrying a lot of luggage. I have never regretted the purchase and installation of the shock and they continue to function as they did when new. However, I know nothing about the current company or the quality and function of their products. Things might have changed since I bought mine.

Attach is a photo of the Ricor shock and the original shock that came on my 2009 GS that was built in June 2008. Also attached is a photo of the shock installed on my bike.

[bikemechanic53]

Richard230 thanks for the input. I was hoping someone may also have some input on the Wilbers and Ohlins shocks as well. Although the possibility of comparing the shocks' performance seems improbable.

[Richard230]

Richard230 thanks for the input. I was hoping someone may also have some input on the Wilbers and Ohlins shocks as well. Although the possibility of comparing the shocks' performance seems improbable.

I can tell you this: Removing the old shock and installing the new one was not an easy task. If I recall correctly I needed a new upper mounting bolt (or was it the lower bolt?) as it was a single-use part. My dealer didn't have one and it had to be special ordered from BMW, which took a few weeks. Plus, the bolt was not cheap.

[bikemechanic53]

Ahh. Good to know. Thanks.