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Installing Bitubo’s WME 14-inch Shocks

Our pal’s ‘94 FXR was in dire need of some new rear shocks. These things were so bad that he got some pretty gnarly wobbles in the corners at speed. It just goes to show what a quality setup can do for your riding capabilities. Luckily, we’ve been itching to try a set of Bitubo’s WME rear shocks ($614.95), which offer a great blend of race-proven comfort, performance, and affordability for motorcycle enthusiasts looking to upgrade their ride. Designed as a bolt-on solution, these shocks provide full adjustability, allowing riders to customize their suspension setup for optimal handling and comfort. With their focus on performance, WME shocks are suited for various Harley- Davidson and Indian Scout models.

At the heart of the Bitubo WME rear shocks is their advanced internal floating piston design. This feature is crucial for separating nitrogen gas from the shock oil, which ensures precise control over damping performance in various riding conditions. By maintaining this separation, the shocks can react quickly to changes in terrain, offering smoother rides while preventing cavitation or aeration of the oil.

The WME shocks are gas-charged mono-tube systems with Cr-Si alloy steel springs. This high-quality spring material provides longevity and superior performance under load. The gas-charged system increases pressure within the shock, improving response time, and maintaining suspension consistency over long rides, even in tough conditions. Whether navigating city streets or taking on more demanding roadways, the WME delivers consistent performance.

One of the standout features of the Bitubo WME shocks is the adjustment capabilities. Riders can fine-tune their suspension setup to suit their riding style, weight, and the type of terrain they frequently encounter. These shocks come with a stepless five-position rebound adjustment system, giving you the freedom to control how quickly the suspension returns to its neutral position after compressing. Fine-tuning rebound damping improves stability, enhancing the overall feel and traction of the motorcycle, especially during aggressive cornering or rough road conditions.

In addition, the threaded spring preload adjustment allows riders to set the appropriate spring tension based on their weight or the load they’re carrying. Whether you ride solo or with a passenger, adjusting the preload ensures the suspension maintains its proper sag for optimal traction and control.

Bitubo offers the WME shocks in a range of sizes and finishes to cater to a wide array of motorcycles and rider preferences. Available in 12”, 13”, and 14” height options, the WME can accommodate different rider preferences for ride height and ground clearance. Additionally, the shocks are available in either a standard or heavy-duty spring rate, allowing riders to select the right spring tension based on their bike’s load and riding style.

As you can see, this FXR’s shocks were pretty worn out. In about an hour, we’d remedy that issue with some new Bitubo WME shocks.
We popped the bike on our Let’s Roll scissor lift to start the swap. This is a relatively easy installation. Or at least it should be. We removed the top shock bolt, followed by the bottom.
Check out the difference between old vs. new. The spring alone on the swap meet shocks is laughable.
We popped the rear shock on the left side first. We tried it with rebound positioned at the bottom, and then again with the rebound adjuster positioned at the top. Both ways were tough to get the shock installed between the mounting tab on the swingarm. So we had to bend the tab just slightly to make it work.
After sandwiching the left shock in place, we tightened down the bolts and moved onto installing the right shock. After that installation was complete. Next it was time to set the sag.
After a couple hours on the bike, our test pilot said he noticed a considerable difference in the performance of the Bitubo shocks. He also played around with pre-load settings based on his specs and made rebound adjustments as needed. All in all, the Bitubo WME Shocks are easy on the spine and the pocket book.

SOURCES:  
Bitubo 
bitubousa.com 

Words and Photos: Jordan Mastagni 

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