2012 ESA front shock has leaked oil

fraserwaters

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Not too impressed tbh

Only had the bike 2 weeks and I noticed yesterday the front shock is pissing oil onto the floor.

It’s an ESA unit with 45k on the bike. I was planning on suspension servicing this year but not this soon.

The oil leaking is filthy so I’d guess it’s never been done.

What’s my (sensible) options? Can the ESA units be rebuilt or repaired or is it a replacement?
 
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Not too impressed tbh

Only had the bike 2 weeks and I noticed yesterday the front shock is pissing oil onto the floor.

It’s an ESA unit with 45k on the bike. I was planning on suspension servicing this year but not this soon.

The oil leaking is filthy so I’d guess it’s never been done.

What’s my (sensible) options? Can the ESA units be rebuilt or repaired or is it a replacement?
Not too impressed tbh

Only had the bike 2 weeks and I noticed yesterday the front shock is pissing oil onto the floor.

It’s an ESA unit with 45k on the bike. I was planning on suspension servicing this year but not this soon.

The oil leaking is filthy so I’d guess it’s never been done.

What’s my (sensible) options? Can the ESA units be rebuilt or repaired or is it a replacement?
14 years and 45,000 miles? I know you have it 2 weeks but it’s not too bad. JJH
 
Denzo or Lucas at T Tech suspension .. one and the same.

Only company I know that will service the supposed unserviceable BMW ESA suspension units. He did mine both front and rear, mail order and with great communications. Sent back swiftly with a few mods that then make them serviceable for the future.

Personally while the weather is like this I would whip both front and rear off and have him work his magic.

Good luck


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Not too impressed tbh

Only had the bike 2 weeks and I noticed yesterday the front shock is pissing oil onto the floor.

It’s an ESA unit with 45k on the bike. I was planning on suspension servicing this year but not this soon.

The oil leaking is filthy so I’d guess it’s never been done.

What’s my (sensible) options? Can the ESA units be rebuilt or repaired or is it a replacement?

Did you buy it privately or from a dealer?

If bought private, and therefore no re-course contact Denzo/T-tech suspension for a rebuild.

 
Denzo did my 2012 Shocks brilliant work better than when brand new
 
Another that can vouch for Lukasz and the great service he provides.

Had mine reworked by Lukasz in the past RT and GS with ESA, great service and great price. He will get you sorted plus you can opt for new springs that will be matched to your weight on the bike for like £100 extra.

Give him a call

Lukasz Luke
07930 112051

He’ll get you sorted..
 
Another recommendation for Lukasz @T-Tech. He did F&R of mine (ESA) approx 3 years and 25k miles ago and worth every penny. He can update springs to suit weight etc at the same time.
 
Had mine rebuilt in December bij ESA-repair (that's the company name). Company was founded by an ex WP employee.
 
private sale or trade .
trade has to give a warranty of 3 (?) months .
Private sale.

Always a risk with second hand bikes but on the bright side it’s better to know now than on day 2 of a 10 day trip I’m planning. Gives me a chance to get a bit more familiar with the bike’s inner workings too.

Only small inconvenience is the boxer layout makes it too wide to fit through my workshop door! 🤦‍♂️
 
As above remove both and get them refurbished.

It’s done you a favour really forcing you to rebuild the shock. The difference it will make to the enjoyment of the bike is night and day.

A bike of that age and especially if it’s been sitting around the shocks are prone to fail.
 
As above remove both and get them refurbished.

It’s done you a favour really forcing you to rebuild the shock. The difference it will make to the enjoyment of the bike is night and day.

A bike of that age and especially if it’s been sitting around the shocks are prone to fail.
I couldn't believe your statement, until I felt it myself. It's really worth the effort and time.
 
I had the ESA shocks rebuilt on my old Hexhead GSA years ago by MCT Suspension in Stowmarket and it was a revelation.

I hadn't realised how crap they had become until they started leaking due to a worn shaft bushing bush inside the front shock. They made a new bushing and reamed it to size before refurbishing the shocks with new seals and fluid.

Once rebuilt the difference was night and day.

It is probably the most cost effective upgrade I've ever done to a motorcycle.
 
It’s an ESA unit with 45k on the bike. I was planning on suspension servicing this year but not this soon.
My rear ESA with 18K on the 2006 RT went, oil all over the place outside the dealership. Was replaced under warranty. Since than I never had a bike with ESA, bike was 3 years old at the time.
 
A 13 year old bike with 45,000 miles is never going to have an ESA shock that isn't well past the end of its best days (unless its been serviced)
 
Like many others, I've used Lukasz and been impressed...and like Monty says at #4...doing it now in the depths of winter will ease the pain of having the bike off the road and probably at a less busy time for Lukasz...win win
 
A 13 year old bike with 45,000 miles is never going to have an ESA shock that isn't well past the end of its best days (unless its been serviced)
I agree. In my defence the bike came with a book full of service stamps, but you’re right, I just hadn’t planned to do it so soon. Like many people have said on here, now is probably the best time to do the service anyway while it’s winter.
 
This thread is making me panic about my 66000 mile 08 GS. Don't think. The shocks have ever been touched. 🤔🤔
 


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