Assume rear shock has died

Blobby

Blobby

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2011 Adv ESA model. Now starting to bottom out on rear with just me and panniers on. Ride has also become quite harsh and almost bouncy. No oil leaking from rear shock but I'm guessing the shocks inners are shot after 23k. Only had the front one replaced six weeks ago as it sprung a leak. Still in warranty so hopefully will be sorted FOC.
 
Not on a BMW but that is how my WP shock felt when it packed up. The main symptom was getting kicked up the bum fractionally after hitting a bump as the shock rebounded. When its was stripped the oil had congealed.

If BMW wont help get a Wilbers WESA kit. If BMW will help, ask if they will let you have the old shock. They will just bin and it would be handy for stepper motor spares.
 
Blobby said:
2011 Adv ESA model. Now starting to bottom out on rear with just me and panniers on. Ride has also become quite harsh and almost bouncy. No oil leaking from rear shock but I'm guessing the shocks inners are shot after 23k. Only had the front one replaced six weeks ago as it sprung a leak. Still in warranty so hopefully will be sorted FOC.
Click to expand...

Just had front replaced 09 GSA 20K,feels lots better but he rear is feeling as you mention...fresh oil would help.
 
20k miles & the shocks fail ?

That's just not good enough on a 10 grand motorcycle.

I'd love to upgrade to a newer BM,but these stories always put me off.
Sure I know that these are just the "Friday afternoon" bikes & thousands have been faultless,but the suspension units should n't pack up after such low mileages. :rob
 
Wolfgang said:
That's just not good enough on a 10 grand motorcycle...
Click to expand...
I do find it strange or perhaps just unlucky that both shocks have gone within 23k miles and two years from new on what is the most expensive bike I've ever purchased. I've never had to replace a shock on any of my previous bikes which have done similar or more miles. That said, I still think this is a fantastic bike and won't be put off by duff shocks. Hopefully BMW will fix at no cost to me and if/when the shocks go again, assuming I don't extend the warranty, I will change to Wilber ESA shocks which so many people on this forum rate very highly, and they cost less than the standard BMW ESA shocks.
 
Blobby said:
2011 Adv ESA model. Now starting to bottom out on rear with just me and panniers on. Ride has also become quite harsh and almost bouncy. No oil leaking from rear shock but I'm guessing the shocks inners are shot after 23k. Only had the front one replaced six weeks ago as it sprung a leak. Still in warranty so hopefully will be sorted FOC.
Click to expand...

Mine went after more than two and a half years and was replaced as a 'goodwill gesture', so can't imagine it will be an issue
 
are there similar shock issues with non esa bikes? my 2008 at 10k miles feels quite harsh and a bit bouncy too.
 
To maintain performance any shocks should be overhauled annually with an internal clean and new oil. These are officially fit & forget so BMW are inviting problems.

Wilbers told me the shocks are much the same ESA or plain. Officially they can't be rebuilt but a suspension specialist (as found at MX events) should be able to drill and tap the case to fit a gas charging valve, clean, reload with new fluid and regas. But if the seals or piston rod are shot there might not be any spares available.
 
Bike in dealership for two days for rear suspension work and what a great loan bike they've given me. K1300S with just 5 miles on the clock. Looking forward to giving it a run tomorrow but in the 20 miles I did on the way home - what an engine! Amazing grunt in all gears.
 
21k and my rear shock is leaking, not good compared with previous Jap bikes I have owned, but as mentioned on here I love my GS. Ordered a Wilber (WESA) replacement today from REVS, so at least I can replaced worn seals, get it serviced etc. Will replace the front, either when it goes which will probably very soon or I have the dosh with a Wilber.

BMW should be ashamed they seal up the units.
 
The thing that really annoys me about BMW shocks is that they are not rebuildable. An expensive component which in most bikes is getting tired and on need of servicing after 20k miles should be either serviceable or available as a factory exchange swap over from the dealer i.e. old shock out, serviced item in for say £150.

Would make me and lot of other higher mileage riders feel more confident in the longevity of the BMW product sine most other parts of the bike can take the miles.
 
And where would the profit be in that, or have BMW suddenly become a charity?

Wilbers are clearly on to a winner with WESA, it's what I will fit when mine call it a day. Sod paying more for inferior BMW badged replacements.

I am surprised at the price BMW charge, but not at their quality/longevity (or lack of it).
 
I had my stock BMW rear shock rebuilt by All Bike Engineering in Greenwich. Sent it off to them and got it back 4 days later regassed and all lovely. Steptoe recommended them to me.
 
Other than the ESA preload head, which is removeable, I presume they can strip and replace seals then reoil and regas ESA shock tubes?
 
Good point, standard non-ESA. It might be worth asking them if they can do a refurb as many ESAs are starting to get a bit saggy.
 
Thankfully my rear ESA shock was replaced under warranty so I've had both front and rear replaced within six weeks of each other at 22-23k miles from new on a bike registered June 2011. My 'magic carpet' ride is back. The GS ride when the suspension is on form is excellent. What I wasn't expecting is the bike sits higher now and when I got to my first junction, the tarmac was a little lower than I recalled. It was a long way down and I'm 6.2.

I have to say Cotswold Motorrad in Gloucester have been excellent in dealing with this. I dropped in out of the blue with my bike and they checked it over within minutes and agreed it didn't seem quite right. They booked me in two days later and lent me a brand new K1300s. Two more days later I had my GS back, new shock and a loan bike bill for £10. I'm v happy with that.

And the K1300S. I just loved that engine and gearbox. It's a fantastic bike and so easy to ride with ballistic but smooth power too. A relaxed ride in town and slim enough to filter through traffic with ease. I'm well impressed and can see why so many people fall in love with it.

I was worried I'd find the GS dull after the K1300S, but it's not. It's so totally different. Huge. High. Super smooth. Great visibility. Magic carpet ride. Loads of space for luggage/shopping. Not ballistic but plenty fast enough if you treasure your licence. The GS really is an outstanding all round bike.
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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