BMW Motorrad Insured Warranty

[Frankh]

Just paid out 362 pound to extend the warranty on my soon to be 3 year old GSA. Got the warranty policy handbook all looks reasonable until on page 17 :-

Suspension Front and Rear shock absorber Units (up to 30,000 miles only) ??

Is that a reasonable life for a unit?? Don't think they are excluded on warranty direct policies or are they?? Also don't remember seeing that is last years terms.

 

[KAYCEE]

Just paid out 362 pound to extend the warranty on my soon to be 3 year old GSA. Got the warranty policy handbook all looks reasonable until on page 17 :-

Suspension Front and Rear shock absorber Units (up to 30,000 miles only) ??

Is that a reasonable life for a unit?? Don't think they are excluded on warranty direct policies or are they?? Also don't remember seeing that is last years terms.

Quite a few on here have had the shocks go before 30K.

My dealer mentioned to me that my shock was beginning to show signs of failing at 24000. He went out of his way to remind me of the 30000 warranty cut-off.

So next time the bikes in for a service (pre 30000) I'll be pushing to get the shocks changed under warrany.

 

[TLSgazza]

My rear shock started leaking at 29. 650ish miles. Just in time to be replaced under the warranty ,

 

[Frankh]

My rear shock started leaking at 29. 650ish miles. Just in time to be replaced under the warranty ,

Mine seems fine as at now 25.5k must make sure I get the 30k service done on time maybe at 29999

 

[Rasher]

Is that a reasonable life for a unit??

I would say so, most OEM shocks are shot by then, but I suppose they mean leaking, generally they are badly filled with crap quality oil (not just BMW) which rapidly turns to a frothy sludge.

I doubt you would ever get one changed because the damping was below par and I personally tend to just fit something decent if the OE stuff is poor or tired (Hence the Wilburs adorning my GS right now)

Although if you get lucky and it starts to leak before 30k you can get a nice fresh well damped one to replace it for free.

 

[Wapping]

Mine we certainly gone by then. Well before, if I am truthful.

 

[Nutty]

Wow I'm speechless. I'm not mechanically minded, but 30k seems ridiculous. Are the failures happening on bikes that have been off road lots, or bikes that are manly used on the road?

 

[Wapping]

Most bikes' suspension will be getting past it's best by 30,000.

What happens most often than not is that the deterioration is gradual. So, you don't really notice how bad it has got until you ride a more modern bike.

Wallowing (like a boat in high seas) as you give it some beans around some bends is most common. The suspension can no longer cope, flexes and compresses until it simply cannot adjust fast enough.

 

[ihandyman247]

I had previously 1150gsa for 5 years and done over 45k miles with the same shocks , no problem here !
Now that I have a TB much more modern bike , I do expect the shocks to last me more then 50k miles

 

[Wicker]

Had Wilbers fitted on my 1200ST. Whilst they had a five year warranty, even these shocks came with a recommended service interval of 25k miles (or thereabouts). Still at least they were factory serviceable unlike most OEM shocks.

Given the price BMW charge for ESA, I would at least expect these shocks to be rebuildable however this doesn't seem to be the case (unless somebody knows better). Got to be market for somebody being able to service these &/or offer a factory exchange units.

 

[Nutty]

I had previously 1150gsa for 5 years and done over 45k miles with the same shocks , no problem here !
Now that I have a TB much more modern bike , I do expect the shocks to last me more then 50k miles

Youre obviously not a fatty then Are these problems occurring on bikes ridden by pie eaters?

 

[Wapping]

Had Wilbers fitted on my 1200ST. Whilst they had a five year warranty, even these shocks came with a recommended service interval of 25k miles (or thereabouts). Still at least they were factory serviceable unlike most OEM shocks.

Given the price BMW charge for ESA, I would at least expect these shocks to be rebuildable however this doesn't seem to be the case (unless somebody knows better). Got to be market for somebody being able to service these &/or offer a factory exchange units.

What you are forgetting are three things:

(1) Most bods will sell their new bike within three years of ownership. The suspension going off will not be a problem to them.

(2) Most bods will do under 6,000 miles a year. So during their three year period of ownership the suspension will remain fine.

Neither of the above groups will give two hoots whether the suspension is rugged or if it is rebuildable. They will not wear it out.

(3) There is a sub-strata of bike owners who will never buy a new bike, as they are not prepared to take the initial (and substantial) depreciation hit. They may well take a part of their saving to invest in aftermarket shocks, should the need arise, and still congratulate themselves on a job well done. Or they will moan that the suspension should last forever as it's an 'around the world bike, mate'.

Either way BMW does not give a stuff. They made their profit at the factory gate, when the bike was first sold. Flogging a replacement suspension unit is just the icing on the cake for the dealer.

 

[ihandyman247]

Youre obviously not a fatty then Are these problems occurring on bikes ridden by pie eaters?

I am just a normal tosser really 6fut4 90kg in my bithday suit
I think every pie has a consequent specialy if is served hot ,

 

[er-minio]

What you are forgetting are three things:

(1) Most bods will sell their new bike within three years of ownership. The suspension going off will not be a problem to them.

(2) Most bods will do under 6,000 miles a year. So during their three year period of ownership the suspension will remain fine.
[...]

(3) There is a sub-strata of bike owners [...]

Correct.

It is a safe assumption that they will be gone by 30k miles.
Not leaking, but "bouncy"

On my previous bike I replaced them at around 30k with a pair of Ohlins, and then I serviced the Ohlins pair again after around another 30k or miles.

BMW considers "normal" use of the bike for 6 thousand miles per year, so that will give you 5ish years lifespan on the suspensions that should be fair enough.

I bought my current bike used and replaced the shocks with Ohlins again straight away.

 

[davidh2008]

I doubt you would ever get one changed because the damping was below par and I personally tend to just fit something decent if the OE stuff is poor or tired

 

[Wicker]

Averaging 13k bike miles a year for the last decade (with some years seeing 16k) so suspension wear is something which I care about and why shocks should be rebuildable (even before you consider the sustainability factors of dumping what shouold still be usable shocks). Wouldn't be so bad if the rear shock was sub £200 to replace but we are talking about serious money.

BMW (and most other premium brand) car owners wouldn't accept shocks being worn out and requiring replacing at under 30k so why should it be acceptable for bikes??

 

[Neil W]

My Adventure's rear shock lasted 700 miles and was replaced under warranty so getting 30,000 would be a plus.