ESA, how reliable?

[paganman]

I'm about to do a deal on my 1st R1200 adventure, it's got everything I wanted including the electronic suspension.
I'm used to conventional shocks with remote mechanical adjusters and I get my shocks and forks serviced regularily.
How reliable is the ESA system? Is it straight forward to remove for dealer/independant service in years to come?
I plan to keep this bike for a fair old time and the sensible part of me says get standard suspension as it's what I know, and I can get it serviced and set up by suspension specialists such as Reactive Suspension, but the ESA seems so handy for the varying needs of what I want a GS for.
Any thoughts gratefully received
Thanks

 

[Yonkyo]

2009 1200GSA, 24k miles, ESA still working perfectly...

 

[Beemerman59]

I have not seen any reports myself about the electronics failing but there have been some failures of the suspension units themselves such as leaking seals etc - same as on non-ESA units. I don't know if its possible or economic to service/repair the ESA shocks. Mine's over four years old, at 28K+ and still working although I am contemplating an upgrade. Here's where the real trouble lies as to upgrade and keep the electronics only gives two options I'm aware of - Wilburs and Ohlins both of which aren't exactly cheap. Would dearly love the Ohlins and I'm tempted because I have no plans to sell the bike.

 

[Giles]

I use mine alot - I do a real mix of solo and two up, and a reasonable amount of off road stuff. If you planning on playing with pillions, I think it's a great tool, but if most of your riding will be solo and on the road... ?? You could maybe save yourself a few pennies and not bother.

If you sell your bike in the future ESA will add value, but as you said yourself .. you're planning on keeping it ...

 

[Decompressing]

.

Old bike was 2008 1200RT with 15000 miles when the rear ESA failed. £1500 repair bill which (luckily) BMW picked up as a goodwill thing as the bike was just out of warranty.

ESA is great (I've got it on my GSA), but I'm certainly going to keep the BMW warranty going to save any horror bills!

Just about to have my fuel-strip replaced, so that means I've now had all the main failures between my two recent bikes, FPC, ESA, Fuel-strip....oh, but no final drive failure yet!!

 

[Wrinkly]

On my 2nd gs with esa, no problems so far,and I'll have it on any future bike.

Steve

 

[Bendy toy]

Im looking at a 2006 Adventure with all the toys including ESA. However it has 30,000 miles. Its claimed to have never been off road and there are no visible scars that suggest otherwise.

If we assume its had road use only, can anyone suggest how long before the shocks go off and what costs would I be looking at for replacements?

 

[phooey]

08 gsa owned since June 08 done 46k miles and all in order. Well worth the money for me.

 

[GS TRV]

Apparently ESA is v reliable so I wouldnt worry





its the rest i'd be concerned about