ESA rear shock failure

[Watty100]

Hi, asking this on behalf of a mate who's 2008 GS12 has just failed the MOT on a leaky rear shock, ESA-equipped model. (so I'll pass on any abuse to him personally!).
Can the shock be re-built at reasonable cost, or is Wilbers the only way to go?
Any other ESA compatible shocks on the market?
If a non ESA shock is fitted, will the ECU go into meltdown or throw constant error messages on the dash?

 

[fizzer]

what about this
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-R1200...pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts_13&hash=item5af5d01bdb

 

[hoggey]

ESA Shocks rebuilt

You can try FIREFOXRACING, just google them. They do rebuilds for ESA.

 

[Bendy toy]

The shock is a fairly basic nitrogen pressurised unit. A good suspension technician will drill the case to release the pressure and strip the shock. They tap the drilled hole and fit a filling valve before rebuilding.

The issues are:
Will they be able to get all the necessary parts?
Will the costs be economic
Will the parts be 100% correct?
Will the correct weight oil be used?
When done its still a basic quality shock that might be even worse after the work.

Advantages
Low cost and next time the shock can be serviced before it fails.

Disadvantages
Repaired shock may not behave like the original, costs could be high if much work needs doing.

I had a Dutch WP emulsion shock rebuilt for £100. It needed some new valve shims and a good clean but it came back so stiff it wasnt usable.

When my ESA shock(s) fails I'll be biting the bullet on an new shock from Revs/WIlbers.

 

[Mart75]

There's a very long Wilbers thread not too far away with many positive posts about going down the WESA route - it did influence me to do that a few weeks ago prior to 2.5K trip to French Alps.
Have to say that it did make a huge difference to the bike - motorways and Alpine roads - John and Nick at Revs in Halesowen also made the fitting a great experience. So for me - even though a considerable amount of money - thoroughly worth it.

 

[Beangreen]

Wilbers

 

[Bendy toy]

It will be the same issue for me. £650 per end is not to be sneezed at. But an overhauled shock will be £100 plus parts and still might be no good. If totally broke and desperate to get bike on the road, I would go for a rebuild. But, IMO it can only be a temporary solution and not without risk of the rebuild not working as it should.

 

[Watty100]

Thanks

....for the advice, duly passed on