Is my ESA dying?

[Scarfall]

Hi,

I got a 2015 R1200GS with 64k miles. I'm doing a big trip with a pillion at the moment.

Until yesterday I had done 1k miles with a pillion. Yesterday after fuelling up, my pillion mounted the bike and when I turned the ignition on, the preload went down. The dash still showed 2 helmets, but the bike very obviously descended to 1 helmet height. I selected 2 helmets again and the bike raised. We have just done another 1k miles and the preload height stayed the same.

Is the ESA dying? Also when I change from 2 up to 1 up it sometimes stays stuck on the highest height, until I press down on the bike and hear a clunk and the bike immediately drops to 1 helmet height. Surely this isn't normal, but does it indicate imminent ESA failure? Damping is ok, maybe a bit firm compared to a new R1250GS

 

[Flipfly]

I’d check it is all clean and moves freely. The preload adjuster on the top of the shocks have a tendency to clog up with road grime and corrosion.

Best course of action is to remove the shock and inspect/clean/lube. The motor might be struggling to battle the gunk built up in there.

 

[CPJS]

Whenever possible operate the preload without the pillion on board to reduce the strain on the adjuster motor.
When you get back from your trip send the unit to denzo for servicing.
I might be worth firing some WD-40 into the workings.

 

[knutk]

A shockabsorber is not an item that is expected to last for ever.
At 64K miles, I thank an overhaule will offer a great improvement.

 

[bobsnew]

Give Denzo a call http://ttechsuspension.com/, he’s just refurbished front and rear of mine, superb job, when BMW only guarantee for 30 K it tells you something.

 

[Engineer]

Give Denzo a call http://ttechsuspension.com/, he’s just refurbished front and rear of mine, superb job, when BMW only guarantee for 30 K it tells you something.

Do you know t-tech's address?

just found it

 

[Scarfall]

Give Denzo a call http://ttechsuspension.com/, he’s just refurbished front and rear of mine, superb job, when BMW only guarantee for 30 K it tells you something.

Interesting. That is just for the rear suspension right? How long does it take them to do it?

I'd have to go to a mechanic to remove the shock (I'm not good at this) and need to get a courtesy bike because it's my only vehicle. And then get the same mechanic to fit it again.

Do the above symptoms indicate that the ESA is about to die?

 

[Scarfall]

Whenever possible operate the preload without the pillion on board to reduce the strain on the adjuster motor.
When you get back from your trip send the unit to denzo for servicing.
I might be worth firing some WD-40 into the workings.

I only adjust the preload with no one on board.

Do I need to strip anything off to sprinkle with some WD-40? Where do I aim it at?

 

[bobsnew]

Interesting. That is just for the rear suspension right? How long does it take them to do it?

I'd have to go to a mechanic to remove the shock (I'm not good at this) and need to get a courtesy bike because it's my only vehicle. And then get the same mechanic to fit it again.

Do the above symptoms indicate that the ESA is about to die?

Hi , have had both done separately, in the last month, sent them and had them returned within 5 days fantastic service give Denzo (Lukasz) call. Both of mine dropped their oil.

 

[CPJS]

I only adjust the preload with no one on board.

Do I need to strip anything off to sprinkle with some WD-40? Where do I aim it at?

With the bike on the sidestand, with the bike running, operate the preload and watch towards the top of the spring. anything that moves squirt WD-40 up into it. When you see it in action you will get a better idea where to lube.

 

[Deleted account 250319001]

I wouldn't spray any lubrication in there. Clean, But anything like WD40 will only encourage dirt and dust to build up and make it worse.

 

[bobsnew]

To give you an idea of the actuator needle in my rear shock, i don't think a squirt of WD 40 would have helped mine. This had covered 67000 miles, so I really cant complain.

 

[CPJS]

I wouldn't spray any lubrication in there. Clean, But anything like WD40 will only encourage dirt and dust to build up and make it worse.

It sounds like the shock is sticking already, it's only temporary till he finishes his trip, not a lot to lose.

 

[JJH]

To give you an idea of the actuator needle in my rear shock, i don't think a squirt of WD 40 would have helped mine. This had covered 67000 miles, so I really cant complain.

Wipe with an oily rag!!! JJH

 

[Wierpig]

Just using t tech suspension after reading this.Superb company to deal with.Excellent communication and photos of problems via whatsapp.Preload adjuster fault on my RT Desa rapaired with minimum fuss and in a very timely manner..if only all companies functioned like this. Cheers Lucasz..