Rear Shock - How Long Should It Last?

[Deleted account 211025001]

Just wondering really.

Has anybody here replaced/rebuilt their rear shock 'cos it was shagged and at what sort of mileage did it feel like it had had enough?

I only ask as mine feels fine solo but I noticed yesterday that, with my girlfriend on the back, it didn't seem as compossed as usual - then again, maybe I was just having an 'off day'

Bike's done 24000 miles BTW.

Andres

 

[iangough]

My FIRST rear shock on my 04 bike went at about the same mileage. Took it to the dealership, and they performed an overnight test by compressing the shock (strapping the bike down) and seeing if the shock would return to its original position the following morning. It did not; got a new shock under warranty.
My bike has done 32k miles now, and my second shock is on its way out. I have done 70% of my riding with a pillion.
The symtoms are that the shock just goes soft. I think its due to the oil overheating and not being up to the job as the sympoms are so much worse in the summer.Low quality oil getting tired.
Also it seems that the rebount adjustment does not always work.

I have asked BMW to investigate again, but they have found nothing wrong with it. They suggested an aftermarket unit, even though it has warranty cover. On the next service i will be a little more assertive...

I must add, that i'm not sure as to whether their rear shock test would define the correct working of a rear shock. My assumption is a normal rear shock would probably do the same if if were fully compressed over night, but i got a new one so who cares !

The bike is fine solo.

With full panniers pillion etc the total load on the bike is no more than 190kg.

 

[cookie]

they performed an overnight test by compressing the shock (strapping the bike down) and seeing if the shock would return to its original position the following morning.

i'm scratching my head here, wondering what that tests?

 

[Sergeant Pluck]

My rear was well on the way out by about 30k - replaced with Ohlins - my front is totally shagged now at 52k - waiting for a replacement Technoflex to turn up as we speak

*edit* oops - just realised this is in the 12 section - mines an 1150.

 

[ECM]

How did you guys define / test "shagged" ???

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

Interesting comments so far

How did you guys define / test "shagged" ???

For me, much how Iangough described it, just a general softening out of the ride, the shock not as well damped as it used to be.

Andres

 

[Sergeant Pluck]

My rear just got a bit lower and less compliant - it wasn't totally knackered but not at it's best. My front (which is properly fecked) now needs to have the preload wound fully up to maintain the ride-height I like (as opposed to one click from the bottom which IIRC is default), and it's as soft as you like, handling way off, etc.

 

[cookie]

i would describe shagged as a loss of damping control, symptoms being continuing oscillation of suspension after hitting a bump. standard shock does this anyway IME.

others might be: broken or sagging spring or oil leak from shock body.

 

[iangough]

The test that BMW performed on my shock, was to see, if that after a night of being fully compressed, when released it would return to its original position.
As i said, i can't really compute the validity of that test, but i got a new one nevertheless.
The shock seemed like the settings were gradually being adjusted to make the rear softer and softer. Get to a petrol station, and you cant even put the side stand down without the pillion getting off first. And even then its a struggle. Strange things happen too, as sometimes, but only sometimes, when you get back on the bike, the shock is then at the correct firmness, but then that only last about 10 mins or so. That's why i concluded that its an oil viscosity/quality/durability thing coupled with something else that i just don't have the expertise to comment on. (but something simple like the rebound screw not doing its thing)
Also, when i got the replacement shock, it magically behaved itself for a few thousand miles before behaving the same as my first one.

 

[(RIP) Stormchaser]

Don't know if anyone else can relate to this - on a long weekend in the Highlands last year I had to wind up both preload and rebound on the rear shock to compensate for what I assume was overheating. I was solo, but loaded up. Started each day with the shock set "right" and I would have to adjust it twice during the day. That last setting would be too harsh the next morning, so I had to repeat the adjustments each day. (12GSA with about 5K at the time). Yesterday I did 130 miles over mixed going and thought the shock had gone a bit soft by the time I got home (10k on the clock now). Haven't noticed any deterioration of the front shock at any time.

 

[bustupbiker]

shocks

Got a pair of shocks (1200) have not put them on the FS as i was not going to sell them, but if i can help some one along the way as they say.
Done 300miles i put Ohlins low-uns on cos i have lac of height.
Lyn. PS: please move to FS if you so wish Mr Mod:

 

[ROLLINSDAN]

i would describe shagged as a loss of damping control, symptoms being continuing oscillation of suspension after hitting a bump. standard shock does this anyway IME.

I thought the same on my recent test ride, the standard equipment shocks are very "pogo" like. I think one of the first things I'll do when I turn to the dark side is go for the gold shiney bling.........

 

[Nate]

My rear just got a bit lower and less compliant - it wasn't totally knackered but not at it's best. My front (which is properly fecked) now needs to have the preload wound fully up to maintain the ride-height I like ...

I suppose the question is whether your wife is happy with the ride height?



Sorry but am I the only person who found this funny????

Im not helping am I?

 

[Rushy]

I suppose the question is whether your wife is happy with the ride height?



Sorry but am I the only person who found this funny????

Im not helping am I?

Most women will tell you its the girth that makes the difference

 

[BBR]

mine were working fine after 36 000 miles
but i have change for fournales
http://www.neufgiga.com/index.php?m=c9ae77e8&a=7d397569&share=LNK682245e31542a18eb