Rear shock knackered

[Pressurized]

I've done almost 27,000miles on my 2005 1200GS and the shock still feels fine - it has never been used off road though.

 

[The Nutter]

Depends what you're comparing it to. Coming from owning a GSXR the Gixer owners would be amazed (avoided the "shocked" pun) that its lasted anywhere near that long. Saying this, many of them would take 10 years to reach 24K, so perhaps its rust they were worried about.

The thing I find odd joining the GS group from GSXR groups. GSXR owners like to bling! their machines, therefore when something breaks it is seen as an excuse to buy that bit of aftermarket bling. GS owners expect the bike to do what it was designed to (quite rightly), so are disapointed when something goes wrong. The number of problems seem comparible, but GSXR owners glasses are more rose tinted.

I think part of the problem is that BMW have to try to compete with other manufacturers on price when the owners of other manufacturer machines are just happy if the bike survives its first winter.

OK I'm generalising to make a point, but I guess I'm trying to say that the grass isn't always greener.


TobyS

Oh and racking my memory: I for one rode 2 winters on the GSXR and only had to replace 2 batteries, lost one indicator switch had 2 fairing screws fall out, put up with stalling when cold, and not finding neutral when hot. The thing is I loved the bike, and just put up with its bad points for the smile it gave me when I was riding well.
The GS I've only had for 2 months now. So far the bike's been fine, but I'm having to adapt to riding it, and the gear lever isn't low enough for me (see my other thread).

I don't give a damn that GSXR owners would be amazed that their bikes bits would last that long. BLING? Is that not some kind of rappers description for his very shiny jewellry. A bike is supposed to be built for riding. It must be in the trades description act somewhere. 24,000 miles is a pants mileage for a so called around the world bike. Pahhh! I'm hoping that the educated, intelligent GS membership out there knows of a cheapish cure for my ills. What bugs me most is that the bike is well looked after and has never been off road, except the odd dry track to a bike rally. Tell me, do I sue the local council for the appalling roads that buggered up my shock or do I invest the rest of my life inventing a shock that does the job that it's designed to do without ripping off the law abiding, hard working, bike loving, thrill seeking people that we are?

Rant over. Time for a call to Maxton.

 

[ts2]

Maxton are great BTW. I had the pleasure of visiting them for a RiDE special on suspension setup. They really know their stuff.

As I said tell us how you get on, so I can budget for when mine goes.

TS

 

[Pressurized]

24,000 miles is a pants mileage for a so called around the world bike.

The distance round the world is about 24,000 miles

 

[wilbjr21]

The distance round the world is about 24,000 miles

Just what I was thinking but too polite to mention it ........... until now.

 

[bustupbiker]

Only just spotted this thread Sorry chaps.. I have a set of shocks for a 2005 12. bought my bike in May 15 05 rode home from Manchester to Holywell
About 64 miles, had a cupa and changed my shocks for Ohlins shorties
cos i am a diddy man. They are still sat a sittin in the Ohlins box...
Offers.......

 

[The Nutter]

Only just spotted this thread Sorry chaps.. I have a set of shocks for a 2005 12. bought my bike in May 15 05 rode home from Manchester to Holywell
About 64 miles, had a cupa and changed my shocks for Ohlins shorties
cos i am a diddy man. They are still sat a sittin in the Ohlins box...
Offers.......

Bustupbiker, I've sent you a P.M.

 

[mpjbiker]

Sounds like you have lost your preload, mate. Before you shell out hundreds on new shocks, see if you can refill your remote reservoir. I've done it on my old R1100RT and my GS, after finding it on the Yank RT site. Can't remember the exact details, but it involved backing the adjuster right off, removing the reservoir, pushing the piston back with a small probe, then refilling with oil. If you do a search on the American BMWRT.com site, you'll find it-made amazing difference on the old RT, good luck!