Reconditioning rear shock

[Malvern_Beemer]

Was due to collect my bike after it's service today and on the way there I had a call from the dealer who services my bike to let me now that the rear shock of my 2010 36000 miles GSA has overnight exploded all over their showroom floor and that I would not be able to ride the bike away. I have no choice but to get them to replace it as the bike is not ridable but wanted to know if it's usually possible to recondition blown shocks and if so should I ask to keep the old shock so that I can at least recoup some of the cost of the new one (apparently, shocks are not covered by extended warranty when over 30,000 miles)?

 

[Mistacat]

Just sent my 09 GS ESA shock in for reconditioning to MCT suspension. It has done 46K.
I have fitted a second hand one until it is returned.
I would hang on to the old unit and give them a call.

 

[Malvern_Beemer]

That's a relief. Looking at a circa £1000 service bill so every little helps!

 

[bikemad]

Buy a Wilbers forget OEM

 

[adventuredon]

My 2010 with 40 know on started to mist, only just mind, so took it off and it's on its way to mct for refurbished and valves. Preventative maintenance to avoid an unexpected bill. Should cost around 145 all done. Yes other non oem shocks might be better, but my experience is limited to the oem as are my riding skills ;-) oh and my budget!

 

[Malvern_Beemer]

Apparently there were no signs of it being on its way out on mine. It went through it's service with nothing being noticed (maybe because it was bathed in ACF50) and then just shat itself all over the dealers showroom floor overnight.

 

[adventuredon]

I had the misting comment about 4 months ago from bm but since I also had acf50 I ignored them. Then to advantage of ride magazine free check recently, and they too noted it, so I took the initiative.* Might have been fine but at after 2 professionals and 40k, thought it prudent*

 

[Pukmeister]

Nothing on eBay worth fitting in the interim to get your bike back on the road ?

Sod paying 1K, I'd recover my own bike from them in a rented Luton van if needs be, do it myself (its only two bolts FFS !) and trouser the difference.

 

[sanensafe]

Firefoxracing.co.uk
service/rebuild OEM including ESA shocks.

 

[adventuredon]

They reckon 4 days turnaround. That's fast and good enough for me, although with today's weather I so wanted to be on the bike

 

[bikemad]

I cant see why it cannot be ridden itll bong about & be interesting Iv had bikes with no damping lol,just go careful depending how far its to be ridden,but cant collapse if its only leaked oil not broken the actual spring.

 

[Malvern_Beemer]

Not sure I'd like to risk riding it with hydraulic oil pissing all over the back Tyre.

 

[Pukmeister]

I cant see why it cannot be ridden itll bong about & be interesting Iv had bikes with no damping lol,just go careful depending how far its to be ridden,but cant collapse if its only leaked oil not broken the actual spring.

Been there, done that, admittedly not a GS but a Yamaha Thundercat with a blown rear shock. It was only twelve miles, mostly motorway, and was a VERY harsh ride. I'd recommend you get a bike trailer or van instead.

 

[Yellow Peril]

Been there, done that, admittedly not a GS but a Yamaha Thundercat with a blown rear shock. It was only twelve miles, mostly motorway, and was a VERY harsh ride. I'd recommend you get a bike trailer or van instead.

Did the same from Santander to roscoff on a GS just be careful on the corners LOL

Ps it's amazing how quickly the extended warranty covers the shock where you say you'll be taking the bike as is to fit a Wilburs or at 1k an ohlin.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

You will be Ok riding it home and don't buy an OEM one from a dealer. You will be able to get a new Ohlins, Wilburs.Hyperpro etc for a lot less and it will be money well spent. I used Kais for my Ohlins who are excellent and have used Calsport in the past for Hyperpro who are equally as good. You never know, they may have something on the shelf.

 

[Malvern_Beemer]

Thanks very much for all the advise guys. Just had a call from the dealer £1600 to replace the shock and that's with them only charging me an hours labour!
Have now spoken to MCT in Suffolk who will recondition mine for just over £100. No brainer . Now just got to ride the bike back to Malvern from Wolverhampton and then work out how to get the shock off .
I've heard that the application of heat is often a requirement for teasing the retaining bolts out. Would obtaining one of those disposable butane blow torches that plumbers use be a good idea?

 

[Steptoe]

ABE in greenwich. Service the shock, re-gas, new seals and all oils.
And if you time it right it'll be done the same day.

 

[adventuredon]

I have just taken mine off. No heat needed, just a few gentle taps with the impact wrench. Hardest part was actually getting the lower bolt to slide right out. Its a fairly straightforward job. Just the exhaust and wheel to remove first. Heres the first result I looked at. Many others there. http://www.touratech-usa.com/Adventure/Blog/jaBhoa/How-To-BMW-R1200GS-Adventure-Shock-Installation

 

[Pukmeister]

I have used a black and decker hot air paint stripper (big hairdryer) to heat the lower shock bolt threads in the swing arm before undoing. Be sure to keep the thing moving to avoid burning the paint/powder coat finish. I've also used my Turbotorch with mapp gas, again keep it moving.

If ESA there are two wiring plugs to undo near the shock top mounting bolt. Put bike on centre stand and undo top and bottom shock mount and out it comes. Might be stuff in the way to remove like a mudsling or hugger, rear wheel if you need access but can remain in place if not, and end can. It's a piece of piss, just nuts and bolts.

You can draw the lower mounting bushing from the swing arm by using a long bolt or some stud bar and an oversize socket to draw it into.

If you get any issues post here or drop me a PM.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Make sure you get the torx in tight, get a good bar on the socket (preferably not a ratchet), then get another extension bar. Have someone study the whole thing then stand on the bar to loosen the bolt because it is fucking tight. The ensuing crack as it loosens will scare you to death but then you are good to go.

Sounds a bit brutal but that's what I did