Shock life expectancy

[Martyn B]

Or should I say, the life expectancy of an Original Equipment 1150GS rear shock absorber.......

Mines done 28 thou and seems fine but I'm planning a 3 thou mile holiday with the missus later this year.

Should I replace it as a bit of preventive maintenance or can I expect a flood of "nah, mines been round the clock twice and I still take the wife and four kids on the back without a problem" mails?

All advice gratefully received,

Martyn

 

[Mzokk]

Tricky question! Depending on how or where the bike has been ridden it could be ok. If it is going off gently, as they all do over time, and your happy enough with it at the moment you'll be reasonably content. If a seal goes and the oil pees out your stuffed. Mines got 21,000 on it and if ridden enthusiastically two up with luggage the shock goes off after 10-15 mins as it gets hot and the bike wallows as it starts to ride on the spring. Its mostly fine solo. If you are worried a rebuild or replacement shock will give you peace of mind, and will almost certainly feel better than what your riding on now.

 

[Cookson]

My GSA has done 18k & the rear shock is cream crackered.

After a while I get sea sick & no amount of twiddling solves it, gonna get me a pair of Ohlins in the near future.

 

[Burfcontrol]

2000 1150 non ABS - bought second hand with 16,000 miles a couple of years ago, now on 75,000 miles - shock seems fine. Maybe it's been going off gently but I've had no problems with wallowing or bottoming even when going for it on B roads.

To be fair I very rarely take pillions or excessive luggage and would best be described as a skinny git, I also have the pre load set 2 lines off maximum.

Cheers Jim

 

[Jimb]

Martyn

I thought mine were Ok until I fitted some Ohlins then I realised how crap the originals are, get some ohlins or similar on and it will be a different bike.
Its an easy job, 45 mins for both and is the most effective upgrade you could do.

The OE Showa's are the cheapest, lowest quality BMW can get away with, the ADV's are a higher spec.

 

[gypsy]

so at 57k mine may be past their best then?

 

[Vern]

My original rear went at 126000 and my original front is just about on it's last legs at 174000.So if anyone has an 1100 front shock kicking about,can I have it please,as I don't need an Ohlins

 

[scud]

Mines done 51,000 miles on the original.

Done everything from round europe 2 up with luggage and solo fat git. no problems so far.