Suspension

[gspod]

Hi.
It looks like the rear shock has gone on my wife’s 2014 1200gs TC LC - 30K miles.
She doesn’t want to pay for a new BMW or aftermarket shock and I’ve read that it’s possible to get them rebuilt. MTC get good reviews and Firefox rebuilt an Ohlins for me a few years back and did a great job at a good price.
I’m looking for recommendations please.
Also, I’ve read that the front shock is also prone to failure after about 30K miles - any views on this?

She loves the bike but not very happy at this expense, having owned the bike for less than 3 years.

Thanks for any help/opinions

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

To be fair, an unserviced shock of any make is gonna be shagged at 30k, even if it hasn't 'failed' as such.

If it were me I'd gor for a decent mid priced aftermarket shock which won't cost much more than a rebuild but you can at least spec it to your own requirement (spring rate etc).
Plenty of decent companies out there rebuilding suspension but I can vouch for MCT, I travel from Nottingham to use them even though there are nearer places I could use.

Andres

 

[younger06]

You don't say if it's ESA or not.

If not, give Firefox a shout and price up a YSS shock, made to your requirements.

I used one on my Hexhead and found it done exactly what it said on the tin.

from my G8 ThinQ

 

[gspod]

Thanks for the replies.
It is ESA which makes me think that an aftermarket shock will be over £1K - I could be wrong.
Could she swap the ESA for a normal aftermarket shock with preload? She does take me pillion, at 17 stone, sometimes with luggage so would need something adjustable.
Thanks again.

 

[sparky56]

Check this thread before buying a new shock, might help.
https://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php/504259-rear-shock-fefurbishment

 

[DevonAl]

Lots of good reports for Denz0 on here, very knowledgeable and gives info about new springs, lowering etc.

Al

 

[35col]

Try these, www.twsuspensiontech.co.uk, they are in Preston, They can rebuild and service ESA shocks. Tuet knows his stuff

 

[Wobbly65]

Are Dynamic ESA shocks rebuildable or is everyone referring to the previous generation ESA ?

 

[jags]

firefox will rebuild an esa shock, i'm speaking from experience as they did my 09 one and the rebuild had lasted longer than the original when i sold the bike.

 

[Matty589]

If you replace with BMW OEM you’ll not get any change out of £3K inc labour. I’d look aftermarket at that age.

 

[gspod]

Thanks for all the replies - looks like a rebuild is the order of the day.
Is the same likely for the front anytime soon or do they last longer?

 

[Belco100]

You could have a look at the Wilber site. They can make an ESA Wilber Shock up.

 

[beaver]

Get Firefox to re-build it.. they are fine...

 

[gspod]

Get Firefox to re-build it.. they are fine...

IV used Firefox myself and they’re very good - I’ll get some quotes.

 

[gspod]

I went with Denz0 in the end.
Fantastic service and much much cheaper than FireFox - he even fixed the electrics which were also broken.
A top bloke - 5 stars

 

[Ciderdrinker]

Had my rear ESA shock done at Firefox in Keighley a couple of months back. Was around 30k miles on it. Great bunch of lads who had it done in about half a day. Cost around £300 I think. Normally take it off yourself and mail it to them but I rode down and they did the work then. Just as well it only took half a day, there's nowt to see or do in Keighley. After a brekker in Morrisons and a nose round Colin Appleyard it was a boring couple of hours.
Give them a ring - bettter than forking out for a replacement.

 

[Sungaets]

Had my rear ESA shock done at Firefox in Keighley a couple of months back. Was around 30k miles on it. Great bunch of lads who had it done in about half a day. Cost around £300 I think. Normally take it off yourself and mail it to them but I rode down and they did the work then. Just as well it only took half a day, there's nowt to see or do in Keighley. After a brekker in Morrisons and a nose round Colin Appleyard it was a boring couple of hours.
Give them a ring - bettter than forking out for a replacement.

I would recommend Firefox racing, I live in Shetland and my shock gave in just three weeks before a planned holiday, I had done 15,000 miles. I sent it to Firefox after being recommended on here. £249 and a years guarantee.
Great service.