Hi, new forum member here.
I’m thinking of buying a R1200GS. My budget means I’m in for one that’s 7 or 8 years old with 10-20,000 miles on the clock. Reading the reviews I see that Bennett’s Buyers Guide for the 2013-18 states -
Be very wary of ESA-equipped bikes as you can’t rebuild the suspension units, which means a costly new unit if their seals or damping has gone
Can anyone give me advice on this? Has it been a regular issue with older bikes and should it be something I need to budget for when I make my decision? What’s it cost if it needs replacing?
I ride a Multistrada 1200 at the moment and one of the reasons for switching are the eyewatering maintenance costs of running one!
My 2014 gsa bought new had over £10,000 of warranty work in 30 months and 13,000 miles including 2 failed front and 2 failed esa shocks , that is the reason that the 2018 model I replaced it with was non esa as is my new r1250 gsa triple black.
Newer dynamic esa is better, however, still nowhere near as good as decent aftermarket kit set up for your needs ie Ohlins, Wilbers, Maxton etc