Rear shock gone on my 2011 RT after just 14,000 miles

[Iscadean]

Well it looks like the seals have gone. I’m sure there are others here who have the same experience. What to do? Pay dealers £1650 + VAT + labour? Or fit a replacement Wilbers or Tractive? If the latter, who can do this local to Somerset? Any help would be welcome.

[David.]

Found this video of an R1200GS rear shock repair/rebuild, BMW R1200GS Adventure rear shock repair/rebuild. - Bing video

Falcon Shocks are in Dorset, Falcon Shocks | Repairs and Servicing (falconshockabsorbers.co.uk)

T-Tech Suspension were the more cost effective solution, (1) T-Tech | Facebook

Removing the rear shock for repair/rebuild doesn't look like a massive job, even if you have to get a man in.

How about James Sherlock, Servicing and Repairs (james-sherlock.co.uk) they don't look too far away.

[Steve398]

For £1600 you can get the Wilbers from and rear units inclusive of vat, and which would be sprung to your weight/type of use.


I had Wilbers on my Pan, they’re a superb shock and I’ve already started saving to replace the standard BMW units which I think are rather crude in comparison.


It depends if you feel that kind of expenditure reflects your intended use, mileage, and how long you’ll be keeping the bike.

[David.]

This JVB pictorial shows how to replace the F&R shocks on a Hexhead GS, Ohlins_Shock_Install (jvbproductions.com) It'll be very similar for a Camhead RT.

[Falko144]

Try to find a suspension specialist that works on racing motorbikes. 
They are better equipped and have more knowledge than your regular shop.  Stakes are much higher at the track. 
In my experience they can rebuild any shock or if they can't,  they will recommend a better replacement such as Ohlins, Penske, Wilbers etc. 

If they are rebuilding it for you, make sure you get a proper spring if the stock one is under rated.  This applies for a new shock as well. 


here is a place local to you, near Bristol.
[size=5px]https://www.jhsracing.co.uk/[/size]
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[Iscadean]

Found this video of an R1200GS rear shock repair/rebuild, BMW R1200GS Adventure rear shock repair/rebuild. - Bing video

Falcon Shocks are in Dorset, Falcon Shocks | Repairs and Servicing (falconshockabsorbers.co.uk)

T-Tech Suspension were the more cost effective solution, (1) T-Tech | Facebook

Removing the rear shock for repair/rebuild doesn't look like a massive job, even if you have to get a man in.

How about James Sherlock, Servicing and Repairs (james-sherlock.co.uk) they don't look too far away.

Very helpful post - thanks. Looks like Luke at T-Tech Suspension will do the repair and updating of the unit - new seals, replace the valve and the spring customised to my riding weight and returned by post in 3 days. Looking at vids on removal and replacement, I’ll do this myself taking my time to get it right. How difficult can it be? Anyway, it’s a late autumn project in the garage to keep me busy.


BTW, BMW UK decided not to replace the failed fuel strip which has only done 2000 miles. Their reason - the age of the bike - 10 years. Not the age of the fuel strip which is precisely two years old. What effing logic is this?

[David.]

BTW, BMW UK decided not to replace the failed fuel strip which has only done 2000 miles. Their reason - the age of the bike - 10 years. Not the age of the fuel strip which is precisely two years old. What effing logic is this?

A BMW Motorrad Insured Warranty can be had on a bike up to 80,000 miles at the commencement date, irrespective of its' age.

My understanding is that any parts replaced by BMW carry their own 2 year warranty. Was the fuel strip replaced by a BMW dealer?

In the US, the fuel strip warranty was extended to 12 years, 16_002_14_017_Fuel_Strip_Extended_Warranty_Service Bulletin Template.qxd (nhtsa.gov)

[Iscadean]

Yep. Replaced by CW Motorcycles of Dorchester here in the UK. Of course CW is no longer trading so i am asking BMW UK to cover the costs foc. Fat chance. I am at the end of my persuasion stage. I have, as requested by GB customer service and at my cost, had my Bristol Motorrad centre evaluate the fuel strip and their report confirms it is buggered. This has been sent to GB customer services who insist the bikes age is a factor and therefore they will not cover the replacement costs.


My next recourse is to slap a Small Claims Court for £300-£500 on them and have my day in court. It cost just £35. Has anyone else done this? I’d be interested in similar claims for financial compensation from BMW UK for similar motorbike- related issues.


Oh, and thanks for the BMW North America letter which proves there is a fault with the fuel strip.

[David.]

Picture this scenario, a 2011 bike with less than 80,000 miles on the clock can be covered by a BMW Motorrad Insured Warranty.

Under "Fuel system", the fuel level transmitter is covered.

Next year (2022) my 2012 Camhead will be just short of 10 years old when I renew the lapsed warranty. If the fuel level transmitter fails, I expect it to be covered.

As far as I know, the fuel strip replaced by CW should have a 2 year warranty. What has the age of the bike got to do with the replaced part.

A simple example, a BMW (Exide) battery comes with a 2 year warranty, if it fails, it is replaced with a new one, irrespective of how old the bike is.

"All of our Parts and Accessories are Genuine BMW Motorrad parts and are under a 2-year international BMW manufacturer warranty."

[Iscadean]

Well that’s a revelation. I looked into this warranty and it applies to BMW bikes up to 100,000 miles. Replacement of parts up to the value of the bike (about £7k) or £1000 whichever is the higher. Checked for my bike and it comes out at £30/month. The fuel strip plus VAT and labour looks like £300. Rear shock with extras come at near £2000. Would have been a sensible insurance to have. I’ll set it up for future issues. You need to service the bike according to the schedule but as long as you have a record of services and replacement of parts or dealer servicing record, they will pay out. Wish I’d known.

[David.]

Checked for my bike and it comes out at £30/month.

If bike use is seasonal, the policy can be started then cancelled later, lapsed and re-started. I only take cover for 7 months, April to October. The first payment is made on 1st March for commencement of cover on 1st April, with last payment towards the end of September for October. Hope that makes sense.

This year, I paid £35 x 7 + £100 excess = £345, had the LHS switch replaced, it cost £360 + labour at £130/hr. Previously, have had both front calipers & pads changed. Yes, over the years I've probably paid out more than I've had back but wouldn't run a BMW without a warranty.