How to tell if you need new shocks

[Mrussell16]

Hello all. I am a new member who just purchased my first BMW motorcycle. I bought a fixer upper that has been crashed (mostly fairing damage). The motorcycle is a 2005 R1200RT with ESA, and around 50000km. When I push down on the motorcycle it moves a lot (seems soft) up and down. I came from a 2004 ZG1000 (gtr1000). Are the bmw's suspension normally more bouncy (soft)? Is there a good way to check the shock condition? Thank you for all future replies

[jackronner]

I assume you've checked which setting the ESA is on and/or if it is functioning.  The "Comfort" setting would give you the softest setting.  Cycling through the three ESA settings should provide noticeably different and gradually stiffer response if the system is working.

[Mrussell16]

I played around with it while running. No noticeable change in sport/normal/comfort, or solo/solo with bags/two up. I looked at the suspension and found that they have been replaced with HyperPro units. Do the front forks do anything, or are they just to attach the front wheel?

[David.]

Do the front forks do anything, or are they just to attach the front wheel?

Telelever, https://www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk/en/exper ... lever.html