tophog Posted October 22, 2007 Posted October 22, 2007 I spent the weekend riding all over central CA with a friend who has both a 2005 R1200RT and GS. We swapped bikes on/off all weekend. When riding the RT I felt as though the bike was controlling me as it wouldn't corner, wouldn't hold a line what so ever and want to bounce right back up when turned into a corner giving me that pogo stick feel...felt like a horse trying to buck you off. We played with the rear preload/damping all weekend and never could get the feel of the bike to change. I am convinced there is no dampning occuring in the shock as it feels like a pogo-stick regardless of the preload/damping setting. I ended up maxing out the preload all the way to the "Firm" setting then turning the dampning screw all the way clock-wise. The bike doesn't feel like it rides any different when changing the dampning screw. If you compress the rear of the bike quickly it pops up just as quickly. I am not as suspension expert thus the reason we are seeking help. I have a 2007 RT1200 myself at home and corners excellent so I have something to compare to. The bike has 16K on it. I know there isn't a lot of positive reviews on the stock shocks but aren't they suppose to last more then 15K? Would this be a warranty item? I never road an RT that felt so bad in the twisties Tire pressures were spot on, new Metzler Z-6's. Did we overlook something else?
Firefight911 Posted October 22, 2007 Posted October 22, 2007 Shocks are kapoot. Not a warranty item as they are a "wear" item. More preload will exacerbate the problem! Time for aftermarket!!
tophog Posted October 22, 2007 Author Posted October 22, 2007 Thanks for the feedback. Is there a general lifespan expectency for the OEM shocks? 15K sure doesn't seem like much. I think my moped has better shocks then that.
Firefight911 Posted October 22, 2007 Posted October 22, 2007 Thanks for the feedback. Is there a general lifespan expectency for the OEM shocks? 15K sure doesn't seem like much. I think my moped has better shocks then that. How far is your house from the dealership?? That's as far as I've known them to last on BMW's. And, Yes, your moped has better shocks!
Tony_K Posted October 22, 2007 Posted October 22, 2007 And just think of all the ESA bikes that will be showing the same issues in a year or less
bobbybob Posted October 22, 2007 Posted October 22, 2007 Well, I am now noticing my 2007 R12Rt with 8K miles is starting to mis-behave in the corners also. Would just a rear replacement with an Ohlins be a huge improvement...or does it take both front & rear to notice it?
HexHead Posted October 22, 2007 Posted October 22, 2007 Well, I am now noticing my 2007 R12Rt with 8K miles is starting to mis-behave in the corners also. Would just a rear replacement with an Ohlins be a huge improvement...or does it take both front & rear to notice it? Yes, the rear will make a big improvement. Doing both will totally transform the bike though. The front will feel much more planted to you and minor road imperfections disappear.
scottd Posted October 22, 2007 Posted October 22, 2007 "Not a warranty item as they are a "wear" item." My front shock was replaced at 9400mi under warranty on my 06GS. Doesn't hurt to ask.
bobbybob Posted October 22, 2007 Posted October 22, 2007 My front shock was replaced at 9400mi under warranty on my 06GS. Doesn't hurt to ask. Was it leaking? What were the circumstances?
scottd Posted October 22, 2007 Posted October 22, 2007 The front end was making a "squeaking" noise when it compressed to go over a bump or dip such as entering a parking lot. Dealer said it was a bad shock and replaced it.
Fran Posted October 24, 2007 Posted October 24, 2007 I think the stock shocks, cover the subject and do a very basic job as shocks, my upgrade to Ohlins was well worth it! In fact the transformation is so much more noticeable on these bikes then were the Ohlins upgrade I did on my 02 Ducati 748 with very basic Showa's. In closing I feel any quality aftermarket upgrade will provide a very, very noticeable improvement. Fran
Wicker Posted October 27, 2007 Posted October 27, 2007 I had the rear shock on my R1200ST replaced at 18 months / 12k miles by BMW under warranty. Although no leaks or visable mechanical failure, the ride quality had noticeably deteriorated with the back end bouncing all over the place. Under 2 years old then BMW UK are pretty good at responding to genuine failures. I also had a rear shock oil seal failure (R1100S) whilst on holiday in France in 2004. Although the bike was then 3 1/2 years old with 36k on the clock, the price of the shock was refunded to me by BMW UK 'as a goodwill gesture'.
KiwiAdventure Posted October 28, 2007 Posted October 28, 2007 My shock was replaced on my 05rt at 15,000ks I'm still not happy with rear end, but it's never going to handle like my HP2. Here is NZ an item must be fit for purpose so BMW may say the shock is a wear item in there warranty, but fit for purpose it will be replaced free. A shock should last for 50-100ks
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