R1200GSA Aftermarket ESA Feedback?

[Anonymous]

#4052

Has anyone in NZ replaced the BMW ESA shocks with an aftermarket ESA option? Yes, I know I could get a raping on K-Road far more cheaply and quickly but it still wouldn't sort the suspension on my 2010 GSA  :'(Current options appear to be Ohlins (couple of options), Hyperpro, Wilbers and WP. I know the odd people around the world are starting to use them, but feedback is slim and I would prefer some feedback based on NZ usage with our bumpy roads... The options vary in execution, some re-using the OEM ESA units, others like the top of the line Ohlins solution replace the lot and add functionality (dynamic adjustment based on speed).My GSA has almost 56,000km on it, and while I don't need anything yet, it's likely by year end the shocks could be done (but hell, I'm hoping for next year... or never). $4800 +GST to replace with BMW again, that's a lot of baked beans and I still wouldn't be able to service when required, so long term costs get expensive - oh... and that's just the parts, no labour in that...

[Mark Mackay]

#16782

Might be cheaper to put the $4800 towards a new 1250 when they come out.I have done 86000ks on My 1200 GS and no problems at all.

[Anonymous]

#16783

Might be cheaper to put the $4800 towards a new 1250 when they come out.I have done 86000ks on My 1200 GS and no problems at all.

Going by previous timetables of BMW, the GSA is usually about 2 years after the GS is launched, to iron out problems (and neither am I keen to be an early lab rat). I've done 52,000km since Jan 2011, and while that was rather good (15k was one 6 week trip), it also includes 6 months of no riding...Ergo... the suspension will be long gone before the 1250GSA even exists, given that I can already feel the suspension is softer than it previously was...Well it turns out the introductory price of Ohlins EC TTX (or Mechatronic) is less than a replacement set of ESA shocks from BMW, to the tune of almost $1000... makes it a bit of a no brainer, other than the fact it's still fooken expensive.I'm leaning towards Ohlins (and apparently I'm not the first to enquire, but the first to indicate my intention to purchase) because of the excellent level of local support, as the suspension will probably have to be serviced annually.

[Anonymous]

#16784

Well… I've just sent a confirmation email to Dr Rob to be purchasing a set of Ohlins EC Suspension for my bike… it better love me and not fail on me for quite some time yet.I chose Ohlins because Robert Taylor is recognised worldwide for his excellent work with Ohlins, other distributors in NZ I don't believe are so good and the suspension will require service every year or so, it's good technical backing etc, and the upfront cost for Ohlins is less than a set of OEM BMW shocks. I don't NEED the suspension yet, but the OEM is degrading, and I realised today that it's the probable reason why the stands are scraping on the ground so frequently (not my riding, honest!  ::) )It probably won't arrive or be installed until mid-August, but I'll give some feedback once I've done some mileage...

[Dave Ross]

#16785

I don't think you'll need to service it annually, unless you do 30000km+. I've had my Elka rear shock service last year after more than 60000km and everything was fine. The front shock has now done 80000km and will get done once I get around to it. ESA bit harder without the button, but not so hard that I would pay extra for it :-).

[Anonymous]

#16786

Service as stated by Ohlins Sweden is 40,000km. I've done in excess of 52,000km since last January  ;D I haven't had it in my possession for 6 of those months, but did ride it a lot for a 6 week period…The work bike does 15,000km a year... yeah... I'm single  😛

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