Achilles Heels

1967 R50/2 · 07-02-2002, 01:40 PM

I don't know that shocks have always been the "achilles heel" of BMWs. The FOUR boges in my /2 lasted for 57,000 miles. I replaced them with Konis. Never should have, they worked fine and now would command a big price.

Question to owners of other makes: How long until you had to replace your stock shock(s)?

roger albert · 07-02-2002, 04:19 PM

My only modern bikes have been showa-shod ducs and beemers.
The shocks seem good for 20k miles or so, not much more, imo.
At most, double that, sometimes, not much better than half that.

regards
roger

doberman · 07-03-2002, 02:55 AM

I replaced my rear shock with Ohlins after 10000 miles.

CarlosT · 07-03-2002, 09:25 AM

For $15K the S should come standard with Ohlins. Top of the line Ducs and Aprilias do. The fact that we get non-adjustable Showas is absurd.

1967 R50/2 · 07-03-2002, 10:01 AM

I think only Roger has answered the question.

Maybe I'll make this a survey.

JF · 07-03-2002, 12:38 PM

My old 900ss needed a new shock after about 15k miles. Front needed a good going over too.

My Supermotard needed a good going over a little more often, but everything could be rebuilt.

I tend to think the life of the units really depends on where and how you ride as well how much you weight.

roger albert · 07-03-2002, 01:48 PM

Good comments from JF.
I think there are few bikes that can't benefit from a suspension freshening by 20,000 miles, cheaper ones at 15. I was thinking more about it. My old Kawi's front end was wimpy by 20. Replaced the rear shocks at about 17k and kicked myself for not having done so earlier.

My current S has about 18k on the clock, and on the front shock. It seems less effective in the hot weather, but OK otherwise. I imagine I'll want to start next summer with a new one.

later
roger

JF · 07-03-2002, 03:15 PM

I think one of the rubs for most BMW riders is the fact that most seem to rack on miles more quickly then other bikes. I do anyhow. I took me a few years to get 15k on my Duc and a much much much loooonger time to get even 8k miles on the silly motard bike. Sheesh some of you guys/gals have put 15k on in less than a year. So it has to sting to see a bill for parts so soon. I only have one way to make taking that pill easier...it's just the perfect excuse to put on a set of Ohlins or Penske (spelling) shocks and not feel bad about doing it. "Honey! The shocks are clearly worn out. I really dont have a choice you see. It's for my own safety".

See how easy that is?

J-