Replacing New Style ESA shocks?

40,000 for a shock? Maybe this is the chebbie experience.

Have owned Mercedes for a number of years, and the expectation is more like 100,000 miles. And, if one starts to leak, you replace the one that leaks, not pairs and not all four.

It's a pretty cool trick that BMW can produce a police bike and then sell it on to well-heeled customers using some fairly simple add-ons like electronic shocks.

The world of liability that BMW sees with motorcycles is astounding, and anything that makes it easier for an owner to configure his/her motorcycle properly for the load carried and for the type of riding anticipated is a good thing. Little buttons and dashboard icons are easier than wrenches taken out from under the seat or getting an air compressor connected.

lkchris said:

Have owned Mercedes for a number of years, and the expectation is more like 100,000 miles. And, if one starts to leak, you replace the one that leaks, not pairs and not all four.
.

Click to expand...

The folks at Bavarian Autosport, up in NH, say to replace BMW Car shocks in pairs.

From the Bavarian Auto website.........

"Looking for BMW parts or MINI parts? You've found our BMW Shocks - Sachs shocks page.

Order online or by phone at 800-535-2002. If you like the BMW factory ride, you'll love Boge BMW shock absorbers. Boge shocks have been original equipment on BMWs for over 30 years. Their Automatic BMW shocks and struts are replacement shocks that give you that famous BMW factory ride. For tougher driving conditions we recommend Boge's low-pressure gas shocks. NOTE: BMW Shocks should be replaced in pairs. "

lkchris said:

40,000 for a shock? Maybe this is the chebbie experience.

Click to expand...

The 40,000 mile figure comes straight off the pages of this forum, and has been repeated endlessly by various members. I find it dismaying that, as you say, car shocks carrying many times the weight that our bikes do, seem to last many times longer. But I have accepted the fact that if you pay $25,000+ for a new BMW motorcycle, and ride it around 10,000 miles a year, by the time you have paid the bike off, you will need to chip in roughly $1,600 for two new shocks.

jconway607 said:

you will need to chip in roughly $1,600 for two new shocks.

Click to expand...

While the price has increased, I can say that I replaced/upgraded the suspension on my prior two "new" bikes, a 1986 K75c and 1999 R1100RS at about 20~25,000 miles.

But, that's just me. I'm your typical "money-is-no-object" gadfly that buys a bike every 13 or 17-yrs.