Failed the MOT - again

[JTL]

My XR failed it's MOT again:

"Repair immediately (major defects):
Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect (5.3.2 (b))"

So, it's booked in to have the ESA rear shock replaced. This will be the 6th one to be fitted - covered by the BMW 2 year parts warranty. (I've not had to pay for one yet, but it is bloody annoying!)  This one lasted 15,000 miles, although I knew it was on the way out late last year.

The bike's now done 84,000 miles, so that's the end of the BMW Extended warranty cover (up to 80,000 miles).  Assuming this one fails, which it probably will, I'll get it rebuilt by Firefox Racing.  I did think about using them this time, but WTF let BMW cough up!  I saw the dealer warranty quote which is £1486, if I'd have to pay for it, it would over £2000.

[capt cf]

Wait...you have been through 6 rear shocks?!?!  I can't believe there isn't some other root cause causing all these shock failures.

[Antares]

Originally Posted by capt cf

Wait...you have been through 6 rear shocks?!?!  I can't believe there isn't some other root cause causing all these shock failures.

This... there is just no bloody way. I've had the original shock, still perfectly fine in my 47k XR, where are you even taking ur XR for MOT that they even check this haha, and are they checking with the ignition ON?

[JTL]

I ask the dealer each time to check the rear shock linkage, mounting points and swingarm.  They can't find anything wrong.

Originally Posted by Firefox Racing

The BMW ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment)  offers immediate suspension adjustments without tools, even while riding. It is operated using a thumb button on the left handlebar. The units are manufactured by Showa or WP Both of the units are fully serviceable by ourselves. We have seen many fail at around 15- 20 thousand miles, not a great mileage for a quality unit. If you have taken the time to price up a replacement unit from BMW you may of been a little shocked!

I don't think the shock is a "quality unit"!

[JTL]

Originally Posted by Antares

This... there is just no bloody way. I've had the original shock, still perfectly fine in my 47k XR, where are you even taking ur XR for MOT that they even check this haha, and are they checking with the ignition ON?

I take it to a local motorcycle workshop.  Yes they do check with the ignition on (they have also checked it with the engine running.)  They do the "bounce" test on the rear.  According to the MOT manual they showed me the rear suspension should be compressed then released, it should spring back past the resting point, then return back down to it's original position.  Mine continues to oscillate 4 times before coming to rest.  That's a MOT fail.   It does not do it with a brand new ESA shock.

When I get the new shock(s) the handling is transformed and after 5 new shocks I know when they're knackered! The handling just goes off big time.  I did a 3000 mile trip to Spain a few years go and the shock went completely near the end of the trip.  No damping at all, like having very soft rear tyre.

If yours has done 47K miles you're doing well!

[Antares]

I just don't see what kills them so quickly. Mine was original at 47k Miles and what you described, yes I'd definitely class it as gone, mine didn't do that. 1 is bad luck, 2 is a coincidence, 3 is a pattern. 6... There HAS to be another culprit. Considering your extended warranty is ending, something you might want to look into...

[JTL]

Originally Posted by Antares

I just don't see what kills them so quickly. Mine was original at 47k Miles and what you described, yes I'd definitely class it as gone, mine didn't do that. 1 is bad luck, 2 is a coincidence, 3 is a pattern. 6... There HAS to be another culprit. Considering your extended warranty is ending, something you might want to look into...

I've asked the dealer to get some datum points to checked it's all aligned correctly.  It's never been in an accident or dropped.

[smithy]

Originally Posted by JTL

I've asked the dealer to get some datum points to checked it's all aligned correctly.  It's never been in an accident or dropped.

Is the swingarm position sensor not fitted or broken..??

Smithy.

[capt cf]

Are you a big bloke?  25 stone plus? 

[JTL]

Originally Posted by smithy

Is the swingarm position sensor not fitted or broken..??

Smithy.

The ride height has to be calibrated each time a new shock is fitted.  Last time a new sensor was fitted - shock still only lasted 15,000 miles.