R1200GS suspension

[Dingo]

Hi there,

I have just rode to Nairobi on my 1200 from Moyale. The problem I had is that both of the suspension units have failed! The front began to leak just after the gravel (or rock) road between Moyale and Marsabit and the rear cooked itself between Marsabit and Isiolo! So I rode the last 400 km on a R1200 pogostick!! Has anyone else had this experience and if so how did you go with warrenty? The bike has 10500 km on it now so is still relitivly new.

Let us know who has had suspension probs with this bike and what you have done. Has anyone any experiance with Ohlins on the big Bavarian Milk Wagen?

Cheers
Ivan

[Stephano]

Originally Posted by Dingo

Let us know who has had suspension probs with this bike and what you have done. Has anyone any experiance with Ohlins on the big Bavarian Milk Wagen?

Cheers
Ivan

Hi Ivan
Sorry to hear about the problems. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help in Dubai. I bought some Öhlins from eBay for my GS specifically to avoid what you've encountered. I haven't fitted them yet but it seems like a good choice.
Stephan

[Walkabout]

Ohlins on the R1200GS

[AliBaba]

The Moyale-road has killed plenty of shocks (same goes for Dongola-Wadi Halfa).
No you have the great opportunity to get real shocks on your bike. The Øhlins make it handle a lot better!!

[Dingo]

Hey Guys,

Yes that is the way I have gone. I am getting a set of Ohlins from Australia this week and will fit them. I have asked BMW for warranty but heard nothing back so far, normal for warranty claims!

There is also another R1150GS Adv in Nairobi with the same problem. I really don't know why BMW don't fix this problem but I suppose these days most riders never go off the tar on their 1200's?

Cheers guys, I will let you know how the Ohlins go.

Ivan

[gsworkshop]

The R1200GS has been built for European road conditions and hence the suspension fitted is designed for paved road surfaces only. I am not sure BMW will even look at your warranty claim as the bike was used on road conditions it was not really intended for in the first place.
Both Ohlins and WP makes suspension that are designed to withstand the hard abuse of off road conditions.
Just keep in mind that even though the Ohlins suspension will be a lot more reliable and will improve handling, it will still not make the 1200GS a proper off road bike.

[Dingo]

Hi there,

Here is an update for you that you may find interesting? I am at present in Australia and yesterday was at the BMW dealer here in Perth. Anyway I was talking to them regarding the suspension of the R1200GS and how several units that I know of now in Africa have failed. Anyways, they told me that hey have not heard of any units in Australia failing (typical BMW answer) so I thought? So while looking the bike over I see that the Australian model in not fitted with White Power suspension as is my bike but here they have Showa shocks fitted! Now this maybe why they are not seeing the problem in Australia.

Another thing that I have found out is that BMW have done away with the Power assisted brakes on all models in Australia too!

Just some trivia for you.

Cheers

[Stu Seaton]

Okay, this is nuts. We all read the ads: "RTW=GS" simple terms here. Those of us that choose to suscribe get the machine and... all the problems that go with it. I really need to ask why we put up with such nonsense. If Ohlins do a better job than BMW stock, then why aren't they BMW stock? If Tourtech ceramic clutches do a better job, then why aren't they spec'd?? This is a beat yer' heart out machine and it comes with a beat yer heart out price tag! Something's amiss here! Tell me I'm nuts.