Hi - I'm travelling in Bulgaria just now on an F650GS twin and this morning I found oil leaking from the rear shock. In my Haynes manual it says you can't service the innards of the shock - so my question is, Do I just have to replace the whole shock or is there some way to just fix the seal or whatever? I'm also wondering how urgently I need to deal with it - obviously the bike now handles with all the delicacy of bouncy castle.. but will travelling a few more days on it damage anything or pose a safety risk?

If I do get a replacement which can I use?

Thanks for any insights!!

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F650GS twin - Enfield Bullet 350 - Honda XL250 Degree

If it is the original or a cheaper replacement shock it won't be serviceable, more expensive ones like WP and Ohlins usually are. For normal use I find either original BMW or something like a Hagon a perfectly acceptable bit of kit.
If you take it easy and are happy to ride a bouncy castle back home it shouldn't cause any problem, just take it easy.

You have a few options:
If you find a BMW dealer ... or a good MC shop, you may find a new or used shock that will work ... part exchange for your blown shock.

AFAIK, the "Original" BMW shock on your bike is most likely a low spec Showa ... if not then it's a low spec WP. BMW use both ... and neither are the best that WP or Showa make.

And ... if a Showa unit ... they can be rebuilt ... if you know how. Bit of a job breaking it apart but can be done ... by a Pro. Not sure on the WP, but most any shock can be repaired/re-valved by a shock pro.

But you won't likely find a suspension Pro where you are. But if you can find a decent shock that fits ... and does not leak ... use it! Even if the spring rate is wrong ... just swap over your spring from your old shock. The length is important and location of the eye holes ... and it must also not be too fat.

Or, if you find a BMW dealer, maybe they'll remove a NEW shock from a bike on the floor and sell you that one? ... taking your old shock until a new one arrives from Germany. Worth a try anyway.

BMW dealers here in San Francisco Bay Area have loads of stock WP shocks off of BMW R12GS's. Dozens of them tossed in a corner, most with under 5000 miles and for sale very very cheap!

Most Beemer guys immediately upgrade to an Ohlins, ($1000 option, front and rear on the GS!) IMO, the stock WP is not that bad, but the damping does fade after hard riding loaded up after a year or so.

Your shock will not have any branding on it. You just have to know ... or go onto a GS 700 Twin forum and find out.

Good luck. You can ride the bike but soon you will have NO DAMPING, only spring. Use caution, make sure shock oil does not get onto rear tire.

Thanks so much both of you!

__________________
http://www.guyfixsen.com
http://wanderinggoo.blogspot.com
F650GS twin - Enfield Bullet 350 - Honda XL250 Degree