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3rd Broken shock!!! BMW F650GS..
I have 2005 F650GS and doing round the world for 1 year and 7 months..
I had changed a broken shock in Lima,Peru..thanks to the Lonestar BMW dealer in Texas,USA,they ship a new shock to me on Warranty.. Then 5 Months later.. I´m at Ushuaia with 3rd broken shock..!!! I don´t know exactly when it was broken,but I feel something strange when I ride through Routa 40 to here.. It do very doing-doing now.. I´m so upset because I even get ride of my precious aluminum pannier at Uyuni desert as I find that it will be too heavy for my shock.. So I don´t have any pannier now,but it was broken again.!!! The mechanic here told me that I should have get rid of the protector on my shock because the dust will be inside then it make it to be broken.. I´m planning to go up to BMW dealer in Buenos Aires to change my broken shock on Warrany,because I´m on Warranty..!! But.. I´m going to Africa after that..So I strongly feel that it will be broken again..!! What should I do? Is it possible to get rid of the protector of F650GS shock? WP shock is too expensive for me to buy.. Please,let me know your precious advice..!!! thanks Se whan..Kang blog.empas.com/motoride |
ride slower, or choose your lines more carefully.
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Sorry to hear your troubles.
I've blown the seals in my shock once in 62000 miles and also the preload adjuster - both caused by the bike being overloaded. Two people on an F650 is madness, but she's cute ;-) When the preload adjuster was fixed I put a spacer in it, this increases available preload and if the adjuster blows again its still got enough left to ride with. I dont think taking off the protector is a good idea, that will allow more dust/mud/crap to get on the working parts and kill the seals. How much weight are you carrying on the bike, maybe thats the problem? Quote:
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Hello Se whan, nice to hear from you again! Sorry to hear about your troubles, i've posted the question on another forum and did some research. Aparently the only diference between the GS and the Dakar is the shock. Maybe a Dakar shock is a better option for your weight. Having said that, it's still a crappy shock and may not improve your situation in the long run. I feel your best option is an aftermarket shock, like Ohlins or WP, or maybe Wilburs.
Here's an idea: Talk to the dealer you last dealt with, they sound like they're willing to help you. Ask them to order another shock on warrenty, but then trade the new shock for an aftermarket and pay the diference. They have a new shock that they can sell, and you have the shock you need for a discounted price = Win Win?!? Recently there has been a thread on the HUBB talking about troubles shipping parts to Argentina. http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ightmare-24214 Make sure you do your homework before you commit. I hope this helps, i'll post again when someone from Advrider replies. I've been watching for you Buddy! Take care! Ron... |
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My choice for heavy duty shocks would be an Oehlins, but it's of course more expensive than the Wilbers or White Power. Though I must say that my Wilbers is doing a good job on the rough Ozzie backroads.
Hans |
As you find whatever replacement shock you're going to use, figure out what has been destoying the others. I suspect the problem is other than the shock itself.
You can use a ratcheting strap to fully compress the suspension. Learn what in the heck is gong on before installing another. Just a suggestion... |
So,I have to buy new one?
Thanks for all your precious advices..
I´m just a beginner rider and this is my first bike,so I keep running about everything for RTW,like this way.. These days,I feel that cheap 250cc Honda Off road bike is the answer for RTW 4 years. It will be very cheap to buy parts,tire and fix..As I have enough time but No money.. BMW F650GS is the biggest mistake for my travel..That was my problem as I had never been riding over 125cc before I start the travel. I just send the money to BMW dealer in Sydney,Australia from South Korea.. I never even see the real bike in South Korea.. I just buy it as most people recommend this bike for RTW.. But it cost huge money to make it keep rolling for the last 1 year and 7 months.. I don´t like BMW anymore..If I have a choice again,I will depinately buy the HONDA..250cc.. Now..I´m only 72 Kg with No Aluminum pannier.. (I had made that pannier from national refuge signboard in Alaska, it took me 2 weeks for hammering and rivetting) I just carry sleeping bag and clothes on waterproof bag(Very big), also I have two small bag for tools and etc.. That´s all I have now.. No camping and cooking gear.. I even get rid of socks,I only have two socks now.. I also get rid of many clothes,so I´m very stinky now.. I find that many bikers I met on road so suprised that I carry out such a small luggage for RTW.. So Now..The weight will be no problem, I only worry about the sand and dust in Africa..As I want to cross the desert in Africa.. So it seems that I have to buy aftermarket shock.. But it also very hard to buy it here,Argentina..or ship it from USA.. That cost too much for me..I become hate BMW as time goes by.. I will Never buy the F650GS again in my life..!! I really like to sell it now and buy the cheap 250cc Honda for Africa.. But it also looks impossible for me.. Which aftermarket shock is the best for sand and dust? Except but Ohlines.. Then I will think about how to ship it to here,Argentina.. |
Stop just treating the bite.
If that makes sense. Knowing your machine could make life easier, but you seem to be having a blast, regardless. Ride on and be safe :thumb |
hello Se whan. I understand your frustration, but apart from the regular stuff, brakes, chains and sprockets, your shock is the only major failure on your bike, right?? Try contacting this guy in BA: http://www.dakarmotos.com/index1.htm He is a regular on this board and may be able to help you. If your at the end of your rope and had enough, flip the bike and buy a 250 Honda...as long as your happy and comfortable. Just stay away from BMW dealerships!
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Memories of better times...
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From what you describe its not the weight thats causing the problem. I'm travelling on a F650GS with my girlfriend, two people plus luggage is a *lot* more than your bike is carrying. I have the standard shock, no Ohlins for me. Maybe its the adjustment ? If the damping is too soft and there is not enough preload then the shock will bottom out - and as someone already mentioned this could beat it to peices. Javier will be able to check that for you - he is a *very* good mechanic. |
Thats a really good point. Was the shock set up when you replaced it last time? The preload must be set for your weight or it'll bottom out and die.
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Hi guys
Somebody call me??? Hehehe Nice publicity you make me, but us I cancel my credit card and my bank account long time a go only a “big thank you” are for you!!!!!! About Motoride shock troubles, he contact me on his 2nd kaput time in Peru or Bolivia (don’t remember) and as I advise him the best choice was to send me from anywhere in Argentina the shock to repair or better if he can come to BA to also check links and bearings on the full suspension He choice to waste his money on buy a new Original shock Now I’m nearly sure he have another problems…. Well Now he still have the same alternative. Come to BA to see me!!! We will be off to attend the HU Viedma Meeting between 6th –12th December and maybe also between 24th Dec – 3rd Jan to go to Ushuaia. Se Whan: If you are coming to Viedma we can chat and see about there. Regards Javier… www.DakarMotos.com |
Thanks guys..
My shock has two adjustment and I always set both to Maximum Hard level..
Oh,I forgot about www.DakarMotos.com in BA..!! You are right,RON.. I have to see him in Buenos Aires or Viedma meeting and will ask him make my shock more strong after I change it to New one on warranty in Buenos Aires.. Yeah..,I will change again on Warranty.. That is the only reason I bought New bike..!! The other reason I prefer Honda 250cc is that F650GS is too heavy for me whenever I fall over...as I{m no good at riding.. So I worry about when I stuck in the sand desert..in the middle of nowherer.. in Africa.. Also,everything is so expensive for BMW.. And I will keep searching how to sell it with my Australia Plate.. Thanks again guys.. I could not do this without yours great help..!!! |
Hey Se,whan!!
I hope things are going better for you. Now you know why I'm doing my round the world on a 40 year old Ducati. It's a bike with hard to find parts, but at least I can fix it most of the time. Except when the piston fell apart in New Zealand. Small bikes are better because they are lighter. Many people who post to this list are thinking of long distance rides across the US. A big heavy bike is no good. You need a light, cheap, bike that can be abused. Don't feel depressed by your problems. The problems are the adventure. Think of Ted Simon. A BMW is shit. So is every bike in the world. But if you did this trip on a totally reliable bike, you'd miss out on a lot of adventure. That part is what counts. I hope to find you when I am in Europe or Asia. If not, I will find you when I get to Korea. Yell at the wind when you are angry or depressed or frustrated. It helps. --Dave The English to Korean translator said I just said this: 어이whanSe!! 것이 너를 위해 잘 가고 있다 것 을 나는 희망한다. 나가 나의 원을 살40Ducati에 세계 하고 있는 까 왜 지금 너는 있있다. 부속을 발견하는 열심히에 자전거 이다, 그러나 적어도 나는 시간의 그것을 가장 고칠 수 있는다. 를 제외하고 피스톤이 뉴질랜드안에 붕괴될 때. 더 가볍기 때문에 작은 자전거는 더 낫다. 이 명부에 배치하는 많은 사람은 미국저 쪽에 장거리 탐의 생각하고 있다. 큰 무거운 자전거는 좋닺XX. 너는 싸 빛, 학대될 수 있는 자전거를 필요로 한다. 너의 문제에의해 우울하게 해 느끼지 말라. 문제는 모험 이다. Ted사이몬의 생각하십시요. BMW은 배설물 이다. 이렇게 세계안에 각 자전거는 이다. 그러나 너가 총계로 견실한 자전거에 이 여행을 하면, 너는 많을 모험에 밖으로 놓칠텐데. 고 부분은 이다 것이 세는. 나가 유럽 또는 아시아에 있을 때 나는 너를 발견한것을 희망한다. 그렇지 않으면 나가 한국에게 얻을 경우, 나는 너를 발견할 것이다. 너가 것이 우울하게 할 것이다 좌절시켜 이을 경우의 바람에 고함. 그것은. --Dave |
Yes,Dave..!!
Yes,You are Damn Right..Dave..!!!
I feel much better now. Thanks..!!! |
Hello Se whan,
Sorry to hear about your rear shock woes. I saw your website before... it is unfortunately in Korean. Nice photos though! I bet it was pretty interesting to ride through post-hurricane Louisana. I also have a Dakar and enjoy mine -- and do not think it is shit. Yes, it is a more expensive date to take out -- but I find it quite capable and haven't had any troubles yet. I had a friend who did a RTW on his Dakar -- along with his buddies on Dakars (http://www.blue-dunes.com/). They had some problems just like everyone else I read about on whatever bike they are on. You may find their maintenance log interesting. Anyway, I'm sorry your bike gave you a headache... ok, headaches. With regards to (WRT) another bike, the Honda XR-series is a great bike. I used to ride a XR200R. I loved it. These bikes are bullet-proof! You'll likely find it much better on sand than your heavier F650GS. The XR650R is known to be the King of Baja for a reason. I also like the KLR650... it's a smoother thumper. If I was to go with a XR for a world traveller, I prefer the XR600-650L since it can handle the load better and keep the speed up more when on the highways or uphill; however, a smaller displacement would also ok, but I personally would not go below 400cc. That's just my opinion. But hey, there is a bike for every butt for those who want to ride... and every bike will have a problem from time to time even with the services done at a regular interval. But there is something to be said for a smaller, lighter, uncomplicated bike. I remember seeing "The Long Way Round" and watching their cameraman zooming around the two BMW 1150 GS ADVs on a smaller bike in Mongolia when his 1150 GS ADV broke. Heck, two journalists rode the Dakar on 50cc mopeds following a parallel route a few years back from the start point in Spain. When I do Central America in 2009 with some friends, I'm planning to buy a "disposable" bike in the US near my folks place (versus paying for shipping of my Dakar from Europe). I plan to use a 80s bike dual sport/enduro (like a XR500L). Whatever I get, I plan to pay under $1500 and sell it after my trip. Dave had a point, working on the bike is part of the "fun". ;) WRT a rear shock, I opted for the Wilbers after my research. I compared the quality, cost and overall satisification I read about in various sites/threads. Good value for the money. Here is the US rep's site. http://www.wilbers-usa.com/wilbers/index.htm I'm sure you can find them in other countries. As you know with today's technology, you can get stuff shipped to just about anywhere. Good luck and safe travels. May your next bike bring you less problems. ~Drew P.S., You weren't the only one with rear shock woes. This thread may be of value. http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/equipment-reviews/works-shocks-dont-work-23959 |
ther should be something wrong other than the shocks, i had an f650GS '00 and used it mostly two-up and loaded..even in quite hard trails..no problem...1. check the damping(it should be about 180 degrees from all the way through H ) increase preload all the way...ride carefully...
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P.S. Dave, good luck on your 2nd attempt.
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shock
can't help with the specific problem, but it occurs to me the suggestions of under dampened shock suggesting either hammering at full travel or otherwise heat making the shock fail should show up as either heat or fluid leak.
I would suggest feeling for unusual heat and a visual inspection for abnormal wear perhaps indicative of a bent swing arm, mount, or similar. The BMW replacement parts should carry a full year warranty on the specific replaced part...but a shock every 5 months is just not right. the mount should pivot to allow change in angle of swing arm...make sure you lube the pivot and lock-tite should allow for some undertorque if clamping is the problem. it sounds to me the shock is not allowed to slop thru it's full range of movement angles, or the inner rod is being thrown off center when torqued. ??? |
Check the pivot points
The two guys above are right, check the shock is free to pivot. any bind here will break the rod. The same is true of cables, if the barrel is not free to pivot the cable will break due to the continuous flexing.
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