Tag: BMW ESA shock absorber leaking

Our Visit To The Cologne Intermot 2016

Posted on by Andrew Robinson

On Thursday 6th October 2016 our suspension specialist & managing director Andy traveled to Cologne to attend one of the largest motorcycle shows in the world – the Cologne Intermot; the event that brings hundreds of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the world together. As well as giving you the chance to brush shoulders with some of the most influential people in the industry, it can open an entire network of business opportunities, you can meet manufacturers, importers or just other general bikers with whom share the same interest or passion as you.

Here Andy met with Mr Pinyo, the managing director of YSS Suspension & assisted him on the YSS stand, meeting other distributors & customers of the YSS brand. He used this time to explain in detail what’s exactly involved in a shock absorber rebuild, the functionality and benefits of such a service & also what makes YSS better than the rest!

Andrew Robinson; Firefox M.D with Mr Pinyo; YSS Suspension M.D

YSS Stand Intermot 2016

(Left to right) Harry Essen; YSS R&D Director, Mr Pinyo; YSS Suspension M.D, Miss Gift; Mr Pinyo’s P.A, Andrew Robinson; Firefox Racing M.D and Head of YSS R&D Development Centre in the UK

BMW ESA Shock Rebuild – Firefox Racing

Posted on by Andrew Robinson

Just wanted to say massive thank you to RavenstoneGSA for a nice write up on the removal and refit of his BMW ESA Shock. All of our shock rebuilds come with a 12 month guarantee. The full thread can be found adventurebikerider.com

“Hi All,

I asked for a bit of advice recently regarding replacement / rebuild for the rear shock on my 2009 BMW R1200GSA. A new one costs £1300 so I was pretty keen to find and alternative. Big thanks to Rob, (Bimota) for passing on the details of Firefox Racing in Keighley. They charge £199 for a rebuild with original parts and despite it taking a bit longer than expected, (they were a man down,) It arrived yesterday and was fitted this morning.
The refit was pretty simple so I thought it might be worth describing what I did. I’ve added a few pictures so if you’re in the same boat you can give it a go.

Before you start, preferably the day before, give any stubborn nuts and bolts a quick spray. I found that my exhaust clamp bolt was a bit rusty.

1. Strap your main stand to your front wheel, it stops the stand collapsing if you get a bit too enthusiastic with your spanners. (Yes it can happen!)

2. Take off the seat, rear wheel, pannier rack if you have one and the end can to reach the bottom bolt. You’ll need a torx T50 and a 15mm spanner. Unplug both cables carefully.

3. When the bolts are out you might need a bit of leverage to free the bottom end, I used a big tyre lever.

4. Wrap your shock in bubble wrap, stick it in a box and get online. I went for Parcel Force UK, £13 and the driver brings the labels. If you’ve never used a courier its easy and very cheap considering the item weight.

5. About 12 days later the rebuilt shock arrived at home. It typically takes Firefox 3 – 4 days to rebuild but don’t forget the travel time too.

6. Refit is the opposite of removal but check the alignment of the top / bottom mounting holes. Mine were slightly off but there is a a grub screw at the top end that allows a bit of a twist if needed.

7. Plug both cables back in, they’re shaped and will only fit one way.

8. This is a good time for a cup of tea!

9. Refit your end can, pannier rack and rear wheel.

10. Job done!

When you’ve stripped down its a good opportunity to clean a few hard to reach areas and give your end can a really good all over clean. A big thank you to Firefox who offer a very professional and friendly service. They respond quickly to any enquiries and seem a really nice bunch of lads. You can contact them via the following website.

firefoxracing.co.uk
01535 606200

BMW ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) Servicing

Posted on by Andrew Robinson

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 milage 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!

At Firefox racing we are able to service these units using genuine parts and offer a full warranty on our work.

• Full service with genuine parts WP & Showa ESA shock £189.00

• Return Post UK £9.50

For more information please contact us on 01535 606200

Send us your shock absorber

For our best possible service and quick turnaround, please print off this servicing form, fill in your details and send it with your shock absorber to:

Firefox Racing, Waddington Street, Keighley BD21 5LP.