Install: Front ESA Shock for BMW R1250GS Adventure (Touratech / Tractive)

[@AdamChandler86]

Hi All, this was auto-published last night but missing the 3 minute overview intro so I had to stop and re-upload it for queue up tonight. I also wanted to stress that as entertaining as this video is for the peanut-gallery, this is not an install someone should take lightly. I highly suggest you pay BMW to do this not because it's hard but because it requires keeping track of a lot of tiny bolts and you could break fairing clips and cost more than a shock. Just keep that in mind. Good luck!

[@milesdavis8665]

I know you just recently purchased this bike. But did thw front shock go out already? Or do you just want the peace if mind knowing that you put better shocks on your bike?

[@AdamChandler86]

Hello Mr. Miles Davis. Nope, I moved these shocks from my old bike to this one. These have now been on 3 of my GS motorcycles and they're superior to the OEM in adjustability, rebuildable and have springs that are setup for my weight and the weight of my luggage.

[@milesdavis8665]

@AdamChandler86 that's excellent. I remember when you put them on your last GS. That's something for me to think about in the future. Thanks 😊. Keep the paint side up...

[@AdamChandler86]

Yeah, 4th time making this video and the lighting / video quality have gotten better every time. Maybe the next one will be shot in 3D with VR Goggles :PPPP

[@milesdavis8665]

@@AdamChandler86 😆 🤣 😂 😹 😆 🤣 I'll be waiting for that one definitely 😆 🤣 😂

[@Tenerisius]

You don't pull the plastic pin out to take it off. It is way easier if you push it through and take it from the inner side. Use a thin stick and a small rubber hammer and punch very gently and it's out like butter.

[@AdamChandler86]

You’re right it can be done from the backside as well. There is a BMW tool for removing these and it’s pulling the front of the pin, not back but you’re correct.

[@vincenttarquini4235]

I agree with you, that is why I have a very long, comprehensive, extended warrantee on the used 2017 R1200 GSA I purchased from my local dealer. It had 24,000 miles and is up to date on all services. Doing an oil change is one thing, tearing much of the bike down is another. To me that is like trying to enjoy a good case of "jock itch". It ends up being cheaper in the long run to have a pro do it. They also may find something very inexpensive, but critical, that need maintenance while doing so, before putting it all back together. Riding season can be short up here in South Dakota.

[@AdamChandler86]

Yeah, the warranty is around $1000-$1200. Great price considering it covers the suspension.

[@billwaterhouse5894]

Nice work. I guess I’m curious, and I apologize if I missed this, are you swapping to have better adjustability or is it just that much better?

[@AdamChandler86]

Hi Bill, The most common suspension issue is front shock failures so a few years ago, I got ahead of it and upgraded to a suspension setup that was fully rebuildable, adjustable and built to higher standards. Every 30,000 miles, I pull the shock and have it serviced and they've treated me very well while still retaining the OEM functions like ESA. There is a difference (I just went through this) in ride-quality between an OEM GS and a GS with these shocks. I can't quite explain it but comfort and control may be the best way to describe how it feels. I'm no longer as heavy as I once was (one of the reasons to change shocks is to put on a larger spring) but I still prefer riding a GS with Tractive shocks over the OEM. Another reason why I did a 1250 over a 1300 is because these shocks (which are $4,000 when bought new in 2017) have now worked on 3 different motorcycles but won't work on a 1300.

[@firehawk108]

What are the name of the pliers you use to get off the clamps around the intake boots? And do you have a source for replacing those clamps?

[@firehawk108]

Nevermind. Found the pliers in your Amazon store.

[@AdamChandler86]

I'm glad you found them. Good luck with the install.

[@joaobrito1899]

In my case I don't have a ESA suspension, gs1250 2023, I'm thinking to install after I need some software update?

[@AdamChandler86]

It’s easy to cancel ESA and put a dumb shock on with a plug that basically tells the bike not to look for an ESA shock but doing the opposite is much harder. The ESA wiring isn’t on the bike, software, etc. I’d ask a dealer what the retrofit would cost.

[@rolandgarner6288]

what are the name of the pliers you used for to remove the airbox clamps?

[@AdamChandler86]

Thanks for asking. Here you go! amzn.to/3C81KCW

[@bmwbob51]

I found their front shocks high speed damping way too stiff for my roads. Took taking it back 2 times to soften initial hit!

[@AdamChandler86]

Good feedback. Hoping you got it sorted out?

[@JayFetherston]

Thanks for the info Adam!

[@AdamChandler86]

I hope it was helpful.

[@greatfallskam]

What a PITA. Thanks Adam, you just convinced me not to a GSA 🤪 Perhaps a second career as a master mechanic for Motorrad. Excellent job.

[@AdamChandler86]

Compared to almost every other motorcycle, this front suspension work is quite terrible. The only positive I can think of is if it's a new bike-build, it makes wiring very easy since you'll have access to the entire frame.

[@greatfallskam]

@@AdamChandler86 I never knew the GS / A had a shock up front. Lots of suspension components between conventional forks, front shock, steering damper. Explains why the bike is world class when it comes to RTW and handling. In the meantime, I'll keep drinking my Kool-aid and wrench on silly things on my KTM 890 Adventure like persistent coolant leak. Only if BMW would get the GS well below 500 lbs. I am going to have to check out the new dynamic 1" in drop in suspension height when bike approaches a stop. Had to go fix glaring typo in my post.

[@samuroadventure1227]

Great job man!

[@AdamChandler86]

Thanks and I appreciate you watching.

[@Official.LuCien.Kane.]

Yeahhhh…, nope. I’ll just have bmw service do all that 😅😅😅

[@AdamChandler86]

Great idea. This video is more of a cautionary "don't attempt" video than a DIY. I mean sure you can do it yourself using this video but why put yourself through that?

[@Official.LuCien.Kane.]

@@AdamChandler86 Absolutely.., Appreciate you sharing and walking us through. Awesome video. Just picked up my very first 1250gs. No way I’m gonna attempt anything of this sort, well not until I get familiar with it!!