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

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?

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.

@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...

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

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

I hope it was helpful.

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.

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

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.

@@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.

Thanks and I appreciate you watching.

Good feedback. Hoping you got it sorted out?

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.

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?

@@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!!