New Shock Deals

[dmk]

I looked for older posts on this subject and the questions I had, so if it has been talked about before, I apologize. I see a lot of posts about changing shocks. I've got a 04 with 25K (most loaded on trips or two up). I'm wondering:
1) What is the usefule life in miles typical for oem shocks?
2) When do you know they need to be replaced if they are not leaking?
3) For the average rider are aftermarket shocks worth the extra cost?
4) Is anyone aware of any deals right now on aftermarket or oem shocks?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[rich1kim]

1. Useful life is anything you can tolerate without the shock leaking.
2. If the handling gets dangerous, or you don't want to ride the bike because the (small) bumps on the road want to make you ride back home.
3. A good set of shocks that are balanced for your weight, load, and riding style are probably by far the best investment you can make on your bike.
4. Unsure about deals, but there are many brands. Ohlins probably one of the most expensive, but fantastic.

In any case a new set will cost at least several hundred ($500+) each. If you have the money, it's money well spent.

Rich.

[wncbmw]

1. I don't really hear of many leaking. Useful life for most is when you notice the handling has gotten strange and hitting bumps in curves has suddenly become more exciting than it used to be! That will depend on your riding style and how loaded the bike is for most riding. My rear got replaced about 25,000 miles - the front at about 40K.
2. See above.
3. Subjective but if a safe and good handling bike is desired, then yes!
4. Don't know of deals. Higher quality shocks with adjustability versus others that are more like the stockers are simply the choice between spending a lot of money and a LOT! of money. But most are rebuildable, so they will last the life of the bike.

[Boxer]

1) What is the usefule life in miles typical for oem shocks?

75,000 miles

[Keppelj]

I bought a well cared for '02 recently and decided to upgrade the shocks in deference to my aging back. In swapping them out I found the rear had a fluid leak in the preload tubing right at the shock - that's at 15K miles. The leak wasn't visible on anything below.

[wncbmw]

75,000 miles

Only if you ride like an old woman!