Shortly before the end of last year, I had a set of Ohlins shock absorbers fitted to the bike. These shocks are built to take a punch, and will stand me in good stead over the more difficult terrains which I will encounter in the months and years to come… The standard BMW shocks had already managed over 40 000 kms, and I thought it best to “rest” them, rather than give them a go at the next 120 000 kms I intend doing over the next three years or so !!
On New Years day, we took the Big Fella over the Maanhaarand Pass in the Magaliesberg Mountains, on our way to Crystal Springs on the northern edge of the escarpment. The gravel road was no problem on either side of the summit, but for a few kilometres leading up to and at the very top, the road was a bit of a nightmare…. Parts of it had been washed down to the bedrock, leaving deep furrows, loose rocks and “marbles” in places…. Not my idea of a tranquil ride !!
On arrival at Crystal Springs, I was made aware that a “small leak” had appeared on the back shock absorber. It would seem that a stone might have been kicked up on the rough climb up and over the mountains, and had nicked the oil supply pipe on the top of the shock…
I was advised by Pauli Massyn of GPS4Africa, to take the bike into Bavarian Motorcycles in Pretoria, and see Roger Smith, the Dealer Principal. I had met Roger at the other branch he manages in Pretoria East, and he immediately booked the bike in to have this little problem sorted out. This morning I collected the Big Fella, and was happy to see that the shock had been expertly repaired by the guys at Bavarian. Tinus, the mechanic who had worked on the bike explained a few “do’s and don’ts” with regards to the basic set-up of the shocks, information which I was very grateful for.
Bavarian Motorcycles have a large range of both new and used motorcycles in stock, which are managed by a very helpful and knowledgeable team of sales personnel. Their premises are large and well laid out, and their workshop facilities more than adequate to be able to deal with a large number of bikes. I found the staff I dealt with to be extremely helpful, and my every concern was answered professionally and my mind put to rest.
The Big Fella, ready to exit Bavarian Motorcycles after some "shock treatment"...
The modern and spacious building that houses Bavarian Motorcycles, with Roger and his team...
Got a problem with your beloved BM….??? Go see Roger Smith at Bavarian… He and his team will get you sorted in no time !!!
With the shock now repaired, the bike handled a whole lot better than it has over the last week or two, and it felt great to have that “solid” feeling under me again…
Thanks a million Roger !!
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