08 GSA Front Shock fecked!

[Andy B]

Another electronic glitch on the new bike! Last week EWS!. This week ESA packs up!

Symptoms: Press the ESA button and it comes up with the current setting, but press it again and nothing happens. According to Clarks this is a known problem and they have a number of front shocks on back order for replacement.

Can't find any other instances on this forum, but it's obviously happening to others.

Can any else shed any light on it?

 

[Deleted Account GS]

What the F*ck is going on with BM and the pish electrics

 

[Uinneag]

What the F*ck is going on with BM and the pish electrics

They've got pish electrics down to a fine art

If only all manufacturers could attain this level of consistency

 

[RogerJ]

Sorry to hear about these ESA front shock failures.
Genenerally, consider ordering or buying a simpler version. I got rid of my 05 R12GS with ABS (and servo motors) for one that came with conventional Brembo brakes. They work fine. Great feel. Accordingly, my 07 R12GS ADV has no traction control or ESA nor would I consider ordering one that has them. Less electronica to go bad in the outback works for me. YRMV

 

[snoopy]

But you added ABS again didn't you.

 

[GS TRV]

what next?

 

[Andy B]

I accept I went for one of the more complicated specifications, but equally, I expected BMW to come with what I perceive to be the brand and quality upon which it prides itself and positions itself in its market segment.

What I seem to be learning is that by applying the principles of BMW car ownership to BMW motorbike ownership, the bikes don't come up to scatch.

My mistake for making that assumption. Oh what sadness. BMW has my money. I've mistaken their brand image! Who's the looser!!

 

[stonetown]

You describe symptoms similar to mine posted here http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=146482

Its been doing it for a while now but I've found a workaround (at least until the 6K service when I get the EWS, heated grips, further updates, now front shocks replaced). When I turn on the iginition I wait for the check to finish, then I try the ESA, if it sticks then I start the engine and move off, switch off then restart then it works as normal, it seems to want to move before it works again. This is a random problem as it does not happen every day or everytime I switch the ignition on, although it has been happening more and more recently.

 

[Alex B]

Moto Guzzi and BMW swapped development teams a few years ago it'd seem.

Now MG have quite reliable electrics and BMW have something else.

Hmm. Round the World bike ?

 

[stonetown]

Just had it confirmed by NOG that the bike (08 GSA with ESA) needs a new front shock (not forks), so BMW definitely know about the ESA problem. The shock is on back order and there isn't any stock in the UK.

An update to the workaround, switch ignition on, test ESA, if it moves around the settings then start engine as normal, if the settings cannot be changed then move the bike forward, rolling off the centre stand does the trick, then switch ignition off and on and ESA works fine. Seems the ESA system need to detect movement to kick it into life. I usually park my bike on the centre stand.