1200GSA LC ESA harsh suspension

[Paul G (BHT)]

Anakee 3's with 1000 miles....

That's Interesting David.

Do you feel this problem has been there from new or has it developed as the tyres have worn?

For me the bike was fine when new, this issue seems to have manifested its self as the tyres have worn, I think I'm going to change my 2,500 mile Anakee 3's for Conti Trail Attacks and see if that eliminates the problem. If not then I will raise this with Mr BM Dub

 

[Deleted account 251212001]

I have anakee3 on my gs wc and i think the bike crashes quite a bit over manhole covers. Generally the ride and handling are fine, but that aspect is not quite as good as i expected from a gs. Id say ive definitely noticed the harshness in those circumstances more than any other gs ive had, its not something im too bothered about tbh, but probably will try different tyres next.

 

[Paul G (BHT)]

Thanks Rich, so it is indeed looking like the Anakee 3's are playing a part in this.

 

[RedRick Esq.]

What about trying to compare the ride quality with a differnt make of bike that has simmilar tricky suspension I.e the Multistrada ! Same semi active set up made by the Sachs

I tried the MS the day after the Wc and thought its suspension was better (shame about the rest )

 

[Paul G (BHT)]

What about trying to compare the ride quality with a differnt make of bike that has simmilar tricky suspension I.e the Multistrada ! Same semi active set up made by the Sachs....

Don't really see the point, I have already compare the ride quality with another LC GSA that was fitted with Conti Trail Attacks and it was fine

 

[Giles]

So is it worth lowering the TP's a little more still?
Find that balance where .... Nah .. That's too much ... It's just feeling a bit sluggish, heavy on its feet and not holding a nice line versus ummmmm ... Still too hard, nice tight lines but overly harsh through my fingertips and a tad skittish .... ???

 

[Nutty]

So is it worth lowering the TP's a little more still?
Find that balance where .... Nah .. That's too much ... It's just feeling a bit sluggish, heavy on its feet and not holding a nice line versus ummmmm ... Still too hard, nice tight lines but overly harsh through my fingertips and a tad skittish .... ???

Would there be any implications with insurance, in the event of a claim, if you're running the bike with much lower pressures?

Those buggers will use any excuse to wriggle out of a claim.

 

[Giles]

You worry too much ...!!

 

[Weatherald]

My GSLc Te also crashes into manholes and uneven surfaces. ESA only seems to adjust the rear to me. I'm on 2nd set of Tourance Nxt but a bit worried about messing with pressures.


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[Engineer]

I thought this new fangled auto-adjusting suspension was supposed to give a smooth ride and deal with unexpected bumps - if it is that tyre sensitive it needs some more development - either that or Anakees are just a bit pants.

 

[RideTheWind]

Does anyone else with a 2014 GSA fitted with the Dynamic pack feel their ESA is not performing?

Still running mine in but in the last four days since I picked it up all is working as it should. Noticeable difference with the settings. If cats eyes are causing shaking that really doesnt sound right. Can you ride through it or is it there at all speeds?

 

[Titto]

The Anakee 3's are certainly harsher than the conti's I had on before. They feel stiffer certainly. But jesus, they don't like any form of white line or marking! Horrible for that.

 

[Jumblemo]

I have not bothered to get a ride on the LC as I don't like its looks

I guess it's more about style than substance for you then. And nowt wrong with that. Biking is a broad church.

 

[Motorcycle Michael]

Harsh suspension

No Paul, the issue is still there. The soft setting is certainly not what it used to be.

My bike has been completely reprogrammed but still the harshness of the soft setting is still something that is concerning me, not only from a comfort aspect but also safety.

Hi Paul,
I've had my 2013 bike back to my supplying dealer for this issue (as well as transmission vibes) but I didn't get anywhere with the service dept.
My bike was over damped in most situations and I've had a few unsafe experiences due to the wheels not following the road especially when banked over. It feels like the high speed damping in the rear shock it set too high resulting in the bikes inability to absorb small,sharp bumps which makes my bike chatter across the road almost like a slide. I had Anikee 3's and changed to Pilot Road 4's to see if a different carcase construction might help-it made no difference.

My dealer tells me there is nothing wrong with the bike after reprogramming but all my other BMW's past and present that had WP suspension were supple,compliant and when I adjusted the ESA it actually made a difference. I still have my 2009 R1200R with WP ESA and it is a far better ride than my up to date LC. I also have 2 R100R's with Wilbers struts and they feel nicer than my GS.

All in all I feel like the suspension is cheap,underdeveloped and harsh. BMW should be ashamed of themselves letting this bike go to market. I buy BMW's under the impression that they give you the best of everything available but I really feel that BMW,probably through cost cutting have let their customer down.

I was going to reject mine (ugly business) but I've sorted something out with my dealer. Could you do the same?

Mike.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Interesting comments, Mike

 

[Nutty]

Hi Paul,
I've had my 2013 bike back to my supplying dealer for this issue (as well as transmission vibes) but I didn't get anywhere with the service dept.
My bike was over damped in most situations and I've had a few unsafe experiences due to the wheels not following the road especially when banked over. It feels like the high speed damping in the rear shock it set too high resulting in the bikes inability to absorb small,sharp bumps which makes my bike chatter across the road almost like a slide. I had Anikee 3's and changed to Pilot Road 4's to see if a different carcase construction might help-it made no difference.

My dealer tells me there is nothing wrong with the bike after reprogramming but all my other BMW's past and present that had WP suspension were supple,compliant and when I adjusted the ESA it actually made a difference. I still have my 2009 R1200R with WP ESA and it is a far better ride than my up to date LC. I also have 2 R100R's with Wilbers struts and they feel nicer than my GS.

All in all I feel like the suspension is cheap,underdeveloped and harsh. BMW should be ashamed of themselves letting this bike go to market. I buy BMW's under the impression that they give you the best of everything available but I really feel that BMW,probably through cost cutting have let their customer down.

I was going to reject mine (ugly business) but I've sorted something out with my dealer. Could you do the same?

Mike.

Is yours a GS or GSA?

 

[Motorcycle Michael]

It's a GS TE but the same problems seem to cross over to both variants-cheap ancillary suspension parts supplied by 3rd parties with costs cut down to the last cent to make BMW every last Euro.

I think that because bike designs are signed off by accountants, we as customers feel the difference in the watered down quality of the product. I hope that in the long run BMW will regret these actions when customers bite back and perhaps buy other manufacturers bikes.

I realise this will never happen for reasons I'm sure we're all aware of but it's a pity that we can't have WP suspension back on BMW's again.

 

[Deleted account 251212001]

It's a GS TE but the same problems seem to cross over to both variants-cheap ancillary suspension parts supplied by 3rd parties with costs cut down to the last cent to make BMW every last Euro.

I think that because bike designs are signed off by accountants, we as customers feel the difference in the watered down quality of the product. I hope that in the long run BMW will regret these actions when customers bite back and perhaps buy other manufacturers bikes.

I realise this will never happen for reasons I'm sure we're all aware of but it's a pity that we can't have WP suspension back on BMW's again.

Its your opinion , but i think youre wrong. Some folk on here moaned about the last gsa's esa which was wp on the later models (and which i personally thought was bloody good). Try a suzuki if you want to really experience cheap suspension. The wc is not great on potholes but its got sharper handling than previous bikes so perhaps there is a small tradeoff.

 

[Motorcycle Michael]

Harsh suspension

Firstly,I'm not wrong!
My opinion is valid 'cause it's what I think-Why are you getting so personal?
I spend a lot of money on suspension, fitting quality parts (Ohlins,Maxton & Wilbers) on my other bikes I have including a BMW classic racer. Suspension is VERY important.

Secondly,I won't be trying a Suzuki as I'm not interested in budget bikes. I paid enough money for what I expect to be the best of what is available. I do not expect underdeveloped components because BMW have got it wrong on development & budget. At the price of these bikes,who's going to complain about another few hundred quid for the best suspension? Also,nobody has mentioned the handling,the chassis seems really good to me.

Ironically,Ducati have also gone with Sachs and a pal of mine also complains about a harsh ride on his Multistrada Pikes Peak.

If you're happy with your bike,good luck to you pal.

 

[Paul G (BHT)]

.... The wc is not great on potholes but its got sharper handling than previous bikes so perhaps there is a small tradeoff.

With respect Rich, in this instance there is something fundamentally wrong the way my GSA is handling.

I have ridden another GSA LC and, compared to mine, it was a totally different bike with perfect handling.