1200GSA LC ESA harsh suspension

[Motorcycle Michael]

I've just spoken to a reputable suspension company and they say that there may be something they can do to revalve the Sachs units.
They have had some success revalving Ducati Sachs and think they can do the same with the BMW items.
My units are going there if they give me a yes when they see some images.

I've spoken to the suspenders chaps again today to make sure they were there on Saturday and it's bad news.
They tell me that while Sachs supply both BMW and Ducati,the shock internals are very different. The Ducati pistons and valving can be altered. However,the BMW units are not similar,they can get inside the units but the pistons inside the shocks are of a type that cannot be modified so we're all stuck with what we have.

Bugger! It seems that if we aren't pleased with the ride,a big fat arse may be the only answer-more pies anyone?

 

[Titto]

Michael, do you or anyone else for that matter, know if this latest suspension is set up as a pre set rider weight set up - or if it can adjust accordingly to the weight of the rider on the bike? If you know what I mean. I recall reading in some bike magazine a few years ago that BMW were looking at that sort of system for the future.

Cheers

 

[Motorcycle Michael]

Michael, do you or anyone else for that matter, know if this latest suspension is set up as a pre set rider weight set up - or if it can adjust accordingly to the weight of the rider on the bike? If you know what I mean. I recall reading in some bike magazine a few years ago that BMW were looking at that sort of system for the future.

Cheers

I've not heard about that.
When I ordered my new bike no one asked how heavy I was so that's the pre set rider weight done with. The ESA has a sensor on the left of the rear shock that senses ride height and travel, I suppose it adjusts it's self accordingly.
I do know that my suspension isn't quite right though and I'm on my 2nd GS TE.

Do you have a GS WC and how do you find it?

Mike.

 

[Titto]

Thanks, Yes on my 2nd GS wc with ESA. Had a 58 plate GS prior.
The first GS WC I had was a 2013 model with Contis - fantastic handling and immense grip. The bike rode over bumps and stones etc like they weren't there.
The second GS WC I have now is a 2014 spec with Anakees - not as good handling and less grip. Whining noise at about 55 mph+ from the tyres and like having run flat tyres on they are sooooooo stiff!. I think they are my main gripe to what is otherwise a brilliant suspension set up. I cant grumble about the ESA, its doing a good job but being ruined by those bloody Anakees.
I have tested another 2014 bike same spec with contis on - no noise, softly sprung suspension too and another 2014 GS with Pilot Road 4's on last week..... the difference isn't just noticeable its night and day.
If the GS came with PR4's on as standard I don't know how anyone could criticise the bike, it was simply stunning to ride. LOADS more confidence, feel and grip. I'm sold and cant wait to be rid of these Anakees! I think they make the bike too hard and too bumpy.
I dont think I am alone from what I have read on here either.

 

[DAEDALUS]

Paul,
anything progress from your dealer?

 

[Motorcycle Michael]

I've ridden my bike this morning for the 1st time in almost 2 weeks. It has just 800 miles on it and it runs PR4's.
When I got it back from it's 1st service, it had 36psi in the front and 45psi in the rear. As I was riding solo I dropped the pressures down to 33 front and 39 in the rear and I have to say it rides much better-not as good as I'd like but better. Still very sensitive to poor road surfaces.
I'll try 32 in the front and 38 in the rear next time out and call that it. I didn't notice any deflection in the tyre wall and the bike was stable at all speeds (sorry officer!)

Softer tyres may be the way to go.

 

[Paul G (BHT)]

Paul,
anything progress from your dealer?

Bike booked in again on the 9th September, have been asked to leave it with them for a week.

Once the issue is resolved I will post an update.

.... Softer tyres may be the way to go.

Not in my case. Tried all sorts of variables, none of which made the ride quality acceptable.

 

[DAEDALUS]

It would appear there is some knowledge of the issue with BMW, just had call from AJ’s, they had spoken to Pauls dealer in Chester and BM’s technical dept and there is a “technical bulletin” covering this issue which suggest there are a few bikes involved. The dealer has commented that there is a noticeable difference in how the bike feels now the fix has been applied.
Picking the bike on Saturday so I’ll report back if I concur.

 

[mrtee43]

It would appear there is some knowledge of the issue with BMW, just had call from AJ’s, they had spoken to Pauls dealer in Chester and BM’s technical dept and there is a “technical bulletin” covering this issue which suggest there are a few bikes involved. The dealer has commented that there is a noticeable difference in how the bike feels now the fix has been applied.
Picking the bike on Saturday so I’ll report back if I concur.

Do you know if this "fix" is something mechanical or is it software updates?

 

[DAEDALUS]

They were a little evasive regarding what had actually been done, definitely software but parts were mentioned at the start of the conversation but then were not mentioned again even when pushed. I'll see if there are any new bits on the bike when I pick it up.

 

[WindyChuffer]

Good progress chaps. Shame BMW dealer is being evasive in telling you what the problem was. They are likely under orders from HQ though. Daft really as it will come out eventually...

 

[Paul G (BHT)]

....The dealer has commented that there is a noticeable difference in how the bike feels now the fix has been applied.
Picking the bike on Saturday so I’ll report back if I concur.

I would be interested to hear what the 'fix' was if you manage to find out.

In my case they are checking the front shock mounts and if all is okay, they are replacing the front shock. I don't feel this is going to resolve the issue as the harshness is coming from both ends, front and rear.

My concern is also what effect this may have had on other components due to the additional pounding they have been subjected too. I have already been made aware of visible play in the bevel box to paralever bearing.... and my bike has only done 3,000 miles. In BMW's defence this may be acceptable build tolerance that should be of no concern.

Keep us posted when you collect on Saturday.

 

[Wapping]

Problems with the suspension at the front, often manifest themselves with an effect at the rear.

 

[chrisjk]

Took my GSA in for a 6000 mile service this morning, it's now feeling pretty good on PR4s (unlike the original Anakee 3s). The loaner is a GS TE with 3000 miles, shod with Trail Attacks and it feels incredibly harsh compared to my bike - on all settings. If the bike I used for a test ride had felt like this, I wouldn't have bought my bike.

I have no way of knowing if the tyres make so much difference but I find it hard to believe that they would.

 

[WindyChuffer]

If you want to prove its tyres or not fit TKC80'S. Soft and squidgy. Particularly at 1.5 bar.

 

[Motorcycle Michael]

Took my GSA in for a 6000 mile service this morning, it's now feeling pretty good on PR4s (unlike the original Anakee 3s). The loaner is a GS TE with 3000 miles, shod with Trail Attacks and it feels incredibly harsh compared to my bike - on all settings. If the bike I used for a test ride had felt like this, I wouldn't have bought my bike.

I have no way of knowing if the tyres make so much difference but I find it hard to believe that they would.

I wonder if the extra weight of the Adventure helps make a plusher ride on your bike?

 

[chrisjk]

I wonder if the extra weight of the Adventure helps make a plusher ride on your bike?

I wondered that myself but reckoned that BMW would have compensated for the extra weight in the software or some other way (valving, spring rates etc.) Also, a GS I rode before buying my GSA was very smooth, even over really broken surfaces.

 

[columbus]

They were a little evasive regarding what had actually been done, definitely software but parts were mentioned at the start of the conversation but then were not mentioned again even when pushed. I'll see if there are any new bits on the bike when I pick it up.

Since it's your bike I'd say you have a right to know what has been done to solve the problem. Especially if parts have been replaced.

 

[chrisjk]

If you want to prove its tyres or not fit TKC80'S. Soft and squidgy. Particularly at 1.5 bar.

Yes but many miles on TKCs persuades me that they'd soak up the bumps on a hardtail, especially when underinflated!

 

[DAEDALUS]

Bike collected and MUCH better, not perfect although I understand the system needs to do a little learning. It's only a five mile run from the dealer to home so I'll try and give the bike a good run tomorrow and see what happens.
Issue is software, something was missing!