Hi Neil, I agree with most of the above (having gone from 2017 GSA ESA > 2017.5 GS ESA (long story) > 2019 GSA 'base' (no ESA), but so far (playing with the manual pre-load and damping adjustments at the rear end) I can't say I prefer the 'feel' of the non ESA suspension compared to the sublime ride of the ESA on my 2 previous GSs. It's been a while, but I even (possibly) think the ride on my pre ESA 2004 GS might have been better (but that's probably a bit of rose tinted glasses talking - and also the higher mileage of that one bedding it all in etc). How do you have your non ESA set up currently and what is it that you prefer about it over ESA? Is there any adjustment on the non ESA front end on these?
My own Basic is set up at 2 clicks from the lowest setting on preload and lowest but one damping setting and it is smooth and compliant ............................ all of the older LC models I have ridden have had a harsh and uncomfortable jiggly ride, the 2018 model I rode was an improvement and the 1250 was better again but on certain road surfaces (the uneven and broken stuff that is everywhere around here ) it still had hints of that previous harshness .
Personally I vowed never to have another ESA bike after the numerous and continuous expensive issues with my 2014 model




