Electronic Suspension Adjustment

[Ringmaster999]

ESA

the electronics/complexity of ESA would not put me off per se, but the forums here are littered with ESA failures, and i believe there already has been a recall.
typical 1200 then [/QUOTE]

Mine has been superb for the 6500miles I have covered todate and yes I know it's early days.

But what does it for me is not so much being able to alter pre-load at the touch of a button for all your differant loads i.e. Solo, with luggage etc. Which of course has to be done at a stand still but the ability to alter compresion on the move between Comfort, Sport and Normal. Now thats a real bonus IMHO. OK I take on board it's a standard setting for Mr avarage but then it's going to be good enough for 90% of us mere mortals. I spent years and coutless money on most of the Jap sport bikes trying to get to the perfect setup and again IMHO it does not exsist for the real world that we ride in. Just my thoughts

 

[bettlejuice]

Panniers

Well enough folk have expressed their views on ESA, I doubt mine would add to much.
As for panniers I deliberately avoided the BMW ones. I heard too many examples of them breaking off on a minor spill, I think its the plastic brackets that shear off.

I spent more an purchased a pair of the new Jesse 10" Safari panniers with quick release mechanism. I would recommend them. Expensive yes, but very strong, fully loaded two up I misfooted on a rough track and keeled over. No damage at all. On top of that they have enormous capacity and they look great either on or off the bike IMHO.

 

[Deleted account Cooperman]

Apart from being another electronic gizmo to go wrong it's electronic adjustment of a shock that's built down to a price rather than up to a standard,do a search on aftermarket shocks and see how many people chose to go for a reputable supplier like Wilbers/Ohlins/White Power etc. once they realise the shortcomings of the original equipment

Talking to a dealer yesterday he stated that the ESA suspension is White Power (Dutch?).
Also his recommendation was if you ride most of the time solo you will find a manual set up which suits. If you swap with luggage and pillion then ESA works through convenience.
He also suggested ABS as you never know when you will need it (hopefully never) and all the Japs are now starting to have ABS.

 

[wilbjr21]

Talking to a dealer yesterday he stated that the ESA suspension is White Power (Dutch?).
Also his recommendation was if you ride most of the time solo you will find a manual set up which suits. If you swap with luggage and pillion then ESA works through convenience.
He also suggested ABS as you never know when you will need it (hopefully never) and all the Japs are now starting to have ABS.

WP suspendion is used on the K1200 series ESA - its Showa on the R1200s

Apart from that I think your dealer has it just about right - although being able to change the damping on the move is a good thing.

 

[Thorium]

I like the ESA.
I think it is great when faced with varying conditions. When going from road, to dirt, single to two-up, it's great being able to push a button vs getting the tool kit out. (to adjust the front.)

That being said, the down-side is lack of third-party replacement. Since only the ESA will suffice from now on, I think I will need to be BMW's bitch forever, and I suspect I can just let my bank manager talk to my dealer when it's time for new shocks.

I found the display has an "rider is a idiot warning symbol" found it this morning by accident got on the bike got to the bottom of the hill and it flashed at me it looks just like a snow flake and I got the meaning immediately "you are an idiot its -1 degrees and your on a bike, Take the car" but I roughed it just for the ride home.

I'm glad my 1100 didn't come with one of these. Would have drained the already strained battery trying to cope with yet another Canadian winter and the abuse of its lunatic owner. :eyesdown