ESA versus std BMW shocks?

[bmmonty]

Its true to say I have had a few Bm's with ESA and ESA 11 and standard shocks too.

So why do I prefer the standard shocks. I think they have more feel on the GS and GSA especially.

The first version on the RT was to soft and also felt a bit vague the new version ESA 11 is better and firmer which is good especially if your a fat fcuker.

I find the ESA to be a bit soft and floaty and lacking in feel.

The standard set up on the GS and GSA feels firmer and more responsive. Its true when the going gets very bumpy the ESA copes well buy 90% of the time the std set up is better.

Its not about money but if I was to order new I think I would ditch the ESA and go for standard or even put the dosh towards Ohlins/wilbers.

Any views on this good,bad or ugly.

Cheers
BMmonty

 

[Schtum]

I think the way to go would be ESA + the Wilbers ESA compatible shocks.

 

[sven]

I completely disagree - the ESA on my GS is much firmer and better damped than the standard shock absorbers. There is no way I would have bought a GS without it as the handling was vague and under damped IMHO

 

[2 wheel humvee]

On my 06GSA I changed the shocks to Wilbers I also thought the standard shocks were oversprung and under damped and lacked adjustability, my 09 GSA came with ESA (not my choice at the time) I think the ESA shocks are far superior to the standard shocks on the 06 bike so I sold the wilbers on, no regrets

 

[RideTheWind]

ESA. Dont bother, save yourself £1700

Bought mine new without the ESA. Test bike had it. I didnt like it. Too soft. A gimmick really for what I needed. If I want to change the set up, I will stop & do it manually. Never had to though. Standard is more than capable for everyday use once its set up correctly. When I change the bike I will order next one without again.

 

[Stevie73]

Absolutely swore by ESA......until recently!! Loved it! Thought I couldn't live without it.....

Never had any probs with my 08 GSA, and then my '09 GSA, but the rear shock gave up on my '09 recently after what could only be considered very light use since I got it. The unit was replaced by BMW, but if I'm honest, it felt like they'd replaced it with some sponges and rice pudding.....VERY wollowy and soft. Wasn't impressed at all....

 

[snerkler]

Absolutely swore by ESA......until recently!! Loved it! Thought I couldn't live without it.....

Never had any probs with my 08 GSA, and then my '09 GSA, but the rear shock gave up on my '09 recently after what could only be considered very light use since I got it. The unit was replaced by BMW, but if I'm honest, it felt like they'd replaced it with some sponges and rice pudding.....VERY wollowy and soft. Wasn't impressed at all....

Get it changd again then. shouldn't be like that. Just tell them you're not happy with it

 

[Rasher]

I thought the shocks were pretty much the same, just one had electrical adjusters and the others manual.

Cannot see BMW putting much higher spec units on the bike when they know the gadget factor and convenience will appeal.

I have a non ESA bike and Wilburs going on in 4 weeks, I have never found oem suspension to be brilliant (Except for the likes of Ohlins shod Ducati's) all the mass produced stuff is built to a (very low) price.

Compare an Ohlins / Wilburs shock to anything that comes fitted as standard to 99% of production bikes and even an untrained eye can spot the difference.

Ride a bike before and after fitting such a unit and the difference is clear.

I like the ESA functionality, Wilburs +ESA would be great, but given the choice of ESA with the £50 (probably what they pay per unit) mass produced shocks BMW fit against non ESA with £1,000 - £1,500 of Wilburs / Ohlins kit and I would take the quility units every time even if it means having to spend 10-15 seconds adjusting them when I go two-up.

 

[snerkler]

Its true to say I have had a few Bm's with ESA and ESA 11 and standard shocks too.

So why do I prefer the standard shocks. I think they have more feel on the GS and GSA especially.

The first version on the RT was to soft and also felt a bit vague the new version ESA 11 is better and firmer which is good especially if your a fat fcuker.

I find the ESA to be a bit soft and floaty and lacking in feel.

The standard set up on the GS and GSA feels firmer and more responsive. Its true when the going gets very bumpy the ESA copes well buy 90% of the time the std set up is better.

Its not about money but if I was to order new I think I would ditch the ESA and go for standard or even put the dosh towards Ohlins/wilbers.

Any views on this good,bad or ugly.

Cheers
BMmonty

I disagree, I think the ESA set up is great. I have mine on my 2010 GSA set up as rider plus luggage, and vary between comfort, normal and sport depending on the conditions and my mood. Whilst comfort is a bit floaty and wallowy as you say, when in sport it's very firm with plenty of feel imo.

I found exactly the opposite with standard set up on the 2006 GSA. I went out to buy the GSA when it was first released but found the suspension very soft and wallowy, I felt as though I was riding a rocking horse. I was gutted and didn't buy one. I never looked at the GSA again until a salesman I know told me that they'd sorted the suspension, especially with the ESA. Took one out, fell in love within 30 mins, and a year on love the bike more and more every time I get on it

 

[Stevie73]

Get it changd again then. shouldn't be like that. Just tell them you're not happy with it

I sold it

 

[LBL]

I have posted on this subject before, ive had 1 GS a 2008, and 2 GSA's a 2009 and a 2010, i test rode all the bikes with ESA and each time after speaking to my friend, a top notch BMW mechanic for many years, although now a sales manager, he advised me not to get ESA.

They are two completely differant shocks with the non ESA version a better quality unit, in additon you can fine tune a non ESA unit, you cant with the ESA shock, i always take his advice he is a top man

This is my own personal view and no doubt most with ESA will say its the dogs danglies and those without the same.

Ride on whatever shock you have

 

[Stretchamus]

Ride on whatever shock you have

ESA

 

[oldnfat]

I have posted on this subject before, ive had 1 GS a 2008, and 2 GSA's a 2009 and a 2010, i test rode all the bikes with ESA and each time after speaking to my friend, a top notch BMW mechanic for many years, although now a sales manager, he advised me not to get ESA.

They are two completely differant shocks with the non ESA version a better quality unit, in additon you can fine tune a non ESA unit, you cant with the ESA shock, i always take his advice he is a top man

This is my own personal view and no doubt most with ESA will say its the dogs danglies and those without the same.

Ride on whatever shock you have

08 GS + Wilbers =

 

[snerkler]

I have to say the convenience of the ESA is great, if I'm riding along and I turn into a road full of potholes I just flick it to comfort and I'm riding in bliss, no more sore back. Just for instances like this alone it's worth having ESA imo

 

[WindyChuffer]

IMHO:

I find ESA suspension too hard for off road use, which IMHO makes standard suspension much better than ESA. Adjusting normal suspension is easy once you know how.

However if you were buying a GS(A) for road use, weren't bothered about off road, and want convenience, then get ESA.

Me - I'll keep the 600 odd quid and spend it on a holiday and fuel.