ESA?

[47Steve]

I have a 2012 GSA 1200. Could anyone tell me how to set the suspension and should I see any movement?

I have tried scrolling through the settings but nothing seems to move!

Thanks

 

[Beemerman59]

To change the preload settings the engine has to be running. You can change damping engine off and in both cases you should be able to tell the difference.

 

[47Steve]

would I be able to see any movement?

 

[tanneman]

Read the manual first. Refer to pg 68. Usually you will see the suspension adjust higher or lower when the spring preload is changed, the bike must be at standstill. Like going from one-up to two-up with luggage or to the rough terrain setting. The damping adjustment can be done on the move, you may notice a change to the feel of the bike from plush in comfort to a bit harsh in sport likewise for the offroad settings. No noticeable movement when you adjust the damping.

 

[GSTourer]

Can't tell any difference in the damping settings or see anything move when changing it on my 2010RT.

 

[47Steve]

is I right in thinking that you scroll to the desired option then leave it, then It will set itself up or do I need to press anything else?
I ask because I have tried a few options but nothing seems to happen!!! doh

 

[tunnie]

Have you read the manual?

 

[47Steve]

Have you read the manual?

Don't have one?

 

[tunnie]

Don't have one?

Download it?

http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/com/en/index.html?content=http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/com/en/services/manuals/manuals_main.html&notrack=1

 

[JerseyNeil]

If you just change the damping (comfort/normal/sport) which you can do on the move you won't feel anything move but you should notice the difference in ride quality. As others have said you need to be in neutral, tick over and press and hold to scroll through rider with luggage, rider with pillion etc and you should feel the bike slowly rise underneath you. Some owners say they can't feel the difference. I do and use the different settings based on the type of riding I'm doing.

Neil

 

[tanneman]

manual

I posted it for you to have a look at. And how come you bought one without an owners manual?

 

[Rockred]

As others have said, to change the Preload you need to have the engine running and in neutral with the bike at a standstill, 1 helmet for one up riding, 1 helmet + luggage. 2 helmets for two up. ect. Just press the button until you see the symbol you want, hold it down until the symbol starts flashing, and you will feel it change, the bike will rise or fall, PS if its already on the one you want it wont need to change. Try a few out.

 

[hatzyian]

Remember, the front only changes with "big mountains"

 

[Beemerman59]

It's easy to check if the damping is working. Stand at the side of the bike, ignition on. Change a setting, push down on the bike. Change a setting, push down on the bike. If the ESA (comfort, normal, sport) is working there will be a very noticeable difference.

 

[NZRalphy]

Remember, the front only changes with "big mountains"

Nope. Front at zero preload for one rider/luggage/passenger, 50% preload on small mountain, 100% preload big mountain

 

[47Steve]

I posted it for you to have a look at. And how come you bought one without an owners manual?

I did have it but misplaced it, I blame the wife!!!

 

[47Steve]

Thanks everyone, will give it ago once i'm back home.

 

[Deleted account 200502001]

Thanks everyone, will give it ago once i'm back home.

How did you get on?

Helps if your sat on the bike to feel it move. With engine running repeatedly tap the ESA button to scroll through Comfort > Normal > Sport modes, once at the desired mode hold the button in to scroll through Rider > Rider & Luggage > Rider & Pillion and the off road settings.

When you've reached the mode you require, leave the button alone and the display will flash, the bike will gradually lift/lower, and after a short time the display will return to normal.