Well this is a bit of a turn up. After a happy year on a GS and a year never quite feeling comfortable on a GSA, both TE spec, I recently got a GS without the ESA. Granted, I've lost the fancy electronics and the ability to change the damping whilst riding, but surprisingly the overall ride is noticeably more plush. Both preload and damping have been set to minimum and it just rides better, both on fine rippled surfaces and bigger bumps. Braking and acceleration feel slightly different but to me, it's an improvement. I must admit to being partial to tech but in this case, old school feels better. If I do load it up with luggage preload and damping adjustments take no longer than pressing the ESA button and waiting for the motor.
GS without ESA - better?
- Thread starter Matty589
- Start date
Reggie P
Guest
I think BMW missed a trick. the difference between soft normal and hard is small. I wish they could have made the settings more distinct .
Do you think? I could tell the difference between modes blind folded though that would almost certainly put me at risk of instant death 
Reggie P
Guest
I wish i could. Maybe I'm missing some "sensitivity" ? i don't know. I've owned lots of bikes over the years and can tell if the tyre is a couple of psi off... so I thought I'd have a better judgement of the ESA, but to me there is not a big difference . Maybe I could get someone else to ride my bike !
Yeah I also have to say that the differences between my suspension modes are very noticeable!
Do you think? I could tell the difference between modes blind folded though that would almost certainly put me at risk of instant death
+1
Definitely tell the difference.
Bungy
Registered user
I can certainly feel the difference and like to use the comfort setting for heavy rain and slippery mornings at it softens everything up nicely. I haven't used the settings compensating for carrying more/passenger yet. I'm interested to see how that fares.
Do you think it is wise to change settings regularly to keep everything free and moving rather than leave for extended periods?
Do you think it is wise to change settings regularly to keep everything free and moving rather than leave for extended periods?
Reggie P
Guest
I think there must be something wrong with mine! I can certainly feel the difference in the engine when using 95 or 98 RON fuel . ( see another thread) Thats easy ! But I feel little difference in the suspension modes. I really had hoped "hard" would be hard!
Mawnanian
Registered user
I think the big thing with ESA is that it adjusts the suspension automatically according to the road surface, I guess the soft/ normal / hard setting is a base setting. The ESA, traction control and ABS are also tweeked according to the engine mode. That's why the system is so bloody expensive.
In the real world I notice little immediate difference swapping between suspension settings. When I got the bike I played around with all the options for a few days but since I decided the combination I liked best I leave it on that rain or shine.
Can't say I notice any difference between 95 and 98RON either. I think the effect is probably psychological.
In the real world I notice little immediate difference swapping between suspension settings. When I got the bike I played around with all the options for a few days but since I decided the combination I liked best I leave it on that rain or shine.
Can't say I notice any difference between 95 and 98RON either. I think the effect is probably psychological.
Reggie P
Guest
No its bloody not !! Its really marked ! Sound , power, smoothness.
Reggie P
Guest
Thank you, thats my point exactly!
Don't you think we should expect to feel a difference when swapping between modes? I'm curious.
Matty589 ( OP) has probably wisely saved £4,000.
The rest of us, are arguably paying for very small improvements/refinements, which (had BMW set it up with more "range of adjustment") could have been better .
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Mawnanian
Registered user
Ok - If you're happy that's all that matters.
Mawnanian
Registered user
Yes indeed.
AberdeenAngus
Registered user
Didn't know the ESA was a £4000 option.
I much prefer the suspension on the GSA over the GS. Its much more plush and handles better. I was dead happy with my old 990 KTM suspension, but enjoy the electronic suspension now i have it.
Mawnanian
Registered user
According to BMW the suspension system (ESA) is identical on both but the adventure has increased suspension travel, I guess heavily loaded it would make a difference. The GSA is also a bit higher ground clearancewise which could also contribute to the different handling.
Anybody with a bike without esa is going to say its brilliant having messed about with preload etc for months to get JUST RIGHT now adjust your front shock to compensate lol.....you dont need it lol its true but in my opinion I would rather have it. Most bmw lc have esa and in turn that makes getting a replacement shock so much easier to get just look on ebay at prices ESA shock £150 which is a brilliant price to say they are over a grand. Not seen a normal shock on ebay yet have you?
On my bike there is a lot of difference between soft and hard maybe being a fat bstard helps it work better
On my bike there is a lot of difference between soft and hard maybe being a fat bstard helps it work better
Jimmer83
Registered user
While Esa is a cool gadget I didn't feel it was worth the money when I was buying mine. I would have regretted my decision if the standard suspension felt a bit shit (the demo bike was a te with esa) but I'm very happy with the ride quality / handling. It's certainly miles better than the Triumph Tiger I had previously.
Reggie P
Guest
Aberdeen Angus (Never let the facts spoil a good post heh ?)
You are 100% correct. Its not £4,000. Its £700 ish for ESA. Apologies ! My girlfriend is from Aberdeen , she has a similar "eye for errors" !
I guess , and its not a good excuse, some of us tend to consider so many things as "essential "
the £12940 GS becomes £16000 plus very quickly.
Then when you get the bike home, some things, like the expensive LED headlight for example, impress. Others, (for me its the ESA) are a bit of a disappointment !
You are 100% correct. Its not £4,000. Its £700 ish for ESA. Apologies ! My girlfriend is from Aberdeen , she has a similar "eye for errors" !
I guess , and its not a good excuse, some of us tend to consider so many things as "essential "
the £12940 GS becomes £16000 plus very quickly.
Then when you get the bike home, some things, like the expensive LED headlight for example, impress. Others, (for me its the ESA) are a bit of a disappointment !
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