Hexhead GS and GSA suspension height

[Bendy toy]

I was under the impression the GS has shorter shocks than the GSA. Ive just fitted a pair of non ESA GS units to my GSA (so I can use the bike while the originals are rebuilt) but ride height if anything feels taller than before.

Being short for time I forgot to measure the shocks lengths before fitting the "new" ones.

 

[Bendy toy]

Bump


Sent somehow.

 

[TLSgazza]

How does it sit on main stand/sidestand, does it seem any different, I would guess that if the ones you took off are a bit tired they may be sitting lower than new.
Preload setting? Can it make a difference to ride height?

 

[Popell]

I've got a standard shock from 2005 gs, happy to measure if needed..

 

[Tractors are go]

Maybe the replacement shocks aren't as worn as your old ones, so the ride height is similar. With my new shocks the ride height was slightly raised compared to previous

 

[Popell]

The static ride height without rider should not too different from new to worn as the height is determined by the spring length and to a lesser extent, the preload.

 

[Bendy toy]

Maybe the replacement shocks aren't as worn as your old ones, so the ride height is similar. With my new shocks the ride height was slightly raised compared to previous

The replacements are low miles the rear ESA has 35K. The front has 63K. Ideally I want a set of Wilbers WESA but may have to settle for an MCT rebuild.

I'd assumed the GS shocks would be shorter so removed the side stand extension. It leaned at a seriously drunken angle. So much that I couldn't haul it upright from the saddle. Ive just measured the GSA ESA shocks - 405mm rear and 345mm front. The GS rear is also 405mm. I cant measure the front in situe but presumably it's the same.

If anyone can measure theirs it would be interesting to compare.

Sat on the bike, the GS ride is a little higher than the GSA. It's possible my old springs have sagged but surely not enough to allow one flat foot before and heel is now off the floor. All were set on lowest preload.

Apart from ride height the big difference is what feels like less squat under power (back end dips). The bike has always done it and has always been great handling. It now stays much more flat. It was there in all damping modes. The roads are salty and cold so proper handling comparisons will have to wait.

Handling fell off recently - not obvious on A roads but concrete motorway made it feel unstable. Neither shock is leaking The new shocks have it feeling planted. They are however harsh in comparison. I need to experiment with rear damping settings.

I suspect the ESA shocks are more softly damped. Stiffer rebound damping from the front could explain the bike staying more level under power-on.

 

[Tractors are go]

I've had the original gsa's rebuilt by K tech with springs to match my weight, so measurements won't be of help.

I found a massive difference with the new hyperpro's before I could one foot flat now it is tippy toes, hardly any weight transfer upon acceleration either, springs sag more than you realise/appreciate.

Does sound like pump down on concrete surface, increase compression damping should help.

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[Bendy toy]

New springs shouldn't affect the unloaded shock length but will affect the sag when loaded.

I suspect my GSA rear is either more softly sprung than the standard GS or its softened after 35,000 miles or both.

The (new) GS suspension has no problems with the sudden surface changes on concrete motorways but the worn GSA got quite upset. I think the rear wheel went into a patter that got exaggerated by the evenly spaced concrete slabs. I had a similar thing with a car that had recently passed its mot. New rear shocks and all sorted.

Too much rebound damping will pump the suspension over rippled surfaces. The spring can't return before the next bump pushes it further up. The GSA had the opposite problem - damping worn so the wheel pattered.

The GS rear compression damping was set quite high explaining the stiff ride. I've set it to minimum so will see how that affects the ride.

 

[Mistacat]

I had a rear shock rebuilt by MCT they also increased the compression damping for me as it could bottom out 2 up with luugage. ( only rebound damping is adjustable via the ESA).
This cured my problems on the 09 GS
The BMW springs seem very soft 67 mm static sag and 100mm ride sag This was on a 09 GS 50k and only 5mm less on a 2012 GS with 12K.
I purchased a set of Wilbers Wesa from this site Approx 35mm lower version. then machined a 5mm spacer to increase the pre-load on the rear to give a Static sag of 22mm and a one up ride sag of 48mm.
These settings look and feel right whilst giving me the seat height that I like 810 mm ( both feet flat on the floor in the 2 up with luggage position even when solo)
I had tried the Hyperpro standard height springs which were the correct sag but the bike was too tall.
Also tried the Hyperpro 30mm Lowering spings but 4 of the coils were already binding at static sag, I was not happy with that.
Very pleased with the wilbers wesa especialy as they were like new and complete with the ESA units already fitted.

 

[Mistacat]

I have a couple of sets of stock ESA GS shocks in the workshop if you still need measurements.
Where are the you measuring from?
Eye centers rear & eye center to mounting face front ?
When I fitted the shorter Wilbers Wesa I had to chop 40mm out of the center stand and reform the bend in the side stand.

 

[Bendy toy]

Hi Mistacat. Wilbers WESA are what I need but budget is tight so making do with the GS non ESA units.
I suspect the GSA is more softly sprung than the GS. GS damping is probably similar to GSA ESA normal. Mine felt softer (old units are old) but the bike has always squatted on power. The GS shocks have stopped that. Maybe it was the ride rolling sag
The static sag has reduced so Wilbers will need to be shorter. I'm not bothered about flat footing but at the moment it's on the talk side of ok.


Sent somehow.

 

[Bendy toy]

More info. At minimum damping the bike flairs like the GSA comfort only a bit worse. It's not unstable just strange. The compression damping must be stiffer as it's still not squatting.
Ride height feels the same. I now have it 1.5 turns from minimum ready for a tyre wasting day of motorways.


Sent somehow.

 

[Bendy toy]

Fekkin fone!
I meant FEELS like ESA Comfort (setting).

 

[Tractors are go]

Don't forget; additional preload = additional compression damping.

Go for softest you feel happiest with.

Hardest does not equal best, ooh eerr mrs.

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