Longer travel GSA suspension

[amesbub]

Easy question this one, was the Adventure model the only model which came with the longer travel suspension? I take it the normal GS didn't come with the ability to change the ride height as the Adventure model does?
Cheers, B

 

[Bendy toy]

They can all change the preload (ride height) but the GSA had the option of electronic damping and ride height control (ESA) which could raise and lower both ends and set the dampers to very soft for offroading.

GSA shocks will fit the GS but the ESA will only work with GSA bike electronics.

Talk to Revs Racing in Birmingham for the full SP

 

[littleredrooster]

They can all change the preload (ride height) but the GSA had the option of electronic damping and ride height control (ESA) which could raise and lower both ends and set the dampers to very soft for offroading.

GSA shocks will fit the GS but the ESA will only work with GSA bike electronics.

Talk to Revs Racing in Birmingham for the full SP

Eh? My 2008 GS has ESA and can do that, so it's not a GSA-only option.

 

[Bendy toy]

My error I thought ESA was a GSA only option. Maybe it was standard on the GSA but an option on other models. Who knows.

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za says the GSA has 210/220mm of wheel travel while the GS has 190/200. Not great deal of difference TBH.

Its likely the additional ride height of the GSA is down to its longer wheel travel but I've never swapped shocks to check.

 

[oldnfat]

Both the GS and GSA came with the ESA as an option. Changing the preload will adjust the ride height. The GSA has longer shocks and these can be swapped onto a GS but will need to change the side and centre stand to a GSA one to cater for the extra height. BMW did not do higher than standard version of the GS BUT they did do shorter, also known as low seat. This note refers to models 2009-2012(13 for the GSA).

Cheers

 

[FAT MATT]

Thread revival and slightly off topic but is the inverse true that a GS rear shock on a GSA would reduce seat height?

I'm thinking yes, but might upset geometry as front end would stay the same?

So, would front and rear shocks lower GS shocks lower a GSA? Yes, it'd reduce travel but how many GSA need that extra length?

 

[patzx12]

You can "button" raise the rear on the GS and GSA bikes with ESA,
The front and rear on the ESA TC bikes (2010 to 2013) raise, which is a feature I liked.

 

[FAT MATT]

I'm thinking for non ESA bikes Pat, in a nutshell I've accidentally purchased a GS rear shock to replace my knackered GSA rear & am wondering what effect it would have if I fitted it.

 

[UturnTony]

I'm thinking for non ESA bikes Pat, in a nutshell I've accidentally purchased a GS rear shock to replace my knackered GSA rear & am wondering what effect it would have if I fitted it.

You can reckon on whatever the shock is different in length it will translate to 3 x difference in ride height ie. 10mm. difference 30mm. change in height.
So measure the old one, compare it to the new one and see if you are happy with it

 

[sproggy]

Thread revival and slightly off topic but is the inverse true that a GS rear shock on a GSA would reduce seat height?

Yes, but not by as much the difference in height between a standard GS and a GSA - to achieve that you'd need to fit a GS front shock too.

I'm thinking yes, but might upset geometry as front end would stay the same?

Correct - not a great idea to lower the rear but not the front as it'll adversely affect how the bike steers.

So, would front and rear shocks lower GS shocks lower a GSA?

Yes. Possible seat differences aside, it would make your GSA the same height as a standard GS. Because the different shocks between GS and GSA are the only suspension difference between them.

 

[FAT MATT]

Thanks guys,

That's what I thought. Best look at converting the shock or buying the matching GS shock front shock too.

 

[autogs]

and you would need to sort side and centre stands out

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

Thanks guys,

That's what I thought. Best look at converting the shock or buying the matching GS shock front shock too.

Or you could just buy the correct GSA shocks or have your old one rebuilt ?

 

[FAT MATT]

I thought the GSA shock wasn't rebuildable?

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

I've not heard that they are not rebuildable ?

I've got a pair of GSA shocks that came off my old 06 GSA listed on e-bay but I don't want to split them

 

[UturnTony]

I thought the GSA shock wasn't rebuildable?

Just had my GS rear shock done here;

http://www.mctsuspension.com/Home.html

Top job

 

[FAT MATT]

Tony,

Thanks for the info. If you don't mind me asking, was it a service or repair? Would you mind pm'ing me roughly how much it cost?

Might go down that route after all.

 

[UturnTony]

Tony,

Thanks for the info. If you don't mind me asking, was it a service or repair? Would you mind pm'ing me roughly how much it cost?

Might go down that route after all.

You have a PM.

 

[Simon]

I'm sure this is where my bikes came from,i believe they service and also do replacements.
http://firefoxracing.co.uk/fork-servicing/

 

[Bendy toy]

Most shocks can be rebuilt. The mechanics drill the case to release gas pressure then strip and rebuild the shock. A filling valve is fitted to the drilled hole so it can be regassed after rebuild.

BTW, my GSA shocks need to be rebuilt Rather than have the bike off the road I'm fitting a pair or ordinary GS shocks. It will be interesting to compare the ride heights. Fitting just the rear shock isn't an option unless I want it sitting up and begging.