Lowering an ESA bike

[Nick dj]

Has anyone reduced an ESA bike?
I don`t need much 20mm would be enough.

I have seen the spring kits on Motor Works but do the work with ESA?

If you have done it with the spring kit, how does it ride?

Any ideas please?

Thanks Nick

 

[Jonnybiscuit]

Apparently not doable.
I got 25mm lower by having the saddle sculpted. Works for me

 

[Bendy toy]

I know of a GSA with 13K miles that was really kicking back on rider only setting but fine 2 up. It's gradually improving with use but it looks like the bike was used almost exclusively for 2 up holidays and the shock has run in like that. Shortening the spring on a used dock could have a similar effect.

If you do go ahead get a proper spring because simply cutting a spring increases it's sprung ratio by the %age cut off.

TBH if only 20mm is needed get a lower seat or a Wilbers WESA rear shock.

@stick was looking to sell a low mileage WESA setup from a Triple Black GS. He might be able to help.

 

[glennis]

+1 for seat sculpting. I damaged my tailbone by riding on a flatbed truck in India. Ended up only being able to ride for an hour at most. So I removed seat cover and hacked at foam with kitchen knife to make a recess for my ass bone. Worked a treat and can now ride normal again but also noticed my feet are closer to the ground which is fine by me. There is plently of foam to work with and I would suggested using an angle grinder or sander to neatly shave the foam. Loads cheaper that spunking 500+ on a aftermarket seat or shock.

 

[Nick dj]

lower seat

I do have a low seat.and still feel I need it 20-30 mm lower for two up ridding, I have no problems solo

My problem is when I ride two up if I set the ESA to two plus luggage it is very tall at junctions etc.

 

[adventuredon]

Well....you could buy my factory lowered GS and be done with it....
Maybe we could swap?

 

[andrewh]

Speak to Jono at Adventure Bike Warehouse, he know a company that say they can do it, a friend of mine has been speaking to http://www.firefoxracing.co.uk/ they also say they can do it.

 

[RobertG]

Lots of great reports for these.
http://wilberssuspension.co.uk/wilbersesa.php

 

[Bendy toy]

I do have a low seat.and still feel I need it 20-30 mm lower for two up ridding, I have no problems solo

My problem is when I ride two up if I set the ESA to two plus luggage it is very tall at junctions etc.

This suggests the standard ESA settings are just not right for your needs and a lower suspension setup may just lead to the bike grounding out too easily. Talk to Revs racing because Wilbers WESA might be the way to go. Ohlins is another but costs 2x the price of Wilbers.

 

[Nick dj]

Thanks

Thanks for all the replys

I would have bought the lowered bike if SWMBO had been on the back much in the previous 20 years, but she likes the GS

But sorry on swaps now, I love the 30th Ani I have

Will look at cutting down a seat to put on when I have a pillion on and see what I think.

 

[Jonnybiscuit]

Thanks for all the replys......................................
Will look at cutting down a seat to put on when I have a pillion on and see what I think.

IYL...Have a ride down to me and you can try my seat before you make a decision

 

[karlp]

Has anyone reduced an ESA bike?
I don`t need much 20mm would be enough.

I have seen the spring kits on Motor Works but do the work with ESA?

If you have done it with the spring kit, how does it ride?

Any ideas please?

Thanks Nick

Easily done.

Had mine lowered by 50mm and the ESA works fine.

However you will need Wilbers shocks which work with the ESA.

Try Revs racing - cost about £1200 but confirm with them

 

[frank1200]

Funny enough the guy I bought my ESA equipped adventure off said it was not lowered as did the BMW dealer who sold it but it is lower than the standard gs I used to have

I have the same Kahedo low seat on both bikes and the adv is lower
When I parked it in a group of adv bikes mine did look 2 or 3 inches lower but was not lowered so I am told
My ESA does work anyone any ideas

 

[Jonnybiscuit]

When I parked it in a group of adv bikes mine did look 2 or 3 inches lower but was not lowered so I am told
My ESA does work anyone any ideas

Puncture ?

 

[Bendy toy]

Any ideas?
Yes. They were wrong & the bike is lowered.
To confirm measure the shock length eye to eye and ask Revs if it's lowered (or not).