Does anyone else have a 'base' 1250 / 1200 GS / GSA without ESA suspension? I have done about 300 miles on my new 'base' 1250 GSA and I think I'm so used to ESA suspension (previously had a 2017.5 GS and 2017 GSA with ESA) that this one feels a bit 'harsh' by comparison. The rear shock is adjustable via a spinning wheel / knob (as per my old 2004 GS) and I have so far tried it on the 'lowest' and nearly 'lowest' settings. Unless I am imagining it, it is nowhere near as nice as the ESA or even my old / original 2004 GS which had a sublime, plush ride! Don't think there's any other adjustment is there? It's on the new Anakee Adventure tyres which might not be helping? Fairly chunky tread pattern etc. Am running correct tyre pressures etc.... Interested to hear from anyone else who has or has ridden the non ESA versions. Many thanks.
New 1250 GSA with non ESA 'standard' suspension........
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Did you ever try Dynamic settings on your other GS,s that had ESA, it is harder than normal Auto setting, but feels good after a while, maybe you just need time ti find the sweetspot that works for you on manual suspension, oldtimer stuff....
Did you ever try Dynamic settings on your other GS,s that had ESA, it is harder than normal Auto setting, but feels good after a while, maybe you just need time ti find the sweetspot that works for you on manual suspension, oldtimer stuff....
Hi Bob. Yes, I recall the two ESA systems were slightly different on the 2017 GS and 2017.5 GSA I had, but most of the time I had them on 'road' and 'auto' I think. The 2017 GSA had the slightly older tech I think (with the little crash helmet icons etc) whereas the 2017.5 GS possibly had an 'improved' version.......but the ride on the GSA was sublime!! GSAs do tend to be more planted I think (due to the weight) but the taller ride height also adds plushness! This 1250 GSA is ever so slightly harsh by comparison and not as planted. Could be those Anakee Adventure tyres? Will have a play with the spinning wheel and turn it up a bit more to see what that does. I do miss the glide factor though!
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I think you will have to play for quite a while, because that wizardry AUTO ROAD setting makes the most comfy ride ever, however, when I am solo I bang it on Dynamic it is harder but more fun, actually feel like I am riding a bike and not a magic carpet, once you find your optimal settings, you will probably be on a winner, as easier and cheaper to change in case of failure.
My 17.5 GS did start to get a bit 'baggy' at just 8000 miles and I read lots of stories of people having problems with their ESA on here and other fora, so I thought I would go with old school on this one.......but there's no doubt about it, the BMW ESA on 'auto' is a fantastic ride.......especially on bumpy roads. Hopefully, I can find a decent sweet spot with the manual suspension.
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Ironically, my old 2004 GS was a superb ride! I remember jumping back on it after test tiding the 'new' GS LC and thinking 'no......this is better!' I guess if it comes to it, I could retro fit ESA at eye watering expense.......but if it has to be done, it has to be done!
fred_jb
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I think the spinning knob you refer to is probably just the preload adjustment, and you should be able to get that more or less correct by measuring the loaded sag which needs to be around 30-35% of full travel, whatever full travel is on the non-ESA suspension.
If the non-ESA suspension is fully adjustable, i.e. not just for preload, then you should also have screwdriver slots somewhere to adjust the compression and/or rebound damping. That is rather less easy than the preload to optimise.
If the non-ESA suspension is fully adjustable, i.e. not just for preload, then you should also have screwdriver slots somewhere to adjust the compression and/or rebound damping. That is rather less easy than the preload to optimise.
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If that was the case better to get the Touratech ESA and then just get a software upgrade at the dealer.
If you have the funds - get a pair of good aftermarket shocks (Ohlins/Wilbers/Maxton etc) and bung the stock crap in a box - to bring out when you sell the bike.
Or - hang out for someone selling used shocks (of the above) - factor in an overhaul/refresh - and you shouldn’t lose money when you sell.
Or - hang out for someone selling used shocks (of the above) - factor in an overhaul/refresh - and you shouldn’t lose money when you sell.
fred_jb
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Might be a struggle to get BMW to load the ESA software without you having bought their ESA shocks as the build record for the bike will not include that software. Computer will probably say NO!
I had a basic 1200 gs lc a couple of years ago which was fitted with Anakee 3,s.
The ride was very firm,swapping the tyres for Road Pilot 4,s transformed the ride quality.
I can't speak for the 1250,resisting a demo so far
The ride was very firm,swapping the tyres for Road Pilot 4,s transformed the ride quality.
I can't speak for the 1250,resisting a demo so far
What did we do in the old days............
Spend about £10,000 less and still get a cracking nice new motorcycle that was a pleasure to ride.
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Good to know that Fred, I honestly thought it would work, so BMW have installed some backstops for this type of option.
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Spend about £10,000 less and still get a cracking nice new motorcycle that was a pleasure to ride.
But we where young and could ride them for hours, not anymore, I need my magic carpet.............
But we where young and could ride them for hours............
That's because there was usually a shag promise at the destination.
Unlike now where you just get a bacon sarnie and a chance to stretch your knees
fred_jb
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I am only speculating, and don't know for sure that it would not be possible, but I suspect the only way to get the ESA software is to buy the BMW ESA shocks, and I don't know if retro-fitting ESA is something which BMW can or would do. There may be other dependencies, like for example a different wiring loom, or additional electronic control units, which might mean that ESA can only be fitted when the bike is being built.
on my bike... i take the pre-load right off (I'm 90KG) and that just works out fine for 30% sag....
where have you set the damping? I have mine about 9-10 clicks out when solo... (this is the knob on the bottom of the shock you get to it from under the bike)
is there any adjustent on your front?
where have you set the damping? I have mine about 9-10 clicks out when solo... (this is the knob on the bottom of the shock you get to it from under the bike)
is there any adjustent on your front?
I had a basic 1200 gs lc a couple of years ago which was fitted with Anakee 3,s.
The ride was very firm,swapping the tyres for Road Pilot 4,s transformed the ride quality.
I can't speak for the 1250,resisting a demo so far
Yes, I'm hoping part of the harshness is due to the tyres. A41s again next....
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