Questions about latest R1200GSA

[Doofus]

Hi

I have moved from a 2005 R1200GS to a new GSA and I'd be grateful for any responses to a couple of quesitons...

1) Do I need to be a finely-tuned world class rider to notice the differences between ESA modes, or should it be obvious when switching between comfort and sport? They seem the same to me.

2) I find the riding position less comfortable. On my GS I could ride all day long with no problems, the GSA had my wrists hurting in less than 2 hours. I have bought some risers that have yet to arrive, but I would also like to rotate the bars away from me - has anyone done this? Is it easy, or is the switchgear fixed in position (e.g. with a lug in a hole like on my old Yamaha)?

The bars are angled so far back compared to my pre-2007 GS I'd think they had been put on wrong except they were similar to how I remember the bike I had for a test ride.

(Overall I prefer the new GSA!)

cheers
Darren

 

[littleredrooster]

On a bumpy road, there's a vast difference between the modes of the ESA.

 

[phillh]

I have a 2011 GSA, I usually have the ESA in normal mode which is fine for my riding, on occasions when I go out with a friend on a Sprint ( who is a quick rider), I switch it to sport mode which definitely firms the shocks up is more 'sporty'.

Re the bars, like you I found the riding position a little too upright for my use so I rotated them away from me slightly. Simple, no problems.

How are you finding the seat? Mine was ok for a couple of hours but when I did a longish trip to France it became agonising. I ended up buying a Sergent which is great.

 

[Blobby]

In a straight line on relatively smooth roads you will hardly notice the difference between ESA settings. Aim for some sharpish bends at speed in Comfort mode and you will wallow all over the place, switch to Sport and the whole things tightens up and the bike will hold a much sharper line. Makes a big difference in the bends. I save Comfort mainly for motorway work, slow bumpy routes and carrying wine back from the supermarket. I used to think it was a toy but now rate it very highly and would not wish to be without it on a bike used for multiple purposes.

 

[Paul Wakefield]

I have to say I've been fairly unimpressed with ESA2 on my 2011 GSA compared with the earlier version (though the various preload settings are still fine). The differences between the 3 settings are pretty subtle though just about noticeable. With ESA1 there was no doubt which setting was in use especially in the twisties.

 

[Wilsdorf]

There is not a huge difference in ESA modes for most every day conditions - however, you do notice it when pushing it, or on bumpier roads - I have sections of road I always put comfort mode on and I have sections I always ride in sport - and I really notice the difference in both when I forget.

The bars seem to be delivered rotated to far back on all the bikes I have had, or sat on - they are easily moved, but you then have to move all your switchgear - again quite an easy task - just a bit of a faff. Once done you will appreciate it though.

 

[Big Nick]

The ESA settings on my 2009 GSA are very different on a bumpy country A road.

As stated in comfort mode the bike will wallow around all over on such roads whilst sport is a harsh ride but holds a tight line.

I pretty much only use normal but do use the preload modes quite a lot

 

[Big Red]

If you have the second generation of ESA you should notice the difference but if its the first then you will struggle to notice.

The riders seat is a lot flatter on the GSA and so higher meaning the reach to the bars will be slightly affected. There have been different bars fitted depending on what model you have but bar risers may help.

http://cycle-ergo.com/