This might sound daft, but......

[Spud]

I've thought a few times that the suspension, even in soft mode on my '15 GS seems a little harsher than I remember.
Then I seemed to notice something. If I start the bike whilst I'm sat on it the suspension seems quite hard/harsh. But, if I start it and then get on to ride the suspension seems much more compliant.
Could this be something to do with particles in the shock "charging" when you start the bike, or am I talking total rubbish ???

 

[mcinlb]

Yes, and I also thought the suspension was harsher on my 15 model GS, but there is noticeable difference when moving between the ESA settings.

 

[Spud]

Yes, and I also thought the suspension was harsher on my 15 model GS, but there is noticeable difference when moving between the ESA settings.

Is that "Yes" I'm talking rubbish ?

 

[Engineer]

What charging particles? I thought it just wound the pre-load up and down and twiddled the damping screw in and out, not sure if it has separate compression and rebound damping on the LC?

 

[Spud]

What charging particles? I thought it just wound the pre-load up and down and twiddled the damping screw in and out, not sure if it has separate compression and rebound damping on the LC?

I'm sure I read an article somewhere about active/semi active suspension working by charging metal particles within the shock. I know if I sit on the bike with the ignition off and then turn the ignition on without starting it, the rear suspension will soften as the ignition is turned on.
Hence I wondered if it could actually make any difference to the ride, if you're sat on it when you start it (or not)

 

[Reggie P]

I think really advanced cars such as the audi R8 use electrically controlled fluids in their dampers.

the GS is not quit that clever .... but its certainly more than the "electric preload" that "engineer" describes above.
(It does have an electric preload, for accommodating differing rider weights/2 up /luggage but that would be too slow for "dynamic " use on the road.

The real dynamic element (did you order the TE model?) is adjusting compression and rebound damping quickly via via electrically operated valves.

DDC is linked to the traction control system DTC and ABS via the CAN bus. The system recognises the control activities by the other systems and adapts the damping as the situation requires. The adjustments to damping depend on whether the springs are compressing or rebounding, with each process being controlled separately.

The damping is adjusted at an electrically actuated, proportional EDC valve that features a variable ring gap and therefore variable flow cross section for the damper oil. The inversely proportional adjustment to flow rate and pressure adjusts the damping force within milliseconds to the new conditions.

Unlike ESA II, the dynamic damping control system DDC does not make use of characteristic curves, but characteristic maps that provide the optimal damper tuning within a defined range. Selected at the press of a button, three characteristic maps for the basic configurations “Comfort”, “Normal”, and “Sport” let the rider realise his own preference on this system too. As known from ESA II, the selected configuration is displayed on the instrument
cluster.

 

[Engineer]

I'm sure I read an article somewhere about active/semi active suspension working by charging metal particles within the shock. I know if I sit on the bike with the ignition off and then turn the ignition on without starting it, the rear suspension will soften as the ignition is turned on.
Hence I wondered if it could actually make any difference to the ride, if you're sat on it when you start it (or not)

I have just read the original BMW press document on the LC, I quote "Damping adjustment at front and rear is effected by means of electronically controlled regulation valves" Take that to mean that the damping is adjusted by electrically twiddling the damping screws or similar, no charged particles on the GS.

 

[Engineer]

PS I do realise that the adjustments are dynamic, in the sense that it responds to the current riding conditions and rider inputs but the damping and pre-load adjustment is effected by a electric/mechanical system and not clever fluids.

 

[Reggie P]

This video refers to the car version. however the principles are the same.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Zm0znRX3Pc

The Bike version measures lean angles, engine torque and thousands of other parameters. I think it worth paying extra for the TE model if you can afford it as it will be important when you come to sell your bike.

 

[Reggie P]

Engineer, My wording was a bit careless, apologies. I wanted to refer to your post , but didn't mean it to sound rude. Sorry.

 

[Engineer]

Engineer, My wording was a bit careless, apologies. I wanted to refer to your post , but didn't mean it to sound rude. Sorry.

No offensive taken, was just clarifying

 

[Spud]

Thanks for all the replies. I've been learning along the way !
However I'm still not sure if my original question was a valid one. In that if you sit on the bike as you start it does it think you have different "loading" and alter the suspension to take account of that, and therefore feel different if you start it sat on it, or stood to one side !!!
I'm almost certain mine feels different dependant on where I am when I fire it up !
(But do realise this may be totally daft )

 

[Engineer]

Thanks for all the replies. I've been learning along the way !
However I'm still not sure if my original question was a valid one. In that if you sit on the bike as you start it does it think you have different "loading" and alter the suspension to take account of that, and therefore feel different if you start it sat on it, or stood to one side !!!
I'm almost certain mine feels different dependant on where I am when I fire it up !
(But do realise this may be totally daft )

Not sure but I think the manual says its best to do the preload adjustment with the bike unloaded - I could be wrong but please check.