Twin Cam ESA setting

[stonehenge]

I finally felt really happy on the RT yesterday after, as an experiment, putting the bike in 2 rider mode - just with me on board. This made the bike really stable and controlled with no detriment to ride quality at all? Obviously, the bike was taller as the spring was preloaded. I wonder if my ESA II isn't set right from the factory as single rider and rider/luggage modes are both bouncy and give a vague feeling to the bike.

 

[Ex-Call Centre Chimp]

I've only ever ridden mine in '2 rider with luggage' mode, both my last RT (2005) & the current one (2011).
TBH I can't tell any difference with any of the settings and never have been able to.

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

Just treat it as 'the setting that works for you' and ignore what WBM call it

Andres

 

[ducatiparts.110mb]

Yes, I sometimes use rider plus luggage for just me. Works well and makes the bike turn a bit better

 

[Cobweb]

It's a pity that you don't get an option to fine tune the ESA standard settings like you do on the Multistrada. I'm only a light weight so the preload is way too high for me in Normal even with the panniers on the bike but if I run in Comfort the preload is fine but the rebound is too soft.

 

[ianf]

I think you'll find that it's 80kg, 100kg, 180kg roughly for the 3 settings of pre-load. if you are a pie-eater then the last setting will be more appropriate.

 

[stonehenge]

Actually, last time I was on the bike, I rode in rider only mode in sports setting and it was OK. I am going to keep on experimenting with the settings.

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

I've gotta say (and I'm not having a dig, honest) that given the comments here I really can't see any reason for wanting ESA.

It seems to me that ESA equals more cost, more complexity, more to go wrong and less flexibility

I think I'd rather spend the extra money on a decent set of aftermarket shocks

I mean, in reality, how often do you need to change the damping characteristics on your shocks Nine times out of ten all I play with is the rear preload which is a one minute job on my Wilbers (or on a standard WBM shock for that matter).

Andres

 

[itspilsbury]

I've gotta say (and I'm not having a dig, honest) that given the comments here I really can't see any reason for wanting ESA.

It seems to me that ESA equals more cost, more complexity, more to go wrong and less flexibility

I think I'd rather spend the extra money on a decent set of aftermarket shocks

I mean, in reality, how often do you need to change the damping characteristics on your shocks Nine times out of ten all I play with is the rear preload which is a one minute job on my Wilbers (or on a standard WBM shock for that matter).

Andres

Exactly Andres!
Once set up to suit you it rarely needs touching. Me at almost 16 st with panniers the suspension is set fairly firm, which is also good for sport ridding, and taking a pillion.
Why waste money on ESA and even more money when it goes faulty, they can be expensive to replace or put right.

 

[Ex-Call Centre Chimp]

Exactly Andres!
Why waste money on ESA

Err........because it's a gadget. Honestly some people just don't get it do they.

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

I've only ever ridden mine in '2 rider with luggage' mode, both my last RT (2005) & the current one (2011).
TBH I can't tell any difference with any of the settings and never have been able to.

Nuff said!

Andres

 

[Rasher]

I think I'd rather spend the extra money on a decent set of aftermarket shocks

Indeed

 

[Aran]

I rather like ESA!

Sorry to go against the flow, but I like the ESA!

I need mine on one plus luggage as a minimum, even without panniers on, but I'm a very big chap. As soon as there is anything in the luggage then it needs to go on the fully loaded setting.
I find comfort ok for long motorway runs at legal speeds- you are blissfully unaware of the road surface and your bum is cosseted. I sometimes use it on a really wet day to force me to be smooth and slow.
Normal is normal, but it bounces around if you get a wriggle on.
That is where sport comes in!

I think the assumption that a rider weighs about 85kg has been made, but this isn't my size. It would be nice to have a "big man, wee man" option to change the springs. I suppose there must be aftermarket people who are prepared to tear into an ESA shock to change the spring....

Aran

 

[Deleted account Cooperman]

I find the ESA a great feature.

Play with the settings for comfort (motorway) to sport (fun roads).

Then adjust the loading from solo, luggage added to SWIMBO and luggage added. Due to my little legs I have to remember not to leave it on the latter when SWIMBO aborts and quickly scroll through the mountain settings