R1200GS LC Preload: One helmet vs. Two Helmet Setting: Many differences
The list of pluses and minuses keeps getting longer:
New to me '13R1200GS LC has these Dynamic ESA "helmet settings" called rear preload also called "one up" and "two up (with luggage)". It has a stock rear shock.
After 3 months, I'm learning their effects. Please add to and debate this info and hopefully many others will learn more than in the BMW Rider's Manual.
The "two helmet setting" gives you:
More rear preload
Less sag
Proper sag for two-up riding with luggage.
New Youtube video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxIOGTh2tu8
measured 46mm of rise between 1 helmet and 2 helmet settings.
A steeper head angle which makes turning in easier, a ~ 46mm rise in back over a 1507mm wheelbase is ~1.75 degrees steeper. Nominal is 64.5 degrees.
The rear shock that is not Dynamic ESA takes 30 turns to cover the range.
you may also find that you want longer legs at stops to use this setting as the seat will be about 1.8 inches higher.
More ground clearance, handy on some rocky or rutty trails
The R1250GS User manual suggests using this setting called "Max." Dynamic ESA fixed "for off-road use."
Less chance of bottoming out
Less chance of touching a peg while cornering.
The sidestand may appear shorter
The centerstand will be easier to lever up.
When the rear is set at max height, the seat moves more over the top of the footpegs.
The pillion and you may slide forward more easily as the rear lifts and pivots about the front contact patch. It's just 1.75 degrees but noticeable to me.
There is some slight highway front wheel wiggle.
The "one helmet setting" gives you:
Less rear preload
More sag
Proper sag for 170# rider, no farkles, no bags. Level the bike and headlight.
a more relaxed head tube angle which makes the bike like to go straight
it will have slightly less wind drag,
maybe better mileage
maybe a higher top speed.
may want to wobble less.
easier to reach the ground
The R1250GS User manual suggests using this setting called "Min." Dynamic ESA fixed "for easier dismounting."
harder to lever up onto the centerstand. Plantar Fasciitis possible with casual shoes.
less ground and peg clearance
The Vario Top Case Pillion backrest leans back some relative to the seat.
Headlights and other forward facing lights will shine further down the road.
Long days solo on highways benefit with less front wheel wiggle and a windscreen that is slightly taller.
Of course the "one helmet plus luggage setting" falls in-between, my bike seems to be closer to the two helmet setting.
The Rider's Manual barely mentions the effects this setting has, if at all even in the "Technology in Detail" section.
What is the designed sag difference with the BMW stock rear ESA shock? GS? GSA? Rally? Touratech?
Would the ride be more springy/cushy with the one helmet setting?
Does the paralever have universal joints at both ends of its shaft? If so which setting runs a straighter line, bending the U-joints less each revolution?
The list of pluses and minuses keeps getting longer:
New to me '13R1200GS LC has these Dynamic ESA "helmet settings" called rear preload also called "one up" and "two up (with luggage)". It has a stock rear shock.
After 3 months, I'm learning their effects. Please add to and debate this info and hopefully many others will learn more than in the BMW Rider's Manual.
The "two helmet setting" gives you:
More rear preload
Less sag
Proper sag for two-up riding with luggage.
New Youtube video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxIOGTh2tu8
measured 46mm of rise between 1 helmet and 2 helmet settings.
A steeper head angle which makes turning in easier, a ~ 46mm rise in back over a 1507mm wheelbase is ~1.75 degrees steeper. Nominal is 64.5 degrees.
The rear shock that is not Dynamic ESA takes 30 turns to cover the range.
you may also find that you want longer legs at stops to use this setting as the seat will be about 1.8 inches higher.
More ground clearance, handy on some rocky or rutty trails
The R1250GS User manual suggests using this setting called "Max." Dynamic ESA fixed "for off-road use."
Less chance of bottoming out
Less chance of touching a peg while cornering.
The sidestand may appear shorter
The centerstand will be easier to lever up.
When the rear is set at max height, the seat moves more over the top of the footpegs.
The pillion and you may slide forward more easily as the rear lifts and pivots about the front contact patch. It's just 1.75 degrees but noticeable to me.
There is some slight highway front wheel wiggle.
The "one helmet setting" gives you:
Less rear preload
More sag
Proper sag for 170# rider, no farkles, no bags. Level the bike and headlight.
a more relaxed head tube angle which makes the bike like to go straight
it will have slightly less wind drag,
maybe better mileage
maybe a higher top speed.
may want to wobble less.
easier to reach the ground
The R1250GS User manual suggests using this setting called "Min." Dynamic ESA fixed "for easier dismounting."
harder to lever up onto the centerstand. Plantar Fasciitis possible with casual shoes.
less ground and peg clearance
The Vario Top Case Pillion backrest leans back some relative to the seat.
Headlights and other forward facing lights will shine further down the road.
Long days solo on highways benefit with less front wheel wiggle and a windscreen that is slightly taller.
Of course the "one helmet plus luggage setting" falls in-between, my bike seems to be closer to the two helmet setting.
The Rider's Manual barely mentions the effects this setting has, if at all even in the "Technology in Detail" section.
What is the designed sag difference with the BMW stock rear ESA shock? GS? GSA? Rally? Touratech?
Would the ride be more springy/cushy with the one helmet setting?
Does the paralever have universal joints at both ends of its shaft? If so which setting runs a straighter line, bending the U-joints less each revolution?
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