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So my question is simple.. does changing the ride on the BMW's with electronically adjustable suspension change the handling? or just the firmness of the ride? Is there any handling benefits to having it in sport?
Discuss..
I spent some time trying to figure that out my self. I find no difference in any settings. Am not sure if it even works.So my question is simple.. does changing the ride on the BMW's with electronically adjustable suspension change the handling? or just the firmness of the ride? Is there any handling benefits to having it in sport?
Discuss..
I spent some time trying to figure that out my self. I find no difference in any settings. Am not sure if it even works.
My solution to it is Ohlins, front and back. Just wondering what am i gonna do with all them wires, and switches...
Maybe a garage door opener?
If your bike has ESA........your choices might not include Ohlin or Wilbers. Call Ted Porter and get the info.
And i don't know who Ted Porter is.
If your bike has ESA........your choices might not include Ohlin or Wilbers. Call Ted Porter and get the info.
Have WESA shocks on my 09 GSA, Wilbers mated to my ESA motors.
Have mounted a few sets of these
Ohlins is/was doing a conversion using your ESA motor as well.
Tractive, made in Holland,marketed by Touratech has a plug and play unit. Waiting on a set to arrive for a friends Wethead GS soon from Ted.
Haven't done the fact checking, but another shock specialist said Tractive was behind the original BMW set up.
On every model we have ESA on, both of us can tell differences, especially from flat boring but often necessary Comfort highway mode to Sport. On two bikes, you can feel the bike raise/lower between modes.
And yes, some folks units didn't work ,more so on earlier versions but correctable for most.
Have friends that are so used to non ESA Ohlins and others that they prefer no ESA when upgrading. I do not think it throws a fault code without them.
ESA gives you on the fly adjustments...why not take advantage of that
I am gonna fallow your advice and contact Ted Porter.
So my question is simple.. does changing the ride on the BMW's with electronically adjustable suspension change the handling? or just the firmness of the ride? Is there any handling benefits to having it in sport?
Discuss..
Yes But the value depends on your riding style and how fussy about handling your are.
I have a 2016 R1200RS, so I'm talking abut that version of ESA.....there are several...so one should not over generalize.
I use "Road" mode most of the time. I set the preload at one rider with baggage. The "road" mode provides the softest ride, moderate damping...easiest on the back side! On bumpy (frost heaved) secondary roads it does allow some "pogoing" i.e. post bump up and down motions. If you are riding hard, these motion definitely degrade handling,setting lines in corners, weight transfer, braking, etc.
This is what the Dynamic setting is for....firms up dampening a fair about..makes riding aggressively in corners more predictable ...a definite plus. It is not so much pleasure on your back side or wrists, riding rough roads in this mode....at a relaxed pace. You have the harsh ride down side but do not need the handling improvement provided.
Note, To my knowledge NO ESA system provide adjustable high speed dampening. Also note adjustable preload is NOT the same as optimizing the spring rate for you and your riding style.
If you want the "best" handling buy Ohlins or Wilbers and take the time to adjust them (took me a month of riding) to your liking....but understand if you add passenger and or a lot of luggage....you have substantially knocked your setting way out of whack. ....and new settings take time to find.
With ESA you push a button....pre load and dampening are change to your new load. Results will not be as good as Ohlins or Wilbers but it only took 5 seconds.
Now to your point of adjustment...........It's a "digital" adjustment, not continuous. If one of three preload / two damping modes suits you, then it's grand. If not......then you're unhappy. A "manual" system might take longer to adjust, but it's continuously variable over a range. As long as the shock is properly configured to provide that range, the operator can tune to suit their individual tastes. IMHO.