R1200GS gets "Enduro" ESA

[Mr Sunshine]

Interesting....part of the new features on the '08 R1200GS is a "Enduro" ESA system.  I wonder how well that'll work out?

http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/etc/utils.jsp?t=announcements&idx=0

The most significant new technological development found on the R 1200 GS Adventure is optional Enduro ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment). This feature gives the rider the ability to customize the motorcycle to his or her exact preferences. No matter what type of condition should arise—and where this bike travels to, just about anything can occur—Enduro ESA lets the rider adjust both front and rear suspension to accommodate it. Settings include Sport, Normal and Comfort, and there is even an off-road mode that adjusts the front and rear preload and increases ground clearance for those inevitable sections of bumpy terrain that occur while touring through the vast unknown.

[veefer800canuck]

More stuff to add weight, complexity, cost and oh yeah, to break.  


Sure, it's nifty and all, but can you imagine the cost of a suspension repair/rebuild/upgrade?


Sometimes I think K.I.S.S. is best.

[bubba zanetti]

More stuff to add weight, complexity, cost and oh yeah, to break.  


Sure, it's nifty and all, but can you imagine the cost of a suspension repair/rebuild/upgrade?


Sometimes I think K.I.S.S. is best.

Ahh the good old days when you took along a serious tool kit because you knew you would need it .... I love the look of older and simpler , but in reality I prefer the amazing realiability of my bike today.

[veefer800canuck]

Ahh the good old days when you took along a serious tool kit because you knew you would need it .... I love the look of older and simpler , but in reality I prefer the amazing realiability of my bike today.

Do you remember in Long Way Round, the roadside repair job of the Russian motorcycle by the Kazakhistanians? Kazakhastanis? Kazakhians?  


If it's stone simple, all you need to fix it is another stone.  

[bizarro]

I'm with Veefer on this: does it really make sense to have all sorts of complex electronic trickery on a bike that, supposedly, is going to have the shit beat out of it in the hardest riding environments on the planet?  

[atadaskew]

Do you remember in Long Way Round, the roadside repair job of the Russian motorcycle by the Kazakhistanians? Kazakhastanis? Kazakhians?  

They were from Kraplakhastan.  Last I heard they provided Dr. Evil with his nuclear warhead.

[sfarson]

After experiencing and thrashing on-the-fly ESA on two bikes, and noting how I take the GS ADV on all kinds of surfaces on the same ride, from smooth to bumpy to off, and tempting squids in between, would get the Enduro ESA option without hesitation.

[Jetpilot5]

Sure, it's nifty and all, but can you imagine the cost of a suspension repair/rebuild/upgrade?

It's not as bad as it once was.  Still not cheap, but much, much less than new BMW components, replacement rebuildable shocks are now available from Works Performance.

This is from the Pirates Lair Website.

"Works Performance now has replacement shocks that are fully compatible with your foofoo ESA suspension. WP will need your old shocks to remove the hydraulic pre-loader and eye from the rear and the eye from the front shock but that's not much to ask, IMHO. And yes, all ESA functions of valving and remote preload are maintained.

Works Performance Pricing:
Rear: $649 + $100 for removal of the components from your stock shock and installation on the new.
Front: $479 + $25 for removal of the components from your stock shock and installation on the new.

You will have to send your old shocks in and they will be useless after the components are removed. The new Works shocks will be custom built to your weight and riding style. They also can be custom made to lower the bike up to 2". They can provide replacement shocks for any ESA equipped BMW R or K-series.
If you are interested you can contact WP at (818) 701-1010"

[Zen Rider]

It's not as bad as it once was.  Still not cheap, but much, much less than new BMW components, replacement rebuildable shocks are now available from Works Performance.

Ohlins be the next to have rebuildable ESA shocks.  

They won't be cheap, but cheaper than BMW replacement shocks  

[Mr Sunshine]

Um...well I am thinking about buying a R1200GS this next year...maybe I'll just get the ESA version anyhow cause 98% of my riding with that bike will be on road.

[Zen Rider]

Um...well I am thinking about buying a R1200GS this next year...maybe I'll just get the ESA version anyhow cause 98% of my riding with that bike will be on road.

Chris:  I'm told it's a $770.00 extra, but I sure like it on the K12S and use it all the time.

[ksann]

I like the ESA option, and use the button frequently, but wish that there was one more step, sportier, as I find that I prefer a bit more control in quick riding.

But overall, it seems reliable, and I would not hesitate to order it on a bike that will see mixed use.



ken

[HexHead]

I like the ESA option, and use the button frequently, but wish that there was one more step, sportier, as I find that I prefer a bit more control in quick riding.

But overall, it seems reliable, and I would not hesitate to order it on a bike that will see mixed use.



ken

Try adding another level of pre-load, ie: instead of solo rider, rider and passenger settings.

[ksann]

Try adding another level of pre-load, ie: instead of solo rider, rider and passenger settings.

I prefer the softest satting of preload, but the sportiest setting of shocks. I find this way it is the least upset by bumps.



ken