Suspension Query

[David.]

What is semi-active dynamic ESA & how does it work?

[guest2360]

Go to BMW Motorrad UK and pull up the blurb on the LC. It was that bit of the rear shock that caused the recall,in June 14, or at least the rod that connected it.

[David.]

The LC has a WAD suspension element, http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/dk/da/index ... &notrack=1

[guest2360]

The LC has a WAD suspension element,



Don't think it's the WAD element that makes it semi active.  That just stops the system bottoming out.  The LC system reacts to changing road surfaces and as long as you don't set it up on Hard gives you a magic carpet ride (most of the time) The article explaining WAD shows it on bikes much earlier than the introduction of Dynamic ESA .

[David.]

"BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA semi-active suspension for optimum riding dynamics in any situation is available as a factory option.

The semi-active suspension BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) maximizes riding safety, performance and comfort. Spring travel sensors at both the front and the rear monitor the vertical movements of the respective wheel suspension as well as collect further data, allowing the damping to be automatically adapted to riding situations and maneuvers.

Dynamic ESA is integrated into the riding mode control concept. It includes the same basic settings already familiar from the previous BMW ESA system for programming the damping level (soft, normal, hard) and load status (rider, rider with luggage, rider and passenger). As with the more advanced ESA II version, the spring preload and spring rate can also be adjusted. This alone is sufficient to ensure that the rider is able to enjoy optimum roadholding with highly communicative feedback irrespective of the load being carried.

The new BMW Dynamic ESA system offers a significant boost to safety by modifying the suspension set-up in such a way when braking and accelerating that the bike’s attitude on the road remains virtually unchanged while directional stability is greatly enhanced. As well as increasing safety and comfort, this also has the effect of making the R 1200 RT a real thrill to ride."

http://www.bmwmotorcycle.com/2014_bmw_r1200rt_info.htm

[guest2360]

There you go, a privileged lot us LC owners.

[David.]

Dynamic ESA



£ 755.00

[ds99]

Ever get the feeling bikes are getting too complicated?

[fatnfast]

Ever get the feeling bikes are getting too complicated?

Yes, I agree with that. Technological advancements are great.....until they have been exposed to winter for a few years.
Still, I've always got my Triumph Tiger Cub. No electronics at all. Points and a condenser is as complex as it gets. Even the shocks are unadjustable:-)

[ds99]

all these gadgets are great....on a bike under 4 years old (with a warranty), after that,...maybe not so.

[Our Gee]

Having read back over what's posted, I think the answer is "pre-load" is not being applied to the spring. What BMW refer to as the elastomer element (Cellasto), has the effect of increasing the effective length of the shock until the heavier payload is added. I assume the spring length does not alter.

Thinking back to the 2007 RT without ESA, "spring pre-load" was adjusted manually using a knob under the seat.
This action did not appear to alter the ride height.

Having read back through the thread, the above post by David just about makes the most sense to me. So thanks for all the opinions, guidance and patience from those who contributed, also richard !!. Next time I have my bike stripped for a good winter clean I intend to run the engine and watch the rear shock as a change of ESA setting is applied. It should be possible to observe any movements.
Thanks again.

[David.]

What is semi-active dynamic ESA & how does it work?

Some more info. from Cycle World on how Dynamic ESA works, http://www.cycleworld.com/2013/03/14/bm ... -explained

[David.]

Checked the "static sag" (without rider) on my 2012 TC RT in the three load settings.

Rider only = 429mm
Rider + Luggage = 432mm
2 Up + Luggage = 437mm

Not a great deal of difference, but at least it shows it's working.

[Sullivj]

Checked the "static sag" (without rider) on my 2012 TC RT in the three load settings.
Rider only = 429mm
Rider + Luggage = 432mm
2 Up + Luggage = 437mm
Not a great deal of difference, but at least it shows it's working.

David,
Did you just put the bike on the side stand with the engine running to check it?  I'd like to check mine.

[David.]

David,
Did you just put the bike on the side stand with the engine running to check it? I'd like to check mine.

Yes, the bike was on it's side stand with the engine running, I put some wood under the s/s to get the bike somewhere near vertical.

I used the top of final drive hub centre as a fixed point & put some masking tape vertically above it on the bodywork below the rear carrier.



Will be interesting to see what max. differential you get, mine was 8mm.