Suspension setup

[conkerman]

I myself am built for comfort rather than speed So wind a lot of preload on to make sure I don't blow through the travel too easily.

Undoubtedly the setup is not optimal, and to be honest I done't really have the talent or inclination anymore to explore the edges of the performance envelope. 90% of my riding is in a straight line now

The ESA looks neat, but Once the polyurethane starts to age and the actuators fail, you have a (very) big bill.

You are right that you can get adjustable length shocks, these with a custom spring, and the ability to alter the steering geometry by raising/lowering the rear end (you can't do this with the forks on a telelever).

It essentially gives you the option to improve or totally ruin the bikes handling

[Corvus]

Conkerman said: " 90% of my riding is in a straight line now "

That is a shame.

Conkerman said: "It essentially gives you the option to improve or totally ruin the bikes handling"

Ha ha. In a nutshell. And I know which is the most likely.

[Corvus]

Conkerman said: "The ESA looks neat, but Once the polyurethane starts to age and the actuators fail, you have a (very) big bill."

Wouldn't know. I don't do gadgets. And I only have single pads on my bikes so no need for fiddling to accommodate a pillion.

If by polyurethane you mean the elastogran then fair enough. But why does it have to have actuators? Certainly no need for electric actuation. I thought the concept was a brilliant idea for the touring sector of the market, where one moment you could be solo, the next have a pillion on board and every so often be loaded with pillion and luggage. That scenario screams a need for on board adjustable rear spring rate, in addition to the preload etc.

Apparently not. Certainly not going to lose any sleep over it, but I'm intrigued as to why it failed to see it through to next gen, or onto other manufacturers tourers. Can't see cost being an absolute killer for most Beemer riders. Can't see the need for tremendous cost anyway.

[slparry]

love the esa on my K, although at £1800 a pop for the rear unit I'm glad the extended warranty covered it

On my recent trip to the Highlands it's good for setting on comfort for the dull slog up the motorway, then once in the mountains a quick press of the button flicks it into sport which noticably tightens it all up

[conkerman]

Ker-ching!

[Corvus]

PS: hope my gadget comment didn't offend anyone. Didn't intend to, but sometimes I can be as subtle as a flying brick.

Plus, what I was talking about was in reference purely to the elastogran device and not ESA itself.

Cheers.

[conkerman]

Not sutlre how akyone could be offended to be honest.

Systems like ESA are grand on a bike with warranty, but could become an expensive liability in years to come.

I really like the idea of ABS, but old bikes with it bother me.