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ESA question

Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2016 9:04 pm
by slparry
Being the recipient of one too many pies over the years I'm currently about 20 stones, I'm assuming there will be other larger guys :)

I have a 2014 R12RT LC LE, is it ok to leave the preload on 1 person, or is it better to pop it up to 1 rider plus luggage?

I'm just wondering what others set there's to or if the system is some level of self levelling?

Re: ESA question

Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2016 10:42 pm
by David.
My suggestion would be to use 1 rider plus luggage.

Re: ESA question

Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2016 11:56 pm
by T6pilot
DaygloDavid wrote: My suggestion would be to use 1 rider plus luggage.
Agree with David
Not sure what 20 stones equates to in pounds, but at sevite 250 pounds I ride 1 up with luggage, ESA in either normal or hard

Re: ESA question

Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2016 6:36 am
by David.
The BMW Rider's Manual, doesn't give any weight guidelines for the ESA settings.

Some time ago, I sent this email to BMW Customer Services:-

"The ESA has 3 load status settings, One-up, One-up with luggage and Two-up (with luggage),  are there any recommended weight guidelines for these settings?"

Had a phone call back from BMW Customer Services, their weight guidelines are based on a rider or pillion being between 8st. and 13st., using an average of 11st.

(At the same time, a friend had a Kawasaki GTR 1400, the factory suspension settings are for a 150 lb (10 st 10 lb) rider.)

Based on the above, when riding 2 up with a combined weight of just less than 20st, I use One-up with luggage.

Re: ESA question

Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2016 6:38 am
by David.
T6pilot wrote:Not sure what 20 stones equates to in pounds.
20st = 280lbs

Re: ESA question

Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2016 7:44 am
by k9doc
DaygloDavid wrote: 20st = 280lbs
= 2.5 cwt. just to add more confusion.

In the U.S. I believe there is a short cwt. (hundredweight) containing 100 lbs. and a long cwt. containing 112 lbs.
Hope this helps.

Re: ESA question

Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2016 7:50 am
by David.
DaygloDavid wrote:20st = 280lbs
= 127 kg.

Re: ESA question

Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2016 9:12 am
by slparry
Thanks guys, that's what I have it on now :D

Re: ESA question

Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2016 3:58 pm
by falconmick
Physics (of which I am not an expert) has an effect, obviously 2 (plus luggage) up the weight is further back on the bike and therefore leverage has a greater compression effect on the rear suspension, 20 stones at the rear of the bike would cause greater compression than the same weight on the rider seat, also the weight of riding gear can bump up your weight by 10% or more. I would experiment with settings and find which you are happiest with :)