BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

My 2017 RT (with 17k miles) is running fine at the moment, but I a curious about the suspension set up. At times when I get into the twisties at high speed, the suspension gets a little squirrelly. I was looking at the manual and I notice that there is no section on setting up the suspension? How does one check to see if the suspension is set up optimally?

The tires are relatively new Road 6`s and they are at the recommended pressures.

I'm guessing that you don't have ESA?

Have you checked your suspension for leaks etc? I have a 2018 with 24000 miles on it and had the shocks replaced last year with TracTive units as the front was leaking and the rear was a bit soft.
From what I remember the standard BMW units only carry a 3 year warranty.

sakm wrote: ↑Wed Mar 22, 2023 3:22 pm I'm guessing that you don't have ESA?

It's got ESA and there are no faults showing up on my GS911. I typically run it on Normal and Dynamic. So do I just assume that some guy at the BMW factory provided the optimum set up for me and my gear?
Visual inspection indicates no leaks or damage.
My weight with gear @200 lbs
Saddlebags with contents @35 lbs.

On that basis I was thinking exactly the same thing while I was out and about the other day!

Although I must say I think mine is well sprung and setup OK for me

I thought you was asking how to set it up at first which you can't do! It's either soft normal or dynamic! No in between

Could it be that your speed maybe just a little too high for the twisties and you’re over testing the suspension and tyre grip?

7vwh wrote: ↑Wed Mar 22, 2023 11:10 pm Could it be that your speed maybe just a little too high for the twisties and you’re over testing the suspension and tyre grip?

That is a definite possibility I do like to test my limits and the bike runs like a spotted ape
All my previous bikes required a suspension set up procedure, so that is why I ask.

With a payload of 235 lbs (approx. 17 st), what is the suspension pre-load set at. Solo mode with luggage should cover it.

The BMW weight guidelines are based on a rider being between 8 st to 13 st, with an average of 11 st.

David. wrote: ↑Thu Mar 23, 2023 4:07 am With a payload of 235 lbs (approx. 17 st), what is the suspension pre-load set at.

The BMW weight guidelines are based on a rider being between 8 st to 13 st, with an average of 11 st.

Yeah, that makes sense for a ‘touring’ bike!

I’m 13st naked (not a pretty sight) but with full kit on probably a stone or two heavier and considered skinny by my mates.. so on tour 2-up with a months worth of kit?
Unrealistic, I wonder how many on this forum are 8-13st to conform to BMW’s baseline?

I’m aware of the suspension option display David, but if you start with an unrealistic base line then everything else will follow.

The max. payload is (232 kg) 36.5 st.

Steve398 wrote: ↑Thu Mar 23, 2023 10:03 amI wonder how many on this forum are 8-13st to conform to BMW’s baseline.

Should I create a poll.

If you want to..

There you go, viewtopic.php?p=67356#p67356

Randyjaco wrote: ↑Wed Mar 22, 2023 2:20 pmHow does one check to see if the suspension is set up optimally.

http://www.eilenberger.net/Suspension/suspension.htm

This video shows how to measure the F&R sag on a sports bike but gives an idea of what it's all about.

Thanks. This is my first bike with ESA. So does the ESA eliminate any need to set up the rear suspension by doing the calculations whenever you are riding?
It just seems that the ESA would perform optimally if the actual sag is initially set to the actual rider/weight.