ESA Adjustment

[24chaparral]

I have an 06 R1200RT that I'm not sure the ESA is working. Seems no difference in feel in any setting. Dealer says it's fine. Isn't the Helmet/Luggage display suppost to blink while the system is transistioning? It stays solid now and I thought it had blinked before when new.

 

Thanks!

Don

 

[24chaparral]

Opps I did a search and see that indeed the indicator should flash. Seems my dealer would have known this.

 

Regards,

Don

 

[TomfromMD]

Exactly my situation - icon changed but didn't flash & the preload did not change. It was recently solved with a new rear shock unit and software reflash.

 

It's apparently not too common so your dealer should compare your bike with a new RT & he'll notice the difference. Then, he will probably have to contact BMWUSA as to how to proceed.

 

Scroll down on p2 to the ESA thread for more info.

Tom

[stubblejumper]

Just watch near the top of the rear shock as you press the button.It is easy to see the preload change as you change settings.

[Deek]

Exactly my situation - icon changed but didn't flash & the preload did not change. It was recently solved with a new rear shock unit and software reflash.

 

It's apparently not too common so your dealer should compare your bike with a new RT & he'll notice the difference. Then, he will probably have to contact BMWUSA as to how to proceed.

 

Scroll down on p2 to the ESA thread for more info.

Tom

 

Anyone know if the GT has the same ESA set up? There's a new GT on the floor. My 06 1200RT doesn't flash when I change from Normal to Comfort to Sport. It does holding down the ESA button and changing to two riders, rider with baggage, etc, etc.

[Davemon]

I don't know but I checked out that other thread as well and am bummed as I think my dealer thought this wasn't an issue despite my detailed descriptions. I guess I will go out to the garage in the morning, take the seat off, and do my own diagnosis... which is what I thought the dealer tech would have done or at least known what the normal operation is.

 

I posted the following on BMW MOA earlier:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2007 R1200RT ESA video: Is mine functioning correctly?

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If you own one of these setups please watch this vido of me starting up my bike on the stand in neutral and then pressing and holding the ESA button until it switches and then letting go and then pressing again and so on as I cycle through the 3 settings. Does yours work just like this or does it flash for a few seconds and then go into a steady indicator of the new mode?

Video of my bike in operation

 

On mine it has always switched instantly from one mode to the next (at least on the indicator) for the shock damping but for the spring preload that I am changing in this video I could swear it used to flash for a few secs as it went to the next mode and that I could feel the bike change height just a tad.

--------------------------------------------------

 

Dave

[Kerry in Mpls]

The symbols definitely flash while the ESA is changing the preload from one setting to the next. On my '06 RT, when I have cycled to the desired preload, and let go of the button, it then takes another 4 seconds or so before it starts flashing and actually changing the preload. In your video, it looked like you did not stop on any setting for more than 2 seconds or so.

 

I don't doubt that you have tried all kinds of things, but in the video I think you went through them too quickly.

[stubblejumper]

On my bike,there is a gap at the top of the shock that opens and closes as you change settings.It's just under the big black piece at the top of the shock.It's much easier to see that gap change than to try to feel the bike move up and down.On the r1200st,you don't even have to remove the seat,you can see the change by looking up at the top of shock from the side of the bike.

 

On my '06 RT, when I have cycled to the desired preload, and let go of the button, it then takes another 4 seconds or so before it starts flashing and actually changing the preload.

 

It's the same on my bike.

[Kerry in Mpls]

Ok, I shot a similar video on my bike.

 

ESA display switching between preloads

[Volfan615]

The symbols definitely flash while the ESA is changing the preload from one setting to the next. On my '06 RT, when I have cycled to the desired preload, and let go of the button, it then takes another 4 seconds or so before it starts flashing and actually changing the preload. In your video, it looked like you did not stop on any setting for more than 2 seconds or so.

 

I don't doubt that you have tried all kinds of things, but in the video I think you went through them too quickly.

 

My 06 doesn't flash. After reading some of this the last couple of days I had the dealer check it out today since I was in for a new rear tire. Everything checked out ok. So my guess it that on some software versions the icons don't flash.

[Beaky]

Ok, I shot a similar video on my bike.

 

ESA display switching between preloads

That looks normal to me, it looks the same as mine. I can feel the bike move up and down with the preload and there is a noticeable difference when I sit on the bike and bounce it up and down; I can definitely feel the difference when riding on the road. To me it's pretty obvious it's working without peering at the top of the shock but I guess that's the acid test if you are in doubt.

 

The ESA doesn't alter the front pre-load, anyone know if it's possible to manually adjust the front pre-load? On my previous bike, a GS, I dropped the front preload right down which drops the front slightly and quickens the steering a tad. It would be good to do the same on the RT

[Davemon]

The symbols definitely flash while the ESA is changing the preload from one setting to the next. On my '06 RT, when I have cycled to the desired preload, and let go of the button, it then takes another 4 seconds or so before it starts flashing and actually changing the preload. In your video, it looked like you did not stop on any setting for more than 2 seconds or so.

 

I don't doubt that you have tried all kinds of things, but in the video I think you went through them too quickly.

 

That is a great observation and I went and checked again. I can leave mine for as long as I want and it never flashes, rather after a bit it times out and goes back to the normal display. So I removed the seat and watched carefully when making changes and I can't see any changes to the WP Spring length or distances relative to the shock or any other part. Can anyone take a video of the spring/shock during a change that shows something moving? If you do please state if the bike is weighted (on the sidestand) or is on the centerstand.

 

Dave

[Deek]

That video looks like how I understand it ought to look. I thought originally that the display is supposed to flash going from One-Helmet-Normal to One-Helmet-Comfort but now I understand it does NOT flash, and that is how it's supposed to work.

 

I know when you go from say ONE-Helmet-Comfort to TWO Helmets (for example) it will flash. I think the confusion is over the difference between the One Helmet (Comfort, Sport, Normal) and any of the other settings.

 

Also, your RT sounds just like mine! Going from a 4 cylinder Venture to the RT with it's opposed twin cylinders is a shock on start up!

[Deek]

 

........I can leave mine for as long as I want and it never flashes, rather after a bit it times out and goes back to the normal display. .......

 

Dave

 

Dave forget about preload and damping....

 

1. Does yours flash going fomr One Helmet Comfort to One Helmet Sport? Or does it times out in 1-2 seconds with no flashing.

2. How about going from One Helmet Normal to Two Helmets anything? Change the setting and wait about 4 second for the any flashing.

 

I think in 1 it's NOT supposed to flash, and in 2 is IS supposed to flash. And that is normal and indicated all is well. At least that's my understanding after owning an RT for all of 8 days.

 

[stubblejumper]

Dave forget about preload and damping....

 

I don't know about Dave,but I will stick with preload and damping,it's not rocket science.

[Kerry in Mpls]

Also, your RT sounds just like mine! Going from a 4 cylinder Venture to the RT with it's opposed twin cylinders is a shock on start up!

Check out the other bike in my sig (6 cyl). Just a leetle bit of a different sound.

[GoldenK9]

Kerry,

Good job. Nice video display of the correct way the preload settings are supposed to work on the screen. As they are flashing is when you can visually or feel the change in the ride height of the motorcycle. On the road when changing the dampening settings, there are no flashing symbols during the change period, which happens rather quickly after letting go of the ESA button.

Ken

[GoldenK9]

OK, I think we're getting totally out in space on this ESA situation. As one member put it "it's not rocket science".

There are only two (2) basic adjustments you can make:

Preload (or ride height): Is adjusted while standing still, engine running, trans in neutral. Symbols are: One Helmet,

One Helmet and Luggage, and two Helmets.

Second adjustment is done while riding. That adjusts the dampening. Symbols don't change but settings printed on screen are: Normal, Comfort and Sport.

During Preload adjustments Symbols flash during change.

During Dampening adjustments Symbols don't flash.

That's the correct way ESA works on RT's and ST's. GS's are totally different and I'm not sure on the 4 cyl. bikes.

That's it!

Ken

 

........I can leave mine for as long as I want and it never flashes, rather after a bit it times out and goes back to the normal display. .......

 

Dave

 

Dave forget about preload and damping....

 

1. Does yours flash going fomr One Helmet Comfort to One Helmet Sport? Or does it times out in 1-2 seconds with no flashing.

2. How about going from One Helmet Normal to Two Helmets anything? Change the setting and wait about 4 second for the any flashing.

 

I think in 1 it's NOT supposed to flash, and in 2 is IS supposed to flash. And that is normal and indicated all is well. At least that's my understanding after owning an RT for all of 8 days.

[Deek]

"..There are only two (2) basic adjustments you can make:

Preload (or ride height): Is adjusted while standing still, engine running, trans in neutral. Symbols are: One Helmet,

One Helmet and Luggage, and two Helmets.

Second adjustment is done while riding. That adjusts the dampening. Symbols don't change but settings printed on screen are: Normal, Comfort and Sport.

During Preload adjustments Symbols flash during change.

During Dampening adjustments Symbols don't flash.

That's the correct way ESA works on RT's and ST's...."

 

Thanks goodness, I finally got something right!

[Davemon]

As I said before my bike does change the indicator but does not flash when changing the preload (yes, the one where you have to be in neutral at a stop with the engine running and hold down the botton for a 2 count). My damping setting does change and the difference can be felt while riding. Took the morning off from work to take up it to the dealer this morning and I will report on the outcome.

 

I checked out a guy's bike near Boston in a parking lot here and it was clear to me that he didn't know how to adjust his preload. I think he was pretty happy to learn.

 

preload = the setting that changes from one helmet to one helmet plus bag to two helmets

 

damping = the setting that changes from "comfort" to "normal" to "sport"

 

Dave

 

[Jack90210]

Preload (or ride height): Is adjusted while standing still, engine running, trans in neutral.

 

Trans in neutral?

 

Maybe that's why I can't feel any change. I'm gonna head home and check that out.

[Davemon]

Followup!

 

I explained my frustration regarding my bike still not being functional and my dealer asked when I could bring it in.

 

I took 1/2 the day off to ride up and have it diagnosed and while at first the service manager didn't think it was broken and had me bouncing on it with the different settings (he could tell a difference and I could not but wasn't certain) he found that another bike was working and he could feel it move and see it flash which mine wasn't doing. Oddly he had me doubting myself a bit but I could not feel a difference after changing the preload and bouncing on the seat. The tech then did some of the BMW bulletin items and made it work again and it seems fine now and I can see the dash indicator flash while it changes, feel the bike move under me, and if on the side I can see the spring get compressed or released by the electric motor hidden inside the shock. I am VERY happy that it is finally working again and happy that the dealer now understands this as there are plenty of other folks out there with non-functional ESA including many who don't even know theirs is not working. I am also stoked that my machine didn't require any parts to get working again... it took less tahn an hour once they were convinced it was broken.

 

If you can't feel the bike move when your weight is on the seat after you change the spring preload setting then yours is not working. If the display doesn't start flashing about 2 or 3 seconds after you stop on a new setting (this is when you will feel it start and stop changing height) yours is not working. As a lot of folks seems confused I will state again that this is for the spring preload only which is the rider only, rider and bags with stuff, rider and pillion setting and it can only be changed when the engine is running and the bike is in neutral. The sidestand or center stand can be down.

 

Dave

 

[Albert]

I've found mine has become intermittent. For instance, I rode to work last week and decided to cycle the spring setting after pulling into the parking lot. No flashing icons and no change in spring preload (I went through several cycles). I shut things down and went into the building. When I came out at the end of the day I started the bike and the preload worked fine. I've noticed this several times over the past year. I don't know if it's a temperature thing or what.

[GoldenK9]

Followup to followup,

 

Good comments Dave. I think you are absolutely right. There seems to be a lot of owner misunderstanding of the working systems of their bikes. Sounds to me like the proper delivery process at quite a few dealers is lacking, to say the least.

I hope these threads have opened some eyes. I think they have.

Ken

[TomfromMD]

Followup!

...The tech then did some of the BMW bulletin items and made it work again and it seems fine now and I can see the dash indicator flash while it changes, feel the bike move under me, and if on the side I can see the spring get compressed or released by the electric motor hidden inside the shock. I am VERY happy that it is finally working again and happy that the dealer now understands this as there are plenty of other folks out there with non-functional ESA including many who don't even know theirs is not working. I am also stoked that my machine didn't require any parts to get working again... it took less tahn an hour once they were convinced it was broken.

Dave

 

Glad to hear they got the preload adjustment working without throwing any parts at it, Dave. From what you said, apparently your bike had a software and/or communication problem from new.

 

As I posted earlier, my '06 was fine until about 20,000 miles when it stopped responding to preload change attempts. Although the dealer tried a software solution (as instructed by BMWNA), it didn't work - so I'm now riding on a new rear shock. And since the motor is running more smoothly and giving better gas mileage with the software re-flash, I'm a happy camper!

Tom

[Gary J]

Mine quit working right after the 10k service. Had it back in last weekend and they fixed it with software. I think they did a software update at the 10k service that fouled it up.

[24chaparral]

A quick update on my RT since I think I started this tread. My 06' has been at the dealer for a week now. My display was not flashing - and the suspension was not adjusting - at all. Dealer says the computer is not generating any faults, yet dealer confirms there's no action at the shock. They are updating the software today and if not successful, I get a new shock. I'll keep all posted.

 

Don

 

[dshogman]

RDM - decided to read the manual re the ESA adjustment. Put on lowered Works shocks a few months ago and guess I have never bothered checking whether the ESA still worked as it was supposed to. Also didn't seem that I got the full 1 1/2" lower seat that I was supposed to. Following the manual (OK, OK, I've had the bike 3 years!) I noticed that it was set with 2 helmets (probably where the dealer left it after the installation). Well, it's only me so I followed the directions and lo and behold, after the blinking helmet stopped, and I climbed on, the seat was where I thought it was going to be all along - a bit lower. So the ESA works on this bike, sometimes the rider doesn't bother reading all the instructions properly though.

[Davemon]

I am fairly certain your 06 isn't functioning. Find a good place to watch the shock/spring assembly for the rear (put on kick stand and watch from the right side) and then change modes and see if you see the spring compress and uncompress. My bike "checked out fine" twice at the dealer and it wasn't working. Try a bike in the showroom and sit on the seat when changing modes... as it starts flashing you will feel it change under you. I've now seen 3 non-functional bikes that don't flash and quite a few (8-10) that work fine and flash and range from 05-08. Cheers and good luck.

 

Dave

[24chaparral]

I got my 06 RT back from the dealer today with a new rear shock. All is good now - the display flashes and I can clearly feel the adjustment. Earlier, the computer had no error codes and apparently thought the old shock was working when infact it was not. Covered under warranty. Yes it's suppost to blink.

 

Don

 

[Muneio]

My buddy took his 05 1200RT in to the stealer in Ventura, Ca. yesterday for ESA issue. They told him it was working fine, they said some blink some don't depending on software installed (sounds like BS to me)? Definitely can't feel or see any movement when switching between modes. Then they charged him $50.00 for this expert advice!

[GoldenK9]

Definately BS by your dealer! Check out all of the other replies and quotes from all over the world. There is obviously problems with the ESA system, especially on the '05 RT as BMW changed the rear shock assembly starting with the '06 model. I'm still at issue with BMW and all of their silly tests to correct the dampening problem on my bike. If they would just send out a "Field Rep" (what's that, BMW?) for some hands on attention to customer complaints, they would see what all the noise is about.

[GoldenK9]

Just a quick add on to my ongoing problem. Today my dealer received a new rear shock (BMW finally agreed to it) and it is scheduled to be installed By Ozzie's BMW Center next Wednesday. I sure hope this solves the problem. The shock is the new upgraded version fitted on the '06 and later models. It is built by WP, a KTM company, I believe.

Ken

Definately BS by your dealer! Check out all of the other replies and quotes from all over the world. There is obviously problems with the ESA system, especially on the '05 RT as BMW changed the rear shock assembly starting with the '06 model. I'm still at issue with BMW and all of their silly tests to correct the dampening problem on my bike. If they would just send out a "Field Rep" (what's that, BMW?) for some hands on attention to customer complaints, they would see what all the noise is about.

[GoldenK9]

My continuing saga continues: Went into dealer to have new rear shock installed. Computer test shows new shock (updated version) will not work with my early model ('05) control unit. So now a new control unit has to be ordered. This is really going to cost BMW now. Control unit confirmed in stock in new warehouse in Stockton (Ca.). Will post more as available.

Ken

Just a quick add on to my ongoing problem. Today my dealer received a new rear shock (BMW finally agreed to it) and it is scheduled to be installed By Ozzie's BMW Center next Wednesday. I sure hope this solves the problem. The shock is the new upgraded version fitted on the '06 and later models. It is built by WP, a KTM company, I believe.

Ken

Definately BS by your dealer! Check out all of the other replies and quotes from all over the world. There is obviously problems with the ESA system, especially on the '05 RT as BMW changed the rear shock assembly starting with the '06 model. I'm still at issue with BMW and all of their silly tests to correct the dampening problem on my bike. If they would just send out a "Field Rep" (what's that, BMW?) for some hands on attention to customer complaints, they would see what all the noise is about.

[Gkgeiger]

I had my 3rd rear shock installed at 41k just before my trip out west. BMW did pay for the shock, I paid the labor. Everything worked fine at the dealer, but now it won't change the preload setting again. The good news this time is at least it is stuck in the 2up setting. I'm about to give up. I have an appointment on Wed. to have the dealer check it.

[GoldenK9]

Gene, Make sure the dealer is properly checking the entire scenario. In some cases it's not the shock, but the control unit or a software issue. Also, like mine, the '05 model with

ESA has been updated to the newer current style of rear shock.

There is a BMW Service bulletin on it. In most cases the control unit will have to be replaced in order for the new shock

to operate properly. '05 model shock has 3 wires. The new model shock only has 2 wires. Make sure you're getting the new upgraded version of the WP shock and the new control unit to go with it. There is no change in the front shock.

Ken

[99Roadster]

Now ain't that somethin'. Mine is stuck in the one-up position for the second time. Cycles through damping but not preload. Need to make another appointment.

[Gkgeiger]

Well they hooked me up to the computer and re-programmed my bike again. It's working. My question, why did they have to do this again? I asked this question and was told, ? it's electrical. I paid another hours labor.

[99Roadster]

Gene,

 

If I may ask, where did you have the service done?

 

I had to pay the same the first time it happened. I'll be looking for a better explanation this time.

[Gkgeiger]

Gene,

 

If I may ask, where did you have the service done?

 

I had to pay the same the first time it happened. I'll be looking for a better explanation this time.

 

I sent you a PM

[GoldenK9]

HOORAY! Finally! The ESA gremlin has departed and I have full working order of my suspension again. The rear shock (updated version - 2 wire) was replaced as was the control unit ( a ZFE ?)

and reprogrammed by the BMW Service computer (it took several attempts to reprogram it).

I tried all settings, both preload and dampening, and they all seem to be working as before the 6K service (bike now has 13K).

Hopefully this will last longer than some of the reports on this thread. Good luck all and safe riding.

Ken