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2005 RT W/O ESA?


So_In_RT

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I have an opportunity to purchase a 2005 R1200RT with low miles (<10000) from the original owner. It is not loaded, but has a few common options like heated seats, heated grips, and cruise control. One thing it does not have is ESA. Should I care? I know a lot of people are big fans of it, but I have read that if you put a good aftermarket shock on the bike (i.e-Ohlins or similar), you won't miss it. Otherwise, the bike is in great condition.

Thanks

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For most of us, ESA is unnecessary once the suspension is set correctly. Changes are easy if you make some notes on loading setups. I have no ESA TPM or other stuff and I have no issues at all. If you like the bike buy it.

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I rode a rental 2010 with ESA, it let me experience first hand the 3 options that had previously been described here....soft and vague, medium and vague, firm and vague. Made me miss my 04 with ohlins that was back at home. Go for some good aftermarket shocks sprung for your weight and riding style and be thankful you did.

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In addition to all the above comments, a non-ESA bike cost less than an ESA bike, and should also sell for less than an ESA bike, assuming stock shocks are still installed.

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I have had Wilbers on my red 2005 since it had about 2k. The bike is now closing in on 102k so the Wilbers are getting close to 99k on them. I have had them reconditioned once. I've had Ohlins on three other BMWs I have owned and they do not stand up nearly as well to the miles. Wilbers performance are at least as good if not better than Ohlins. And worlds better performance than ESA. There are few things that I have bought that have given me as much bang for the buck as my Wilbers have.

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Paul Mihalka

Ohlins vs. Wilbers, same experience. Had Ohlins on my R1100RT. Regularly in the 40K miles range they started leaking. On my R1200GS I got Wilbers. Yes, the rear started leaking at 20K, repaired under warranty. Since then 90k miles after original purchase (70K after rear service) I had them serviced, but there was no leakage or downgrade of service.

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In addition to all the above comments, a non-ESA bike cost less than an ESA bike, and should also sell for less than an ESA bike, assuming stock shocks are still installed.

 

True, but to me the non ESA bike is worth more.

 

;)

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For most of us, ESA is unnecessary once the suspension is set correctly. Changes are easy if you make some notes on loading setups. I have no ESA TPM or other stuff and I have no issues at all. If you like the bike buy it.

Test rode the 07 with it and played with it a lot. Couldn't tell a difference on either the RT or the K-GT. So, I ordered my 09 w/o. Adjusted the preload and have not regretted it. Still on stock dampers.

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