BMW Dynamic ESA Explained, Damping Modes, Riding Modes and DDC, how do they work...

[@raystewart365]

Your videos should be sent to all the motorrad dealers, I sure most of the sales staff would learn a thing or two. Thanks that was very informative.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Ray, thank you. The dealers dont really have enough time and we have so many options on our handlebars... but yes perhaps they could do better. Best wishes Carl

[@nowornever1073.]

Agree!

[@justthewayitis]

😊

[@tadstertrolley7770]

What sort of lazy bastard watches these instead of reading the manual.......guess I'm guilty lol. These are well presented thanks. What's the harm with a 100kg guy riding around in low on sealed surface all the time, is handling or braking affected?

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Tadster, your all good, no negative effects, But just be aware that in preload setting MIN the bike is not quite level and its a little low on the rear which just makes the steering on the front a little slower to respond. Braking is not affected. Carl

[@DavePickens]

BMW needs to make you an ambassador! These videos (and lots of your others) are immensely helpful. Thank you!

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Dave, I’m happy for you to let BMW know that !!, but thank you for your kind words. I do enjoy putting these together for the viewers Best wishes Carl

[@thatguy7085]

I have never used this, because I didn’t know what it was used for. Thanks

[@justthewayitis]

Glad you found the Dynamic Suspension Series useful 👍 Carl 🙋🏻‍♂️

[@mikejackson5112]

Me same 😂

[@justthewayitis]

👍

[@SQTierHog]

TLDR Ray's comment below, is 100%!! At 61, I've been a road motorcyclist. In the last many years I've been interested in a little bit of adventure riding. So as of 2 days ago, I bought the 2024 1250 GSA! This gentleman's videos are an absolute must, at least for me. Classroom instruction, with real riding, layman's terms. With gratitude, Ron, Yosemite California.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Ron, good morning and congratulations on your new GSA, I wish you many happy miles with your new motorbike. I am very grateful for all the positive comments and I’m delighted owners find the channel helpful and informative. Best wishes Carl 🙋🏻‍♂️

[@JD-jg6ov]

Just moved into the BMW family with a F850GSA moving up from a smaller Honda. This is a VERY useful series of videos. Look forward to more. Thank you.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi JD, glad to hear you are enjoying the series, and congratulations on your new GSA 👍 Carl

[@shaggybx]

You scared the hell out of me when you put the screwdriver near the TFT 😀 Thank you so much for the videos ride safe

[@justthewayitis]

Thank you 🙏 yes several subscribers commented about the screwdriver and the proximity to the TFT. Have a great weekend 👍 Carl

[@barneysmith1650]

Excellent explanation of the dark arts of suspension & damping controls. Great presentation skills. I must have watched a dozen KZbin video’s on this subject that only conspired to confuse the subject. Thank you.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Barney, welcome to the channel and thank you for your feedback it's nice hear. I guess I got that skill from my Father you was a Naval Engineer, who would always take time to explain complex systems in simple ways. Best wishes Carl

[@suppersready4you]

Phenomenal informative video, I've been using ESA for many years and just now I got the whole scoop on what is does Thank you so much

[@justthewayitis]

Hello Marcelo, thank you for feedback, it’s a big topic hence 3 videos to cover it. Kindest regards Carl

[@Zukilover305]

I cannot thank you enough for this video. This is one of the best articulated Suspension videos out there. I agree with all of the other comments that this should be sent to everyone that has electronic suspension with BMWs. Thank you sir for your time.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi 🙋🏻‍♂️, thank you for your kind comment it is very much appreciated, I’m really delighted owners are finding it useful and helpful in understanding are motorbikes. Kindest regards Carl

[@glennturnbull8568]

I’ve just taken delivery of my new 2022 GSA - my third. I’ve learnt a great deal from these videos, despite my previous experience with these machines. Thanks Carl.

[@justthewayitis]

Hello Glenn and welcome to the channel and congratulations on your new bike. Which colour did you choose?

[@thebuckey6684]

2024 GSA rider here and your explanation was PERFECT! Thank you

[@justthewayitis]

Thank you for your feedback, I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment 🙏. Have a great time with your GSA. Carl 🙋🏻‍♂️

[@paulhockridge6269]

G’day Carl, have just recently purchased a new R1250 GSA Trophy (the last of them) - and thank you so much for the detailed well presented information regarding the riding & suspension modes & other info - it’s been a huge help to get my head around how to get the best out of this magnificent motorcycle! Cheers from West Aussie 🍻

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Paul, thank you for your feedback 🙏, and congratulations on your GSA much better looking than the new one…. I wish you lots of happy miles with your new best friend. Kindest regards Carl

[@markj6385]

Great video ! I picked up my R1250GSA last June. Looking at your videos has enabled me to learn how to use the bikes systems faster than reading the owner’s manual. Thanks

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Mark.. Lol... yes I can imagine it saves time. Glad you gained something that you liked. Carl

[@vesa75]

Hey Carl, First off, thank you so much for the effort you put into these videos. I recently bought a 2023 R1250 GS Triple Black, and though I skimmed the manual, your channel has been a goldmine. Your insights are helping me use the bike to its fullest potential, particularly on the topics you cover in your videos. This is my first BMW bike, after owning Hondas, Kawasakis, and KTMs, and your channel is hands-down the best resource I've come across. Thanks again for your invaluable contributions to the GS1250 community. Best, Vesa

[@justthewayitis]

Hello Vesa and welcome to the channel and thank you for your kind words. Congratulations on your new TB GS 👍 I’m sure your going to have lots of fun and they do look lovely in TB. Yes it takes a fair amount of time to create the videos I make but the positive feedback is great and keeps me motivated. Currently working on an Exhaust Valve remove/delete episode explaining technical and maintenance options Kindest regards Carl

[@vesa75]

@@justthewayitis That's great to hear you're working on an Exhaust Valve remove/delete episode. I've always opted to remove exhaust servos from my bikes. I'm really looking forward to your insights on this, especially since I've already ordered a RapidBike Smart Fueling module for my GS. Can't wait to see how your upcoming video will tie into that.

[@justthewayitis]

Thank you 👍

[@cottageadvlife]

Well explained. For me, this was a great video explaining how a suspension works, as well as how this applies to the ESA on the GSA.

[@justthewayitis]

Hello and welcome, thank-you for your feedback, Best wishes Carl

[@coffeytnmilk]

Well done mate! One of the best descriptions of suspension dynamics and the ESA system.

[@justthewayitis]

Welcome to the channel and thank you for your feedback 🤙 it took ages to put that 3 part mini series together Regards Carl

[@coffeytnmilk]

@@justthewayitis really really well done.

[@justthewayitis]

Thank you 🙏

[@salmonko1]

Thanks for explaining this... Have had the bike for a year and haven't really understood this...

[@justthewayitis]

Hello Salmonko and welcome to the channel. Thankyou for your comments, I am pleased you enjoyed the episode, lots of things to learn about. Best wishes Carl

[@a.c.e.7568]

9:24 I was going to mention that which you have highlighted in yellow but no matter what the temperature, I always make pre-load adjustments without anyone on the motorcycle including myself even if it is warm out.

[@justthewayitis]

Thank you for sharing 🙏

[@jlaves2]

Brilliant content, I am so happy I found your videos. Small nit: Dynamic ESA was introduced with the 2017.5 updates. Those bikes still have analog instruments, but dESA.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi and welcome to the channel. Yes many owners have highlighted this in earlier comments, about the 2017.5 updates. But thank you 🙏 Best wishes and kind regards Carl

[@crissignori7482]

Very very nicely explained. I am actually watching this before purchasing my bike in order to determine the options best suited for my needs. Thank you

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Cris, glad the video helped you, this is really why I make these episodes so that owners can enjoy their bikes more and learn about the amazing technology. Carl

[@pgVeritas]

Your video alerted me to the minimum setting on my 2021 RT, thank you. I took my wife for her first ride on my RT last Tuesday. She found it hard getting on and off, and now, thanks to you, it should be easier. My wife is slim and 15 years younger than me, and physically fit, yet she struggled getting on. She’s 168cm and found it hard to step up. This hopefully will make it easier. On the RT, there’s only minimum and Auto settings on Pre-Load. Thanks for the video!

[@justthewayitis]

Hello Alberto, great to hear from you and Merry Christmas to you and the family. Glad to hear you found the series helpful and your wife now has a easier time getting on and off the Bike. Best wishes Carl

[@pgVeritas]

@@justthewayitis I just learned even more! I think onmy RT I can assign a favourite button to load/damping, but I’ve not tested whether I can access this when rolling into a petrol station. I’m guessing I’ll have to be stationary, but at least it will save some fiddling through menus. Having seen your excellent video with your (superb) spreadsheet it makes me wish I had bought a GSA! Perhaps they will offer RT riders more flexibility on the electronic modes in a future software update, obviously without the enduro modes. As a matter of interest during the icy weather, I’ve been using Eco mode since soft damping improves traction, and reduced torque helps keep everything smooth.

[@justthewayitis]

Well Alberto I think you have a great bike in the RT, your going to have a great summer and lots to experiment with regards settings. Best wishes Carl

[@enjoyoutside6008]

nach über 5 Jahren GS-Erfahrung habe ich durch Dein Video zum ersten mal diese Funktion richtig verstanden. Genialer Kanal, Abo+Glocke sind da. Vielen Dank für sehr informative Videos

[@justthewayitis]

Dann stehen Ihnen noch 5 Jahre voller Spaß und Abenteuer bevor. Danke für Ihre Rückmeldung..... Lg Carl

[@enjoyoutside6008]

@@justthewayitis ich hoffe, es werden noch mindestens 15 Jahre mit der GS mehr, bevor ich zur Gehhilfe benötige

[@justthewayitis]

Lol

[@Cashmore1671]

Best explanation of Dynamic ESA I’ve heard. Great job mate!

[@justthewayitis]

Thank you 🙏

[@WeckforsDiscovery]

Thanks for useful info! I have had my 1250 GSA for 2 years. This was all new to me.☺

[@justthewayitis]

Your very welcome 🙏. Welcome to the channel Kindest regards Carl

[@adriasu92]

I took me some time to finally find a video where you can see the suspension movement, also peeeerfect explanation of all the modes usign clear language some text and reference. Liked and Subscribed :)

[@justthewayitis]

Hello Masta, thank you for your feedback. The 3 episodes took a lot of time to bring together, and BMW were very helpful "their technical team" in confirming the modes and systems. I have a couple more system episodes to make this year, the engine brake torque control system is very clever indeed, so I will make one just about that too. Glad you found them helpful. Best wishes Carl

[@BoatshedYachtBrokers]

Thanks mate - really enjoyed watching and really useful - so well explained. Part 2 now! :)

[@justthewayitis]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@Swizzenator]

Teacher of the year right here🙏

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Mike, thank you 👍 Happy New Year

[@paulguthenberg364]

Congratulations on such a perfect sharing in how these settings work and when and how to set them. Keep Being You 🏍🇨🇦👍

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Paul, welcome and thank you 👍

[@flexywing]

Thanks for this great content I have just taken delivery of a 9 month old R1250r (23) model and I love it

[@justthewayitis]

Lovely Motorbike 👍, have a great summer together Carl

[@fallbangskid8304]

Fantastic explanation. I am impatiently waiting for the video on auto v. dynamic damping v. mode settings and the relations there of.... Cheers from USA 🙂

[@justthewayitis]

Good morning USA, you will not have to wait to long, Thursday next week I hope to be finished with Part 2 and ready. Best wishes Carl

[@rinks50]

Fantastic information. I’ve just bought a GSA, which is my first GS so I’m learning from you about the bike

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Andrew, congratulations 🥂 on your GSA, I hope you have a lot of great rides together, they sure are lovely motorbikes. Kind regards Carl

[@theheroblob5036]

An informative and well explained video... thank you. Had my RT a couple of years now and never played with the preload settings. Will give it a go next time I'm out. 👍

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Hero Bob, The RT is a lovely bike, and i hope you have fun playing with the settings, Welcome to the channel, best wishes Carl

[@wetspecs]

Thanks Carl. As ever, beautifully explained and made interesting. I new why I bought a 1250GS but couldn't quite explain why. You've done it for me! Look forward to the next episode.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Martin, thank you. They are great bikes... and can be a lot of fun. Best wishes Carl

[@deployeddan]

Thanks for the detailed explanation. I picked up my 1250 last summer and never played with the min/max settings. Greetings from Würzburg

[@justthewayitis]

Hello Dan, welcome to the channel and Vielen Dank für Ihre Kommentare. Glad to hear you are enjoying the GS series best wishes Carl greeting’s from Hessen .

[@brianlekei8920]

Thank you so much Carl. I just learned something about my 2021 GS that I did not know. Something the Harley Pan America does with one touch and now I know my BMW does it too. Fantastic explanation.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Brian good morning, glad you enjoyed the episode. Carl

[@loekschuurman1197]

Hi there. The suspension is new from 2017 onwards, the last version of the 1200 is also Mx, Min or auto. Everything else is amazing. Thanks for your time!

[@justthewayitis]

Hello yes I made a error and it’s been highlighted several times in the comments section, your are quite correct that 2017.5 was when that came out. Glad to hear your enjoying the rest of the series 👍 Best wishes Carl

[@Beta200F]

I've watched a couple of your videos. They are very clear and informative.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi FM, welcome to the channel and thank you for your feedback 👍 it’s nice to hear viewers and subscribers enjoy the content. Have a great weekend Carl

[@inthesPhila]

Minimum Preload setting (one helmet) on LC watercooled GS's: You may notice more front end stability as it's more like a chopper, slacker head tube angle relative to the road. You might also notice that the windscreen appears to be higher giving more wind protection, I've used this for long highway runs. On Maximum (two helmets): You should notice less wind protection and that the bike wants to turn as you said at 17:00, meaning the front end is less stable, the head tube angle to the road surface is steeper, nicer for curvy days. On Maximum, it's also much easier to get it up on the center stand.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Phila, and thankyou for sharing your experience and thoughts. I am sure it will help other owners. Best wishes Carl

[@ugurpolat325]

Again a very good explanation. I felt myself as listrning to a lecture in the uni. Greetings from izmir Turkey

[@justthewayitis]

Hello Ugar, thank you 👍for your compliment, Carl

[@ironhorsegladiator5034]

My understanding from BMW Motorrad was that they advised to use the preload before loading the bike, not after loading and seated. Also, there are Rider, Rider+Luggage, Rider+Passenger and you left out, Rider+Luggage+Passenger. Great content, Thanks. Subscribed too.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Iron Horse, thank you for your comments. The auto setting for preload will only work and set correctly once you sit on the bike and ride it. I tried setting this without getting on.... and it does not work and does not self level. Perhaps and earlier generation was different. I will have a look. Carl. Thankyou for subscribing 👍

[@DB1956]

Thanks. Good to better understand what is going on down there! I've always left mine in Auto anyway, so far. Looking forward to the modes episode.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi DB, I am not yet sure how technical or basic i will make the Riding Modes episode. I know what i would like to make...But i will wait and see what viewers say and comment on Part 1 & 2 first.... then decide. Best Wishes Carl

[@MrDesperadoontheroof]

This is absolute quality content ❤️. Thanks for explaining it so well sir .

[@justthewayitis]

Thank you 🙏 glad you are enjoying the GS/A series Best wishes Carl

[@rogerstuder3680]

wow! Very competent. It was always difficult to understand this and I did not change anything about it. Now i got it. Much thanks.

[@justthewayitis]

Hello Roger welcome to the channel and seasons greetings. Thankyou they took many many hours to make but I am pleased they helped you. It's very interesting technology. Best wishes Carl

[@bobjohnson2920]

Awesome Video! I usually stop paying attention to everything after 2 or 3 minutes (unless it's topless lol) but I was very focused throughout your whole video. I need to lose some weight so I don't have to spend a fortune to swap out the spring. Although it feels decent at 330lbs. I also have a 2020 RR in stock form, yet the suspension still manages somehow. I do get some gyro affect on the track in the front end mid corner anything over 70mph. The gym will fix that.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Bob and welcome 🙏 thank you for sharing and your honest approach, I guess will could all do with some gym time. Much cheaper than trying to reduce the bike weight 😉. You have a nice couple of bikes 👍 Regards Carl

[@1962jpg]

Firstly, thank you for probably the best explanation I’ve seen on KZbin, of anything! A super presentation… I’ve owned by 2018 GSA 1200 from new, and although being a tall chap at 6ft 2in, I’ve generally kept the suspension in ‘Min’ mode to allow for my feet to be completely flat on the ground. I was under the impression that although lowered, the suspension would still react to additional weight placed on the bike, by keeping it at that height (I.e. still automatic levelling, but just at a lower level), but now I’m not sure…? Later this year I’m venturing into the world of motorcycle camping, and there’ll of course be a ton of weight on the bike, especially when added to my camera equipment, clothes, tools etc.. So, I’m now assuming that I will really need to set the suspension to ‘Auto’ mode, to allow the system to automatically compensate for all this extra weight? Thanks once again for a brilliant series of videos. Regards, Paul

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Paul, good morning, yes you would definitely be better running your bike in AUTO for the rear preload, once your loaded up for your adventure. Thank you for your feedback on the Dynamic ESA series, it was a lot of work but I’m delighted to see so many owners have found it useful. Kind regards Carl

[@correykeen2956]

Excellent video as always. Look forward to the next one.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Correy, good morning, next episode will be up on Thursday next week. Carl

[@Dazmpower]

What a fantastic explanation, like others have said this should should be part of the BMW handover. I am changing from 2016 1200 to new 1250, never realised that auto replaced 3 settings of rider + luggage etc. thanks working my way through your videos.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Darryl, thanks for the feedback, and pleased to hear you are enjoying the episodes, welcome to the channel. Good luck with your new bike, when does it arrive? Regards Carl

[@DoodleRider]

Great video, that’s the best I’ve heard the modes being explained. Will watch the next one.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Trevor, Thankyou.

[@nickgould6462]

Hear hear…. Best explanation I’ve seen by far. Thank you

[@justthewayitis]

Thankyou Nick, more to follow next week.

[@mikejackson5112]

Absolutely brilliant so helpful 24/12/24 you are amazing at explaining. Thank you so much 👌👌👌

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Mike, seasons greetings 🎄, and thank you 🙏 Kind regards Carl

[@mikejackson5112]

Hiya Carl, I must tell you I’ve never understood the suspension, I’ve done 4K without the benefit of lowering it a bit lol. I have a 13 year 1200 lc & a 22 1250. Anyway Thank You so much. Hope it’s been a great day & happy NY. Regards Phil. (Mike Jackson) was made up.

[@justthewayitis]

Thank you Phil. 👍 the festive seasons is always a good time to relax and reflect on the year passed. Lucky you with 2 great motorbikes 😊. Best wishes for 2025 ! Kindest regards Carl

[@mikejackson5112]

Thank you Carl. Best wishes to you too. Should ok now I can get on the bike 😂😂

[@justthewayitis]

👍😊

[@rossa7215]

Overall, great to know about this. Can’t help mentioning that this is 20 minutes of video for 3 minutes worth of information.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Ross, I'm happy for you to show me and the others how to do that ...my original version was 56 mins, and I cut out loads of other bike sensor systems and suspension related info ... just to get it down to around 20 mins. The spreadsheet in this episode is much smaller and with much less detail than the original I created. Best wishes Carl

[@Tigerrider2]

I have discovered your videos and do enjoy them Carl. One point i do have to make though concerning your suggestion of lowering the bike to let the pillion on and off is this.. Customers doing this found their servos in the rear shock were failing because they of the extra load being put on the servo trying to "wind up" the shock when rider/pillion are already seated.. The pre load is supposed to be set before loading it.. This was covered in the forums a while ago.. Whether BMW have uprated the servo, i dont know. It woukd be good to find out..

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Jeff, welcome 🙏 and thank you for your comments on the rear shock preload adjustment. I can easily imagine that being the case as the servo is very slow to operate. I will ask bmw if it was upgraded during the 21-23 model run and if they have news I’ll report back. Glad your enjoying the series Kindest regards Carl

[@alftupper6762]

brilliant, thank you ,thank you ,thank you, at last someone takes the time to explain.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Alf, thank you. Then perhaps your going to enjoy Part 2 next Thursday... smile. Best wishes Carl

[@schemkesa]

Very informative and right. The XR only has AUTO and MIN. I never use MIN and leave it to AUTO all the time. If I'm going for a long trip abroad, so witb panniers and stuff, you can indeed feel the bike needs some time to adjust. To speed it up, I sort of compress en decompress the spring while riding the first meters, by doing some squats on the footrests while riding and really try to compress and decompress the spring, so the electronics can do their thing

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Antoine, thank you for sharing a tip that other owners can try, I'm just about to head out on the GS to go to a Wunderlich Riding Dynamics course... so I will test put your tip. Thankyou Carl

[@brettlowery3121]

BMW should be paying you. Awesome video. Going to watch your others too. Thanks.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Brett, if only they did... 🙏 Thank you for your feedback, much appreciated, Carl

[@andrewjones2167]

I'm 6'4" and weight 250 lbs but always keep my bike at MIN suspension setting when riding. I only switch it to MAX when parked to keep it from falling off the side stand. If I put it in AUTO or MAX it gets a very noticeable and extremely annoying tapping feeling (only when accelerating or keeping engine under load). The tapping is worst between 37 to about 53 MPH. It feels like a rock is stuck on the tire but it goes away if I push the clutch in. The dealer said everything is normal (like they always say unless the wheels fall off). Also, O don't notice much difference between the Road and Dynamic setting. The rear suspension is kind of rough. I can feel every tiny crack in the road like if the ture pressure was at several hundred PSI. My Kawasaki KLR650 has auch smoother suspension and also less vibration at the handlebars at 5 000 RPM. I expected a lot more from a BMW.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Andrew, have you had your drive shaft inspection and test carried out ? I mention this because many owners have reported similar issues as you describe, going away after a drive shaft has been installed. I’m not saying I’m sure in your case it will but it’s definitely worth talking to your dealership about the inspection and test, as several thousands of new drive shaft units have been installed under warranty because they failed the test procedures that BMW outlined. Also if you think about it, running in MIN lowers the drive shaft rotation angle which is another indicator. Let me know your thoughts Regards Carl

[@andrelclucato]

Hi. Excelent explanation! I've just upgraded from 2018 R1200GS Premium to a 2023 R1250GSA, but just for notice, my 2018 R1200 GS Premium, non-TFT (here in Brazil, we had versions TFT and non-TFT in this year), already came with "MIN-AUTO-MAX" config of Dynamic ESA. I beleve that this feature was implemented independently of the type of pannel.

[@justthewayitis]

Hello and welcome to the channel thankyou, yes some of the subscribers mentioned this in the comments below. But thankyou, which colour have you ordered? The new trophy graphics? Best wishes Carl

[@andrelclucato]

​@@justthewayitis Hi Carl, the new trophy graphic is not available here for now, only triple black and rallye, which was my choice. My mistake for not reading the comments below.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Andre, well your going to get a great bike with a nice colour option. The 2018 version is very nice, I have good friend with one and the rear suspension is actually really nice, and I think a little firmer than mine. Best wishes Carl

[@andrelclucato]

​@@justthewayitis I think that too and when I took my wife for a ride (she is my partner in trips), the first thing her noticed is that she doesn't feel the ground irregularities like in the 2018 Premium. I felt the GSA much more easy to ride and feel far more confident with it, despite the size.

[@justthewayitis]

👍

[@matthiaswolker9130]

Amazing video! You explained very well! Waiting for the 2 upcoming videos you mentioned. Thanks and best regards from Germany! 👍🏼

[@justthewayitis]

Hallo Matthias, danke, ich freue mich, dass dir das Video gefallen hat. Liebe Grüße aus Hessen. Carl

[@bullsfan3705]

Thank you - this was very informative. Now I understand it too!

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Bulls Fan, thankyou....

[@exit9874]

Another great video! Best instruction videos Ive seen. Clearly, Informative, all topics in the right order..excellent. Greetings from sweden

[@justthewayitis]

Hello EXIT, thank-you for your comments. I have been very surprised by the number of positive comments received recently, which is great, and actually motivates me to try to improve my content each episode. Greetings to Sweden from Hessen, Germany. Carl

[@Jon_Bass4001]

The min/max/auto settings came about (for R1200GS, at least) on the latter 2017 bikes. Just a point of clarification. Great video!

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Jon, yes thankyou, other subscribers have highlighted that to me and I'm happy to be corrected when something needs updating. Last week I spent some time on a 2018 Rallye and it also felt a little firmer than the current version. I liked it. Best wishes Carl

[@Jon_Bass4001]

@@justthewayitis I’m glad to have found your channel. Subscribed.

[@justthewayitis]

Thank you...

[@dowster64]

Just a note, I have a 2017 R1200GS Rallye (not X, ie sports suspension option) with Dynamic ESA at it has min, max and auto and not rider + luggage etc. Note you can still see the icons in the lcd...

[@justthewayitis]

Thank you for confirming 👍

[@paulWatty]

A good reason to use max pre-load on a GS or GSA is when using the side stand on a cambered road. A few models ago, BMW increased the length of the side stand so that it was easier to pull the bike up. On a level surface this works well but where the camber is such that the road surface is higher on the left, the bike can be too upright for comfort. Max pre-load solves that problem nicely returning to auto when back on the bike.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Paul Thankyou for this great tip 😇 I’m sure other owners will read this and remember your suggestion 10/10 idea 👍 Best wishes Carl

[@rynoeffenberger4668]

Thank you for explaining it so clearly

[@justthewayitis]

Thank you 🙏, glad you enjoyed the video. Lg, Carl

[@string2307]

Interesting video and well explained as always. Thank you.

[@justthewayitis]

Hello String, thank you for the compliment.

[@drivehigh02]

Excellent explanation and it was informative. I Was glued to all 3 parts on this segment. Thank you for breaking down this complicated subject in to easy parts.

[@justthewayitis]

Hello Drivehigh and welcome to the channel, thank you for your feedback it was a lot of work and involved a lot of help and clarification from BMW technical office. Best wishes Carl

[@ShahramZadeh]

Very informative and perfeclty explained, Excellent and thank you. I have an older 1200GS that has totally different modes, I have never understood them. Do you have any video for older generations?

[@justthewayitis]

Hello 🙋🏻‍♂️, and thank you 🙏. I don’t have a specific video for the older versions but the principles are similar. Best wishes Carl

[@ShahramZadeh]

@@justthewayitis Thank you very much, again awsome vidoes...

[@justthewayitis]

🙏🙋🏻‍♂️

[@kyreez]

Well explained. Thanks from Malaysia!

[@justthewayitis]

Hi, good morning, you are very welcome and thank you for leaving a message 🙏🙋🏻‍♂️ Kind regards Carl

[@jamesfisher1827]

Very good explanation of the system in layman’s terms.👍

[@justthewayitis]

Thank you, I need to keep it simple so everyone of all abilities can follow along. Best wishes Carl

[@Edward6124]

Small comment Carl: You sad in the video (15:25) to put the spring load on “MAX” on a R1250R. Today I tested that setting. The pre-load is too high for me (too little sag, it let the shock top out too “far” when going over bumps). Not pleasant for public roads. For me the “Auto-setting” is the right setting. By the way, I like the way you’re explaining this suspension chapters, tanks!

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Edward welcome to the channel, yes the max setting does not suit everyone and is road dependent, on smooth surfaces it works quite well. Glad to hear your having a play with the settings. I really enjoyed my time with the R1250R and if I could have found a seat solution that worked for me I would have one in my garage 👍

[@jasonportman4591]

We've had the inertial sensor on the USA GS bikes since 2018

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Jason, yes correct but they were the 5 Axis module, from 2021 BMW fitted the 6 Axis module from the S1000RR. Still a great bike 5 or 6 axis IMU. Best wishes Carl

[@Carlnewman68]

When is part two coming , thanks for your very clear delivery

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Carl, it will be up next Thursday. Currently working on Part 2 ...👍 Regards Carl

[@FazerWiz]

In my owners manual for the S1000XR it says that the "min" preload is for making it easier to get on the bike and should not be used for riding! It should be changed back to "Auto" once you are on the bike.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Thank you for sharing that, which year model do you have ?. I had a quick read of Gen 1 XR manual and couldn't find a reference to using it only for mounting / dismounting (Page 79-83) , Perhaps Gen 2 are different or maybe i just haven't found that specific detail in the manual. Regards Carl

[@justthewayitis]

Hi I don’t know why KZbin blocked your reply, even the two recent ones I can’t access and reply too, I can see them but not reply!! But I have seen a notification come through with the link via email, so thank you for sending it I will have a read. I don’t think you can soften the ride anymore than the Road setting in terms of damping other than using MIN on the preload which you have highlighted as not recommended. You could call into your dealer and ask them for help.. Sorry I can’t assist anymore. I tested the XR before buying the GS and found the ride comfort not acceptable so that’s one reason I went for the GS. Carl

[@FazerWiz]

@@justthewayitis Thanks, thought as much. Happily most of my riding is done abroad where the roads are much better and the XR is an absolute hoot! Just need to hope they spend some money on the local roads soon - some of them look like they belong in Eastern Ukraine rather than Eastern England!

[@justthewayitis]

Don’t hold your breath waiting for road repairs 🥱 Yes the roads certainly here in Germany- Hessen are mostly empty and in great condition 👍

[@toryb4]

Maybe it is intended, but the audio drops off abruptly at 19:46. Great video. Well explained!

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Tory, thank you I’ll go check it right now 👍

[@justthewayitis]

Yes you are correct, I have sent an email to KZbin as this is the second video on my channel that has audio that disappears. Thank you for taking the time to let me know. Carl

[@markjennings-principals.p.5870]

I would be interested in some "coverage" of the tele-lever suspension. Does it affect trail braking or the weight shift from back to front when braking hard for example. Shock unloading so to speak. It's effect on braking in the turn is another interest. Cheers from the Continent.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Mark, good morning, good questions, there will be a couple of videos up soon that touch on this regarding the EVO telelever system on the new 1300. Kind regards Carl

[@marianomiranovich3320]

Hi Carl! First i’d like to thank you for your video, it’s had been a great class for me. Well explain, and very useful. Regards from Argentina 🇦🇷

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Mariano, good evening and welcome to the channel, glad you are enjoying the series. Hello Argentina 👍 Regards Carl

[@paulrichardson1906]

Yes content interesting I have a 2019 Rally 1250 never really looked at the suspension in detail. Thank you. And I do take it off road love it…

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Paul, glad you enjoyed the 3 part mini series, lots to take onboard... I hope you continue to have lots of fun with your Rallye on and off road. Best wishes Carl

[@Darranna]

I run my 2018 (TFT Version) 1250 GS on minimum all the time, reason being I only have a 28” inside leg. I also vary between ‘Road’ and Dynamic Pro depending on the type of ridding I’m doing.

[@justthewayitis]

Hello Darranna, and welcome to the channel. Thankyou for sharing your settings it will help other owners know it is completely ok to do this. I hope you are enjoying your GS and having lots of fun. Best wishes Carl

[@gordyl9247]

Just found your channel Carl. Best explanation yet. Subbed and liked 👍😊

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Gordy and welcome to the channel, glad you enjoyed this episode. Best wishes Carl

[@chrisbarnes5494]

Hi there,, great videos thanks very much. A couple of questions if I can on pre load. Set at Min, the ride height is lowered and when set at max the ride height is at its highest. At min, the rear spring must be compressed to its shortest position to lower the bike. If true why isn’t this spring position when it is most compressed known as max pre load. When the max setting is chosen the ride height is at its highest: the spring is compressed less suggesting min pre load. Please clarify . Many thanks

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Chris, it can be confusing. MIN ride hight is the spring almost uncompressed. In other words virtually no preload. MAX is the highest ride height and to achieve this on any conventional shock you need to compress the spring. Another way to look at this is, when you compress a spring inside a shock assembly the forces increase which push harder in both directions... hence increasing the ride height. Hope this helps Carl

[@tsport6368]

Hi Carl, another interesting, well explained video. I'm a bit short in the leg and was advised by the dealer to put it in MIN to keep the seat height as low as possible. However I found this interfered with ground clearance (I have a low chassis GSA) when cornering so ended up getting a lower seat and putting it back to AUTO, which is much better. Off on the ferry from UK to Spain later this month so will be trying out your tip of using MIN when boarding and disembarking the ship.😄

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Tsport, great solution to the ground clearance problem, I'm sure other viewers might use that tip, so thankyou for sharing. I hope you have a great time in Spain, it is supposed to be lovely in September...so have a great time on those empty smooth roads. Carl

[@gesanners1417]

Great video Carl, l struggled to get my head around things but you make it crystal clear. Much appreciated thanks.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Gesanners, and welcome to the channel. Thankyou for your feedback. Glad the episodes are helpful. Kind regards Carl

[@jesusasensio895]

Great explanation!. One doubt now...My 2017 1200 GS ESA NG, preload Auto setting and Road mode, do not move at all. It keeps always as Min preload setting. I put an action camera to chech any compression action during riding and after several km I checked nothing. However it works when change to Max o Min preload setting...may it be not working? I am 90kg weight and upgraded the spring with the wilbers wesa kit. Thank you.

[@justthewayitis]

That's fairly normal for 90Kg, If you put a passenger on the back it will be different Carl

[@BMWworldstickers]

My respects. Lovely explanation video. Well done.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi BWS thankyou 👍

[@kseth6992]

Some great info here , BTW I have the GS rallye 2017 model with the sports suspension . Settings are MIN MAX & AUTO .. same as the newer models I guess , don’t know why the difference in a Rallye 2017 model .

[@justthewayitis]

Hi K and welcome, if you read the comments below you will see some of the regular subscribers have already highlighted this to me. Thanks to them I now know that around 2017 some bikes had the options you have. Kindest regards Carl

[@kseth6992]

@@justthewayitis ah I see , thanks and keep the good content coming , regards .

[@justthewayitis]

We have subscribers that have owned almost all versions of the GS & GSA and their knowledge of the models history far far exceeds mine, and I'm grateful for their contributions. 👍

[@gracemalley6821]

Really great videos. Anyone else nervous about the screw driver getting close to the TFT display?

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Grace, several people said the same lol, I was careful 🙏, best wishes Carl

[@moconnor50]

Tremendously helpful video. Blessings to you!

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Moconnor, thank you 👍

[@stojce]

I have 2017 GS Rallye with ESA (and "analog" dashboard) and min/max/auto options are available.

[@samsara3694]

Correct, as did I. Didn't see your post before posting on this myself. The new settings/description were introduced with the 2017.5 bikes (Rallye and TE Excusive, with or without digital clocks).

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Stojce, thankyou for sharing, I have now learned something new today...

[@jcv514]

Thanks for these excellent detailed explanations ;-)

[@justthewayitis]

Hello JCV, welcome to the channel and thank you for your feedback 🙏 much appreciated, glad you enjoyed the Dynamic ESA series. Kind regards Carl

[@TKRYST1]

Very informative. Are there any advantages or disadvantages to riding 2 up in the low position? Being a taller bike, being more planted at stops would be advantageous but I’m wondering if the ride quality would suffer in any way or if the bike would be damaged by doing that.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi good morning, a lot of riders that are shorter in height use the LOW position all the time without any problems. The ride quality remains almost exactly the same, Two up is also fine in LOW Best wishes Carl

[@Peter8Roberts]

Are you suggesting we need a new rear spring if a passenger is regularly carried as the payload would certainly be more than 130kg?

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Peter, No that's not what I'm suggesting. If the rider alone is above 120-140 then going to specialist is highly recommended. Because then the combined weight of luggage and passenger could be too much for the standard spring rating.

[@nunuk7]

A big thank you for such a comprehensive explanation ✌

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Nunuk, thank you. 👍.

[@nunuk7]

​@@justthewayitis You're very welcome, keep it on so old farts like me can comfortably ride the wave 😉

[@justthewayitis]

Lol.... 👍

[@MrMestrebimba]

Amazing explanations!! Thanks from my heart!

[@justthewayitis]

Hello Gustavo and welcome to the channel 👍thank you for your feedback I hope you continue to enjoy the series Best wishes Carl

[@howardp924]

As alyways a super video. Thank you. I assume you use that screwdriver as a pointer just to keep the students alert. Just traded a 2017 R1200GSA on a 2024 R1250GSA. I am a late adopter. Question on the Auto preload setting. What is the frequency of the auto preload adjustment? 1 - Does it start an adjustment cycle once every time the bike is powered up and a ride commences. 2 - Periodically during a ride when the sensors determine an adjustment cycle is warranted. Just me, I prefered the ESA over the new dynamic ESA.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Howard, congratulations by the way 👍. Yours is Dynamic ESA so the system constantly takes readings from the various sensors and using an algorithm it determines where your preload and compression / rebound settings should be set. This takes place many times a second. The preload actually takes about 20 seconds to go from Min to Max if you make a setting change within the menu system. Best wishes Carl

[@howardp924]

Thank you for the reply. I have been binge watching your excellent videos. It makes sense that compression/rebound would be constantly getting adjusted since I envision this to be via stepper motors moving some sort of needle valve. Not sure how the preload gets changed. Thinking it could either be a larger motor moving a threaded collar or hydraulic. I was told at the 1300 GSA launch that the optional new vehicle height control feature is by a hydraulic puck on the Shock that effectively alters the length. Changing preload on the fly seems to be a heavy electrical mechanical demand on the system.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Howard, hopefully there is a new GSA coming to the channel for a couple months. So I’ll be able check. How the new system works 👍. Enjoy your Sunday. Carl

[@pierrehanni]

Carl, please explain why with Max Spring compression the bike height increases ? Surely if a spring is compressed it is not as long and thus REDUCES bike height? What have I misunderstood? Cheers , Pierre

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Pierre, good evening and a great question, sadly it would take me ages to type a reply that’s easy to understand. The example I have given in the video is correct. But….Basically when you add or compress a spring you change its force….in this case increasing it, so the spring has more force or push to hold something up, In this example the bike. So the bike ride height increases. But staying with this example because we have compressed the spring by preloading it we increase force / push but we lose travel… because we have used some of that travel to compress it, in effect reducing the springs range of movement. ( not good ) This is why it’s important to have a spring the is ideally matched to you and your bike and Weight. If done correctly the spring will have very little preload which means we have lots of travel. = a great ride quality with great ability to absorb bumps. Also spring length has nothing to do with suspension height it only relates to total travel , this explains why off-road bikes have big tall suspension lengths with long springs inside. If we add preload the spring pushes back with more force and increase the ride height. If we remove preload the spring relaxes and pushes less and the suspension lowers. It’s probably not easy to understand but I hope this helps 🙋🏻‍♂️ Thank you for a great question it’s nice to see owners wanting to understand their motorbikes and how systems like suspension work. 🙏 Carl

[@pierrehanni]

@@justthewayitis - Thanks Carl. I'll hunt for some mechanical animations to see this 1st hand. I used to own a R1200S with Ohlins with rings to adjust preload, I don't recall the ride height rising when doing so. many thanks .

[@Guinnessisgoodforyou]

Excellent, just what the doctor ordered 👌

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Brian, Thankyou....

[@markuskorsmeier3049]

Thanks for sharing. You made my day (with my new GS)

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Mark, glad you are enjoying the series and congratulations on your new bike. Best wishes Carl

[@paulthompson1892]

Very informative, so well explained. I am in the process of selling my RS for the GS. Can the GS be ridden in the minimum setting ? Also with the riders seat in the lower position and the preload set to Minimum, would you know the approx seat height of the GS,, I am 5’ 9” with a 33” in seam,, many thanks !!

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Paul, good morning, thank you for your kind words 🙏. Yes you can ride in MIN preload lots of owners do. I have 32” inseam and find that with the seat in the low position I’m not quite flat footed. Which works for me. My seat is the comfort seat. You could also change your seat to the low seat which would also make a difference 👍. Have fun with your new GS Kindest regards Carl

[@IoanAlexandruAndrei]

The levels on my ‘21 f850gs are 1 helmet, 1 helmet and luggage and 2 helmets, no auto for me. I am quite short, so ridding on the 1 helmet and luggage setting with a passenger works the best for me. In the long run, will it break the rear shock not riding the dedicated setting for 2 passengers? Thanks!

[@justthewayitis]

Hello, what you are doing is fine, it's won't break anything. As long as your passenger is not really heavy.

[@decocatani]

So, just checking if I understood it correctly: considering my old 2009-R1200 RT, the MIN setting on ESA II corresponds to RIDER on my ESA I, the MAX setting corresponds to RIDER+PASSENGER, right? And obviously, ('cause there's no AUTO mode in my bike), the RIDER+LUGGAGE is just a middle setting. Or is just the opposite?

[@justthewayitis]

Sounds like you understood everything perfectly, Merry Christmas

[@nickralph6765]

thank you so much for this clear explanation.

[@justthewayitis]

Your very welcome 🙏 I’m glad you enjoy the series. Best wishes Carl