R1200rt Esa

[BudCesena]

Im going to purcahse an R1200RT this month. Is the ESA, (Electronic Suspention Adjustment) a have to have or a nice to have? Also, is the onboard computer worth it? I want to mount a Garmin 276C on the bike, any suggestions? I had it mounted on the resivoir on the LT and liked it. Thanks in advance, Bud

[LarryR]

Bud,

My RT is due at any time now. When I first heard about the ESA, I honestly thought it was just a frill until I took a test drive. I rode about 50 miles and constantly changed the settings on it and the difference was quite noticeable so I bit the bullet and ordered it on mine. I think it is worth the expenditure. I also am putting a GPS on mine along with a CB and XM Radio.

I also ordered the on-board computer since I relied so heavily on the one on the LT. I can't imagine riding without it now.

Disclaimer: I am addicted to toys and particularly so on the BMW motorcycles. I love to play with them.

In my personal opinion, these doodads (toys) really help if you ever decide to sell your bike. It seems that more and more people have begun to expect the toys and a fully loaded bike especially if it is a BMW.

All of this is simply my opinion. but I hope it helps.

[georgesilverman]

I have a new 2005 1200RT with ESA. If you carry passengers or lots of luggage frequently you will really like ESA. It does work and the damping can be changed on the fly. To change the preload you need to have the engine running and in neutral.

Regarding accessories. This bike is sensitive to electrical loads on the bus system. I recommend that you have a CAM block added to the bike before you start to connect all sorts of toys that require power from the bike. I just had it done on my 600 mile check along with an accessory plug for the passenger.

r/ george

[BudCesena]

Well I thought that I was going to get the bike this month but because of the recall both the dealers that I spoke to seem to be having some dificulty. Carolina in Greensboro has a gray one but a dark grey one is a wait. Im ok with that but I was surprised. Charlotte is looking for one. Larry tells me it will be a week maybe two to get a dark grey one with what i want on it. Ill get a price from each and decide who to go with. I probably should look in Hickory at Extreeme but I have not felt comfortale in the dealership. They cant seem to answer questions and generally dont give you much time if you are not buying a custom v twin. I bought my first Beemer from Charlotte and my last one from Jason in Greensboro. I feel loyalty to both. Larry is a greaat guy and very friendly but Jason has aways gone out of his way for Cindy and I. Tough chhoise but we will see what happens.
Thanks for the info.

[dyvking]

Im going to purcahse an R1200RT this month. Is the ESA, (Electronic Suspention Adjustment) a have to have or a nice to have? Also, is the onboard computer worth it? I want to mount a Garmin 276C on the bike, any suggestions? I had it mounted on the resivoir on the LT and liked it. Thanks in advance, Bud
I've come to really enjoy the ESA. It seems like the only drawback is the cost of replacement if one of the shocks goes out. If I did it over again, I'd still get ESA.

[SandM]

I have a 2005 and if I had a choice, which I did, I'd go with ESA. The radio would be a waste and a good XM Roadie is a better choice.

The ESA and the BC really do make a difference.

The best way to get around the extra add ons is to install a fuse block and place it in the nose cone. I run all my extra toys off of this,thus by passing teh CAM BUS.

[Warren_H]

I have the ESA and the computer, IMO both are worth the cost.

[paulcbrowne]

ESA is better than the non-ESA shock/spring combination. I drove several ESA-equipped demos before buying my non-ESA-equipped RT in August. I've installed Ohlins springs/shocks and they are way better than stock and better than ESA. I'd say to save the $795 for ESA and do as I did getting non-ESA and invest in Ohlins. The Ohlins are the "gold standard" for handling and almost totally transfroms the RT.

[rlv]

ESA is better than the non-ESA shock/spring combination. I drove several ESA-equipped demos before buying my non-ESA-equipped RT in August. I've installed Ohlins springs/shocks and they are way better than stock and better than ESA. I'd say to save the $795 for ESA and do as I did getting non-ESA and invest in Ohlins. The Ohlins are the "gold standard" for handling and almost totally transfroms the RT.

Are you saying that if you go with the ESA, that you can not use the Ohlins if you later decide to go with something else.?
Also, has anyone on here heard anything about a K1200rt being mfg.
If so, do you know when it might hit the floor at the dealers.
Richard

[Frisky]

I too like the ESA. A guy in Scotland does a really nice GPS bracket, I am sure he will sort you out. See here
http://www.motorradconcepts.com/bmwr1200rt.htm#1200rtgps

Cheers Dave

[Got2Greys]

I have a 2005 RT with the ESA. I really like the convenience of being able to change the suspension settings while riding.

THe Bordcomputer (BC) is a useful toy. I owned a R1200C (cruiser) before purchasing this bike. It only had the speedometer and the idiot lights (N indicator, fuel reserve, low battery). The computer on the RT gives you a lot of information at the touch of a switch. It is well worth it.