BMW K 1300 GT - Manual (Page 26)

BMW
Media
Information
10/2008
Page 26
This is done by ESA II Electronic Suspension Adjustment setting the suspen-
sion most conveniently and more precisely than ever before to the rider’s
particular preferences and the load the motorcycle is carrying. The result is a
new dimension of riding stability and excellent response under all riding and
load conditions.
ESA II is the world’s fi rst system for electronic suspension adjustment on a
motorcycle offering such a wide range of adjustment options: The rider is able
to adjust both the spring base and the spring rate as well as the damper
inbound and rebound motion on the rear wheel. On the front wheel, in turn,
adjustment is limited to rebound damping.
To make this control function as simple and straightforward as possible and to
avoid false settings, the rider only has to enter the current load condition
(“solo”, “solo with luggage” and “with passenger and luggage”.) Adjustment of
the appropriate spring base and spring rate is then automatic, with the system
adjusting the individual values to one another.
Depending on his style of riding, the rider may also choose the Comfort,
Normal or Sports mode, electronic management then applying this data to
determine the appropriate damping rates in accordance with the optimum
parameters saved in the Central Vehicle Electronics (CVE) and applying these
parameters accordingly.
In all, this allows no less than nine different adjustment variants on the new
K 1300 S.
Thanks to this additional adjustment of the spring rate, the ride height of the
motorcycle may be adjusted perfectly to various load conditions, ensuring an
even higher standard of riding stability, handling and comfort at all times. Even
under high load, therefore, this maintains the rider’s full freedom in leaning
over to a low angle in bends and thus allows a sporting style of riding. And last
but not least, adjustment of the spring rate dramatically reduces the risk of the
springs sagging and giving way.
The rider is even able to change the current damper setting (Normal, Sports,
Comfort) while on the road, again at the simple touch of a button. For
reasons of function and safety, on the other hand, the spring base may only
be changed when the motorcycle is at a standstill. While the damper
rate is modifi ed by small step motors on the damper itself, the spring base is
adjusted by an electric motor together with a special transmission.