EP:12A BMW Dynamic ESA Explained, Damping Modes, Riding Modes, Rear Preload & DDC, how do they work

Dynamic ESA: What is it ? How does it work ? How do we get the most from BMW Dynamic ESA and DDC systems on our motorbikes, but most importantly what do all the buttons do when we press or select them ?. Dynamic ESA Explained: will be covered over TWO episodes, this is Part 1:

If you have any questions about what I cover in this episode, let me know in the comments section and I will reply to you. Part 2 will be available next week and Part 3 will specifically cover the 7 - Riding Modes and what each mode does.

My aim is to release one new episode approximately every 2/3 weeks, sometimes a little sooner, and currently I am working on the “Michelin Adventure Tyres” episode and the “Tour of Norway” episodes.

Hopefully you enjoy the content I create, so by Subscribing you are letting me know that you appreciate the effort and time I invest in creating these episodes, and it also helps to grow and develop the channel.

Thank you, Carl

00:00 Intro
01:36 Start
01:50 Rider sag explained
05:15 Preload “MIN” Setting
12:55 Preload “AUTO“ Setting
15:34 Preload “MAX“ Setting
18:35 Preload and rebound settings

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© 2022 All rights reserved. Just The Way It Is -YouTube channel

[raystewart]

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.

[DavePickens]

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

[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.

[barneysmith]

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

[abyields]

What a phenomenal video, I wish the service department would have explained this to me in detail as you’ve done it! Grateful for your amazing work.

[paulhockridge]

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 🍻

[JD-jgov]

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.

[glennturnbull]

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.

[suppersreadyyou]

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

[Zukilover]

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.

[jlaves]

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.

[markj]

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

[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

[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.

[vesa]

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

[fallbangskid]

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 🙂

[coffeytnmilk]

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

[crissignori]

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

[paulguthenberg]

Congratulations on such a perfect sharing in how these settings work and when and how to set them.

Keep Being You 🏍🇨🇦👍

[salmonko]

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