"Safer and more enjoyable riding at the touch of a button", that's the claim Touratech makes for its "Plug & Travel" ESA suspension for 2007 - 2013 BMW R 1200 GS/Adventure models.
The company says that the standard BMW shock absorbers are a "compromise solution, designed for a relatively lightweight rider without luggage", and that they are not serviceable. "Consequently the conditions under which the GS is used, and the different loading conditions it has to cope with, cause trouble with the suspension over time, as components wear out prematurely".
Touratech say their "Plug & Travel ESA" is the only complete BMW ESA replacement suspension system available, and that it simply replaces the BMW ESA shock absorbers and plugs into the vehicle's control system.
"It is completely and fully integrated into the motorcycle via the original BMW control unit", according to Lars Wuerdemann, Head of Suspension at Touratech.
"The existing connectors and switches on the handlebar remain fully functional. All riding modes and configurations can be used normally, and are indicated on the BMW's cockpit display. As a result, the BMW buttons work as before, but the ride characteristics are better".
The centrepiece of the Touratech "Plug & Travel" ESA suspension system is a stepper motor that is integrated into the shock absorber - one developed specifically for Touratech. It regulates the damping adjustment, while the famously robust Touratech suspension EPA spring preload (Electric Preload Adjuster) enables specially tested Touratech balance and damping set-ups. The shock absorbers ("manufactured using precision components that have been tried and tested over thousands of miles of touring") adapt to "all kinds of road conditions", according to Wuerdemann.
Available with alternative spring rates to compensate for a significantly heavier or lighter rider and luggage weight, it is fully serviceable ensuring "maximum ride dynamics and the longest possible service life for riding with a heavy load and varying road conditions while touring".
For seriously ambitious long-distance travel with a lot of off-road work, Touratech offers a severe-duty "Plug & Travel" ESA "Expedition" version. Featuring a shock absorber with an external reservoir and tuning for more extreme requirements, the hydraulic position-dependent damping system (PDS) ensures that it will not bottom out "even with heavy luggage in the most extreme off-road conditions".
TOURATECH AG
www.touratech.com
