ESA and On-board Computer Thoughts

[phroggy]

Hopefully next spring I will be purchasing a new 2012 R12R. I know I want heated grips but I am trying to figure out what other options I want. I was hoping those of you with ESA and On-board computers could chime in and give us your two cents regarding the value of these options.

[mikes]

on my 07 I had all options fitted. Heated grips without question a must have. ABS for me is also a must have. ASC,ESA ...tire pressure monitor etc I thought were a nice to but not required. Anyway I ticked all the boxes a bought one with all options. After 20k I was still undecided until on a long distance ride 7k round trip got caught in a storm cell that followed me for three days I could really see the value. Being able to adjust the suspension setting on the fly is of real values and in the wet traction and stability control could be a real life saver. Another time a rounded a fast sweeping down hill bend with traffic right up my rear end and mid corner hit some oil or diesel and traction/stability control I recon saved me from going down and possible being hit by traffic. I guess options likes these are like bike insurance hard to part with the $$$ at the time and only of value when you need them but after 50k I know these options have saved me from a big spill a few times. My view is if the budget allows go for it might just give you an advantage when things get unsettled. My R12R Classic will have all the options ticked just hope I never need to use them but comforting to know they are there.

[websterize]

I would skip ESA and put that money toward better-quality aftermarket shocks. ABS, ASC, and TPM are compelling insurance — as others have said, if one prevents you from going down, it's money well spent.

[boxermoose]

Not sure where you are but in the US ABS and ASC are now standard for 2012 - I'm not sure if you can special order without

on board computer

center stand

heated grips

tpm

I'd rather have good aftermarket shocks then spend on the ESA

[Clem]

ESA has proven to be an asset for me. Adjusts quick & easy.
Variations are noticeable steps. Some done even on the move.
Don't have to get hands dirty or burned when road or load conditions vary during an outing.
Half the price of a set of premium aftermarket units, which need to be refreshed to keep their performance edge.
BMW warranty covered.
For street riding, aggressive riders will appreciate sport mode on this new suspension.
No front adjustment at all on base model.

On Board Computer is cheap for the amount of information gained.
Don't trust the figures completely, but a good reference.
I fill up and take a break every 2-3 hours regardless of what the computer says about fuel.

YMMV

[Tybus]

Any of these options bought will be of value.
That said, the onboard computer on my 09 R1200R does vary a little in distance to empty depending on how you ride as would be expected.
I love the ESA. Adjusts quick & easy as Clem said.
At the end of the day, its only money and when it's time to sell the bike all these options add value to selling price.

[dmcd]

I went for the screen, computer, chrome headers, led and grips. Have ABS on my XChallenge and it gets on my friggin t i t s , especially on loose surfaces when the bike won't stop! ESC wasn't particularly relevant to me, especially since the big knob under the seat does most of the work for less money and the big knob on top of the seat normally rides alone.

However if you have the dosh spec her up

[seangd]

I have a 2009 with heated grips and ABS/ESA. I am 6' 220lbs and I honestly can barely tell the difference between the comfort-normal-sport settings. However, I do like being able to adjust the preload with a touch of a button. I will never purchase another motorcycle WITHOUT anti-lock brakes again as I feel they're invaluable. That being said, if someone were to ask me about the ESA and whether or not to purchase it, I would have to say no. Spend the money on other things that have will give you more return. New seat, throttle-lock, luggage, windshield or fairing, GPS, so on and so on.

God, I really love this motorcycle.