2020 S1000XR Lowered?

[Zar_S1000XR]

So, I've been reading and reading this forum and I haven't found an answer regarding lowering the XR


For people who don't have ESA on their XRs, can't you just lower the front forks and than change out rear spring, wouldn't that lower the bike by 20-30mm without any issues?
What are the downsides to it? I also read that someone mentioned that front forks won't have enough distance to travel, WHY? since you're just lowering at where the forks are held at.

Any thought on this?

[Zar_S1000XR]

I'm confused, is Dynamic ESA standard on all 2020+ ?

[SimonUK]

I am not sure if 'standard' is the correct term, but I am pretty sure that there are exponentially more XR's out there with D-ESA, than with 'manual' suspension.

[capt cf]

I have never seen one in the states that didn't have it unless someone tore it off and installed aftermarket suspension.  I didn't even know they imported non-ESA bikes.  I thought you could order gen 1's without ESA but I don't even think it's part of a package on the gen2 and just comes on every bike.

[Zar_S1000XR]

"...The new 2020 BMW S1000XR already features the latest generation of BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) as standard. Thanks to the latest valve technology, the versatile Adventure sports bike provides a particularly dynamic riding experience with a high level of ride comfort. Dynamic ESA Pro is available as an optional extra with two damping modes (Road, Dynamic) and automatic load compensation. "

"...The new 2020 BMW S1000XR advances the sports to touring range in its own distinctive new way, leaving nothing to be desired – not least because it has the following standard features on board: Dynamic ESA, riding modes Pro, ABS Pro & DTC, Hill Start Control Pro, a perfectly readable 6.5” TFT screen complete with connectivity and full LED lighting. "

"...Dynamic ESA as standard plus Dynamic ESA Pro with two damping modes (Road, Dynamic) and automatic load compensation as ex-works options. "

[Zar_S1000XR]

So technically this kit would work perfectly to lower the XR.

In description it says it's a kit "...These kits come with a rear lowering spring, lowering Fork springs, and oil. You can lower your front and rear equally with this kit and if you are thinking about lowering your bike this is the best way to do it. "


https://epmperf.com/product/20-mm-lowering-rear-spring-kit-bmw-s-1000-xr-esa

[Crosshairs]

Originally Posted by Zar_S1000XR

So technically this kit would work perfectly to lower the XR.

In description it says it's a kit "...These kits come with a rear lowering spring, lowering Fork springs, and oil. You can lower your front and rear equally with this kit and if you are thinking about lowering your bike this is the best way to do it. "


https://epmperf.com/product/20-mm-lowering-rear-spring-kit-bmw-s-1000-xr-esa

You can also use an adjustable dog bone in the rear and just slide the forks up in the front.
That's the way I did it.  you get same result without losing any suspension travel

but if you do buy from EMP, tell Klaus I said hi...   :)

[Belco100]

If you just put a shorter spring in the back, wont the "Auto" function try to raise it back up and top out? Just thinking out loud - not sure how the Auto works on these?

[garyculb]

Facing this issue now. Hoped my 2021 XR Sport would lower a bit/drop like all my BMW'a have done in past. That is not happening.

I am having to ride around in MIN. If I set the suspension to Auto then, the XR raises up. Makes it a bit scary to stop since, I can only get the front of my foot on the ground. Yes, I have thick soles (please-no platform shoes jokes/pictures). Dropped this bike three time riding in mountains on asphalt. I have to find a level place to stop...in MIN. You can definitely feel a loss in suspension performance.

The correction to preserve the bikes ESA & lower this 2021 XR is expensive: https://www.beemershop.com/Merchant5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=S1000_XR_SUS .But, already at 11K. Guess I will sell or, over the winter do the major suspension upgrade?

Doubt my BMW dealer would be willing to just change out the just the springs in the front forks & rear shock...

Best,
Doc

[Zar_S1000XR]

Originally Posted by Crosshairs

You can also use an adjustable dog bone in the rear and just slide the forks up in the front.
That's the way I did it.  you get same result without losing any suspension travel

but if you do buy from EMP, tell Klaus I said hi...   :)

for 2020+, I don't believe they have 'adjustable dog bone' in the rear. Front yes, I can fork up, but rear is little bit more complicated I think. Mind telling me how you did it, aware that 2020+ don't have linkage to replace or add.