ESA versus manual adjustment

[JJB]

Hi everyone, This is regarding suspension, just bear with me
I have been riding for many years and currently have a CRF 100 Africa Twin, which I used to enjoy, but as I am approaching 74 years young it feels big and heavy and I need a lighter smaller bike, particularly as my wife no longer comes as pillion. - OK preamble over.
I test rode a 900XR for 4+ hours this week and, I liked the bike very much in almost every way. Handling, performance, lightness, gadgets, economy, even comfort, BUT the ESA felt harsh and gave a hard ride, even in road mode. Yes, I noticed the fork dive under heavy braking, but still OK until I upgrade.
I am on the brink of buying a one-year-old one and believe I would be better at buying the manually adjustable preload as opposed to ESA.[/u]
Would this give me a more comfortable ride, as the ESA has limited adjustment options?
Thank you in advance for your advice

[patgm]

Originally Posted by JJB

I need a lighter smaller bike.

The Africa Twin is 501lbs wet vs the XR's 482lbs, doesn't seem like a worthwhile benefit in terms of weight savings, I guess the XR may not be quite as tall and top heavy though.

Originally Posted by JJB

The ESA felt harsh and gave a hard ride, even in road mode.
I am on the brink of buying a one-year-old one and believe I would be better at buying the manually adjustable preload as opposed to ESA.[/u]
Would this give me a more comfortable ride, as the ESA has limited adjustment options?
Thank you in advance for your advice

I think the advantage of the manually adjustable rear shock is that it might be easier and cheaper to swap for quality aftermarket. I would be surprised if the manually adjustable shock was more comfortable than ESA, but I guess it depends on what you consider comfortable. I haven't ridden an Africa Twin, but with its offroad focus, I wouldn't expect the XR's manually adjustable shock to feel any closer to it than the ESA shock. Both options on the XR are road-focused, so they'll likely be more similar to each other than either is to the Africa Twin.

[LP17]

I believe most Bikes are set up for an average weight of 85-90 Kilo riders with all their riding gear on. If you are outside of these weights
you should consider changing your Springs regardless whether it's ESA or Standard suspension.