Question on using suspension setting to reduce bike "verticality" on side stand

I'm picking up my new '23 this coming week (see photo). I'm trading my beloved RR after 6 years and 23,000 miles (I'll probably miss that laser-like canyon-carver, but not the chain, riding position and the need to always be in "attack" mode...lol!)

When looking at the photo (taken by my dealer and emailed to me), you can see how "vertical" the bike is, on the side stand. It looks like it could topple with the slightest touch, though that's probably illusory. If you wanted to use the "MAX" suspension preload setting and you were at a gas station, what procedure would you use to arrive at that condition? I think I understand the motor must be running.

I'm sure I'll figure this out within 10 minutes of having the bike in my hands, but while I wait I thought I'd see how others do this.

Thank you!!!

Zitat von wessie im Beitrag #2

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the preload will only change if the bike is not moving and has the engine running

Parking the bike on level ground which is the case at most fuel stations is not problematic.

You only need to take care where there is a slope or an uneven surface. In this case, I try to position the bike so the side stand foot is lower than the front wheel.

Fiddling about with the preload is a faff I have not felt necessary in 6.5 years.

Ride it and experiment rather than worry about it! I may have said this before ...

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Just take care closing pannier lid on the left side whilst parked on side stand, too much pressure and you can push the bike over……there have been a couple of threads reporting that disaster out consequence.

I'm guessing most people use Auto on the 1250.
Both my wife and I leave our 1250s on Max. It jacks up the back a little helping the long sidestand problem and it quickens the steering.
We did the same thing on the 1200s.
Normally changing the preload on a bike does not change damping but I think it does with the Dynamic ESA.
I'm happy with the ride comfort so I'm happy.
Give it a try and see how the ride feels for you.

I'm too lazy to change the preload every time I stop.
Some people raise up off the seat before shutdown but if the preload is not set to 2 up or Max it will not raise enough to suit me.

Zitat von Boxerboy im Beitrag #5

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Just take care closing pannier lid on the left side whilst parked on side stand, too much pressure and you can push the bike over……there have been a couple of threads reporting that disaster out consequence.

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Zitat von Lee im Beitrag #6

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I'm guessing most people use Auto on the 1250.
Both my wife and I leave our 1250s on Max. It jacks up the back a little helping the long sidestand problem and it quickens the steering.

I'm too lazy to change the preload every time I stop.
Some people raise up off the seat before shutdown but if the preload is not set to 2 up or Max it will not raise enough to suit me.

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Zitat von Lee im Beitrag #6

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Some people raise up off the seat before shutdown

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Zitat von BEARR im Beitrag #8

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I weigh 147 without clothes/gear and will often ride a local canyon without the panniers. The Max setting might be too stiff for me, but I get your point. In fact, compared to my RR that Max setting might feel "soft"...

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Yep, it's near vertical stance can be an issue.

Solo I am always set to middle setting, "helmet + pannier" but even touring with "loaded/ two-up" setting allows little side lean.

Anyone used the ferry between Denmark and Norway, they asked me to park with the sidestand on the high side of a sloping ramp, No Chance, other bikes had no problems.

I let 5 bikes past me in the queue until I could tie the bike down on a level area.

Eurotunnel train to france parked at an angle to travle with a side stand and every move seems to be asking for a fall.

I dread a heavyhanded traindriver using too much brake pressure and how many other bikes I would damage.

I have spent every journey in front of the bike on the 'wrong side' resting against the bike to keep it leant over.

Asking a fellow traveller to lean against my bike when using a toilet is something I have done.

As others have said, take care for a few days and then it is second nature which way you park, apply front brake and attempt to pull the bike backwards as it helps to rise the suspension.

I am not one of those "downhill in first gear" type parkers having seen a 'roll forward fall-over' but it is just second nature although I tend to use the mainstand for this reason.

Zitat von trudd im Beitrag #9

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Zitat von Lee im Beitrag #6

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Some people raise up off the seat before shutdown

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I do this and pull the bike over onto the stand before turning the engine off. Raises the bike a bit and gives me a bit more confidence.

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When I was in getting new rear tyre, pilot road 4, at local independent bike shop, I had a discussion about this issue with mechanic/ owner of shop.
I suggested a grinder on the side stand stop. He agreed & got the grinder on it, took a few mill off it & asked me to try for a while. If still not happy, then take it back for another wee shave.
Mine is a 2018 & am quite happy for now, but have not been parking anywhere that would cause an issue, so I may yet get it done again

The suspension locks when you totally switch off the ignition. You can get off the bike first before you totally switch off and this will allow the suspension to raise before it locks. In my experience, this helps more than the preload settings. You still need to watch the camber where you park though as the bike sits relatively upright even with the above.

BMW must have had a reason for this design, but I don't know what it is. Something to adjust to. Never had to think about it with the RR. Will help me work on my "mindfulness"...