Travex
Lost is my destination.
Some preliminary thoughts on the 2014 ES from a garage perspective as the weather’s just not cooperating for anything more quite yet.
Picked the bike up today and as with my 2012 had the dealer install the following OEM options:
Panniers
Crash bars
Skid plate (I don't want to hear it... Not going trials riding in Africa)
To start, the ergos are a bit different, as the seat, while thinner, seems to have similar comfort to the original. For me the thinner profile works well as I was just this side of being totally flat-footed, but am so now. Foam density seems similar enough. The balance of seat changes are only cosmetic with it's new two-tone appearance. The bike “fits” as before.
The handlebars are now set up and back from the original stance which suits me as I had used adjustable ROX risers before. Not that the '12 was a poor fit... Just that it needed to be tweaked minimally to eliminate a small cramp between the shoulder blades. With no time on the bike I can't say the new setup is a panacea for fitment, but it feels “in range” for me. As learned many times, sometimes just an 1/8” (give or take) can make a really profound improvement in comfort. This new configuration hopefully saved me from having to buy longer brake and clutch lines again.
Kickstand. They dumped a few ounces I guess. I preferred steel and may get it finished in black. It actuates real nice and the kick tab makes it easy and certainly more ergonomic than the chicken stick. Looks a bit like a sore thumb to me. To others it may add to the line.
Instrumentation. Yes and no. Yes, I prefer an analog tach, and no, I don't have that luxury any longer. Here I have to put my faith in Yamaha's design engineers and yield to their wisdom. Functionality can only be assessed fairly with riding time. Navigation is simple and straightforward with a “flow” as expected. One menu button to cycle between Suspension, Grips, and Data, and a rocker switch for up/down. Control is reasonably placed and operated. Forefinger for the menu and thumb for up/down. From a cosmetic standpoint it's got an efficient, clean look with excellent legibility. It's position is slightly higher which I prefer. I'm fond of the mounting bar above it as it allows for a safe and clean center mount for GPS, for which I had previously paid 80-something for an SW Motech center mount.
Gotta get this one out of that way... That damnable U-Joint guard. I had a 0-mph fall on my '12 when my pant leg caught on it. I was aware of it... Always avoided it... And it caught up with me. I'd have thought they would have done something similar to the Altrider guard that eliminates the pant catch. It's on order. I love the bike, but I'm sure there'll be times when I want to get off it without an argument.
Electronic suspension. Other than saying it has it I can't say anything else about it yet, although I now have a delightful small fixture mounted behind my pillion's right footpeg.
LED turn signals are a welcome improvement as well as a cosmetic boost. More light, and the smaller package doesn't compete with the bike's excellent design. I now see better why others had changed over to them.
Mirrors. Definitely more stylish. Viewed head-on I felt the originals looked a tad staid. Certainly a bit more on the assertive side now, ala Bat-bikish.
Windscreen. Obviously can't speak to functionality yet, but it cuts a nice profile, is more stylish, and above all is adjustable sans tools. The '12's screen in the top position gave me a small amount of airflow on the top of my helmet which was appreciated in the warmer months as it aided in helmet ventilation significantly. This one looks like I can have that or not.
Glad I'm not laying out $450.00 for OEM heated grips. Haven't tried them, but hope they've addressed the power imbalance, as on the '12 the left grip radiated just a bit less heat than the right. Wasn't an issue at all, but it was discernible as many have noted.
I figure about 10K miles or so will give me enough history to fully comment on the engine as the '12's motor seemed to really improve around then and ever since. I'm certain that there's going to be some (to what degree I have no idea) improvement by just the mapping tweaks alone. The '12, at 22k miles is still improving upon itself in terms of feel, and smoothness. Of course those conclusions are drawn solely from my ears and the seat of my pants, but are nonetheless tangible. It's note seems very similar if not the finest hair angrier, but it's new and an accurate opinion can't be formed yet.
Time for farkles. I'm not going down this road too heavily, especially because the S10 is such a nicely equipped machine, but there's a few things I need on it:
1. Power distribution. Putting in a Fuzeblock.
2. Rigid Industries SR2 6” LED light bar – spectre, driving beam
3. Garmin Zumo 350LM
4. Famsa Tank Bag
5. USB charger
6. AltRider u-joint guard
I use Kriega dry bags in addition to the panniers and that'll all be the same.
The new under-the-headlight cosmetic panel must be relieved in it's center to accommodate the center mounting bracket of the OEM crashguards.
Many differing opinions out there as to which method, or any for that matter, is best for break-in. I didn't design the thing so I'm going by the book just as I had with the '12... And that worked like a charm.
In closing, I've got to say that I'm thrilled at the potential in the garage and am eager to put it in play.
Given some halfway decent weather I'm gone.
Picked the bike up today and as with my 2012 had the dealer install the following OEM options:
Panniers
Crash bars
Skid plate (I don't want to hear it... Not going trials riding in Africa)
To start, the ergos are a bit different, as the seat, while thinner, seems to have similar comfort to the original. For me the thinner profile works well as I was just this side of being totally flat-footed, but am so now. Foam density seems similar enough. The balance of seat changes are only cosmetic with it's new two-tone appearance. The bike “fits” as before.
The handlebars are now set up and back from the original stance which suits me as I had used adjustable ROX risers before. Not that the '12 was a poor fit... Just that it needed to be tweaked minimally to eliminate a small cramp between the shoulder blades. With no time on the bike I can't say the new setup is a panacea for fitment, but it feels “in range” for me. As learned many times, sometimes just an 1/8” (give or take) can make a really profound improvement in comfort. This new configuration hopefully saved me from having to buy longer brake and clutch lines again.
Kickstand. They dumped a few ounces I guess. I preferred steel and may get it finished in black. It actuates real nice and the kick tab makes it easy and certainly more ergonomic than the chicken stick. Looks a bit like a sore thumb to me. To others it may add to the line.
Instrumentation. Yes and no. Yes, I prefer an analog tach, and no, I don't have that luxury any longer. Here I have to put my faith in Yamaha's design engineers and yield to their wisdom. Functionality can only be assessed fairly with riding time. Navigation is simple and straightforward with a “flow” as expected. One menu button to cycle between Suspension, Grips, and Data, and a rocker switch for up/down. Control is reasonably placed and operated. Forefinger for the menu and thumb for up/down. From a cosmetic standpoint it's got an efficient, clean look with excellent legibility. It's position is slightly higher which I prefer. I'm fond of the mounting bar above it as it allows for a safe and clean center mount for GPS, for which I had previously paid 80-something for an SW Motech center mount.
Gotta get this one out of that way... That damnable U-Joint guard. I had a 0-mph fall on my '12 when my pant leg caught on it. I was aware of it... Always avoided it... And it caught up with me. I'd have thought they would have done something similar to the Altrider guard that eliminates the pant catch. It's on order. I love the bike, but I'm sure there'll be times when I want to get off it without an argument.
Electronic suspension. Other than saying it has it I can't say anything else about it yet, although I now have a delightful small fixture mounted behind my pillion's right footpeg.
LED turn signals are a welcome improvement as well as a cosmetic boost. More light, and the smaller package doesn't compete with the bike's excellent design. I now see better why others had changed over to them.
Mirrors. Definitely more stylish. Viewed head-on I felt the originals looked a tad staid. Certainly a bit more on the assertive side now, ala Bat-bikish.
Windscreen. Obviously can't speak to functionality yet, but it cuts a nice profile, is more stylish, and above all is adjustable sans tools. The '12's screen in the top position gave me a small amount of airflow on the top of my helmet which was appreciated in the warmer months as it aided in helmet ventilation significantly. This one looks like I can have that or not.
Glad I'm not laying out $450.00 for OEM heated grips. Haven't tried them, but hope they've addressed the power imbalance, as on the '12 the left grip radiated just a bit less heat than the right. Wasn't an issue at all, but it was discernible as many have noted.
I figure about 10K miles or so will give me enough history to fully comment on the engine as the '12's motor seemed to really improve around then and ever since. I'm certain that there's going to be some (to what degree I have no idea) improvement by just the mapping tweaks alone. The '12, at 22k miles is still improving upon itself in terms of feel, and smoothness. Of course those conclusions are drawn solely from my ears and the seat of my pants, but are nonetheless tangible. It's note seems very similar if not the finest hair angrier, but it's new and an accurate opinion can't be formed yet.
Time for farkles. I'm not going down this road too heavily, especially because the S10 is such a nicely equipped machine, but there's a few things I need on it:
1. Power distribution. Putting in a Fuzeblock.
2. Rigid Industries SR2 6” LED light bar – spectre, driving beam
3. Garmin Zumo 350LM
4. Famsa Tank Bag
5. USB charger
6. AltRider u-joint guard
I use Kriega dry bags in addition to the panniers and that'll all be the same.
The new under-the-headlight cosmetic panel must be relieved in it's center to accommodate the center mounting bracket of the OEM crashguards.
Many differing opinions out there as to which method, or any for that matter, is best for break-in. I didn't design the thing so I'm going by the book just as I had with the '12... And that worked like a charm.
In closing, I've got to say that I'm thrilled at the potential in the garage and am eager to put it in play.
Given some halfway decent weather I'm gone.
