After a challenging ten day RTG (round-the-garage) adventure, I was finally able to get the new ES out for a ride today.
I set the clutch and brake levers to where I had them on the ’12 and it felt like home. Engine start was typical, a positive yet relaxed rollover. Nothing new there. I like the integrated kill/start switch. Idle is smooth with little wavering. Gave it ample time to warm as it was 42°. I took advantage of that time to refamiliarize myself with the display and menus and decided to go with the canned suspension settings as a starting point and tweak those later on.
Riding posture is improved and should eliminate the need for bar risers for many. Although I only put 100 miles on it, I felt quite comfortable with no noticeable strain.
The throttle play is set correctly, but the grip itself has slop in it that makes it feel cheap and not tactile. It’ll go to the shop for that.
Beginning with it in “T” mode I found that to be similar, but just a bit more lively than it’s equivalent on the ’12. Subdued and purposefully muted says it best for me. It’s a good mode for keeping your pillion’s helmet off yours in addition to it’s obvious utility for those who prefer a less snatchy throttle for whatever purpose. That said, as with my ’12 it immediately went into “S” mode where it’s attributes were instantly apparent. The differences in S & T modes are as evident on the ’14 as they are on the ’12. For me, I’ll continue to reserve T mode for slick, rainy days. S mode is absolutely more spirited, allowing for greater growl with less actuation. I never really had a complaint with throttle response so this is just icing.
There are some with the Gen1 that didn’t care for the bike’s vibration, I never experienced that nor do I now. The bike shifts, rides, and handles like butter.
The windscreen is very effective. and the display is growing on me already. It’s highly legible and non-distracting. I particularly appreciate the estimated remaining range both to reserve and empty… Very practical and useful.
The stub for the directionals seems a mm or two short for my Alpinestars Techroad gloves. Warmer weather riding will not reveal this.
Bearing in mind that I strictly adhere to every manufacturer’s breakin regimen you may find yourselves bored with anything I’ve got to say about the motor at this point. 3900 R’s for the first 600mi, 4700 until 1000. With this restriction all I can offer is that the engine sounds and feels new. Other than the obvious down low throttle response likely due to re-mapping (which anyone with a GEN1 and re-flash would be aware of), there is little to say other than the fact that breaking in a motorcycle is the most hellish and patience defying task ever performed on two wheels.
Shifting felt very positive with no false neutrals or misses… Same as before. Gear ranges felt identical. The new gear indicator registers a “ - “ between shifts and there’s up to an approx 1/2 sec lag prior to each gear being displayed. I don’t use the thing so that’s of no consequence to me.
Rolling along I tested the cruise control for a short while and found it simply set, well maintained, and easily cancelled. Control is easily accessible. I’ve never gone 38mph in 5th gear with such ease. I found the accel feature particularly effective when leaving a small town as it accelerated quicker than expected. It’ll prove it’s worth to me this summer and will be most welcome.
The electronic suspension is a breeze to operate. The fast and logical interface make it a breeze. Prior to any adjustment I rode it all set as standard, which suited me just fine for pavement. I then went through the canned settings and found the feature to be very convenient. More ride time on varying terrain after breakin will tell more. The convenience of the feature cannot be denied.
Both the ’12 and the ’14 apparently have the same stealth feature as the spring cagers seemed to be oblivious to both. Be careful out there folks.