BadNews! I'm back! ( with a question)

BadNews

"Not properly socialized"
Joined
May 13, 2012
Messages
486
Location
Central Ohio, USA
Sold my 2015 ST in 2017. Then bought a FZ09, made it into a nice little sport tourer, but it's just a bit light for extended interstate highway use, IMHO. So after checking out the Tracer, I've decided to go back to the ST.

I've got a line on a leftover 2017 non ES, but undecided on whether I should go for an ES or not. I ride solo, and intend to keep things light. I tend to set my suspension up and leave it.

So here's my question: Are the standard suspension components of the same quality as the ES suspension components? In other words, if I pick an ES suspension setting, and set up the standard suspension exactly the same, will the ride and handling be the same?

Educate me.
 

BadNews

"Not properly socialized"
Joined
May 13, 2012
Messages
486
Location
Central Ohio, USA
That would make sense.

I suppose I could find a parts fiche online somewhere and make a list of part numbers for comparison. I'm hoping a parts guru might be able to answer this, though.
 

hobdayd

Member
Joined
Oct 2, 2016
Messages
192
Location
Alkham Dover UK
I have an ES and find it very useful for quickly changing the suspension settings for different terrain on the move if it is just soft, standard and hard.

Also really useful for very quick changes of preload luggage no luggage and pillion.

Oh, and changes for riding mood...fast, slow, aggressive...

When I buy again I will have another ES without a doubt. I use it very often.
 

STenitus

Active Member
Joined
Feb 21, 2015
Messages
448
Location
Alabama
I have an ES and find it very useful for quickly changing the suspension settings for different terrain on the move if it is just soft, standard and hard.

Also really useful for very quick changes of preload luggage no luggage and pillion.

Oh, and changes for riding mood...fast, slow, aggressive...

When I buy again I will have another ES without a doubt. I use it very often.
That type of 'instant result' is very appealing!
 

BadNews

"Not properly socialized"
Joined
May 13, 2012
Messages
486
Location
Central Ohio, USA
Thanks for everyone's comments and advice. Much appreciated and keep it coming.

Did some research on the "shopyamaha" website, chose to compare the 2017 model standard vs ES front suspension components. Many of the parts are identical. Some of the part number prefixes on the ES model start with 2KB-, on the standard model they start with 2BS-, then the following digits are identical. Some of the components on both models are designated as KYB parts, such as the seals. Aside from other minor differences, the springs and inner tubes of the ES model were 2KB- parts. I'm wondering if the "KB" might indicate a KYB suspension component. I'll leave that for one of the parts experts to comment on. Couldn't find much on the rear shock, I'll take Antanas' word for it.

At any rate, I found one 2017 ES new in the next state, they are getting rare. Don't really want to ride the FZ-09 more than about 250 miles for a trade.

I'm now leaning towards an ES. Considering the roads I ride in my local area which are usually decent state highways and then transitioning to some crap county and township roads with whoop-de-doos, etc, it might be nice to have an instantly adjustable suspension.

Found a sale price on a 2019 ES from a reputable dealer.
 
B

ballisticexchris

Guest
Hi there, you won't be sorry. I also was a set it and forget it type of rider. This ES system really works and makes for a much more comfortable and quickly adjustable ride. Funny thing was I was shopping for a standard bike when mine came along.
 

Sierra1

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2016
Messages
14,812
Location
Joshua TX
....I'm now leaning towards an ES. Considering the roads I ride in my local area which are usually decent state highways and then transitioning to some crap county and township roads with whoop-de-doos, etc, it might be nice to have an instantly adjustable suspension.....
You have described my riding area exactly. And, that is exactly why I chose the ES. I usually ride solo, but when the wife jumps on....and all I have to do is push a couple of buttons to reset the preload....and a couple more buttons if the road goes to shit....and end up with a great stable ride? Yes, I do understand that setting preload on non-ESes will come as second nature as a person gets used to it. But, changing the rebound/dampening on the fly? Hard to beat.
 

holligl

Find the road less traveled...
Joined
Nov 13, 2015
Messages
2,211
Location
IL/AZ
Thanks for everyone's comments and advice. Much appreciated and keep it coming.

Did some research on the "shopyamaha" website, chose to compare the 2017 model standard vs ES front suspension components. Many of the parts are identical. Some of the part number prefixes on the ES model start with 2KB-, on the standard model they start with 2BS-, then the following digits are identical. Some of the components on both models are designated as KYB parts, such as the seals. Aside from other minor differences, the springs and inner tubes of the ES model were 2KB- parts. I'm wondering if the "KB" might indicate a KYB suspension component. I'll leave that for one of the parts experts to comment on. Couldn't find much on the rear shock, I'll take Antanas' word for it.

At any rate, I found one 2017 ES new in the next state, they are getting rare. Don't really want to ride the FZ-09 more than about 250 miles for a trade.

I'm now leaning towards an ES. Considering the roads I ride in my local area which are usually decent state highways and then transitioning to some crap county and township roads with whoop-de-doos, etc, it might be nice to have an instantly adjustable suspension.

Found a sale price on a 2019 ES from a reputable dealer.
Plus you get the heated grips, which I tend to use more frequently than the suspension adjustment.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
 

dannyv

Active Member
Joined
May 4, 2018
Messages
294
Location
Indianapolis, IN
The heated grip thing was a big point for me also. The Yamaha web page makes no mention of it! Someone should be shot for not 'selling' that goodie! I'm still sorting out the other electronic settings, I need to learn more about what settings I want for what conditions. Fer instance, what does preload do for you, besides keep your headlights aimed right? I loaded up with gear for a 5 day trip, changed the settings dutifully, but really, I noticed almost no difference. Maybe some more manual reading time.
 

BadNews

"Not properly socialized"
Joined
May 13, 2012
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Central Ohio, USA
Maybe you didn't notice any difference because the ES evened things up? Just speculating, IDK.

I found a 2018 ES at a great price only 2 hours drive away, but the model number is XTZ12EJCL? I suppose it could be a typo, but doesn't a "C" in the model number mean its a California model?
 

bmac

Active Member
Joined
Mar 17, 2012
Messages
284
Location
Florida, Wisconsin
I was in the same boat last year.

I have had both and the ability to test them on the extremely substandard roads in Wisconsin. After I sold my 2014 ES and decided to again look for another S10. The best deal I found happened to be a non ES. The one thing I didn't want to give up was heated grips so I added those. After riding it for 8000 miles I found it to be quite good. I had zero complaints from a suspension standpoint.

My recommendation for a rider that mostly rides alone is that either one is fine and will do the job fine. I would have a slight preference to save the money and buy a non ES. If someone frequently rides with a passenger the ES is the better choice.

One caveat: resale is generally better on an ES and it will be easier to sell (if that matters). Most S10 buyers gravitate to the ES version.
 

AVGeek

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Founding Member
2014 Site Supporter
Joined
Sep 5, 2010
Messages
2,780
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Boulder City, NV 89005
One other thing to note, most of the Ten 2 bikes for sale here on the forum seem to be of the non-ES variety, with the ES coming up very rarely. To me, that means those who buy the ES model tend to hang on to them longer...
 

BadNews

"Not properly socialized"
Joined
May 13, 2012
Messages
486
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Central Ohio, USA
>Never mind, decided to get this done, made offer on local new 2017 non ES with trade, deal goes down tomorrow.<
I'm going to have to sell my FZ-09. No dealers want to give me anything on trade right now. I listed it on cycletrader if you know anyone looking. I'd rather see someone get a great deal than take a bath on trade.
 
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