ES suspension question

[Judd]

Thinking about getting a new bike. Was between the 1190 Adv and the Tenere but I think as of today I've settled on the Tenere. So, next question is, standard or ES version? I'm not too sure I'm wanting the ES suspension. I keep my bikes for a long time and I could see those DC and Stepper motors giving issues in ten years. I really want heated grips and I know I can order them and install basically plug and play,,,, will even integrate with the OEM switch gear. But, how much are they? If I remember right, there is roughly a 1K$ difference between the bikes. If the grips costs like 400$ to buy and install, I would almost be willing to spring for the ES stuff,,,,,,,,,,,,, if the stuff is durable and I won't be having all manner of problems after warranty is kaput. If it do go kaput, what does it default too? The last setting you had it on or the factory setting? Is there a way to manually change the damping or preload in the even of a "kaput"?

BTW, what else if anything does one get other than grips and electronic suspension when one gets an ES optioned bike?

 

[macca]

If I was in the market for a new S10 I'd be thinking along the same lines, I see only grief and suffering in long term ownership of electro adjustable suspension units once outside of warranty.
I suspect that as the es suspension just uses electric motors to adjust mechanical suspension units, if something in the electrical side goes south it will stop at what ever the adjuster was last set at, some dismantling would appear to be needed to set the adjusters after such an event ... I'd rather have manual adjustment and spend on funky replacements upgrades as and when needed, I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of times I've fiddled with my S10 suspension in 10k miles and most of those fiddles have been rear preload tweaks (easy to do) , the actual damper adjusters were tweaked when I got it to check what they were at and what they did and then left.
As to the grips I laughed out loud at Yamaha's heated grip pricing and realised I could buy many sets of Oxford Adventure heated grips instead .

 

[tkad]

just food for thought.
eventually this stuff will be as reliable as fuel injection. I am not convinced we are there yet, either. on the other hand, from most accounts, well sorted aftermarket (quality) suspension seems to always out perform eas. so...pick up a nicely farkled used or non current and do the mods.

 

[ec90t]

Outside of the suspension difference and the heated grips, the ES comes with Cruise Control! That would be enough for me to buy the ES over the standard if I were buying a new 2014.

The factory heated grips are $325 retail for the 2014 since you don't have to buy the controller.

 

[RED CAT]

The Standard also has Cruise Control. Oxford Heated Grips are $80. and an easy install. Had ESA on my GS1200 and blew the rear shock. They wanted $3600. for a new BMW one. I usually find I don't change the suspension setting much once I find the sweet spot so ES is no biggie. The 2014 bike has many refinements over the 2013, so definitely worthwhile springing for the newer bike, especially for the long run.

 

[Travex]

From the perspective of a new ES owner I can tell you that the suspension operates perfectly and seamlessly. My adjustment of the S10's (2012) suspension was like others have mentioned here... Didn't mess with often and if I did, it was only to adjust preload per loadout. With the ES I'm now past the novelty period and find myself routinely tweaking it to adapt to varied surfaces. Just like a throttle really; if you've got it you're going to use it. Is it essential? Not by any means. Is it convenient and simple? Absolutely.
For me it was a matter of convenience and wanting to enjoy the evolution of the bloodline and I don't regret a cent of it. The heated grips are just icing which I'd have put on anyway as with the '12.

Where some have a valid concern over the reliability of the components in the ES system, I can only respond with that seeming reminiscent to me of dishwashers, microwaves, cruise control and fuel injection. Even if the technology isn't mature enough, I'm still willing to assume that risk for the convenience and utility of it. Personally, I think the control mechanisms for this purpose are probably quite sound as none of them are new technologies, just new to the ES.

If you've already decided on a Super Tenere, you're not going to go wrong either way. Good luck in your deliberations!

 

[Big Blu]

From the perspective of a new ES owner I can tell you that the suspension operates perfectly and seamlessly. My adjustment of the S10's (2012) suspension was like others have mentioned here... Didn't mess with often and if I did, it was only to adjust preload per loadout. With the ES I'm now past the novelty period and find myself routinely tweaking it to adapt to varied surfaces. Just like a throttle really; if you've got it you're going to use it. Is it essential? Not by any means. Is it convenient and simple? Absolutely.
For me it was a matter of convenience and wanting to enjoy the evolution of the bloodline and I don't regret a cent of it. The heated grips are just icing which I'd have put on anyway as with the '12.

Where some have a valid concern over the reliability of the components in the ES system, I can only respond with that seeming reminiscent to me of dishwashers, microwaves, cruise control and fuel injection. Even if the technology isn't mature enough, I'm still willing to assume that risk for the convenience and utility of it. Personally, I think the control mechanisms for this purpose are probably quite sound as none of them are new technologies, just new to the ES.

If you've already decided on a Super Tenere, you're not going to go wrong either way. Good luck in your deliberations!

Nicely said!

When I go to a '14 it will be with ES and the YES program and not have a worry in the world....

Paul

 

[Travex]

Nicely said!

When I go to a '14 it will be with ES and the YES program and not have a worry in the world....

Paul

Thanks, but even nicer put is your mention of YES (which I went with). No worries.

 

[markjenn]

If you generally keep the stock suspension on a motorcycle, I'd spring for the ES. I doubt there will be any undue reliability issues with the electronic suspension (it's not like the rest of the bike doesn't have complex electronic systems) and everybody who uses it finds it useful.. Given the incremental cost over Yamaha's overpriced heated grip kit, you're getting the better suspension for very little. I'd liken it to the electric windscreen on touring bikes like the FJR - something that initially seems frilly, but anybody who has it finds it very useful and wouldn't want to be without it after a while.

OTOH, if you're a rider who routinely feels the need to upgrade the suspension with Ohlins or Penskes, then I'd buy the base model.

- Mark

 

[XtreemLee]

just food for thought. ...well sorted aftermarket (quality) suspension seems to always out perform eas. so...pick up a nicely farkled used or non current and do the mods.

I don't quite agree. Today I started my ride slabbing it to twisty road. Level 2 preload standard damping. once I got to the twisties level 3 preload Firm Damping. The took a left into a wet sometimes soft and rutted dirt road Level 1 preload Soft damping.
do that with a well sorted suspicion...

 

[Travex]

If you generally keep the stock suspension on a motorcycle, I'd spring for the ES. I doubt there will be any undue reliability issues with the electronic suspension (it's not like the rest of the bike doesn't have complex electronic systems) and everybody who uses it finds it useful.. Given the incremental cost over Yamaha's overpriced heated grip kit, you're getting the better suspension for very little. I'd liken it to the electric windscreen on touring bikes like the FJR - something that initially seems frilly, but anybody who has it finds it very useful and wouldn't want to be without it after a while.

OTOH, if you're a rider who routinely feels the need to upgrade the suspension with Ohlins or Penskes, then I'd buy the base model.

- Mark

I like your post markjenn. In particular your point; "it's not like the rest of the bike doesn't have complex electronic systems". Almost makes the suspension seem the least of them, which it probably is.

 

[rem]

Welcome on, Georgia Judd ….. If you haven't already, just go to the Yamaha website and it will list all the new and neat stuff on the ES model. Cruise control is a biggie. I think it's worth the extra money, IF you want the extras. When you get the chance, please post under Member Intros so we all get the chance to welcome you. ::004:: to the Forum. R ::022::

 

[ec90t]

The Standard also has Cruise Control. Oxford Heated Grips are $80. and an easy install. Had ESA on my GS1200 and blew the rear shock. They wanted $3600. for a new BMW one. I usually find I don't change the suspension setting much once I find the sweet spot so ES is no biggie. The 2014 bike has many refinements over the 2013, so definitely worthwhile springing for the newer bike, especially for the long run.

Here in the States, the standard doesn't come with CC.


New for 2014:





•For 2014,the 1199cc twin features a new cylinder head design, new piston, and new exhaust for a modest increase in horsepower and torque that makes for an even more exciting engine character with more pulling power. The adjustments also result in stronger and smoother acceleration.
•Drive Mode has been recalibrated to provide more noticeable difference between the T setting and the S setting.
•The windscreen has been redesigned to provide superior wind protection with less wind noise, and the height can be adjusted quickly and easily without tools.
•The handlebar position has been moved 10mm closer to the rider, enhancing comfort.
•A new easy-to-read meter displays information in a very clear format; mode selection is simple to operate.
•The turn signals are now LED, adding to the overall visual appeal of the motorcycle
•A new accessory/navigation mounting bar has been added above the meter for rider convenience.


2014 ES


New for 2014:





•For 2014, the 1199cc twin features a new cylinder head design, new piston, and new exhaust for a modest increase in horsepower and torque that makes for an even more exciting engine character with more pulling power. The adjustments also result in stronger and smoother acceleration.
•New electronically adjusted suspension makes finding the right setting as easy as pushing a button. With four pre-lead settings, three damping adjustments, and an additional seven damping fine-tuning adjustments, the Super Ténéré ES suspension can be dialed perfectly to meet the needs of the rider, passenger and the amount of cargo and terrain.
•Drive Mode has been recalibrated to provide more noticeable difference between the T setting and the S setting.
•The windscreen has been redesigned to provide superior wind protection with less wind noise, and the height can be adjusted quickly and easily without tools.
•The handlebar position has been moved 10mm closer to the rider, enhancing comfort.
•Cruise control adjusts speed via a single push to the switch or, for larger adjustments, by continuously pushing the switch. Application of the brakes, clutch or throttle automatically releases the cruise control function. There is also a resume function that returns the cruise control to the most recent setting.
•Heated grips with 3 settings dramatically improve rider comfort in cold weather.
•A new easy-to-read meter displays information in a very clear format; mode selection is simple to operate.
•The turn signals are now LED, adding to the overall visual appeal of the motorcycle.
•Cool, textured seat looks great.
•A new accessory/navigation mounting bar has been added above the meter for rider convenience.


All above info obtained from www.yamaha-motor.com

 

[TommyBwell]

Here in the States, the standard doesn't come with CC.

I believe you are incorrect. The US standard does have CC.

 

[clint64]

I believe you are incorrect. The US standard does have CC.

Your are correct. The standard does not come with the heated grips.

 

[jbird]

I have bought a 2014 standard and the cruise control works quite well.

 

[ec90t]

I guess Yamaha should update and correct their site. I work in a Yamaha shop and rely on their info to be correct so I can give the right answers to my customers. Since we haven't received our 2014's yet, I had no way of verifying whether or not the given info was correct. I guess I know now ::010::

 

[markjenn]

I guess Yamaha should update and correct their site.

Yamaha's site is inconsistent - it mentions CC in the non-ES home page, but doesn't list it in the non-ES features page:

http://www.yamahamotorsports.com/sport/products/modelhome/651/0/home.aspx
http://www.yamahamotorsports.com/sport/products/modelfeatures/651/0/features.aspx

In any event, as others have said, it does have it.

- Mark