ES vs. Non-ES question

[ADKsuper10]

Apolgize if this has been asked before but I searched and didn't come up with much.

I weigh (ahem) roughly 226lbs and have my 2015 non-ES S10 rear shock preload set to "Hard" to get my race sag correct when I am on it.
So by all accouns the bike is undersprung forr bigger guys plus a passenger & luggage (or just a bigger rider only even).

My question is this: If the 2015 non-ES max load is 460lbs and the ES version ihas a max load of 450lbs, wouldn't the bike be just as undersprung had I bought the ES model?

 

[hogmolly]

Apolgize if this has been asked before but I searched and didn't come up with much.

I weigh (ahem) roughly 226lbs and have my 2015 non-ES S10 rear shock preload set to "Hard" to get my race sag correct when I am on it.
So by all accouns the bike is undersprung forr bigger guys plus a passenger & luggage (or just a bigger rider only even).

My question is this: If the 2015 non-ES max load is 460lbs and the ES version ihas a max load of 450lbs, wouldn't the bike be just as undersprung had I bought the ES model?

The big assumption being made is the rear spring determines the max payload. It could be the rear subframe, tires, wheels, .......

I agree with you that a non-ES bike is undersprung for bigger riders and it is really noticeable when you add luggage. I have 1000lb spring on mine which is 30% than it came with. I weigh 240 and have jesse luggage. I find the 1000lb spring is just right. I don't know about the ES model but I would guess it is also undersprung like most Japanese bikes.

 

[Fpalbrecht]

Isn't the ES version 10 lbs heavier?

 

[Sierra1]

Unless I read the manual wrong, doesn't "hard" refer to rebound/dampening? Preload is set with one helmet, two helmet, and luggage. I'm 310ish pounds and I use two helmets (riders) as preload. I then use soft/0 for rebound dampening. When the wife is with me, I set the preload to two riders with luggage; rebound/dampening depends on road surface/conditions. At 226lbs I would use one helmet preload and adjust the other settings for road surface/condition. 450lb max load is substantial in my opinion, that's two 200lb riders and 50lbs of "stuff". Plenty of other Tenere riders have changed out the OE spring for one that carries a heavier load. I can't remember who, but somebody on this forum has a chart that answers the "which spring" question. But....suspension settings are SO subjective....experiment with the settings, and find out what YOU like.

 

[worncog]

The stock configuration is undersprung. My 14 std has a reworked stock shock with revalving and a 900lb spring. The stock std shock spring is 755lb spring IIRC. I weigh 175 and have zero preload with empty panniers and ranges thru to full preload with a touring/adventure load.

Suspension settings vary with load carried and the type of riding performed.

 

[Tenman]

The stock configuration is undersprung. My 14 std has a reworked stock shock with revalving and a 900lb spring. The stock std shock spring is 755lb spring IIRC. I weigh 175 and have zero preload with empty panniers and ranges thru to full preload with a touring/adventure load.

Suspension settings vary with load carried and the type of riding performed.

Who rebuilt your oem shock?

 

[worncog]

Norwest Suspension did mine. From what I understand, he is not doing these any longer, but I don't know that for a fact.

 

[Sierra1]

Maybe my ass isn't as calibrated or precision enough. My wife and I hit the "max load". There has been only one time that I hit a bump/dip, that the suspension felt unstable. I changed the setting to HARD, +3, on the fly. Hit the next bump/dip....problem fixed. Solo, I'm 300lb. I set the preload to two helmets, soft, 0. This setting works for ME, whether I'm zippin' through curves, or droning down crappy roads. My two cents.