Happy to have found this forum! Base or ES? Still deciding... :'(

[CopperOwl]

Greetings, everyone! I'm very happy to come across this forum! Thank you for letting me be a part of it.
I know my next bike will be a Supa10 but I haven't decided between the Base and ES model. Here, in Vancouver, BC, I have a choice between a leftover, still new 2015 base model for $14500 or a brand new 2017 ES for $18000. I ride mostly on road now but with this bike but in the future that might change. Basically I don't want to regret my decision of going with the base model in the future. Are there any Non-ES owners reading this that did regret no paying up for the ES?

 

[barkingllizard]

I would go with the ES, although the price difference you suggest seems a little dramatic, CopperOwl, with a simple hello.....

 

[groundhog]

I have a 2013 which I love and it's obviously not ES. I.m sure ES is good but I can't see that it's essential as the bike is great anyway, including the Gen 1

 

[Sierra1]

I have a Cobalt Blue '17 ES. I too debated with myself whether to upgrade or not. My decision was made easier due to prior experience with my FJR ES. Being able to adjust the suspension without even getting off of the bike is worth it. Sometimes I ride solo; sometimes I ride two-up. Being able to adjust the dampening/rebound on the move, depending on road surface also makes it worth it....to me. Is 18k what the dealer is asking?! M.S.R.P. is only $16,199. I was able to get my ES for $15k even. If the bike has a bunch of "extras", tell the dealer you don't want them. Even if you do, you can likely find the "extras" cheaper elsewhere, and not pay for the labor to mount them. Good luck!

 

[snakebitten]

This decision can create a very lengthy thread!

I'm sure my thoughts won't end the debate, but I'll make 2 points.

1. To even be concerned about whether to get the ES, and thus paying MORE $'s, suggest you actually are concerned with adjusting your suspension settings. If true, that already puts you into a statistical minority because the vast majority of motorcycles in this world are running down the road with factory settings. And they stay that way for the life of the bike.
2. If you really are someone who commonly addresses the suspension of almost every bike you ever purchase, you will not be satisfied with the OEM non-ES suspension.

So, I really didn't give you advice on which bike you should get. But if you kind of mull over those 2 points, it might help you be realistic about any regrets you might have.

By the way, if just having a really good handling bike is most important, the price difference you quoted is far more than $budget needed to address point #2.

 

[Davesax36]

How much do you weigh?

 

[hobdayd]

I decided on ES.

The price difference was £700 ish...I was thinking about resale ease if I decided to later sell.

However, I did not think I would use the different settings anywhere near as much as I do...

If I am in slow cruising bumpy back road mood then soften everything up at the press of a button.

Nice flowing well surfaced roads at speed...harden everything up. It's that easy.

Add a pillion or luggage...again, just press that button.

It makes this bike so flexible.

 

[colorider]

IMHO, just get one of the two and go enjoy!


Also, welcome to the forum!!!


And I've had both ES and non-ES and was totally happy with each!!!!

 

[worncog]

I have a standard and I'm happy with it. I always modify every bike I own to tune the suspension to my riding style and demands that I put upon the machine.

The S10 from the factory is soft in the rear and stiff in the front with valving and porting that, well, works okay for most. The S10 can be modified to perform much better than stock for a reasonable cost if you are willing to do some work. From what I understand, the ES can also be improved upon in the same manner.

I have not owned an ES so I cannot compare the two. But I tend to lean towards simpler and less complex systems for travel. Hence, my preference.

HTH,

Randy

P.S. Welcome to the forum CopperOwl!

 

[Checkswrecks]

Search and you'll find a number of threads about the decision. I intentionally bought a non-ES and stick with it being the right decision for me.

 

[Juan]

Greetings from Malta and welcome to the forum CopperOwl. Only one out of 10 posts greeted CopperOwl - the others got entangled into the suspension arguments ::025::

I won't go into the merit of commenting on ES/non-ES - Snakebitten said it all and to the point ::026::

 

[CopperOwl]

Thank you so much everyone for your opinion and advice. I really appreciate all your input!

Someone asked me about my weight. With all the gear on, I'm probably around 220-230 pounds.

 

[yoyo]

Welcome! One point to consider but it might be different in Canada to the UK. The ES model here comes with pillion handles, centre stand and heated grips, if you add these to a non ES bike the price difference gets much closer.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

 

[Gobear]

Go with the ES..

Take the difference and divide it by how many years your going to enjoy this bike... A really small investment

Cheers

Gobear

 

[greenwall]

I went with the base. I'm sure the ES would have been nice to have at times, but the relative simplicity of the Tenere is one of the reasons I bought one. The extra complication and plumbing just didn't appeal to me. Plus I prefer after market heated grips.

 

[snakebitten]

Like I said, can lead to a lengthy thread. But always a good one.

I still defer to my 2 points of consideration. Pondering is a good thing.
Fortunately, it leads to a Super Tenere regardless!

 

[SouthmtJim]

Welcome Copper Owl, you will find this to be a most informative forum. Whatever decision you make you will quickly realize how great a bike the Tenere is. Enjoy and ride safe.