How much more desirable is the ES, or help me to decide.

[SuperTenSteve]

So, I am shopping hard for a Super Ten and can't decide if the ES is worth the money to me or not. How much will I actually use the ES and or heated grips?

 

[Dogdaze]

I'm kind of in the same boat, I have the older '12 model. I do like the idea of the cruise and better fueling. ES seems nice, and I'm sure it's like most, you wonder " how did I ever do without it?"........
It would be good to see what others think.

 

[SuperTenSteve]

Also, I think I read that the ES actually has different suspension in addition to be electrically adjustable, can anyone confirm?

 

[jimyamaha]

Having just got the XT1200ZE i'll chuck my opinion in .....
.... i have always set up my suspension to get the best out of a bike. With the ZE Yamaha have taken the option of sdjusting the front and rear independantly away from me. I still don't like that fact BUT so far i can't complain about Yamahas settings. Being picky i would like more preload on the front as well as a little more compression and a dash of extra rebound but i have to remind myself i am not on an R1 anymore.
If you want that fredom then save the money and get standard.
Adjusting the damping on the move is great if you change road type (bad B Road to Motorway etc) and makes a difference.
And the heated grips are worth their weight in gold as far as i am concerned !

 

[MIKE R]

Although I have ridden bikes for almost 45 years, suspension is a 'black art' to me.

At first I was not happy with the suspension on my first 2011 bike, then I asked for help on here. Settings were posted and it really transformed the bike.

I kept the same settings on my 2013 Worldcrosser.

Anyway I was knocked off that last October (details elsewhere on this forum) and although it was fully repaired I never felt happy again with it so I traded for a ZE model (but had all the Worldcrosser accessories transferred to the new ZE)

Personally I find the suspension better on the ZE. Maybe it sets the sag etc just right, I don't know. Now I've studied it , it is very easy and logical to use. Possibly a person with suspension experience could set up the bike better, but then couldn't change it on the move, or so easily change for luggage etc.

I'm very pleased I went for the electronic suspension, and the set up is far better, with far more adjustment, than it was on my BMW 1200GS (Twin Cam)

Mike

 

[satdishes]

I use the heated grips daily, the suspension settings I change throughout the day on weekends when riding with friends. At first I was against spending the extra money because I can be cheap at times. I can say that in 3 months of ownership and 3400 miles I would spend the money again

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[klunsford]

I have a 14 ES and actually use the cruise almost every time that I ride. I also use the adjustable suspension at lot more than I thought I would. Definately well worth the money that I probably paid. Got a great deal though.

 

[Juan Valderrama]

I would get the Z and the upgrade the suspension. The ZE's suspension is not better than the Z's, it's only electromechanical.

Of this makes sense, you may what to search for STOLTEC and TRAXXION DINAMICS.

 

[RIDEMYST]

I have the 2015 Tenere ES. I like the bike and all I can say is the ES works great.
I am NOT a "Princess and the Pea" type of rider, so little things don't please me nor do they bother me but the ES is nice!
I live in South Florida, so as to the heated grips....well, I have no experienced comments. -JEP-

 

[bigbob]

Cruise is standard on both in 2014-5 so that is a wash. Heated grips are only on the ES. Hopefully I will stop using grip heat in the next week or so.

Being a Big guy, I have my cruiser preload set about at max. That takes care of me or me and gear. Not enough for me, wife, and gear, but it is what it is and will never be changed since it is a pain.

On my 2014 ES if I am gearing up or just got home removing gear I change it. Running down the road and I am set to0 tight I can change it softer on the fly. If it feels mushy, I can harden it up.

Going to Romney to learn how to do things off road. It will be nice that whatever I learn I need to do, it is just stop, press a button, and set it up however it needs to be.

 

[LJM]

I think the cost difference is about 1k. And I'm my case money wasn't an issue and I read so positive posts about the ES I went for it and glad I did. The heated grips are an option I would have added on because I really like them. After a not so great experience with ES on another bike I swore they aren't worth the money. But the Yamaha has changed my mind about ES and I'm the type of guy who messes with suspension from re-builds to full replacement of what I think is sub par.

 

[fredz43]

Also, I think I read that the ES actually has different suspension in addition to be electrically adjustable, can anyone confirm?

You are correct.

 

[mrpete64]

I have an ES. Love the cruise...factory heated grips...and being able to adjust the suspension when the road gets choppy like on an interstate. If you are REALLY going to do serious off road riding then you wii have to spend several grand, at a suspension shop, and get the bike adjusted to your weight, etc.
For most Tenere riders I would think the ES package will work fine.

Mr. Pete
Aging Hippie

 

[FrontRangeRider]

I use the ES every time I ride off road and I do that frequently. I hardly ever use it when on the pavement.

I use the heated grips three seasons a year since they let me wear lighter gloves.