Questions from heavy rider trying to decide ES or Standard model?

[Tupperware]

Like the title says, I'm trying to get information that will help me choose between the 2014 Standard and ES models.
I can add integrated factory heated grips, exactly like those that come on the ES, for $300. So, that leaves me to wonder if the ES suspension is worth an $800 premium to a 280# rider and if it will even be adequate for my weight plus the occasional small payload. Rarely, if ever, will there be a passenger. How can the motorcycle be rated for a payload over 450 pounds, yet be too soft for a rider and gear under 300?
I could put the $800 towards upgrading the suspension for my particular weight and riding style (I ride like a tired old grandmother) if it becomes necessary. Intended use is primarily street and some very light gravel use. Probably NO fire roads or trails-I have a better bike for that sort of use.
The problem is I LIKE GADGETS and the ES suspension suits my nerdy side. I like the idea of changing preload, if necessary, without tools and it would be fun to be able to change damping on the fly. It would NOT be fun to learn that the ES suspension will not work for my weight and cannot easily be made to suit my needs due to it's more complicated nature.
A test ride on the Std model revealed no issues, at least initially. I do not push the limits of my motorcycles on the street, if that factors into the decision.

 

[bigbob]

I am about 270 and did a cold weekend ride so full leathers and 3 days worth of clothes. Probably 350 total with me, clothes and gear. Set my 2014 ES PreLoad to rider and gear and had absolutely no problems on the highway. Was nice when I hit a rough stretch to set the suspension to soft and then later back to Standard. Have not yet used the hard or is it stiff setting.

So if you are not running motocross hills getting big (or any) air, I think the ES will be totally fine.

 

[Tupperware]

Thanks for the reply Big Bob.
I got some pm's and even an email from somebody who knows me from another board. Opinions were unanimous.
I should get to pick up my ES on Friday!

 

[barkingllizard]

I should get to pick up my ES on Friday

Good choice, IMO, its the while traveling flexibility of the system which makes sense... that and cruise control.....

 

[Propsoto]

Im not an expensive suspension connoisseur either. I'm 275#, ES with side cases full of crap. I normally ride in the rider + luggage, hard +3 setting. If I'm feeling sporty, 2Up +3 hard, if the wife is along its 2up + luggage soft..

I really didn't think the ES would be worth the extra $'s. But after a season of riding, I'm happy with it. A 2013 would have saved a lot of $'s. But for me the cruise control + heated grips + ES suspension was worth it.

 

[decooney]

... But for me the cruise control + heated grips + ES suspension was worth it.

Exactly . Starting out, I never thought I'd really use these options until I took a few longer trips.

Now I use them all the time. Worth every penny. $

 

[becoyote]

As a former very heavy rider I say non-es.

Use the money to buy a properly set up ohlins/penski whatever and get the appropriate fork springs to go with it.

After 40-50 thousand miles the ohlins can be rebuilt good as new for $150. What will a new e's shock cost? Can it be rebuilt?

Adding pre - load is a band aid and not as good as having the correct spring.

ES is also one more thing to break.

You can also add good heated grips for less than $100.

 

[RED CAT]

I believe the Standard and the ES both come with Cruise Control. A word about the Stock Heated Grips on the ES. They are light years better than the Oxfords I had on my old S10. They are 3 Position and those 3 Positions can be adjusted from 1-10 on each setting and they do provide serious heat, unlike the Stock Heated Grips I tried on my buddy's Triumph 800XC. Crap. Didn't really want the ES model originally but since I had no choice, I'm glad I ended up with the ES. Simply an awesome bike.

 

[Tupperware]

I believe the Standard and the ES both come with Cruise Control. A word about the Stock Heated Grips on the ES. They are light years better than the Oxfords I had on my old S10. They are 3 Position and those 3 Positions can be adjusted from 1-10 on each setting and they do provide serious heat, unlike the Stock Heated Grips I tried on my buddy's Triumph 800XC. Crap. Didn't really want the ES model originally but since I had no choice, I'm glad I ended up with the ES. Simply an awesome bike.

You are right, both models come with cruise control AND the factory heated grips ROCK!

 

[Tupperware]

As a former very heavy rider I say non-es.

Use the money to buy a properly set up ohlins/penski whatever and get the appropriate fork springs to go with it.

After 40-50 thousand miles the ohlins can be rebuilt good as new for $150. What will a new e's shock cost? Can it be rebuilt?

Adding pre - load is a band aid and not as good as having the correct spring.

ES is also one more thing to break.

You can also add good heated grips for less than $100.

Time will tell if the decision to go ES was a good one regarding suspension compatibility with my oversize a$$. So far, it feels stitched to the road for my riding style on one helmet plus luggage or two helmets and std to firm damping. I am not an aggressive rider. Before I pulled the trigger, I determined that the ES suspension COULD be resprung, and revalved, if necessary. Sure, it will cost more than doing a standard bike, but it's only money
As far as it being one more thing to break, that's true. But, if I was concerned about breaking expensive gadgets, I would have purchased a simpler machine or just kept my KLR for my primary ride.

 

[AVGeek]

Time will tell if the decision to go ES was a good one regarding suspension compatibility with my oversize a$$. So far, it feels stitched to the road for my riding style on one helmet plus luggage or two helmets and std to firm damping. I am not an aggressive rider. Before I pulled the trigger, I determined that the ES suspension COULD be resprung, and revalved, if necessary. Sure, it will cost more than doing a standard bike, but it's only money
As far as it being one more thing to break, that's true. But, if I was concerned about breaking expensive gadgets, I would have purchased a simpler machine or just kept my KLR for my primary ride.

If you do decide to rework the suspension, please be sure to document it here!

 

[cosmic]

800$ are peanuts surplus for the gadgets you get with the ES. I wouldn't think twice.

 

[klunsford]

As I am on the heavier side of the rider groups (270), I have owned a 2012 and now a 2014. I am really enjoying the ES for its electronic adjustments and the other items that go along with the ES. I think you would really like the additions that the ES gives you for some little of a price difference. In the future, I may respring mine, but for now, solo, two up and luggage are riding just fine. Take the plunge is my advice and enjoy the spoils that the ES gives you.

 

[Tupperware]

Take the plunge is my advice and enjoy the spoils that the ES gives you.

I did, and I am! Picked up an ES and mostly ride in the two helmet setting with damping set to the "soft" side of firm (-3).

 

[Maxified]

Thanks all to those who responded. Good info for this fat boy. Where to get that $ to upgrade.......