S10 ES Fork Preload - Does it exist?

[HuntWhenever]

Getting the suspension set up on my new Super Tenere. Is there a way to adjust the fork spring preload? It looks like the fork caps have a nut-type thing around where the damping connectors are...do these turn? I figured I would ask before I just go torquing on things.

 

[Nikolajsen]

I don't have an ES model.
But I am pretty sure that they turn.
It does have preload for sure, and I am 99% sure that all is electric adjusted on an ES model.

 

[HuntWhenever]

I don't have an ES model.
But I am pretty sure that they turn.
It does have preload for sure, and I am 99% sure that all is electric adjusted on an ES model.

The ES model does not adjust the fork preload...it does the rear shock preload, rear shock rebound , fork compression , and fork rebound (basically, everything but the fork preload). It's no problem that it doesn't adjust the front preload, because in my experiences you don't have to adjust it once you get it dialed in to your liking. I never adjusted the fork preload on my previous bike when I switched between 1-up and 2-up riding, I just got it tuned in nicely for 1-up riding (which I do 90% of the time).

 

[Squibb]

That's right. The front end of the ES has compression damping on the left fork, rebound to the right, the wiring for which appears from the fork tops. But, no preload adjustment, so don't play with anything up front.

The adjustment available is described fully in the Owner's Manual, 3-37 to 3-41 in mine (2014).

Clearly spring rates are aimed at Mr. Average plus passenger - the max load being 205Kg. I would have expected you to be able to find a suitable setting within the ranges described, but I know some riders hanker after a stiffer set up & talk of re-springing front & rear, but I can't recall seeing much feedback.

Perhaps it would help if we knew more about what you want from the front end?

Meantime, ride safe .......................... KEN

 

[HuntWhenever]

...

Perhaps it would help if we knew more about what you want from the front end?

Just looking for a little more sag on the front end. It would be nice to reduce the preload just a bit. The spring rate feels good, so I'd prefer to keep the same springs.

I wonder if there is a preload spacer in there I can trim down a bit? :-\

 

[Nikolajsen]

The ES model does not adjust the fork preload...

UPS...sorry for misinform...Now I also know it correct

 

[Squibb]

Here is the parts diagram for your front forks & everything else come to that if you navigate around. The parts prices are eyewatering, so take care if you decide to modify anything.

https://www.motorcyclespareparts.eu/yamaha-parts/motorcycles/xt1200ze-2015/front-fork-735424.aspx

I'm not sure this really helps unfortunately & I am wondering, having changed the rear spring, whether you might be creating your own problem here.
The ES/ZE bikes are sprung a tad lighter than the standard Z model but, given the 'on the fly' adjustments the package, they seem to work pretty well out of the box, just as long as you are within that 205Kg/450lb max loading. If you need firmer than one helmet solo, just stop & add luggage or even 2 helmets & you will change the ride dramatically.

Personally, I am around 200lbs clad - I run with the standard preload settings & a Std or slightly soft damping set up, largely due to our poor roads here in the UK. The bike rides/tracks/handles a treat. Get on a fast smooth stretch & it's so easy just to firm up the damping if needed. Still I guess set-up is always a very 'personal' thing.

Maybe someone with experience of changing the front springs can assist. Several have changed the rear, as you know, but like I said earlier I can't recall any feedback about the front end.

Here's hoping you can find a solution ......................... KEN

 

[Davesax36]

I know at one point Racetech was looking for a front end they could borrow for about 3 weeks to work up options. Maybe this winter someone will send them a set to fiddle with. They got it done for the rear already, I think. Revalved and sprung with good success.

 

[HuntWhenever]

Before I swapped out the rear spring, I had way too much sag on the rear end. I was riding solo on Two Helmet setting. There was too much rear sag when riding with my wife even with the highest preload setting. But on the front, it has always felt like too little sag...even before I swapped the rear spring. In fact, it was worse with the old spring because the rear would sag a lot, but the front would only sag a little. Front and rear sag are more comparable now with the heavier spring on the rear, but I'd like to get a bit more sag on the front.

Maybe new springs are my only option.

 

[Squibb]

But am I right in thinking you are around 210 lb clad for riding? How heavy is your regular pillion & luggage? I assume you are within that fully laden weight range.

I am beginning to wonder whether your ES has got out of sync somehow, maybe it has been forceably adjusted with a full load on the bike, as the standard preload settings should work perfectly. Seems strange otherwise, as the bike is reg 2017 you say, so mileage must relatively low - the 2 helmets setting just shouldn't have been necessary solo in normal riding conditions. The Manual mentions various situations where the preload may not set correctly, but most involve the dash pictogram flashing a warning & discusses a reset procedure should the system overheat - I wonder whether you may have experienced any of these scenarios?

It might be worth getting your dealer to check out the ES system under warranty & make sure the stepper motor is winding up the rear preload correctly through it's full range of movement.

Ride safe ...................... KEN

 

[HuntWhenever]

The bike is only a couple weeks old. I bought it new. The stepper motor is adjusting the preload correctly...looks like about 15mm or so change between One Helmet preload and Two Helmet + Luggage preload. Never had any issue with any of the suspension faults. Stock spring was just a little light is all. I have swapped rear spings on other bikes for the same reason. Right now the rear preload is spot on where it needs to be. I am about 210Lb geared up and probably have about 20Lb of luggage.

I'll likely leave it the way it is instead of swapping springs for ones that are just slightly lower spring rate.