What are differences between the 2014 base and ES?

[munsterlander]

I am toying with the idea of moving from my VStrom to a 2014 Super Tenere.
I am trying to figure out all the specific differences between the base model and ES.
So far, this is what I think the ES has that the base does not have: electronic suspension controls, heated grips, maybe a different seat cover. Other than a different price tag and no color choice, do I have the differences correct? Area there other differences? Is the seat really different?
Thanks for the input!

 

[Brick]

There is a standard Tenere and the ES. I just picked up my ES Friday. No difference in the seat. New adjustable wind screen with accessory bar. All new electronics incl dash that does many many more things and is controled from the left grip. New handlebars up and back 10mm each way. New mirrors, heated grips, electronic cruise control, a new side stand, a panel under the headlight, emergency flashers, flash to pass, both left and right switch pods are changed a lot. 2 more HP, minor remap of ECU. I'll know more as I only have 59.2 miles on it so far. Go out for a ride today!
Yippie!
Oh yea, my 2012 Super Tenere, black with just over 64,000 miles is now up for sale.


Brick

 

[Mellow]

I am toying with the idea of moving from my VStrom to a 2014 Super Tenere.
I am trying to figure out all the specific differences between the base model and ES.
So far, this is what I think the ES has that the base does not have: electronic suspension controls, heated grips, maybe a different seat cover. Other than a different price tag and no color choice, do I have the differences correct? Area there other differences? Is the seat really different?
Thanks for the input!

Yup, you got it.. as stated in some other threads, due to the ES mechanics, some side luggage racks may not fit. I was going to go with the ES originally but already had some side racks on order and wanted the Blue anyway so it saved me a little $$ and I'm no suspension expert, I typically set it in the medium to high range and then just adj the rear damping based on luggage then never touch it so less for me to worry about. As for the improvements over the 2012, the seat does feel a little denser. I did 200 miles after picking mine up yesterday and while I was starting to feel it a little on the previous stock seat I was not happy after 100. I'm going to give it a few trips before I decide I need to shell out for something better.

 

[ec90t]

In a nutshell, The ES has the electrically adjustable suspension and heated grips. The standard has manual suspension adjusters and heated grips are an option. Both have cruise control.

 

[avc8130]

9 pounds
$1100

 

[munsterlander]

In a nutshell, The ES has the electrically adjustable suspension and heated grips. The standard has manual suspension adjusters and heated grips are an option. Both have cruise control.

Thanks, guys.
Anyone know the cost of adding the heated grip option?

 

[Dallara]

Thanks, guys.
Anyone know the cost of adding the heated grip option?

Have you tried looking at Yamaha's web site?

https://www.yamahapartsandaccessories.com/product/details/grip-heaters?b=Street+Motorcycle&d=28&f=2014|65

Dallara



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[tomatocity]

9 pounds
$1100

$1100 is cheap for all the accessories and improvements you get with the ES

 

[cosmic]

$1100 is cheap for all the accessories and improvements you get with the ES

I totally agree.

©

 

[Dallara]

$1100 is cheap for all the accessories and improvements you get with the ES

Only if you think a pre-selected set of spring preloads and dampening settings that aren't really optimized for anyone are somehow better than having a proper set of suspension components, spring rates, etc. custom built for you and your riding style, etc.

I've ridden a number of bikes with electronic suspension systems, and I have yet to find on where I could get them operating as well as a proper suspension set-up with proper spring rates, higher quality rear shock and spring wire, etc., etc.

I'd much rather take that $1100 and put it toward getting a much better rear shock, higher quality springs front and rear, and dampening rates set up for me, my conditions, and my riding style.

Just my two centavos... YMMV.

Dallara




p.s. - and since I am currently negotiating the purchase of a 2014 Super Tenere I'll be voting with my checkbook, as I am getting the standard, not the ES. ::025:: And it will eventually have a Penske rear shock, with an Eibach or Hyperco rear spring, some proper straight-rate fork springs, and whatever dampening cartridge Nick Stolten at Stoltec sees as best!

~

 

[avc8130]

$1100 is cheap for all the accessories and improvements you get with the ES

Maybe on face value. I'll wait until I ride one to judge.

Just because things are "electric" doesn't mean they are "better".

ac

 

[tomatocity]

I rode the 2014 ES twice and was impressed. Would have never expected the ES suspension to as good as it performed. And I did not get a chance to change the settings. The one thing I would like to know is if SAG can be correctly adjusted.

I am a 220+ rider of average skills and currently ride on an Ohlins rear shock and .95 straight wound front spring. The stock fork valve has been proven to need work.

 

[Dallara]

...The stock fork valve has been proven to need work.

That's why my 2012 doesn't have the stock fork valves in it... And exactly why I can't see getting a 2014 ES. ::025::

Dallara


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[tomatocity]

That's why my 2012 doesn't have the stock fork valves in it... And exactly why I can't see getting a 2014 ES. ::025::

Dallara


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I can see you not getting an ES but can't see you talking it down especially if you haven't ridden or sat on one.

 

[XtreemLee]

9 pounds
$1100

But that $1100 buys you magic suspension

 

[Dallara]

I can see you not getting an ES but can't see you talking it down especially if you haven't ridden or sat on one.

I'm not "talking it down", Tomato...

You said - "$1100 is cheap for all the accessories and improvements you get with the ES"

I just don't happen to think that statement is necessarily true. After all, other than the electronically adjustable suspension and the heated grips, what do you get?

As I said, I would rather take that same $1100 and put it toward getting a properly set-up set of quality suspension mods and components custom done for my weight and riding situations. No more, no less.

I also don't care for the excess complexity the ES system entails. Lots more electronic bits and pieces, motors and servos, etc. that have not ever been used by Yamaha off-road before. I don't commute or ride my S-10 around town much. When I ride mine it's for it to take me long distances from home, and then get me back, often in the same day. I don't want any more potential for failures than necessary. That's jsut one more reason I wouldn't go for an ES model... But that's just me. I'm not saying anyone else shouldn't necessarily buy an ES.

Then there is the issue that the ES causes problems for fitting some after market items, like certain side cases and mounts... And the wiring, motors, etc. on top of the forks could cause issues with other things, too.

And I may not have ridden a 2014 Super Tenere ES, but that doesn't mean I haven't ridden other bikes with electronically adjustable suspension systems. I didn't care for a one of them. Once the novelty of playing with them wore off I quickly realized literally none of the settings were actually close to optimum for me. Closer than perhaps what a plain-jane Super Tenere comes with? Sure, but still not where I really want *my* suspension to be. YMMV, and if so, by all means - buy an ES.

But is it OK if I buy and standard, non-ES one?

Dallara



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[XtreemLee]

But is it OK if I buy and standard, non-ES one?

Dallara



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Fine if you must, but listen when I am riding dirt and dirt roads with washboard surfaces I put my ES in Low preload and soft damping. Then for the ride back home its preload gets cranked up and the damping stiffened. Can you do that with your well sorted suspension???

 

[Dallara]

Fine if you must, but listen when I am riding dirt and dirt roads with washboard surfaces I put my ES in Low preload and soft damping. Then for the ride back home its preload gets cranked up and the damping stiffened. Can you do that with your well sorted suspension???

Actually, if you ever get a suspension tuned and dialed in just for you, then I think you'll see you don't need to do even that. For instance, proper sag is proper sag, whether on-road or off-road, and if you have the dampening right then it works just as well on or off.

Another for instance... My Stoltec-tuned suspension set-up on my 2012 is far more compliant than the nasty, harsh dampening of the stock components. I wouldn't want it any cushier, yet it is also far more controlled than the stocker. It's like you can *feel* exactly what the tire contact patch is doing all the time, just as it should be.

Before we go off on this tangent... Let me ask you this - Have you ever ridden a Super Tenere, or any other bike for that matter, with a suspension set-up built, tuned, and dialed in just for you, and you alone?

Dallara



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[munsterlander]

Thanks for the good input. Good suspension discussion. My current bike I added shock and springs to get what I needed.

Another question: What prices are people getting... or more specifically, how much off MRSP are you guys finding you can get on the '14s?

 

[XtreemLee]

Before we go off on this tangent... Let me ask you this - Have you ever ridden a Super Tenere, or any other bike for that matter, with a suspension set-up built, tuned, and dialed in just for you, and you alone?

Dallara



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No I couldnt ever figure out what to do, (more preload/damping HS verses LS damping ect ect mind boggling)...