Z with aftermarket suspensions or ZE ?

[Julien]

Hello,

I'm hesitating between a Z and a ZE Gen2 (after 2014).
I understand that the only difference between these two models is the electronic suspension since the Z already has cruise control, for example.

I've always changed the original shock absorbers because I ride a duo and I find that the aftermarket ones are so much better.

On the 1200GS, manufacturers offer shock absorbers that retain the original electronics, but not on the 1200 ZE.

So my question is this: Have you already improved your suspension on the ZE?
And if not, do you think it's better to buy a Z + aftermarket suspension like Ohlins or Tractive, or to buy a ZE?

Thanks for your advice!

 

[bimota]

as far as i,m awhare there are a few on here that have put a better spring on the ZE model for heavier riders 2 up etc so if you buy a ZE you can still improve the spring

rob

 

[Sierra1]

The ZE also allows for rebound/compression adjustment while traveling down the road. I didn't think the Z has that adjustment. Also, I thought I read somewhere that in the UK/EU, the Z did not come with a center stand or passenger seat; always that to be odd. And the ZE has grip warmers.

 

[WJBertrand]

Besides the electronic suspension, the ZE also has heated grips whereas the Z does not.

I am one of those that fitted a heavier spring. The bike is much better heavily loaded now. I installed a spring with a +20% rate.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[TenereGUY]

I bought a standard suspension bike. I've upgraded the front suspension and as the lead time on a new penske was to long and I wouldn't get it before I was gone on a long trip I upgraded my rear shock spring and I am totally happy. Everything is adjusted to what I need. Not what Yamaha set up. So is electronic suspension the bomb? That's up to the individual. I got curious and went and read this old thread. It might answer your question. Me? I like my aftermarket upgrades which are made specifically for me. My front end can handle smooth pavement or rough off pavement and pot holes. My rear... yes, eventually a penske will be put on... but if riding solo, loaded for a trip/two up I hop off the bike or reach down and adjust. I usually hop off to see the adjuster. After a few times I know where I want it and I'm done under a minute. But that's me and that's what it comes down to.
Thread's informative.

Electronic VS regular suspension.

Not a fad. The ES is a great feature. I just found another great advantage for it. On my daily commute I always use soft mode there's a stretch crossing the Golden Gate Bridge into Marin County where there will be cross winds and gusts of 20 - 40mph and traveling at 70-80mph on the bike the wind...

yamahasupertenere.com

 

[Julien]

Do you know whether the ZE's electronic suspension settings affect compression and rebound or only preload?
On many machines, you can't make all the settings you want, unless you install higher-end suspensions like Wilbers, Ohlins, Tractive, EMC etc.

 

[Sierra1]

Do you know whether the ZE's electronic suspension settings affect compression and rebound or only preload? . . . .

Post #3 above: Yes, a ZE allows for adjusting the rebound/dampening on the fly. No stopping required.

 

[Julien]

Post #3 above: Yes, a ZE allows for adjusting the rebound/dampening on the fly. No stopping required.

I'm so sorry I miss your answer in the post 3 ...
Thanks a lot for this information !

 

[Tenman]

I called a Stealership to see if they would check out my 13’ gen1. They said they don’t work on bikes 10 years old. WTF

 

[Sierra1]

Man, you really do have some crappy dealers. My local one works on my '86 FJ and the '01 TW. Without question.

 

[Tenman]

I was having an ignition problem on my CR500. I took it by the Honda dealer I bought it from. I told the young mechanic I was having starting problems. He said I probably need the valves adjusted. It’s a 2 stroke. No valves. The owner then came out and said that they don’t have the tools to work on it.

 

[TenereGUY]

I called a Stealership to see if they would check out my 13’ gen1. They said they don’t work on bikes 10 years old. WTF

Usually an independent shop will... or ride it to the Dallas area and Tabasco will most likely go over it with a fine tooth comb and be better than your average shop mechanic. Plus you get a trip out of it and it's cooler... Well, a little bit cooler

 

[fac191]

The ZE also allows for rebound/compression adjustment while traveling down the road. I didn't think the Z has that adjustment. Also, I thought I read somewhere that in the UK/EU, the Z did not come with a center stand or passenger seat; always that to be odd. And the ZE has grip warmers.

Mine has all that.

 

[Julien]

A preparator in France said that the electronic only work for rebound but not compression.
Seems like he need to do it manually.

 

[sheikyerbooty]

E suspension is brilliant. Standard +3 general riding, Soft 0 gravel roads, Hard 0 twistys. That versatility makes for a better bike. But I'd still buy a sweet non-ES over a flogged ES.

 

[siroco]

tengo un ZE que no ha fallado, pero algún día eso sucederá. mejor cómprese un Z, el mercado de repuestos para el muelle ZE apesta y es mucho más caro. Con la diferencia del ZE puede montar un Ohlins en el Z. Yo peso 85 KGS y voy con la precarga al máximo y huesos de perro para elevar un poco la panza de la moto. Hágame caso.

 

[Bmwdumptruck]

The ZE also allows for rebound/compression adjustment while traveling down the road. I didn't think the Z has that adjustment. Also, I thought I read somewhere that in the UK/EU, the Z did not come with a center stand or passenger seat; always that to be odd. And the ZE has grip warmers.

No centre stand, heated grips, pillion grab handles or rear rack.
I didn’t want the ES, I bought this instead of a gs for its simplicity. But I have had to add the grips, imported from Revzilla via friends in Ohio, grab handles via a us member on here and brought back in my son in laws luggage after a work trip over there. I found a centre stand near Liverpool and met up with a mate that collected it for me on a weekend away. Not bothered about the rack as I fitted a givi mount straight away.

 

[Sierra1]

No centre stand, heated grips, pillion grab handles or rear rack. . . .

So, it has the passenger seat, but not the grab bars?

 

[Julien]

There is no rear grip for the passenger on the XTZ1200 ? I'm really surprised, plus the price of the grip seems to hight !