Advice for a new buyer

[IanInTheUsa]

Hello ST forum!
Just joined the boards over the weekend (my first post was on the intro board). I'm after a little advice. I currently ride a Kawasaki Concours 14 and have the opportunity to purchase a low mileage 2013 ST (4700 miles, $8800).

Now, my questions to you: Do the updates and modifications for the 2014 models onwards make a large difference? A small bump in power and economy, cruise control, improved TC, etc. all sound like beneficial updates.
The $8800 price for the 2013 is pretty good, but there's a new 2014 ST not far from me for $11,380!!!
Buying a new bike with factory warrantee seems a sensible thing to do.

Secondly - are the upgrades between a standard and the ES model (suspension and heated grips) worth the additional cost? For those who ride a standard model, do you regret not buying the ES? Buyers of the ES do you regret spending the extra cash that could've gone to farkles? There are some good mark downs on left over 2015 models at a couple of local dealers.

Let me know your thoughts. (used the search tool, but didn't find too much, maybe my search parameters were inaccurate)
Ian

 

[Cycledude]

Welcome to the forum ! I own a 13 Tenere, yes 14 and up have some nice improvements but cruise control is the only improvement I really wish my 13 had.

 

[LJM]

Well it's really up to you, for me doing a lot of early morning rides the heated grips were a big plus. The ES is also a really nice feature I got 14 Es thinking that for re-sale value the ES would pay for it self but I like the bike so much I have no intention of selling it. IMO the Es on the yamaha works much better than the ES on the BMW & Ducatis I've owned both those bikes and the Yamaha ES suspension is better. They also made some minor engine mods on the 14 & up models. Also I don't think the standard has cruise control. Anyway in the long run I think a 2014 or later is the way to go.

 

[frez]

Has the older bike had any updates made to it? If it has had the newer clutch basket fitted, newer or manual cct, and maybe some suspension work it makes it a difficult decision, otherwise I'd go with the newer bike as those mods will add onto the price of the older bike when you have to make them yourself.

 

[Squibb]

It really depends on what mods the 2013 has received - clutch basket upgraded, CCT & other farkles you may want to fit.

Whilst I am biased, my personal recommendation is to seek out a good condition, low..ish mileage 2014 ES, with a full history. If you switch loads between rides - luggage, pillion or both, then the ES will prove a huge bonus in the long term. You also get the excellent Yamaha cruise control, heated grips as well as a bit more punch. The bike I describe comes for about £7500-8000 UK, but I can't speak for the supply/demand scenario Stateside. Maybe get yourself a test ride on both & see which you prefer.

Ride Safe ................................. KEN

 

[Nissbird]

Welcome to the forum ! I own a 13 Tenere, yes 14 and up have some nice improvements but cruise control is the only improvement I really wish my 13 had.

+1

 

[twinrider]

+1

+1

 

[HeliMark]

I have a '13, and coming from a previous bike with factory cruise control, I wish I had it on this bike. I have been doing some longer distance riding, and even with a koaka (basically just cinching the throttle), just not the same.

The factory heated grips are plug n play on the standard. Once you plug them in, the menu and everything will work the same. The electronic suspension has been reliable, with very few isolated issue's.

I am looking at possibly updating to a newer one in a year or two depending on what updates they do, and for the price difference, it will be the ES.

Mark

 

[Edino]

It´s of course a matter of personal preferences, but I would go for a 2014 if the higher cost is not an issue. If I already owned a 2013 I would maybe come to another conclusion

Before buying my 2015 I also tested two bikes from 2012. I felt a clear power dip in midrange RPM. A reflash would cure that, but to additional cost. The 2014+ is better in that respect.

I also find the heated grips and the cruise control very handy additions.
The ES is no big deal for me. I mostly ride the bike alone and do not change the settings very often. On the other hand, when I do, it's a piece of cake

 

[Derekj]

For the difference in price, I would get the 13. An investment of about 1400 will get you all the upgrades to include heated grips , clutch basket , cct , exhaust , power commander , and tuning your computer from Anthony. If cruise and ES are really important to you then 14 is the way to go.

 

[silvergoose]

::004:: From Alma, Arkansas.

I bought a 2013 at agreat price. The ES and CC are not a deal breaker. Lets face it shocks wear out weather it is a ES or std, when that happens I will upgrade to a Penske. Adjusting the manual preload is not a big deal, but controling the shocks performance is. That being said the Penske wins, IMHO. The cruise control is unimportant, if I wanted a touring bike I would have bought it or ride one of the others in the stable with CC. The ST is for those times I want to ride a gravel road, but I need to ride pavement to get there. I do not ride two up( My wife rides her own ) and I much rather have money oin my pocket than the latest model sitting in front of a Starbucks. The ST has a fine track record. Your money your choice.

Good Luck

 

[Scoop47501]

Smart man ::025::

 

[billyp]

I bought a 13 and have 16,000 miles on it and couldn't be happier.I,ve never ridden a 2nd gen,sure they are a step up.The bike does everything I need it to do.

 

[Propsoto]

2014 ES here, cruise control is awesome. I'm in WI, so about this time of year the heated grips are great. Most of my miles are solo, but the wife rides a lot on weekends, so the Electronic Suspension is nice.

If you mostly ride solo in a warmish climate and don't care about cruise control, buy the 2013. Otherwise, the 2014+ES is well worth the money to me.

 

[rider33]

Yamaha has a habit of making worthwhile improvements to its bikes over the years and the Gen. 1 vs Gen. 2 S10's fit the pattern. If you can swing it, get the new and improved model. ES likely matters more if you go two-up now and then, I don't & prefer the simpler system of the base model. Cruise tho, particularly if you travel is worth it's weight in gold. This happens to be the best cruise I have ever used on any bike too. Whatever you do, get that. Assorted gizmos can get you close but the intergal system on the '14+ bikes really is excellent.

 

[smudger]

I have a 13 which I purchased that already came with Yamaha side boxes, bash plate, MRA screen and heated grips. it had done under 7000 miles which is very reasonable mileage for a 3.5 year old bike and the price the dealer was asking was a no brainer for me. I do not carry pillions so once I adjusted the bike to how I like it I have no need for the ES and extra cost.

Each to there own, enjoy what ever you decide to go for they are all great bikes.

 

[IanInTheUsa]

Thanks everyone!

I'm leaning towards a clearance 2014 or newer for the improvements. The ES would be nice, but not a deal breaker (I'll be riding mostly solo, but the quick change between firm and soft for paved roads and off-road is enticing!). It looks like the only other difference between ES and non-ES models are the grip heaters. Easily remedied with something from the aftermarket.

Thanks again!

 

[rider33]

demand for the ES models is a little stronger so you may be able to get a better deal on the base model, particularly as a leftover. Both are very solid tho and a lot more similar than different. 'Good luck in the hunt.

 

[THE TENERENATOR]

Deals are out there. You should be able to find a very low mileage '14+ with some farkles/panniers for sub $11K no problem.

 

[Scoobynut]

Thanks everyone!

I'm leaning towards a clearance 2014 or newer for the improvements. The ES would be nice, but not a deal breaker (I'll be riding mostly solo, but the quick change between firm and soft for paved roads and off-road is enticing!). It looks like the only other difference between ES and non-ES models are the grip heaters. Easily remedied with something from the aftermarket.

Thanks again!

No need to go aftermarket with the grip heaters -- the same OEM ones that come on the ES can be added to the non-ES. They are plug and play and operate through the switches and dash menu just like the ES. As someone who traded their '12 for a '14 I can highly recommend getting a 2014+. With just short of 20k on my '14 I can say now that the motor is truly loosened up, the '14+ motor seems much stronger than my '12 did at similar mileage. Also sounds much better stock for stock. Get the OEM tall windshield and wind deflectors and you'll probably be pretty happy with wind management, which was a tougher nut to crack on my '12. In any event, I'm not bashing the pre-'14s, they're great bikes too, and I love all Teneres!