Converting an ES to non-ES?

[Geology Rocks]

Is it possible? Looking at a few ES bikes and was thinking when the suspension is shot I would go to a traditional suspension set up. Is this possible and not a massive headache to accomplish?

thanks!

 

[escapefjrtist]

Possible with enough $$$ thrown at it, but not at all practical. Once the ES components are disconnected, the SCU would throw error codes that couldn't be reset. Forks also function differently (one compression, one rebound) on the ES. To adjust ES forks w/o a functioning SCU, you'd need to rig up a stepper motor driver on a laptop. I wanted USD forks and have done this on my FJR. Works like a charm and I have infinite compression & rebound adjustment verses stock limits.

What you could do is replace the shock with a quality aftermarket unit. In theory, leaving the shock stepper motors connected to the SCU and securely stowed, there wouldn't be errors and the fork dampening adjustment would still function.

If it were my $$$, I'd find a nice late model standard model, add OEM heated grips and enjoy the ride. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

~G

 

[WJBertrand]

I believe the ES shock is rebuildable. That’d be the cheapest fix. Having said that my ‘15 ES just turned 90,000 miles and the ES suspension is still working fine.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Sierra1]

I would think that the only thing to change would be the main spring. And a spring is a spring function wise. Just get one that's lighter/heavier as you need.

 

[tntmo]

Well I think the first thing is, do the standard forks and standard shock bolt directly into the ES. If that's the case, then you'd just have to figure out how to trick the computer to not pop up error codes or just deal with them.

I think the cost of acquiring a stock set of suspension would be more than rebuilding the ES stuff, but it's an interesting thought at the least.

 

[bimota]

the standard shock on the non ES has different dog legs at the bottom compared to the ES as far as i know

rob

 

[Geology Rocks]

Good information. Thank you everyone!

my concern with electronic suspension is the long term usability and cost associated with it. I needed a new front shock on my GSA and it was I think $2400. Thats a lot of coin! The whole suspense set up, Ohlins, on my 2012 S10 was $1400 I think.

 

[Sierra1]

. . . . . I needed a new front shock on my GSA and it was I think $2400. . . .

First thing you need to do is forget everything about the Beemer. There's no reason that you can't do to an ES, what you did to your '12. You might even find that you don't have to do a thing to the ES suspension if you get one. There is a difference between the ride, OE to OE.

 

[RCinNC]

I think I'd reach out to someone like Cogent Dynamics or Norwest Suspension and ask them if an ES shock is rebuildable. I'd been told by some people that the standard rear shock couldn't be rebuilt, and then reached out to Norwest and found out that it could.

If you find out that the shock can be rebuilt, that should ease some of your concerns about full-on replacement costs. I think it cost me about $375.00 for a rebuild of my non-ES shock by Norwest; even if an ES was double that price, you still wouldn't be anywhere near the realm of GSA parts replacement costs. The rebuild wasn't because of any failures: I just wanted the shock to be better for loaded two-up touring.

A brand new rear replacement shock for an ES is about $2800.00, so it's not like your concerns have no merit. But I've been pretty active on this site since 2014, and I don't think I've ever read a post from anyone who've had to replace a failed ES suspension component.

 

[MattR]

This is exactly why I went for a non ES in the first place. Having seen the state of OEM oil that comes out of a set of forks that have only done 25k miles it’s obvious that rebuilds need doing regularly on bikes that are used regularly.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Longdog Cymru]

This is exactly why I went for a non ES in the first place. Having seen the state of OEM oil that comes out of a set of forks that have only done 25k miles it’s obvious that rebuilds need doing regularly on bikes that are used regularly.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I agree 100%, I also chose a non-ES bike reasoning that “if” anything should go wrong, then it is easily fixable and also, it is easier to fine tune the suspension to my requirements should I want to. Having said that, Yamaha ES suspension does have a reputation for being bullet-proof probably because it is not as sophisticated as BMW and Ducati offerings.
Would I buy an ES bike? Hmmm….. possibly, maybe, if I did, then I would always be thinking about the reliability and servicing aspect but I am more than happy with conventional suspension on my bike.
A UK Youtuber, the Missenden Flyer, owned a BMW R1200GS with ESA, his rear unit failed after quite a respectable mileage. His bike slowly, over some time, sunk down at the rear. He was horrified at the cost of a new suspension unit and sourced a good second hand unit. Long story short, after fitting, he said he felt his bikes suspension had never been working correctly since he had had it. You pays your money and takes your choice!

 

[RCinNC]

Hasn't Yamaha stopped production on the non ES version, like in 2018?

 

[Geology Rocks]

Yes. I believe from 2019 on it was only ES bikes.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Hasn't Yamaha stopped production on the non ES version, like in 2018?

Exactly why I picked up a NOS standard '18 in January 2020. After adding farkles from my previous '12, I've got the best of everything!

~G

 

[RCinNC]

I have 5000 miles more to go on my 2014 until I can officially start thinking about another Super Tenere.