To ES or non-ES...that is the question (input needed)

[jerstw]

Ok, after looking at KTM's, V-Strom's, BMW's, Honda's and Triumph's I have committed to a S10 for the next bike in the garage. Focusing on 2014 through current only and need the forum's help on determining IF I need to be targeting an ES or standard S10. This bike will be limited commuter use, 40 miles round trip...limited as my DR650 is mainly for this purpose. The S10 however will be the primary bike for weekend camping trips with my sons (obviously one at a time), and at least twice a year long-distance trips of 2,500 miles plus each. My kids are 9 and 12 and growing. We are pretty good at the minimalist approach to camping so we can pack lighter, or maybe I should say 'lighter than some'. Given the potential for 1-up, 2-up, loaded with gear, unloaded, etc. I have been focusing on ES's but wanted to ask the braintrust on the forum if I am not giving the non-ES enough credit and should also consider one as well.

Thanks in advanced for the feedback!

 

[Maxified]

My 2015 ES model came with a few other other farkles with the ES package as compared to the non-ES models. I am quite happy with the ES thus far and actually change my suspension settings more often to suit loading and riding environment than I used to. It's just so easy now. Not the be all to end all but still mighty good IMHO.

 

[jerstw]

Maxified - Thank you for the quick reply. The notion of handlebar adjustable changes with the press of a button are certainly appealing. I missed out by about 4 hours on a deal on a 2014 ES that was decently equipped...looks like I will keep hunting.

 

[tomatocity]

I have owned/ridden both and like the ES better.

... One of the rides I do is the Eleven Weirs of Westside of Berryessa. That section can be rough. I don't have a skidplate installed and haven't had a clearance problem. The ES suspension keeps me comfortable on any surface I have ridden (mostly asphalt).

... You can't adjust your rear suspension while riding.

... Some riders have changed the spring of the rear shock. I did on my 2012 but haven't on my 2015 ES.

... I run the front suspension as soft as I can "Soft -3" and the rear suspension at "Rider + Luggage" (there are two more settings).

 

[Lutsie]

Es that is all.


Seriously, I love my es. Originally thought it was a little gimmicky but really lets you get more from the suspension.


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[VRODE]

The ES works well for me but it's not a deal killer. I was pretty sure the std would need suspension upgrade at my weight (200) plus gear. The ES handles it fine, but if I was a bigger guy it might need some work. If I could get a std at a great price and spend the savings on susp. upgrades I'd go for it.

 

[Ron Earp]

ES here and like it. I do use the suspension settings frequently when switching between two up, and, adjusting damping depending on road conditions. I'm glad I got it and would pay the additional money for an ES. That said, I'm sure the standard one would be fine for me too at 175 lbs.

 

[Brick]

I had a standard 2012 and now my 2014 ES... I love the ES!
YMMV



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[Checkswrecks]

While riding an ES bike was nice, I'm totally happy with my non-ES. I have it dialed in for me and don't need to change it often. When parts wear I'll upgrade it easily.

 

[jerstw]

Thanks gang for the feedback. Appreciate the opinions and will certainly take into account as I continue my 'S10 Hunt'.

 

[JRE]

ES is totally worth it IMO if you plan on carrying a passenger and/or luggage. It's so easy to quickly and easily change the settings when the load changes (i.e. on a trip, getting to hotel, dropping off luggage and hitting the twisties).

 

[bigbob]

ES is totally worth it IMO if you plan on carrying a passenger and/or luggage. It's so easy to quickly and easily change the settings when the load changes (i.e. on a trip, getting to hotel, dropping off luggage and hitting the twisties).

+1


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[RicoChet]

I don't have one yet, but I think the ES is a no-brainer. Why would you NOT want the convenience it offers? Watching the used bike market in my area is painful waiting for one to show up!

 

[JRE]

Some people say that they can adjust the settings manually relatively quickly and don't see the need to pay the premium. Others worry about reliability and the "one more thing to go wrong". If you don't plan on keeping the bike long term and rarely carry passengers or cargo, I can see that the value proposition may not be so attractive.

I use it quite often, especially the damping.

 

[RicoChet]

I just got the ES and I am amazed at how flexible the bike can be. Set it to Hard and its hard like a rock, set it to soft and its pillowy soft with the touch of a button! I think its amazing!!

 

[Ron Earp]

An adjustable shock you never adjust isn't as good as an adjustable shock you do adjust (all things being similar). The ES makes it convenient to use the adjustable suspension so I went ES. As an auto racer I adjust my shocks and struts often because suspension absolutely makes or breaks a car on a given track, it isn't a whole lot different with a bike on the road within certain limits. It can make a great trip mediocre or vice versa depending on how you're setup.

 

[Squibb]

ES is totally worth it IMO if you plan on carrying a passenger and/or luggage. It's so easy to quickly and easily change the settings when the load changes (i.e. on a trip, getting to hotel, dropping off luggage and hitting the twisties).

I agree, a no brainer for us too. Often 2-up, often touring. We got the S10 ES & we so impressed we then went for the FJR 1300 ES as our big sports tourer. The system seems to work perfectly.

However, I can well understand guys who only run solo sticking with the non ES bikes. There have been some excellent end of season deals around most years.

............... KEN