2011 vs a 2013

[BkerChuck]

One thing I haven't seen mentioned here yet is the rear shock was also changed on the Gen 3. I've seen several forum members posting about how much better the stock rear shock on the Gen 3 is compared to the Gen 2.

Seth Laam makes an awesome seat and his turn around time and price are more than fair.

I've seen a few '13 leftovers in my travels and I would think dealers would be willing to haggle some at this point to unload them. If I were spending my own money, I'd go Gen 3.

 

[Fred W]

+1 - the '13 and '14 A models (non-ES) have an improved rear shock and improved front spring rates as compared to the earlier gens. All years of second gen came very lightly sprung and over damped. You would end up having to spend almost a grand on the suspension just to get it to the same modest level.

Probably the cheapest way would be to buy the new 2013 shock and some aftermarket springs for the 2011. But then you wouldn't have all the other cool new features that the 3rd gen adds.

 

[Allen_C]

+1 - the '13 and '14 A models (non-ES) have an improved rear shock and improved front spring rates as compared to the earlier gens. All years of second gen came very lightly sprung and over damped. You would end up having to spend almost a grand on the suspension just to get it to the same modest level.
Probably the cheapest way would be to buy the new 2013 shock and some aftermarket springs for the 2011. But then you wouldn't have all the other cool new features that the 3rd gen adds.

The cost of a 2011 plus suspension upgrades would be fairly close to a new discounted 2013. Correct me if I'm wrong, but a low mileage '11 would be $10.5k + 1.5k = $12k? A '13 can be found for $12.5k, '14A for $13k. It's a personal choice, based on what you want in the bike and hire much you can spend!

 

[Fred W]

FYI...

You could do the suspension upgrades for about $500 to have the equivalent.

<$400 for a new '13-'14 shock and $100 for new aftermarket springs.

 

[MCRIDER007]

FYI...
You could do the suspension upgrades for about $500 to have the equivalent.

<$400 for a new '13-'14 shock and $100 for new aftermarket springs.

Yes on the shock but GEN2 forks will require more than a spring swap to perform as well as the GEN3 forks.

 

[Fred W]

Perhaps true. You should be able to tell us how much (if any) better damped the 3rd gen A forks are...

 

[keeponriding]

So, here's how it appears to be shaking up. I could do the 11 (mileage at 4K) spending $3,000 after trade.

I could also do a new '13 for $5,660 after trade ....

Seems like it would be preferable to pay the extra 3K for the Gen III, with better resale value as well as improved technology. I also save $800 in service on my Tenere and $500 cancelling my Russel seat order. (though the smartest thing might be just to hold on to the ST, which is still a great bike).

 

[keeponriding]

Interestingly enough...the same deal offerred by another dealer would net out $1,300 higher...and that a dealer who wants a Tenere!

 

[Fred W]

If I were you, I'd get the Russell seat (which will solve your comfort issue) and stick with the Tenare you already own.

Flat footing a bike is way over rated, IMO.

If you do decide you really want to move to an FJR, just sell the Tenare privately. You'd come out way further ahead and will be able to afford the 2014 ES.

 

[keeponriding]

Here's the problem with that advice, Fred....it makes way too much sense and makes the assumption I'm mature and responsible....

 

[Bounce]

With a 30 inch inseam, getting a taller seat (the Russell adds an inch or two) makes the bike too tall....

I have a 30" inseam and my Russell is fine. The trick is getting past the mental misconception that flat footing a 650 lb bike is important.

 

[Redfish Hunter]

With a 30 inch inseam, getting a taller seat (the Russell adds an inch or two) makes the bike too tall....

I have a 30" inseam and my Russell is fine. The trick is getting past the mental misconception that flat footing a 650 lb bike is important.

+1

I saw a guy about 5'7" get off of a BMW R1200GS the other day. I asked him about the height of the bike as opposed to his lack of height. His response was: "I am not going to let my height prevent me from riding a great motorcycle."

I asked him how he backed the bike without being able to even touch on both sides. He said he stood beside it and could push/pull it better that way. He acted as though everyone should know that.

Up to that point, I had never considered riding a GS or a Tenere. Since then, I have taken a Tenere for a test ride. I can see one in my (distant) future.

 

[Allen_C]

With a 30 inch inseam, getting a taller seat (the Russell adds an inch or two) makes the bike too tall....

I have a 30" inseam and my Russell is fine. The trick is getting past the mental misconception that flat footing a 650 lb bike is important.

I too have a 30" inseam and never plan to flat foot. I always lean to one side at stops, even when 2up. I chose not to get the RDL because of looks (yes, I admit this!) and I actually needed the width of my seat reduced in the front to alleviate stress on the hips, which I successfully did with a local seat customizer near Indy, and the Russell would not accommodate this (and probably actually make it a bit worse).

For those with the pelvis girth and/or length, I think the RDL is a great option!

 

[HotRodZilla]

I prefer to get off my bike and push it instead of duck walking it backwards or forward. I can't flatfoot my FJR and I don't care. I have never dropped it because of that. Flatfooting is very overrated.

 

[Fred W]

+1 - Even if you can, it doesn't mean that you should, right?

Yeah, being a 6'2" vertically endowed type, I can flat foot an FJR like nobody's business, even with an aftermarket Penske hi-jack and a Russell Daylong +1 seat. I still always try and find uphill parking that allows a gravity assist on the backup exit, or else a pull through. And on my V-strom with the shock cranked up and a Russell Daylong seat there's no flat footing that tall-boy. Plus the side stand on those things lean the bike way the F over, which makes the off side leg a definite no-go no matter how tall you are.

As for true dual-sport capable bikes, faggettabouddit. If you want some good suspension travel, you just need to put all of that flat footin' stuff out of your head.

Like I said, flat footing is over rated.

 

[MCRIDER007]

Perhaps true. You should be able to tell us how much (if any) better damped the 3rd gen A forks are...

They are good enough (for my riding use) that I sold my set of Traxxion AK-20s to Panman. I see little difference in the 13' forks and my 08 with GPSuspension upgrade although I would guess the 08 would have an advantage on very rough roads, the kind of roads I bought the Tenere to ride on.

 

[Just Krusen]

I cannot flat foot this bike in the low seat position. But I ride in the high seat position because my knees like it better. I never flat footed my GL1800 either and never dropped it in 175,000 miles. I learned to stop with 1 foot down many years back and it's no big deal.

 

[garyahouse]

I"m not understanding why the price is so close between the used '11 and the new '13. If they were BOTH used, I could see it. But I don't get it... is the 11 farkled out? Does it have several extras? Anyway, with the numbers you're talking about, this is turning into a no-brainer. I think I'd be looking at the 13 if it were me. There just isn't enough difference to warrant settling for anything less than the Gen 3.

Gary

darksider #44

 

[Fred W]

Perhaps true. You should be able to tell us how much (if any) better damped the 3rd gen A forks are...

They are good enough (for my riding use) that I sold my set of Traxxion AK-20s to Panman. I see little difference in the 13' forks and my 08 with GPSuspension upgrade although I would guess the 08 would have an advantage on very rough roads, the kind of roads I bought the Tenere to ride on.

Now that right there says a lot!

Thanks.

 

[keeponriding]

Bottom line; dealer with the '11 at 10,250 offerred to sell a '14 for 13,500...I decided it would be better overall to keep my S10 and save the six grand.

Not sure why there was so much discussion on flat footting a bike...I certainly didn;t have that expectation.

Big adv bikes are not meant for the kind of off-roading there is here in KY...they are too tall and weigh too much. The same roads are much more fun on my smaller 225. A 33 inch seat is high for my 30 inch inseam....you might not agree, but that is your opinion...for me, I'd prefer a 31 inch seat height.... with that said, I have a Russel sport seat on order and plan to keep the S10 through the summer and perhaps beyond. If I can get a '14 today for 13.5, I'm sure I can beat that deal in Fall or winter.