[SIZE=11pt]In this thread on October 16[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]th[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] I said, “If I was in the market I'd go with an non-ES model and swap out my suspension.”[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=11pt]Fast forward to December 2019 and I bought a 2017 ES. [/SIZE]
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[SIZE=11pt]Fast forward to June 2020 and 7,000 miles later and the ES is a disappointment. I should have bought an A model and stuck with performance suspension components.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=11pt]Let me give some background. I rode an 09 FJR 107,000 miles and at 30,000 I changed to a Penske 8983 shock with an 850 spring and a GP fork cartridge with stiffer spring. The 09 with the aftermarket suspension was very solid. It put a
big smile on my face in difficult circumstances such as rough pavement, at 50 mph +, mid turn corner correction. Just a little more counter steer and the bike complied. There was no unwanted chassis movement and it got me out of tight spots with aplomb - it was simply amazing. The shock movement was fluid and controlled chassis movement perfectly. It was a bit stiff solo, but got better with luggage. Once set I never messed with it. [/SIZE]
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[SIZE=11pt]With that as my experience, next is my 17 ES experience. I bought the ES because I like the color Raven, it is a pretty bike, I assumed ES would be okay and ES would solve the stiff riding solo issue.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=11pt]With preload set to 1, aka one helmet, the lowest preload setting, sag is about 1 inch, without me on it. The rear shock has 4.9 inches of travel thus at suspension sag should be about 1.25 inches. It is generally accepted sag should be 25-30% of the total shock travel or about 1.225 - 1.47. It is impossible to achieve a recommended sag level with one rider at preload setting one, aka one helmet.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=11pt]Here are some measurements. Preload setting definitions:[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]1 means one helmet, 2 means one helmet plus luggage, 3 means two helmets, 4 means two helmets plus luggage.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=11pt]Sag measurement with me on the bike. I weigh 225 sans clothing.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]1 - 1 15/16 inches; 2 - 1 13/16 inches; 3 - 1 7/16 inches; 4 - 1 1/8 inch[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=11pt]For me the ES is under-sprung and the ES is built for comfort and convenience, not performance. Bryan Glynn who hosts Two Wheel Obsession has some good observations in this[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt] [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]ES Video[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]. He notes the 4 preload settings are not linear, leaving a gap in the middle. This is very interesting and my data above shows this. There is a big jump in stiffness between one helmet + luggage and two helmets. He also notes ES is not equal to aftermarket suspension as I am familiar with.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]I have to use setting 3 to achieve a recommended sag setting. Sadly, the ES is just as stiff solo as the 09 when the shock is set to optimum sag/damping and the ES rear shock is not as fluid or stable as the performance suspension on my 09. It even slaps me in the butt. I have generally used setting 2 during my 7000 miles on the ES.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=11pt]I have had a couple of "interesting moments" on the ES. Both times the suspension was set to setting 2 with Standard 0 damping. Each time I was in mid turn on a bumpy road at 50 mph or so and the chassis was moving around unexpectedly. This was quite a surprise - a big revelation - a what the heck moment. The bike is not on the rails and it is not as steady as the 09 FJR. The performance is lacking. I was not close to falling down, just the chassis moving around unexpectedly.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=11pt]My next move a 750# spring. The bet is it will not overwhelm the damping system. I wish the FJR ES had infinite preload settings from 0 to 100%. As it is now I can only select settings in the lower third or upper third of the preload. With the 750# spring I am betting I can set it to one helmet with luggage and the preload will be somewhere in the middle one third that is currently unavailable with the stock 685 pound spring.[/SIZE]
The rest of the 17 is terrific, the 6 speed tranny, lighter clutch pull, great fuel economy, the smoothness of the drive train package and the cruise control. The ES is just short of my expectations.
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[SIZE=11pt]Hope this helps if you are seeking an opinion on the ES. Please note my opinion is based on having had performance suspension, my weight, my expectations, and the types of roads I ride on. I want my sports car back.[/SIZE]
