I just came back from a break-in ride....I'm at 79 miles now.I can say right now...this bike feels different than the other 14.It feels to me like it's more planted in the turns.It wants to hold a line very nicely.The sensation of speed is very subtle.Acceleration going through the gears is immediate and smooth.There is no bog feeling...in any gear.The clutch is excellent.It feels lighter than my 07.And it seems like it's not moving with any real force while shifting.
Was cruising at 70 in 6th...began a series of clutchless downshifts.It shifted smoothly,every shift...all the way into first.(rolling of course).Using the cluch,did the same thing...I could barely feel the motorcycle changing gears...it was amazingly seamless.No jarring...nothing.No wheel hop.Just smooth,at every speed.Upshifting without the clutch,excellent.No jerking,nothing.She just clicks right in.Either way...up OR down.I was not getting on it,but accelerating into and through a wideish turn(s),the bike chassis does not move.The shifting is solid.The power keeps pulling.The bike stays put.Doesn't seem to move anywhere on it's own,except where you point it.It's extremely stable and solid feeling.No bouncing over ripples or anything....the wheels are compressing and all..but the chassis feels perfectly stable.I don't know what they did to her...but this bike really does feel like a different machine in the handling dept...and every other way so far.It purrs at 1500 rpm moving as well as it purrs at 5,500 rpm.Or more.
What's really standing out in my mind right now is the ride feel.The suspension was 'tweaked' as they said...but even though it's actually a tad stiffer....it doesn't 'feel' harsh or anything at all....the seat soaks up vibes(which are virtually non-existent)...and the road imperfections you really don't feel.I didn't.Doing some quick manuevers..some swerves and such,the bike flicks right where ya put it.The feeling of being 'heavy' just isn't there.IDK why...but it's not.The bike feels very quick.
This thing will definitely wheely....most definitely...though I didn't try anything like that.I could feel her want to loft on several occassions,but I refrained from gassing her any more than quick accelerating.
So far...this bike is outperforming my 07 by miles.Really...it's that different.Yet the same.The ergos are VERY right for me on this bike.I can't see doing anything like risers at all.She's fitting just right.Seat's great.Softish,but firm as well.Hard to describe.Thicker feeling.When you're not 'thinking' about something...like the seat..while your riding,you know it's just how it should be.No squirming,no moving my arse to a different position.Just very comfy.In fact,I didn't think about the seat once except to note that it really feels great.
This is NOT the same bike.Not a facelift...not cheap cosmetics.This bike has been really reworked.It is VERY different.
One thing here...the noise level of the bike is(to me) much more acceptable...even with the stock mufflers on my 07.This bike is good to your ears.No earplugs today...and I could hear the motor an stuff clearly,nicely,but no loudness from the exhausts.The wind protection on this bike I have to say right here is(for me)perfect.There was(is)no buffeting when sitting slightly forward in the seat.Using a relaxed grip and arm/torso position.VERY nice.Quiet.I won't be needing another windscreen on there....that's for sure.Sitting back and square upright,steering with one hand...the wind was NOT hitting me.I'm very happy with this bike so far.She was getting 31.5mpg today....and that was with a lot of accelerations and decelerations type of riding.I'm pretty sure after break-in she's gonna do fine in the fuel burn dept.There's a small triangular/circle(s) deal on the display(letters ECO) that displays when you're in the best fuel efficiency riding.Pretty cool IMO.So you're not really having to go by rpms and speed anymore to get the best mileage...it displays when you are.When you're not,it disappears.
As for bodywork and fitment,the way things are designed visually on this bike,and the lack of gaps and all, gives the impression of solidness.It does feel like it's one machine...one piece going down the road.Hard to describe really,but the seating position and bar height and all,combined with the fairing shape,upper cowl/inner ram covers seem like one moulded part.The lack of chassis movement adds to the feeling of solidness.It's very cool.And there is minimal wind blast sound.The top part of the upper fairing,the new shape,is doing an excellent job at diverting the wind off the rider.
* Last updated by: Grn14 on 12/9/2011 @ 6:50 PM *