It's a great day in So Cal today, mid 70's and sunny. I took the 14R out for a few break in miles and ended up 100+ miles later. Got the tyres scrubbed in all the way and got the feel back for the big girl, was scraping toe sliders by the end of the run. Everything felt great. Tyres were competant, traction control kicked in once or twice and was not abrupt (MUCH better than my Ducati's TC), gearbox was silky smooth and throttle very linear. I haven't had a chance to dial in the suspension yet, but even set to stock it is very well behaved.

The stock seat is also very comfortable. I put some bar risers on to take a little stress off my wrists & back (sucks getting older!). Only real complaint I have right now is my foot slipped off the end of the peg 3x exiting corners. I think the rubber just gave a little under the stress and my foot being at the end of the peg. Will be putting some cash aside for some rear sets soon.

Nice review,,, what brand are the risers.

How much and how long to install... may use something like that if i buy a 14.

Stress on the wrist does not sound like fun.... does anybody else notice this.

There is not a lot of stress on the wrist to begin with, far less than a litre bike ( R1, GSXR, etc.). The ergo's are goid to begin with. I have had some back problems, so adding the risers is just a little insurance so I don't end my day early.

I got the risers off eBay. They are very good quality, every bit as good as the Genmars I had on my 06. 5 minute install.

Thanks !

Might have to look into that upgrade.

"Stress on the wrist does not sound like fun.... does anybody else notice this".I'd have to say 'somewhat' on my 07.NONE with my new baby.

Yep, you pointed out two flaws on that bike. Not high enough and it took that much to improve it, were the risers. Make the bars slide higher. If you can make a windshield move, make the bars move. Takes the same pinch, you raise the bars. There is a pin that stick out at the bottom, you can go so far. Hand me a lathe a mill and a block of aluminum. I go your top crown made to move the bars up.

The foot pegs are in the wrong position. Same as the bar. It's ever so slight a move... It's almosthere is the R.

Don't really notice stress on my wrists but the problem is solved by the wrist. Twist and the pressure goes away. Ha no really I ride all day and it doesn't really bother me also go faster with stock windscreen and it lifts your head and shoulders. So you see speed and acceleration are your friend.

Very jealous of that CA weather!!

Glad to hear your ride report! Seems to confirm Green's opinion on all counts! So maybe he's not just "gushing" about the new R!

Especially interested in your impression of the suspension set up.... sounds like its going to be a great ride right out of the crate. I plan to get it out of the crate at the earliest nice March day.

UKNixter, I hope you will keep us informed as you sort out the suspension to suit you; that way I will know where to start in March! Would you mind revealing your weight and height for reference?

Thanks- please enjoy the new ride in that damnable CA weather and by all means keep posting your impressions and modifications.

5'11" & 185. So far it feels great right out of the crate. I'm going to wait until I have a few spirited runs on her before I do too much tweaking. I do feel bad for you all that have to hibernate.

She's bad Nixter...way bad.That terrain looks familiar to me.AH...the warm air and rippin.I really love my stock suspension settings so far.175 and 6'1".Let us know what you do with yours....she's a beaut my man....MORE PICS!!!!

I do feel bad for you all that have to hibernate.

Yep,

Hibernation sucks... Took a 300 mile ride about 2 weeks after I got my 14R... This bike just loves to go and is comfortable. Did you get the risers off EBay that were $69.99 +10 shipping? I bought the same ones then sold them again on EBay... Compared to the Gen Mars I think they were lacking in quality... Currently experimenting with a pair of Driven grips I got for free when I ordered the Pazzo levers. cut off the ends and forced them over the stock grips to make them more "plush" for lack of a better word...

It wasn't until yesterday that we had any snow. Hasn't been too cold either. I kinda wish I would not have stored the bikes. Coulda got an extra month. Unfortunately, I have a 1/2 hour 40 minute drive to work. Pitch black 5:45 AM. Below freezing temps would suck. Often wish I could ride home in the sun but glad to have my little cage in the cold dark.

"This bike just loves to go and is comfortable"... WWWHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 1/2/2012 @ 2:30 PM *

no snow at all in upstate ny yet..... just stored my 600 last week.... might be cutting a deal on a blue one in the next week or two.

45 degrees with the sun out is my cut off point.......below that and you need to many layers and you feel to dressed to ride.

might run the 600 for another season not sure, if im willing to pull the trigger on a new bike yet.

already into jan and in 2 weeks the temp starts to rise from it's lowest point.... so it will come sooner then you think... no snow to shovel so been great... but i don't ski or own a snowmobile.

spoke too soon..... it's snowing now.. just getting about 1/3 of a inch....coldest night of the year high today of 19.....bbbbrrrrrrr.