My new bike, that is.
I like it more every time I ride it. Actually, I love it. I've got over 1k on the odo, so I think it's time for an initial eval.
Ergos: This is the primary reason I went for a touring bike over a sport-tourer. Actually I was looking at a large Adv. Tourer or traditional tourer- because of ergos. I went more with a traditional tourer since I plan to do more 2-up riding with my wonderful wife.
The seat is just fine for me, at least for 300-400 miles that I've done in a day so far. But, it's not good for Jules. The 2010 "Custom" moniker gets the bike a cut-down little passenger area that has very little padding and is narrow. I'll replace the seat soon to get my passenger happy.
The footboards are nice. At first, the heel shifter kept me from getting my left foot where I wanted, making the right off-kilter. Anyway, Sunday Cooter and I removed the heel shifter in the parking lot of the Cracker Barrel. Much better. I also do an Anti-hiway peg position when solo by putting my feet on the passenger pegs. Kinda gets me in a jockey position without a bad lean. Much better than when I've used the passenger pegs on every other bike I've had. Also, several options for foot position on the floorboards is great.
The handle bar is in a pretty good location. But I noticed on my first day that my thumbs, or more accurately the joint at the base of my thumbs ached after riding for a while. This has lessened as I've got used to the bike, but I'm thinking I might get an aftermarket bar to change the angle that the bar goes out at the last bend. I've checked and apparently there are plenty who want a different angle as several companies have bars available that just change that angle of an otherwise stock bar.
Overall, I have to say about the best ergos of any bike I've had. The F-650 is the only prior bike to come close, but only after I got the Rick Mayer seat.
Brakes: I'll just say I'm very impressed with the stopping power of the triple discs, considering the weight of this thing. Not the best I've had, but in no way the worst. No, it's not second to last behind the old Triumph with a single leading shoe front brake. I'm getting used to the placement of the rear brake pedal. I'm amazed at my ability to brake with one or two fingers also. The brakes are definitely not a liability. Again, I'm impressed, but I'm not expecting to have the stoppers I have on the supermotard - premium radial brakes they are not.
Handling: Well, I went through the Gap and didn't drag anything. So I was really going slow. The run back north, I got a lot smoother and much more comfy on the bike. Again, not looking for a sport bike. It does sweepers quite well. Lane changes and city slice and dice is not a problem. It handles very well for a big touring bike and I'm not upset it doesn't carve like a gixxer. I don't care so much about carving on the street now. I have a track bike for that.
Power: Well, it's no Hayabusa. But I don't need a busa either. I'm happy with the motor. It pulls great. I'm completely amazed by the 6-speed transmission. The motor is fun and acceleration is not lax. Sure, most all of you could out run me now, but I don't care either. It's more than enough to get the job done, and not anemic like the old F-650 was. I'm not having to hold it WFO to run 80. Actually, it pulls very hard and strong well past 90. It maintains 80+ with ease. Yup, you can haul down the road all day at 80+, no problem, and be comfy to boot.
Other things: This bike has electronic cruise and it works excellent. The radio is also very nice. I've never ridden with music before, and I'm really enjoying the radio/CD player. It has an aux in also with controls on the handlebars (the cruise also has handlebar controls). I'm sure I look weird with the cruise set at 80, no hands on the bars playing "air drums".
The bike has a wired switch for and accessory to be plugged into. It also has a cigarette lighter (read, acc outlet of std type, not a BMW plug) and another universal plug below the seat near the oil fill for a battery tender. It also has 2 glove boxes, which are handy as hell, but do not lock. The side cases open in a different manner than I am used to, but it works well. What's neat is that they can be opened and closed without the key, but are easily locked with the ignition key. Very handy when you are just on and off around the bike and don't need to lock them all the time. The horn is pretty loud, unlike most stock bikes. The mirrors are clear and provide good vision, though I'd like them out a little more for less interference with my arms in the view. They are not blurry, as many think. The short cut down windscreen is a little short for real touring. It does allow too much buffeting for serious long distance. 2-4 inches should fix it. I love the headlights. Never have I had a bike with better headlights, and nothing even close to the high beams! Amazing.
Overall, I think this really is the right bike for me now. There are a few things I will need to modify, but I've never seen a perfect bike. What I can say is that every niggle I have with the bike is going to be an easy fix. Now to get it in for the first service Friday - less than a week (just barely) from when I got it. It will have about 1200 on the odo when it goes in for the 1k service. I guess I'll find out how it is in the rain Friday.
I'm happy. My riding season has just begun. Now, how about a breakfast run up near Ruff!!!!
