I wanted to wait a little while before I posted up my impressions on this bike. It is so different from the 919 that I wanted to really put some miles on to give it a fair evaluation.
Having now ridden the bike on everything from 450 miles of Interstate to 20 miles of gravel roads I just get more and more impressed with it. It takes a little more effort to turn in than the 919 but feels stable through all turns. The suspension just soaks up any kind of bump and the bike just flows along.
The bike has combined brakes if you use the front brake and ABS. Using the back brake first breaks the linking. I have stomped on the back brake going down hill on gravel and the ABS just stops the bike with no fuss at all. Still don't have the nerve to just grab front on gravel.
Also has 3 levels of traction control. Level 1 is the most intrusive but does a really nice job of limiting spin. Level 2 will let you step the back end out a little and is a lot of fun on gravel. The final setting is off and this really turns loose the motor. It doesn't have 919 acceleration but the bike has been timed 0-60 in just over 3 seconds so that is plenty fast.
The only complaint so far has to be the windshield. I have a fully adjustable bracket but I can't seem to find clean air. I get buffeting right at the top of my helmet. Really enjoying the way the air is off of my chest and shoulders though.
Overall I really, really like this bike. The more I ride it the better it seems.
Smooth as butter. 3900 RPM is 79 MPH indicated and there is very little vibration at all. The best accolades I can give the interstate handling is I did 450 miles the first day I owned it after flying to Dallas and in 110+ heat and never once got off the bike thinking I really didn't want to get back on it.
Rode the bike to class last night and a couple of things that I forgot in my initial write up jumped out at me. The torque curve on this bike is incredibly flat. Shifting is pretty much optional once you are moving. 4th gear is good anywhere from 5-75 and it will take off in 3rd easily if you forget to downshift.
The headlights are also absolutely amazing. They are really bright and throw out a fantastic arc of light. It took a little getting used to the fact that they don't turn with the handlebars but they are very good.
Just wondering what speeds your are riding to get the average of 47? My brother has a Tenere' out in CA and says the mileage drops like a rock after 70mph. I should be picking mine up tomorrow and I am hoping to use it for my primary vehicle April to November.... ;-) I'll even push March to December if I can, given I live in MI.
Missed this question earlier. I spend most of my time 65 mph and under. A lot of my riding is under 60 even. I live 40 miles from the nearest interstate and most of my time is on 2 lane roads.
Linear Mode
Chevy Camaro Forum
Ford Mustang Forum
Jeep Wrangler Forum
Volkswagen Touareg Forum
Land Rover Defender Forum
