Pesky Canadian
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Kingston, Ontario
Posts: 38
Rep Power:
1
919 First Ride Impressions
Finally got my recently purchased 2004 919 registered and insured and on the road.
For those that didn't see my intro post, I picked up an 04 919 off a one owner, with 36,000 Km's. Pretty much stock, except for a drop in K&N air filter and the PO gutted the stock mufflers a tad (bit more of a throatier note). Oh and a custom back rest for 2-up riding.
The bike needed a new front tire and fork seals. The rear tire was a pretty much brand new Pilot Road 3, so I matched the front with the same style of tire. Fork seals and fork oil replaced, suspension settings set a couple down from stiffest (both sides were not the same before I started).
Ride Impressions:
First off, my previous bike was a 2000 ZRX1100 that was modified quite a bit. So I've been doing allot of comparing...or basing the 919 on how the ZRX rode.
The 919 is extremely smooth and quiet (compared to my previous bike). Upright seating position is comfortable and a must for any bike I ride. I didn't feel much wind on my chest that others have reported. I mean, there is a bit, but not crazy, for a naked bike. I did order an F-16 Sport windscreen for it, but in no rush to install it.
Bike feels light and nimble and responsive handling. The ZRX was a steel tubed bike and heavy. The 919 feels very light in comparison. Even when pushing the 919 in the driveway, it feels lighter.
This is my first EFI bike and I love it. I'm so done with messing with carbs. Throttle response is quick and smooth. Nice and even all the way through the rev range. I had ZX10 cams in my ZRX and larger ZX11 carbs, so there was a very noticeable kick with it around the 6000 RPM mark. I don't feel that with the 919. Just nice and even.
I do notice the stronger exhaust smell, due to the location of the stock exhaust.
I also noticed that it took quite a while for the temp gauge to move, and it really didn't move much past the first notch. Because it took so long to register a temp, I thought maybe the gauge wasn't working, at first.
Overall, I'm very happy with the bike. Its the perfect 'old guy' (naked) sport bike. Well at least this mid 40's guy loves it.
p.s. This is the first bike I've owned with no gas gauge. My co-workers who ride Hardleys are like: "Welcome to the club"...LOL
Cheers!