Operation: Test Ride Miles

[squirrel_hunter]

So Sunday morning Stretchie wakes me up at stupid-o-clock to go and get Breakfast at the H Café and meet up with a couple of other Orgers and go for a ride. Well the ride didn't exactly turn out to be what we expected as when we turned up I was enticed to sit upon a throbbing big blue Intruder. I'm not one to pass up an offer like that so I took the Suzuki M1800RZ Intruder out for a quick spin.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/squirrel_hunters_photos/Test%20Ride%20Miles/IMG-20120902-00760.jpg

First impressions of this bike are good. Its a great hulking beast of a bike but once underway it doesn't feel it. I do like the style and the overall finish of the bike, much better quality then some other bikes I've seen recently as the chrome is metal and the plastic does not feel cheap.

The power comes in smoothly but surprisingly for an engine that size it doesn't feel that powerful. Thats not a criticism, just an observation. I could find myself attaining some interesting speeds on that large comfortable saddle.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/squirrel_hunters_photos/Test%20Ride%20Miles/IMG-20120902-00763.jpg

Oddly the bike only had 5 gears as shown but the digital readout, and for some reason it didn't like 1st to 2nd. There was a fair bit of crunching. The speedo is on the tank which can distort the reading depending on where you are sitting and the clutch lever seamed to be angled down.

However this was for me a little bit of a let down. The biggest issue I had with it was ground clearance. First roundabout out and the right peg was on the floor (Stretchie did warm me of this). Second roundabout and the left was down. Then into some twisties both sides were going down on the open road. I didn't particularly like this as for one I was concerned of it digging in and running me out of room, but also I was grinding through my boots. So I started to take my foot off the inside peg on the turn.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/squirrel_hunters_photos/Test%20Ride%20Miles/IMG-20120902-00764.jpg

Also this is the first cruiser I've ridden that needs a steering damper and I think this is due to the very soft suspension. You see as I was overtaking a car in a NSL the rise of the central camber, the level of the road, and the soft suspension all conspired to bounce me into the gutter of the opposite carriageway. Whats worse was the gutter was somewhat undulating. With a little head shake from the bars I pointed the bike back in the vague direction of the lane I had just came from and it righted its self.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/squirrel_hunters_photos/Test%20Ride%20Miles/IMG-20120902-00761.jpg

Overall nice bike, soft suspension, needs ground clearance. I would have this engine in a Rocket III chassis combined with the Intruders styling. But then thats just me. 19 miles.

[_Stretchie_]

As Squirrell hasn't updated yet I'll give you one... oo-er

We went over to H Cafe following a thread on here and met up with some fellow orgers. I swang by Squirrells on the way, we have the usual banter while he gets his bike out and we head off.

We pull up at the cafe and get off our bikes and a fella comes over to us:

"Hi guys, just in case you don't know, we are from {insert name here} Suzuki dealership and have brought some bikes along with us today and running test rides throughout the day if you're interested. The idea is just to get you on some bikes you might not have ridden to see if you like them."

Me and Squirrell smile at each other, "I'll have a piece of that". The rides were in a group format with a dealership lead and TEC and us numpties in the middle. They set off on the hour and lasted about 30 mins, they said the route was about 20 miles.

First bike I took out was The M1800 Intruder

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/Stretchie_/Stuff%20for%20posting%20KEEPERS/IMAG0235.jpg

I've never ridden this type of bike before, the leader came over and said to be careful on it if not used to it as you'll probably end up grinding the pegs. We were about to set off, I turned turned the engine on and we set off, out of the carpark and around the roundabout, I went really slowly as the fella on the busa in front of me was doing 5 mph........ and we carried on the test route. We got to the first corner took a left and BAM, GRIND, SCRAPE, the pegs went down.

Hells bells, it scared the crap out of me, I don't really like grinding the pegs, typically I think the knee should go down before the pegs, I ground the pegs on the Blackbird and other bikes and it's a gentle scrape, and a bit of vibe feedback and noise as if to say "I say dear boy, for both our sakes, please refrain from leaning much further over. Terribly nice of you"

This was more of a big Fijian bouncer giving you a push to say "Get 'fuggin' upright now". I thought OK, no problem, I'll just watch the speed, wasn't going fast on the little turn anyway, but I'll be sure to go slower. Nope, didn't help, practically every corner, crunch, scrape. I enjoyed the bike, but seriously some of the corners, bends and roundabouts I was going ridiculously slowly around and still scraping so that was a shame, otherwise, I liked it, plenty of power and pulled well. Squirrell tried it and confirmed it was ridiculous, a lot worse than the other bikes in this class he's ridden for pegs down.

Next bike was the GSX1250FX

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/Stretchie_/Stuff%20for%20posting%20KEEPERS/IMAG0232.jpg

This bike I liked, I could sit on this all day on the motorway or take the interesting route and hang off like a monkey and still arrive fresh. Great engine, very comfy, plenty of power GREAT bike.


As I am part of the SV forum the Gladius is something I have heard of, Suzuki stopped making the SV and produced the Gladius, after a short while, they started making the SV again, take from that what you will. I thought it would be rude not to have a go

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/Stretchie_/Stuff%20for%20posting%20KEEPERS/IMAG0234.jpg

I was told to bead in mind it had been lowered, Squirrell promptly chipped in that it was about to be lowered a bit more when my fat ass got on it.... who needs enemies eh :D
I sat on it and just started to giggle, it felt like a monkey bike. We set off, got around the roundabout and I can't lie, I enjoyed it. On this bike you can pin the throttle, wait for the red line, change and pin again no problems. Don't want to own one, but great for scratching around on

Then I gave in and went for the big fella, the BUSA

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/Stretchie_/Stuff%20for%20posting%20KEEPERS/IMAG0233.jpg

I've never liked them, I put them in the same category a Porsches you have to admire the engineering but man are they fugly. As a Blackbird owner I had to try out the competition. It pains me to say this but my god it's a fantastic bike.

Just endless power, it won't chew you up and spit you off for a minor mistake, I was able to give it plenty without the front wheel coming up. We got into the ride a bit, I think it went from 30 to NSL so I dropped a cog or two and give it some and the words "holy mother of f**k" came out of my mouth followed by a yeehaw and massive grin.

Great bit of kit but it is not a bike I would want to do 300 miles on in a single day, the bars and lever position meant your hands were twisted upwards a bit too much, just pointing the levers down a bit would be a massive comfort improvement but the seat position too.... it really is just a massive Gixxer, NOT a sports/hypersport tourer, but a great bike for a day rideout

All the bikes had good dashes and gear indicators built in which was nice.

In summary, the only bike I couldn't get my knee down on was the intruder, all the Dash's were nice and out of them all I'd have the 1250 by miles.

Thank you for watching, this now has been brought to you by the letters D and X and the number 12[/quote]

[_Stretchie_]

Would you believe it.......

[squirrel_hunter]

Well after the Intruder, I decided that I would like to try a bike I've always had a little soft spot for particularly in its original metallic brown color (eBay may get a visit tonight), the GSX1300R. The Hayabusa.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/squirrel_hunters_photos/Test%20Ride%20Miles/IMG-20120902-00755.jpg

I'll keep this one simple. It was a pleasure to ride.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/squirrel_hunters_photos/Test%20Ride%20Miles/IMG-20120902-00757.jpg

Power, lots of it but very smooth delivery. It corners well with pleasantly of feeling, but again very smooth. The brakes were spot on no complaints there. The instruments and switch gear were good. And the riding position was comfortable. A little bit of a stretch to the bars but nothing to worrying. The mirrors were great.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/squirrel_hunters_photos/Test%20Ride%20Miles/IMG-20120902-00756.jpg

I really have no complaints with this bike. If I were to go touring tomorrow and needed a bike to do it on, I'd pick this one. No question, it does the job. Its a great bike.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/squirrel_hunters_photos/Test%20Ride%20Miles/IMG-20120902-00759.jpg

But I can't just write that now can I. There has to be a downside to this bike. And looking back at what I've written here I think I know what it is. As for all that is great with this bike the one thing its missing is character. Its not going to set my heart on fire but make no mistake this is a great bike.


To sum it up in one word, smooth. 19 miles.

[squirrel_hunter]

Would you believe it.......

Welcome to the wonderful world of the test ride.

[squirrel_hunter]

Looking at the range that Suzuki had on offer I wanted to find something that interested me. Suzuki do the Gladius and as this is the SV site it would be good to test, plus they have one here for me to try. Great. I'll take the V-Strom 650 ABS out.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/squirrel_hunters_photos/Test%20Ride%20Miles/IMG-20120902-00746.jpg

Well it has an SV engine in it. Or at least they claim it does. Compared to the SV its massively down on power. I expected it to be slightly detuned but not by this much. There was none of the VTwin grunt and delivery that I'm used to from my SV. It just felt slow. Yes the bike could still hit a good top speed, but it was just lacking.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/squirrel_hunters_photos/Test%20Ride%20Miles/IMG-20120902-00748.jpg

Suspension was adequate and the controls were good. I liked the riding position and I think this and other bikes of this style and size would make excellent commuters.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/squirrel_hunters_photos/Test%20Ride%20Miles/IMG-20120902-00749.jpg

But the brakes were the same as the SV and on this bike it wasn't as good as I would have expected. There were a little down on feel. I don't think this had anything to do with the ABS I just feel they lacked power. Comparing them with the standard SV yes again not the best brakes but I could get more feedback off of my SV, and that has the standard calipers but with braided lines and EBC HH pad (not sure what pad the SV comes with as standard?).

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/squirrel_hunters_photos/Test%20Ride%20Miles/IMG-20120902-00750.jpg

So all I'm left asking is why detune the engine? 19 miles.

[squirrel_hunter]

And finally for the day the choice was obvious. With the full size range of GSXR there for the taking, some of the lesser bikes, some the the mid size bikes and even the chromosexual market being catered for I thought it would be good to take out something fitting of my stature. The Burgman 650 ABS Executive.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/squirrel_hunters_photos/Test%20Ride%20Miles/IMG-20120902-00752.jpg

I had a few odd looks when I rode this out the car park but I had more interest when I got back. A group had gathered round to admire the bike and to inquire as to how I found it. And I found it a bit of a laugh.

I've ridden a big scooter before and found the idea of the big scooter an interesting prospect. Lots of storage and a small but usable engine. And on this one it was a very usable engine, I had 99mph on the clock at one point.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/squirrel_hunters_photos/Test%20Ride%20Miles/IMG-20120902-00766.jpg

But I didn't quite like the feeling of the bike. I think it may have had something to do with decking the Intruder as with this scooter there isn't any pegs, just some plastic to hit the road. And the idea that I couldn't feel my lean angle didn't sit quite right with me.

But the bike did have a nice seat to sit on. It also gave you a number of options on where to have your feet. Either in front like a chair or out stretched like a cruiser. I chose the feet forward cruiser position as it felt more natural to me. However this did have a down side, it might have been my huge plates of meat or my toe sliders but the wind deflectors on the footwell did get in my way.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/squirrel_hunters_photos/Test%20Ride%20Miles/IMG-20120902-00753.jpg

This bike has a lot of switches on the bars. One that moves the screen up and down, one that flips the mirrors in, and more than one for the gears, or lack of them. If I'm honest I spent most of the ride pressing buttons. I'm easily amused.

I preferred the screen down on the slow village roads, but up on the main A and fast B roads. The mirrors stayed out, until I entered stealth mode (I'm such a child). But thats nothing compared to the gear shift.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/squirrel_hunters_photos/Test%20Ride%20Miles/IMG-20120902-00754.jpg

The bike is a automatic but with a manual switchgear override. I shows gears on the dash, but they are not gears like the NC700 has, the engines gear box is on rollers. In automatic mode the engine is lazy it lags. It mainly feels like clutch slip.

But it does have a power button. Press that and it sharpens up the changes and hangs on to the revs more. It is the only setting for the automatic. I really don't know why they have the non-power option. But if they didn't have that then they wouldn't have a button marked power. And I want that button on my bike.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/squirrel_hunters_photos/Test%20Ride%20Miles/IMG-20120902-00765.jpg

But in manual mode there are up and down buttons to give full control. And the box does respond and does help when powering out of bends. Click it down one, open the throttle and off the engine goes. It also doesn't try and override your decision as you remain in control until you turn the automatic back on. However my only criticism of the manual shift was there was a second delay in button press to gear change, unnecessary.

Overall this is a fun bike, if I were going from one side of the town to the other then the Executive scooter is a market I would visit. Plus this one has the most buttons on any switchgear I've ever seen, awesome. 19 miles.

[Lozzo]

So all I'm left asking is why detune the engine? 19 miles.

It's only 4 bhp down on an SV - 68 v 72 bhp. I'm surprised you could notice the difference. What's most likely happened is the upright riding position and higher stance of the bike has masked the sensation of power and speed.

Also, bear in mind the new DL has revised throttle bodies and fuel mapping taken from the Gladius, so it has a much smoother power delivery

[STRAMASHER]

The V-Strom is quite a bit heavier than our SV's so I am imagining that will be taking an edge of the power of the engine too.

Always enjoy the pics and wee impressions. Keep up the good work. Have you had to start disguising yerself though?:p

[andreis]

I'm curious about the GSXF1250. Did it have plenty of torque compared to the SV? Did any engine heat reach your legs (as I would expect from a fully faired bike)?

[_Stretchie_]

I can't comment on the comparison between the 1250 and the SV, although I am on here I've never actually had an SV and only ridden one once for a 30 mile round trip.

The weather was alright so didn't really notice a lot of heat fluctuation and it wasn't a really long test ride so didn't get the engine overheated, all I can say it's as above really, very comfy, more upright than I am used to but I did like it and plenty of power. I could tootle around in upper gears or I could drop a cog and really get a shift on.

[yorkie_chris]

I'm curious about the GSXF1250. Did it have plenty of torque compared to the SV? Did any engine heat reach your legs (as I would expect from a fully faired bike)?

Never ridden one but have used a GSX1100F a fair bit. If it's anything even close to ye olde oil boiler engine it will absolutely demolish the SV in terms of useable low down grunt. The torque right from tickover on a well set up example of one of those is like surfing a wave of custard.

[_Stretchie_]

A well set up example of one of those is like surfing a wave of custard.

Nicely put Chris :)

[squirrel_hunter]

It's only 4 bhp down on an SV - 68 v 72 bhp. I'm surprised you could notice the difference. What's most likely happened is the upright riding position and higher stance of the bike has masked the sensation of power and speed.

Also, bear in mind the new DL has revised throttle bodies and fuel mapping taken from the Gladius, so it has a much smoother power delivery

The V-Strom is quite a bit heavier than our SV's so I am imagining that will be taking an edge of the power of the engine too.

I'm surprised I noticed the difference as well if its only that much. I don't think the ridding position would have affected the sensation, however that is an interesting point about the mapping and the weight, I can see how that could affect the feeling of power. But either way it really felt a lesser engine than the SV, and I'm not sure why Suzuki felt the need to do this?

Always enjoy the pics and wee impressions. Keep up the good work. Have you had to start disguising yerself though?:p

Not yet but I am working on a range of accents...

[alfa.rbt]

Where is an update than? :)

[squirrel_hunter]

Where is an update than? :)

Yeah so about that... Hadn't had that much of a chance to test ride bikes since then but last weekend I found my self in deepest darkest Wales which reminded me I borrowed a bike at the Castle Combe BikeSafe event. And that bike was the BMW F700 GS.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/squirrel_hunters_photos/Test%20Ride%20Miles/IMG-20130420-01336_zpsdfaf8b7a.jpg

Nice little bike it was. Obviously not as powerful as the more famous Charlie and Ewan version but it wasn't lacking that's for sure. And the exhaust note had a nice little rumble to it once you got going.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/squirrel_hunters_photos/Test%20Ride%20Miles/IMG-20130420-01338_zpsb6535f52.jpg

It was a good riding position up high like the other trailie type bikes I've ridden, but it was missing a little in the way of wind protection. Other that that the only fault I could find with it was the electronic ride adjustment. Compared to the bigger 1200GS I didn't feel any difference with the settings, but then I'm not sure that I managed to change the settings as it wasn't as intuitive as the 1200.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/squirrel_hunters_photos/Test%20Ride%20Miles/IMG-20130420-01335_zps8fcd5cdc.jpg

But overall the ride quality was good, a smooth measured ride that was relaxed and enjoyable. 17 miles.

[squirrel_hunter]

So what reminded me of that test ride? Well it was the fact I was signing up to take a Suzuki out for a little spin. And the Suzuki I borrowed, well one I've wanted to test for a while, the Gladius.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/squirrel_hunters_photos/Test%20Ride%20Miles/IMG-20130518-01432_zps58e634d3.jpg

I would say I'm fairly familiar with the SV650 and the Gladius is basically the naked SV650, providing you can see past the metrosexual lifestyle advertising that they launched the bike with. So a direct comparison is in order.

Basically very similar bikes but with one major difference. But before that, the brakes were the same, the comfort was the same, the bars being more upright makes its more relaxed like you could have found on the old N model.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/squirrel_hunters_photos/Test%20Ride%20Miles/IMG-20130518-01433_zpsa59a6d6c.jpg

The suspension is budget and feels it. I forget how good my SV is sometimes with the modifications I run on it. The rear couldn't cope with a right - left switch with a mini rise coming off of a roundabout and kicked me out of the seat. This is something that my SV can deal with easily. But without budget suspension we wouldn't have modifications.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/squirrel_hunters_photos/Test%20Ride%20Miles/IMG-20130518-01434_zps6532a258.jpg

And now the revelation the big difference between the bikes. You think that the SV and the Gladius share the same engine, I did. They look the same and they are both called V Twins, however somehow Suzuki have removed all engine breaking, character and beneifit of the engine configuration in the Gladius. I'm actually amazed how they've done it.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/squirrel_hunters_photos/Test%20Ride%20Miles/IMG-20130518-01435_zps6e68ad6f.jpg

Not don't get me wrong I secretly like the Gladius, but only in race trim where all the plastic has been stripped off of it and its been beefed up. However I will also have to add the caveite of only if a V Twin has been fitted to it, like in the SV. So I think I'll stick with the SV thanks. 19 miles.

[squirrel_hunter]

Then after the Gladius it was time for another bike I quite like the mini B-King or as Suzuki call it the GSR750.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/squirrel_hunters_photos/Test%20Ride%20Miles/IMG-20130518-01441_zpsb42f221d.jpg

I really quite liked this bike. Good riding position, with good handling and good suspension. Compared to the Gladius it took the right left with rise with ease no fuss, can only put that down to the suspension being a better specification.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/squirrel_hunters_photos/Test%20Ride%20Miles/IMG-20130518-01439_zps0ae38e4b.jpg

The brakes were good as was the power and its delivery. Its one of those engines that don't make a fuss, but when you open the throttle it can sure shift. I had 3 figures at one point and there was something about it that made it feel like 4. Can't explain why but it made me feel as if I were going a lot faster than I was.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/squirrel_hunters_photos/Test%20Ride%20Miles/IMG-20130518-01440_zps23ce934e.jpg

This model also had the factory fitted Yoshimura and it made me giggle, great sound and a lovely burble on the over run. Plus the bike looks good, the matt black paint is very nice. My only problem with the bike was the throttle, there was some side to side movement in it that shouldn't be there as it did surprise me at first. I don't think that is a feature of the bike, I think someone might have missed that from the PDI. 19 miles.

[Keith1983]

Just read this thread from start to finish and I'm exhausted! It's a strange satisfied exhausted. Like having given a member of the opposite sex a good seeing to and having them say thank you afterwards. I have had a curvy and pointy SV and I'm now in the position after about 5 years of drought to have another bike. I liked my SV but my curious nature wants me to look at alternatives. I may blatantly copy your relentless test riding!

[squirrel_hunter]

I may have gone to the NEC. I may have queued up for a test ride. I may have taken a bike out. May I present the CCM GP450 Adventure.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/squirrel_hunters_photos/Test%20Ride%20Miles/IMG-20131125-01974_zpsf01fc2ef.jpg

It was a bit by luck that I got on this one, but that's another story. So I decided to make the most of it. I had the offer of the lowered seat version that compared to the standard one I took out looks like a miniature, but as I'm not short in the leg the standard would be fine. It wasn't a struggle to get on and get feet down but you do still know your on an adventure bike.

So the first thing I noticed on the bike was its weight. They forgot to add any. I couldn't believe how light and balanced it felt, it also felt small, but not too small.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/squirrel_hunters_photos/Test%20Ride%20Miles/IMG-20131125-01971_zps5a9eb1d0.jpg

Out on the road the single cylinder engine isn't going to set the world alight. But then its not designed to. I enjoyed the ride the engine gave, not powerful but adequate, and with a 73mph top speed. Though if you buy a bike like this top speed isn't what you are buying. Its vibby but that is what I would expect from it.

A comfortable ride is found out on it. Suspension soaks up the bumps well enough and the single front brake works, but its down on power when compared to my SV and its twin discs. The mirrors were good though needed a little more damping and the switchgear felt fine. The bike didn't feel cheap which was nice.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/squirrel_hunters_photos/Test%20Ride%20Miles/Solihull-20131125-01972_zps81a7590b.jpg

But all was not as nice as I would have hoped. The gear change and rear brake lever was a bit short by design but can easily be solved. The throttle cables were routed over the instruments which got in the way of reading the speedo and there was no rev counter. The gear change was fine, but I really had problems finding neutral. And the side stand was spring loaded which I know will surprise some and made me very nervous stepping off the bike.

Worse was to come. I had a bit of a starting problem. The engine stalled at a junction and would not start on the button. The starter motor was spinning ,but nothing was catching. It didn't even sound if the starter was facing resistance. Nothing was happening try after try. So turned all the electrics off waited for 10 seconds and started again. Still nothing but after the 3rd or 4th try the starter motor was beginning to catch before finally firing the bike into life.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/squirrel_hunters_photos/Test%20Ride%20Miles/Solihull-20131125-01973_zps92f2c5e5.jpg

I know CCM had a bit of reputation for interesting electrics. So I hope this was just a bit of a one off. They are a new manufacture and the bikes are the first ones and had very few miles on them so it might have just needed a tune up. But it was disappointing. Though having said all that I did like the bike and I do like the styling. I think if I were looking at one of these bikes to own I think I would keep it on the list but wait a little to see what other owners find with them. 23 miles.

[the_lone_wolf]

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/squirrel_hunters_photos/Test%20Ride%20Miles/19032009185.jpg

But there is one thing I could not ignore or forgive, no matter how good everything else is. This bike is let down terribly by the engine. I would even stick my neck out and say it almost made it unrideable. The only way to describe it is that it felt like a fueling problem. It only has a small power band which is hard to get to on the road as it is all or nothing. Once its out and running on the open road its fine but anything other than fast and flat out the engine doesn't want to know. Now I'm not against riding a bike that needs some work to get the most out of it but this engine turned it into a full time job.

You need to rev it to 4,000 rpm to enable take off without stalling. And if you do stall it needs to be in neutral to restart it. I must have stalled it at least 3 times at lights. It even stalled once when I was down shifting letting the engine braking do some work, I was still traveling at 50mph. The vibration that the engine gives out at idle reminded me of the Buell I'd ridden. I think if KTM put an engine in it that worked the bike could be the best thing on the road.

I've been waiting until I put some miles on mine before I passed comment as I knew what KTM's LC8 engine was like in the 990, very marmite. I've just hit 250 miles and I'm getting the measure of the thing

First off, you don't need to be in neutral to restart the bike unless the side stand is down, same as pretty much any bike these days

On the subject of fuelling, you need to come round here and borrow mine, as it's nothing like the one you rode - I can easily pull away at 2krpm, it doesn't stall, the only snatchiness is from it being a 1.2 litre V-Twin

Hell, I'll even bung a fiver's worth of fuel in it for you... ;)

[Tomor]

you need to come round here and borrow mine,

Hell, I'll even bung a fiver's worth of fuel in it for you... ;)

Everyone get in line!! ;)

[squirrel_hunter]

you need to come round here and borrow mine, as it's nothing like the one you rode

Ok will do. Yours is the second generation isn’t it? I did read that they made some changes to it particularly around the fuelling so I would be interested to see what its like now...

[the_lone_wolf]

Everyone get in line!! ;)

Nah, he lent me a fiver when we went and test rode the RC8, I managed to nip off without paying him back which was quite the feat given his reputed ancestry including Scots and accountants... ;)

[Tomor]

:(

[the_lone_wolf]

Ok will do. Yours is the second generation isn’t it? I did read that they made some changes to it particularly around the fuelling so I would be interested to see what its like now...

It's not the R model, same bike essentially as the bike you rode, different rear spring but the fuel map is described as "KTM 1190 RC8, All model years"

I've put the KTM Akrapovic map on it as it's not running the standard exhaust any more, not had any issues with fuelling with either the standard or Akra map, but the bike feels more urgent with the Akra

My biggest gripe is the gearing, in 250 miles I've used 6th gear once, and even that was because I made it to 4th and figured I'd check that the others were there, the gears I use are basically 1st in 30 limits, 2nd in 40 limits and 2nd/3rd in NSL, that's 0-110mph covered comfortably...

[squirrel_hunter]

Nah, he lent me a fiver when we went and test rode the RC8, I managed to nip off without paying him back which was quite the feat given his reputed ancestry including Scots and accountants... ;)

You had got away with that. Totally forgotten about it.

My biggest gripe is the gearing, in 250 miles I've used 6th gear once, and even that was because I made it to 4th and figured I'd check that the others were there, the gears I use are basically 1st in 30 limits, 2nd in 40 limits and 2nd/3rd in NSL, that's 0-110mph covered comfortably...

You're not trying hard enough.

[the_lone_wolf]

You had got away with that. Totally forgotten about it.
The guilt was eating me up inside... :rolleyes:;)
You're not trying hard enough.
In my defence I need my licence for work so frequent trips into triple figures will likely end in life pain

Besides, the first three gears are pretty epic by themselves... ;)

[Citizen]

Just read the whole bloody thread!!

Triumph Bonneville and Vespa px150 are my bikes to make an effort to test ride, the vespa is an around town plan for free parking and local trips. The Bonneville is just one I have always wanted to plod about on.

Excellent thread

[allantheboss]

Can you please test-drive an MTT-Y2K?