Well I've done about 1500 miles on her now so thought I would post up thoughts. I know it's an SV site but what the heck, it's a bike afterall.
Looks: Why I bought her, looks the nuts and easily one of the prettiest naked bikes in existence (not biased of course
). I think she will be a classic in years to come (a la ZX7R).
Handling: After hooning about on an SV and then a Hornet I found this bike very solid and stiff. Goes where you point it but can be a little uncomfortable over the bumpy stuff. Gets air easily!
When you give it some through the twisties she just goes, no squirming, no arguing. Knee downs are easily possible but as it is quite taller than the Hornet I actually prefer to just move in the seat a little (I can't believe I'm saying this!). Also I'm not quite there yet with the throttle response as it's FI and I'm use to carbs.
Engine: I thought it would be a bit more raw than it is but it's very smooth. You can wind the throttle in 3rd and the wheel will lift (albeit slightly). The biggest difference for me (compared to a 600 naked) is this bike accerlates like a train beyond 4k rpm well up to over 140 topping out at 162 on the clock (private test track). The wind blast is minimal and really does not make it uncomfortable. I'm still not puling away as quick as the Hornet due to the fact that when I give it a handful the front flies up and scares the life out of me! It'll take time to tame her.
Overall, an absolute pleasure to ride. It has everything and still scares me when I give it some, very rarely pin it unlike the Hornet where you have to....
