Picking new bike up tomorrow....

Well woke up this morning and drove the 40 odd miles to the dealers. On the way t'was like a blizzard on the motorway! Was really hoping that it would stay dry though, which it did.

Got to the dealers, did the deed then had to wait 2 hours for them to service it and give it a test run before they could release it to me. I finally got the keys at 4pm. I started her up.

First thing I noticed was the sound. It has a Yoshimura Tri Oval can with out the baffle. One could say its loud My 6'+ frame felt much better on the bike, the tank is so much wider. I was expecting a more radical riding position but IMO its not too different to the SV, which is strange because many people find it too extreme.

Next thing was the power. I'd go as far as saying it has more low down grunt than the SV. Open up the throttle and it pulls and pulls. I was scared to go over 10K revs

Seat is nice and comfy. Brakes are awesome. The suspension also feels remarkably better. You can feel the rear shock soak up the bumps more rathen than just 'bumping' over them if you know what I mean.

The bike look gorgeous. 9100 miles and its had 5 services since new! Immaculate condition, a totally unmolestered example. I've decided I'm spending no money on accessories on this beast as its near complete as it is. Maybe a tail tidy, thats the lot.

Will post pics tomorrow when its light!

Peace.

Congratulations!

Robbo, I understand it was the first time you've ridden an IL4. Was
it difficult to get used to it? Reason I am asking is that I've
never ridden an IL4 (apart from my SV I've ridden only the test
bike, a GS500, and various hire 125s).

I've decided I'm spending no money on accessories on this beast as its near complete as it is.

Maybe a tail tidy, thats the lot.

..............................................

lol. thats how it starts.

good for you robbo

Originally Posted by Professor

Congratulations!

Robbo, I understand it was the first time you've ridden an IL4. Was
it difficult to get used to it? Reason I am asking is that I've
never ridden an IL4 (apart from my SV I've ridden only the test
bike, a GS500, and various hire 125s).

I was a little nervous when I was handed over the keys but a few miles is all it took to get a little feel of the bike/throttle/brakes etc. I found it very easy to contol at low speeds, there is no 'twichyness' when opening the throttle that the SV sometimes has. I'd say I find it easier to ride than the SV. Of the little riding I did today, I noticed that it felt more stable especially at high speeds. The seat is far more comfy than any other bike I've ridden which was also a suprise.

I had the impression that it was going to be an absolute roaring devil to handle, and spit me off if I did anything wrong. Far from it, it feels very nice to ride and I'm looking forward to spending more time on it racking up more miles.

Note that these are first impressions, I have only done 40ish miles so far so it could change when I start to push it a little more. But from the riding I did today I can say I have utmost confidence in the bike, it is a really nice ride.

Go get a test ride