I am at my desk fresh off the bike for the first highway ride.
I purchased my bike a few weeks ago, but on the first trip I discovered I had a weak battery and an inoperative charging system at a gas station. Luckily near home.
I replaced the stock 28 amp alternator with a 40 amp unit over the past couple of days and wrapped that up this evening. I then went for a test ride.
My previous bike is a 2012 Yamaha FZ1. It's still in the stable, but the fiance now rides it.
Things I noticed on my approximately 30 mile round trip:
The clutch grabs far out on lever travel.
The bike is smooth and quiet. Barely any engine noise at highway speeds.
Perception of speed is much different. I found myself cruising at 95MPH without realizing it.
I feel like the speedometer is inaccurate and I will verify with GPS soon. I was going to on this ride, but it started raining so I put my phone away.
The top of the windshield, which I believe is stock, is right, exactly in my line of sight. The plastic is distorting to look through as well.
Also, the windshield is nearly impossible to see through when wet.
At highway speeds, I think the windshield may be causing some back pressure or other odd fluid flow. I felt like my helmet got heavier or my shoulders were being pushed down/forward.
For reference, I am about 5'10-11" and normal build.
The suspension is soft. Very soft. Almost like a 1970s Cadillac. I barely noticed train tracks and highway bumps.
But the squishyness does not inspire confidence for twisty roads. The rear shock is a Progressive Suspension unit. I do not know if the front has any modifications.
I think I felt some front end wobble or bouncing.
I am comparing to an FZ1 with the suspension dialed up kinda tight, though.
The front end makes a noise that is best described as a roar. It seems to be from wind.
My temperature gauge stayed at the 1/3 mark while cruising and climbed to the middle at stop lights.
This is by far the largest and heaviest bike I have owned. The weight is noticeable at walking pace but disappears once moving.
For anyone who cares, I started riding in May 2014 on a 1982 Honda CM250C. Then a 1992 Honda Nighthawk 750, then 1989 Kawasaki Ninja 750, and then a 2012 FZ1.
I have already farkled by adding a Stebel Nautilus horn, always live power outlet, ignition live power outlet, and ignition live USB ports.
A few more things are on my list.
I am excited to be a part of this friendly and helpful community and I cannot wait to put some serious miles on my new STeed. Looks like I will be taking my honeymoon to Yellowstone in two weeks by bike and not car after all.
:biker:
I purchased my bike a few weeks ago, but on the first trip I discovered I had a weak battery and an inoperative charging system at a gas station. Luckily near home.
I replaced the stock 28 amp alternator with a 40 amp unit over the past couple of days and wrapped that up this evening. I then went for a test ride.
My previous bike is a 2012 Yamaha FZ1. It's still in the stable, but the fiance now rides it.
Things I noticed on my approximately 30 mile round trip:
The clutch grabs far out on lever travel.
The bike is smooth and quiet. Barely any engine noise at highway speeds.
Perception of speed is much different. I found myself cruising at 95MPH without realizing it.
I feel like the speedometer is inaccurate and I will verify with GPS soon. I was going to on this ride, but it started raining so I put my phone away.
The top of the windshield, which I believe is stock, is right, exactly in my line of sight. The plastic is distorting to look through as well.
Also, the windshield is nearly impossible to see through when wet.
At highway speeds, I think the windshield may be causing some back pressure or other odd fluid flow. I felt like my helmet got heavier or my shoulders were being pushed down/forward.
For reference, I am about 5'10-11" and normal build.
The suspension is soft. Very soft. Almost like a 1970s Cadillac. I barely noticed train tracks and highway bumps.
But the squishyness does not inspire confidence for twisty roads. The rear shock is a Progressive Suspension unit. I do not know if the front has any modifications.
I think I felt some front end wobble or bouncing.
I am comparing to an FZ1 with the suspension dialed up kinda tight, though.
The front end makes a noise that is best described as a roar. It seems to be from wind.
My temperature gauge stayed at the 1/3 mark while cruising and climbed to the middle at stop lights.
This is by far the largest and heaviest bike I have owned. The weight is noticeable at walking pace but disappears once moving.
For anyone who cares, I started riding in May 2014 on a 1982 Honda CM250C. Then a 1992 Honda Nighthawk 750, then 1989 Kawasaki Ninja 750, and then a 2012 FZ1.
I have already farkled by adding a Stebel Nautilus horn, always live power outlet, ignition live power outlet, and ignition live USB ports.
A few more things are on my list.
I am excited to be a part of this friendly and helpful community and I cannot wait to put some serious miles on my new STeed. Looks like I will be taking my honeymoon to Yellowstone in two weeks by bike and not car after all.
:biker: