cliby

went by our local shop and they had an 06 with 1000 miles on it. I don't know how many of you have been on a liter bike from the past 5 years ( I had not since about 02). We were talking about bikes and the work I'd been doing on mine and I commented that it has all the power I need and I couldn't imagine what one of the new 1000's is like. The owner is a nice guy and said go find out, we have a used one right there. So I took it out on a nice backroad nearby. I have to say I was really impressed. The power is so excessive that even the lower midrange is hugely powerful. This thing redlined about 13,5 I think and anywhere from 6 and up it was all the power you could want instantly. I went into the ride thinking, big top end, but our SH have more real world power. No way. This is equally usable power in the midrange. Its just that the top end is also jet like. I also really liked the seating position, way out over the front wheel, especially when compared to the SH. The fit/finish/controls/fueling - all right on and refined. And comfort-wise it was at least as comfortable positioning, a slight buzz below about 6K though. And while I'm sure it would be easy to kill yourself on it with a hamfisted approach, if you are halfway sensible its also very easy to ride. And whats wrong with power wheelies anytime you like?

Anyway, I have too much blood/sweat and tears in my current bike to sell it anytime soon. But I can see why these bikes are so popular. If you are an experienced rider, they really have it all. And I liked thinking my SH midrange and torque held an advantage, that disappears when comparing to these big superbikes.

Anyway, if you haven't been on one in 5 years, they have moved light years ahead and you should try to steal a ride sometime.

bill

HRCVTR1000