Anyone have experience w/ Honda 919 ?

[Whoops]

I commuted on a stock one for a week, about half on L.A. freeways, and the only drawback I recall was that the high-mounted exhaust allowed the exhaust fumes to permeate my Aerostich suit to the point that I had to take it off and leave it in the garage after the first day.

If this seems illogical, you may recall guys riding at highway speeds in T-shirts that were blowing up their backs and around their shoulders.

I had a 2004 Silver 919 that I bought new when I lived in Phoenix. I had the exact same issue. Everywhere I went my jacket smelled like gasoline and exhaust. I mean, REALLY smelled. That and it was very buzzy at 55-65 mph. So much so my hands would go numb after about 30 minutes.



It was quicker than I expected and I accidentally pulled a wheelie out of the first traffic light close to the dealer on the way home after buying it. It just pulled a lot harder than my CB900 Custom and caught me by surprise.

The riding position was fine for me 20 years ago, now though it would be too much for my arms and back. I loved the look of the bike in spite of any detraction's and still wish I had it. It was a fantastic bike in traffic. Very nimble. The new CB1000R's remind me a lot of the 919 actually. If I had the choice between those two however, I would take the CB1000R.