Best Road Close to Home

[Stichill_imp]

Stichill, remember to keep your rose-colored goggles clean. The F800GT, while it does offer some endearing sport-touring qualities and capabilities, certainly is no smooth operator. Though economical, the engine does get vibey at speed (5000+ rpm, or about 80 mph). But to me, the bike's handling and agility make it a sweet ride. For some reason, my two ex-F800ST's were smoother than my current F800GT.

From what I've read, the new China-sourced 850 engines are considerably smoother than the Rotax-built 800's. Perhaps someday we'll see an F850GT.
As far as great roads close to home, I've got several, but top of mind is CO 5 (Mt. Evans Road) which runs from Bergen Park, CO, to Idaho Springs, CO, via Juniper Pass, Squaw Pass, and Echo Lake. 28 miles of excellent curves and magnificent views, and zero traffic during the week (watch out for bicyclists on weekends). The road begins two miles from my house and makes for a terrific loop. The tourists who never get off I-70 are oblivious.

Lol, I'm in no danger of getting bikesick for the F800GT!

Stichill, remember to keep your rose-colored goggles clean. The F800GT, while it does offer some endearing sport-touring qualities and capabilities, certainly is no smooth operator. Though economical, the engine does get vibey at speed (5000+ rpm, or about 80 mph). But to me, the bike's handling and agility make it a sweet ride. For some reason, my two ex-F800ST's were smoother than my current F800GT.

From what I've read, the new China-sourced 850 engines are considerably smoother than the Rotax-built 800's. Perhaps someday we'll see an F850GT.
As far as great roads close to home, I've got several, but top of mind is CO 5 (Mt. Evans Road) which runs from Bergen Park, CO, to Idaho Springs, CO, via Juniper Pass, Squaw Pass, and Echo Lake. 28 miles of excellent curves and magnificent views, and zero traffic during the week (watch out for bicyclists on weekends). The road begins two miles from my house and makes for a terrific loop. The tourists who never get off I-70 are oblivious.

Apparently the new 850 engines went from the 180-degree crank of the 800s to a 270-degree crank in the 850s, which I think is just great in a parallel twin. It was about seven years ago that Husqvarna took the same Rotax 800 twin, bored & stroked it into a 900, and gave it a 270-degree crank for their Nuda 900 and 900R. [url=https://www.cycleworld.com/2012/08/21/husqvarna-nuda/]Transformational to say the least.

Stichill, remember to keep your rose-colored goggles clean. The F800GT, while it does offer some endearing sport-touring qualities and capabilities, certainly is no smooth operator. Though economical, the engine does get vibey at speed (5000+ rpm, or about 80 mph). But to me, the bike's handling and agility make it a sweet ride. For some reason, my two ex-F800ST's were smoother than my current F800GT.

From what I've read, the new China-sourced 850 engines are considerably smoother than the Rotax-built 800's. Perhaps someday we'll see an F850GT.
As far as great roads close to home, I've got several, but top of mind is CO 5 (Mt. Evans Road) which runs from Bergen Park, CO, to Idaho Springs, CO, via Juniper Pass, Squaw Pass, and Echo Lake. 28 miles of excellent curves and magnificent views, and zero traffic during the week (watch out for bicyclists on weekends). The road begins two miles from my house and makes for a terrific loop. The tourists who never get off I-70 are oblivious.

Great description of the bike Hank. Thanks.

Ferret as a torque junkie, you'd probably get a kick out of it. You can ride the torque curve from 2000-3000 rpm all day long. It only starts lugging below maybe 1800 rpm.