07-16-2015, 09:46 AM
(07-16-2015, 06:59 AM)DocRid_imp Wrote: Picked up a new 14 std yesterday; and yes, RLETs ordered before I even left the dealership.
Ergonomics are without a doubt the most comfortable out of any bike I've ridden. I was extremely comfortable operating it and pushing its limits right away, versus other bikes that feel awkward at first until you get used to it. It's hard to put into words, but it felt like I've ridden this bike my whole life (for reference, I'm coming from a Suzuki Boulevard cruiser). The only thing that was unfamiliar was the turn signal button position. I hit the horn a few times on accident instead
One thing that surprised me (in a good way) was the wind on the highway. For a fairing-less bike, it handles the air pretty well. I wasn't being pushed around by the wind like I have with other bikes. I'm considering a Road Comet or Dart Marlin in the future, so I'm interested to see how much the aerodynamics can improve even though I feel it's exceptional as is.
Also on the highway, the 6th gear... I'm not sure about this one... I don't go fast while riding; often spirited, but I don't go much over the speed limits. While on the highway, I didn't really feel that 6th was necessary. To be honest, it feels like overkill for highway cruising. It seems like something Honda threw in so they could say, "Hey, it gets 2mpg more than the 13' model on the highway! We improved it!"I almost want to see if switching it out for a 5-speed is possible so I could shift less, or at least change some of the gear sizes.
There was one thing that I had to change ASAP after riding for a little bit: the stock muffler. It's simply too quiet for my liking. I placed an order for a Yoshi slip-on this morning.
Twisty roads were a lot of fun; more fun than I was expecting. I'm surprised with how much lean you can achieve without dragging something. She's no supersport on turns, but impressive nonetheless.
Brakes: good. Clutch: no complaints there! Mirrors: not sure if I like them. For big "Mickey Mouse ears" mirrors, they're not very wide, so I find myself leaning to see around my body. I might switch them out for something wider, or maybe bar-ends with a lower bar.
Heat: no problem at all while riding, but it does rise up quickly while stopped. All-around, the heat is definitely better than a lot of other bikes. I think it will keep my legs at a perfect temperature when it gets a little cooler out.
I remember seeing a thread on here about spirited riding over like 4.5k rpms being pointless, and I would definitely agree now that I've gone hands-on for a little bit. I can't wait to open her up with the slip-on, improved air flow, and a power commander.
Would be cheaper to record your favorite loud motorcycle engine sounds, put it on your iPod or whatever, stick the earbuds in your ears and crank up the volume as loud as you like. You won't bother others that way as well.
(07-16-2015, 06:59 AM)DocRid_imp Wrote: Picked up a new 14 std yesterday; and yes, RLETs ordered before I even left the dealership.
Ergonomics are without a doubt the most comfortable out of any bike I've ridden. I was extremely comfortable operating it and pushing its limits right away, versus other bikes that feel awkward at first until you get used to it. It's hard to put into words, but it felt like I've ridden this bike my whole life (for reference, I'm coming from a Suzuki Boulevard cruiser). The only thing that was unfamiliar was the turn signal button position. I hit the horn a few times on accident instead
One thing that surprised me (in a good way) was the wind on the highway. For a fairing-less bike, it handles the air pretty well. I wasn't being pushed around by the wind like I have with other bikes. I'm considering a Road Comet or Dart Marlin in the future, so I'm interested to see how much the aerodynamics can improve even though I feel it's exceptional as is.
Also on the highway, the 6th gear... I'm not sure about this one... I don't go fast while riding; often spirited, but I don't go much over the speed limits. While on the highway, I didn't really feel that 6th was necessary. To be honest, it feels like overkill for highway cruising. It seems like something Honda threw in so they could say, "Hey, it gets 2mpg more than the 13' model on the highway! We improved it!"
There was one thing that I had to change ASAP after riding for a little bit: the stock muffler. It's simply too quiet for my liking. I placed an order for a Yoshi slip-on this morning.
Twisty roads were a lot of fun; more fun than I was expecting. I'm surprised with how much lean you can achieve without dragging something. She's no supersport on turns, but impressive nonetheless.
Brakes: good. Clutch: no complaints there! Mirrors: not sure if I like them. For big "Mickey Mouse ears" mirrors, they're not very wide, so I find myself leaning to see around my body. I might switch them out for something wider, or maybe bar-ends with a lower bar.
Heat: no problem at all while riding, but it does rise up quickly while stopped. All-around, the heat is definitely better than a lot of other bikes. I think it will keep my legs at a perfect temperature when it gets a little cooler out.
I remember seeing a thread on here about spirited riding over like 4.5k rpms being pointless, and I would definitely agree now that I've gone hands-on for a little bit. I can't wait to open her up with the slip-on, improved air flow, and a power commander.
Yes. Absolutely you must do this. If a gear goes unused then the dreaded "jungle gear rot" will set in and then you will have big problems.
