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After a quick check to make sure everything was tight, I decided to go for a quick test ride around my plan, and to get some petrol. I ended up riding 10 miles around some back roads.
It's been a while since I experienced a carbed bike (since my MSF, actually!) and it took me a little while to get started in the 39F weather, but I got there and it was rumbling along happily.
This bike is extremely easy to ride. If it wasn't so tall (I'm 6'3" so I really like it) I'd think it would be a perfect starter. It has a light clutch, beautiful manners and is very kind to the rider at low speeds.
I'd cleaned the rotors on the advice of this forum. I knew the brakes would be weak at first, and indeed I'm glad I took her round the plan first. It reminded me of new sintered pads on my ninja; when they're out of the box they have as much friction as Rico Suave in a lube factory. They came in soon enough though. Nice firm lever pressure, too.
Couldn't get a neutral to save my life; I expect that will improve with a little time. I also had occasional difficulty getting into third, but again I think this is just everything mechanical settling in.
Downchanges are like butter. I find them easier than any bike I've ridden, and the engine makes such a satisfying little toot on rev-matching. In fact, throttle response is damn nice full stop.
I like the tyres. That surprised me. They're progressive and give pretty decent feedback, and that's on a chilly, greasy back road.
So far I love it, and I can't stop staring at the damn thing as it sits on my patio...
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