Its an 09 reg with 12k on the clock. It looks immaculate and like new. It was registered new in the UK but has spent the last few years in Ireland and is still on an Irish plate.
As with all test rides i took it a bit leisurely to start. the traffic round the dealers was chaotic due to some road works but did give a feel for just how manageable the bike is. Its easy to filter through traffic. Easier than the Multi as its so slender.
one strange thing i noticed straight away is that you are hunched over the front wheel so much you can see the tread on the front tyre.
Can't say i have ever noticed that one any bike before. The riding position is ..err...sporty. Not quite sportsbike sporty but still very much head down bum up!Anyway once out of the traffic i was close enough to some of my favorite roads to ride it on them. It loves twisty roads. Very quick steering. Almost falls into them too quick but great for going from one lean to the other.
Now the engine...its got lots of low down torque but doesn't actually feel that quick. It doesn't feel like 150bhp and 1098cc. However look at the speedo and we are not hanging around. It isn't however as quick as my Multi, in fact i would say nowhere near as quick and its so silky smooth it does lack a bit of character for me.It does have a nice burble to the engine but needs a better exhaust with more noise.
I was out for a good hour and a half riding some really nice roads and enjoying myself but the bike did not grab me as i expected it too.
It would do track days no problem, it would commuet and you could tour on it but.....it just didn't quite grab me.
It was a bit like the really pretty babe at a party. Everyone looks at her and lusts after her......but you suspect she wouldn't be the best option for a fun night.
