I had not even heard one run before…
Dealer had it ready to go, kept it inside all day, washed and waxed. Dealer owner went over everything, from checking the oil to how to program radio stations. He fired it up in the shop, and what a sound…it was the first time I had ever heard one. What a sweet, smooth machine. Wow. The odometer read 0 miles. I have never owned a vehicle that read '0' on the odometer.
Put all my gear on and started to head home.
My very first reaction was how precise everything operated. My VStar clutch operates by cable, so having a lightweight hydraulic clutch was a shock.
My second impressionable moment was how much of a non-factor the weight was. The weight was the part of was most worried about. Once it gets rolling (2+ mph), there is no difference. I don't feel like I can throw it around like my Vstar 1100, just like I can't throw a Town Car around like a Corolla. But it is a reassuring, "quality" feel.
My third impression was how easy it is to ride. I thought it would be a challenge with so much of a bigger bike and so much more power than I have ever had available to me. Once I got into traffic, my riding skills took over, and it was a piece of cake. The handling is on par or better than my 600 lb VStar 1100.
Fourth: it feels like I am driving a car. It is so smooth and stable sailing down the road. I was on an interstate within a few minutes of ever riding an F6B. I accelerated through the gears, never more than 3000 rpm, and I was going near 80 mph without realizing it. Sheesh.
That reminds me of my fifth noticeable experience: the power. It is not like a crotch rocket…or a VTwin cruiser…it just feels like it has that burst than a Vtwin gives you at low rpm only…and the pull of a high rpm four cylinder crotch rocket…spread out smoothly over the entire rpm range. This thing has waaaay more power than it needs.Sheesh.
I was surprised I could hear the radio at 60 mph with the factory windscreen … and speaking of that, ugh, that has got to go. Madstad is on the way.
I feel like my feet are too far back, underneath me. That take some getting used to. For me, the VStar had a riding position that was better than if I had Yamaha had shown up here with a sandwich and a Coke and designed it around me.
The seat is big, wide, has good lower back support and seems like it will be comfortable over long distances. The ride is smooth and steady, but a little firm. Will see how it is after a few miles.
I am not used to the damn rear brake being non-automotive like and that close to the peg. I missed it a couple of times.
The audio system/electronics need an update, but they are serviceable and proven (most important part).
It has 22 miles on it, and I will take it out again on Thursday...
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Originally Posted by Cobraguy
Yes...If it's the stock seat. What did you buy?
