200miles in
I'm getting used to it's looks, still think the brown is a bit more subtle than the white. Standard equipment is ABS, traction control (3 levels), 2 Power modes (Full and 75%). Gizmos include 2 trip meters, Air temp, engine temp, clock, current MPG, average MPG and range (which seems a litle erratic the cuts out when you get to the last bar) all controlled from a switch on the left whilst on the move + an immobiliser. So far managed 180miles before filling it (lots of things flashing at me to fill, range still reckoned I had 40miles before it cut off) but there were a 3 litres to spare (21l tank)
240KG fully fuelled but easier to move around than the wee, definitely taller and higher riding position but can get feet flat (I'm 6'3") and feels less cramped on the bike. Top half feels very similar. Seat is great, very comfy indeed.
It is very eager. Supposed to keep below 4000rpm for first 500miles which is proving hard and I was advised to keep it in Low power until then. There is bags of torque through the box and on a few occasions I have been pulling away quite nicely from 2000rpm only to find I'm in top-gear. I'm sure this will change when I can open it up fully but at lower speed it doesn't seem to care what gear you're in, it'll just go, might as well be auto! Really smooth through the twisties, turns much easier and more confident . No perceived problems with the front fork and the other noted problems by the journos were vibes but I have not found this a problem. Odd tingles in the foot pegs but nothing compared to a twin.
Screen is easily adjustable (2 nobs loosen, move tighten) but I've just set it on high and seems fine. No buffeting , perhaps not as much weather protection as my Wee but that had a tall MRA on it.
Brakes are much better, ABS has not cut in yet and neither has traction control but they've mostly been dry miles so will keep an eye on that
Cruising on motorway is reading 65mpg, 70mph, 4000rpm in 6th. Overall average is 45mpg
but I guess this is on a par with the Vee
H&B box fitted, looks OK but might go for colour matched one at some point. Also official H&B plate sits the box too far forward so had to modify it a little as couldn't get seat off with box on. Missing the handguards and are on the list but not available as yet. Not sure I'll bother with a Scottoiler this time
Build quality seems good but time will tell after next winter. So far so good. Glad I changed? Yes.Made the right choice for a big bike? I think so. I wouldn't say it's better for day to day use than the wee and will cost more to run but the power is great, overtakes are a breeze and definitely seems more sure-footed. Overkill for my commute but life's not all about commuting is it? If you can get over the looks, give it a whirl. Suzuki have missed a trick by not having a 1000 tall tourer in the pipeline
