My first ride

[bigcanoe]

I picked the bike up in the rain yesterday from Sport Durst in Durham, NC. I paid more than I probably should have, $4915 OTD with tax, tags and fees. But I have been following the bike since it was announced and finally decided to bite the bullet. It was very easy to load, unload, and transport on my hitch mounted carrier.

I just got back from my first ride. I had to run an errand and rode about 30 miles mostly on pavement. I definitely struggled to keep speed over 45. Most of the time it felt like it went as fast in 3rd as 4th for me but I am a big guy. I am going to try a 13T front sprocket. I also removed the rubber in the foot pegs and rotated the handle bars forward as I felt a little cramped. I rotated the kickstart back one notch as well. I am going to order a sheepskin seat pad I think too. 55 never felt so fast (downhill). I was impressed how capable it is on 35/45 roads and I was able to tear along at 20mph on some gravel road I passed. I have ordered a milk crate too. What kind of range are you guys getting on a tank? I dont think I will get more than 60 miles but I dont think the dealer filled it all the way up as it lost the first notch on the gas gauge really quick. I think I will buy one of those Opmid M1204 clusters too. It sure would be nice to have a gear indicator and a tach and a clock. Its nice and light, fun to ride and will make a fun second bike for me thats for sure!

 

[fmdualexhaust]

You will like the opmid.
Mph will increase as miles add on but 55 is stretching it.

 

[bigcanoe]

Yea I’m good with 45!

 

[op46]

Errands, back roads, dirt roads bike it is. Harley or dual sport for any thing faster than 55mph. Let's you smell the rose's so to speak. Also let's you relax a little more as isn't so unforgiving in weight balance and to fast approaches to curves. Has me going on round about longer travel time roads to get somewhere rather than direct higher speed roads. Seeing alot of county/things I never knew where here.

 

[bigcanoe]

Yea I am so excited to use it that way! Put it on the hitch carrirer if I need to take it far for more slow riding. I will probably keep my KTM for faster stuff, or just give up the faster stuff altogether, I haven't decided. I am too old to race around anymore (at least in my mind). High speed has lost its appeal to me.

 

[bigcanoe]

Had my second ride...35 miles all on pavement. Mostly 45 and 35 roads with no traffic. It was a pleasure! I had some speed anxiety but it was able to haul my significant mass around pretty well at 45. My butt was ready for a break after an hour so I ordered a sheepskin to help that. I filled up beforehand and didnt even use one segment of fuel in close to 40 miles of riding. I guess that first chunk goes slow and then bam it flies by!

 

[r80rt]

It daintily sips gas, you'll be amazed.

 

[bigcanoe]

Another 30 miles on Sunday. What lovely weather for a low speed ride! Close to 70 miles on this tank and half gone according to the bars. I added a sheepskin, really nice and comfortable. Its nice being able to shift around. I am adding a backrest to the front of my milkcrate next.