I know it's not a classic but it is a motorbike!

Just my first thoughts on riding it since it arrived the other day for anyone interested.

Negatives:
1) Hard seat - but an ergo softer seat is available for less than £100.

2) Seat height quite high - though not an issue for me.

3) Style - Not that keen on the insect modern look but it's growing on me. Wish they did a retro looking version - Husky may be doing one.

Positives:

1) Weight - it seems to weigh the same as a 125 so it hides it's weight well. Quite a small bike but feels bigger once on board.

2) Fast! - Astonishing performance from a 373cc single motor. About 42BHP. To put that in perspective a BSA Goldstar 500 has about the same power. It goes like a scalded cat when you wring it's fly by wire neck.

3) Suspension - sophisticated adjustable WP Apex forks and rear unit soaks up the road well and it sticks to the road like glue. Handling is first class.

4) Lots of toys like traction control and ABS - I've switched them off!

5) My first ride was out of the delivery van and across the fields of my farm. It isn't at all intimidating and you don't think twice about taking it on rough stuff, no fear of dropping it.


So, today I'm servicing it as it has just passed the first service interval (basically oil +filter). I don't know if I'll keep it but it certainly is a riders choice. It surprised me as I thought it would be more of a beginners bike. As soon as you turn the key "Ready to race' flashes up on the TFT dash, I guess that's a clue. So far it's the best small adventure bike I've ridden. More of a street scrambler really due to it's really good road holding and performance.

Not a bike for bimbling around on really, it encourages you to make progress. That's when the fun starts.