[ST] Demo Truck Ride Report

["Joel Ashman" <ashmite@xxxxxxxxx>]

OK,

So the State College, PA Demo Truck ride came and went, and I was able to
break away on Friday for 2 quick 16 mile rides.  Of course they were
'controlled' and the route wasn't the most exciting (I've ridden hundreds of
times), but I can say with clear confidence that the new Speed Triple can
make any ride exciting.

If I just had an interest in the bike before riding it, I definitely have a
serious problem now that may only be resolved by a 12 step program or a 60
month finance!. Now, throw in the fact that my brother just told me he wants
to buy my 2000 Sprint, and I facing a serious dilemma (my wife's reaction!).


The power and handling were unlike anything I ever have ridden.  Simply
touch the throttle, and it would attempt to rip my hands of a the wrists.
And it was almost scary how it would want to lean into a turn.  And of
course the brakes are awesome.   I also really enjoyed the feeling of
floating, because when you look out a full faced helmet, you can only see
the mirrors and maybe your hands.  The bike is so short that you can't see
the front.  It's a little tall for me, but I'm used to that.

And now for the Scrambler.  I was really interested in this as well.  The
power was smooth and strong, though not like the S3.  It had plenty of
torque, and twice I had the rear wheel chirp when downshifting.  For me at
5' 5", I felt the bars were a tad to wide and too low, but that could be
easily fixed, and wouldn't stop me from buying.  What will stop me from
buying is the placement of the exhaust.  With my short legs, I can't really
use my right leg to hold up the bike without it resting on the heat shield
of the pipes.  I'd end up getting burned for sure.  It's just tad too tall
and too wide for me, but overall kinda fun and cool.  Check it out for
yourselves.

And of course, the 675's where the first to go.  Very quiet and smooth
sounding though.  Every rider had a smile afterwards. I'd be interested in
the 675 S3, but if it is as tall as the Daytona 675, that might be a
problem.  And, can I go back to a 675 from a 1050?

--Joel
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