Firstly, it's been over a year since I rode a sports bike and even longer since I rode something with handlebars under the triple clamps in a race oriented position. It took a few hundred metres for me to get back into the style ofthe way they steer. But, by the time I had reached the first set of corners i was comfy. The road was the Whittlesea to Kinglake West rd. It runs up a hill with a series of fast sweepers normally tackled at around 1.5 gazzelles in good conditions. It was patchy in places, but this level was maintained all the way up. It's a very confidence inspiring ride. I can rabbit on about how it steers etc., but i'll make this brief and highlight the things I liked and disliked.
Brakes- Just brilliant. Mind you, not for the inexperienced at all. First application had me nearly going over the bars!! They have some bite! But, once acclimatised, I found them to have brilliant feel, even in the wet!!! Possibly the best brakes I have ever used. two fingers is all you need!!!
Ride position- Just horrible for the road. Brilliant for the track.
Seat- track only!!! It hurts after 10klms!
Gearbox- Brilliant!!! Could not fault it!! Better than the 9 and better than the Rex by a mile!!!
Clutch- Nice action, consistent take up and smooth action. I tested out the slipper clutch. I banged it back down to first pulling up, on a wet road and it never allowed the tyre to break traction, even when I was trying to provoke it!!!
Motor- mmmm mixed feelings. It's got a lot of power, but I actually expected more top end and lots more bottem end. It's midrange is where it's at. Super strong!! Bottom end is nowhere near the rex. It dissapointed me from idle to 4000rpm. It vibrated badly, shook the mirrors and the fairing and everything else. But, once up to 4k, it hums!! From 5k to 7k, it pulls like a boy scout troup and is buttery smooth. From 7k on it peaks nicely with a raspy bark. Not too dissimiliar to a Kwaka in top end terms, it keeps getting stronger as the revs rise and only drops off once near the limiter! But, once again I thought it would be stronger up top. it's no R! or ZX10!
Dash- Neat and simple and easy to read in the low light I rode it in. Not sure how good it would be in the sunlight
Fairing protection- None, but who gives a fuck! It's not like you worry about fairing protection at 200kph with your knee on the deck through turn 1!!!!!
Steering- typical Duck. It takes a bit to get it on it's side, but once there, it holds on tenaciously!!!! Very stable!!!
Suspension- Hard....damn hard...but, also compliant oddly enough. I liked it and it gave awesome feedback. I rode it in a mix of wet and dry conditions and it let me know what was going on well before I binned it! I'd stiffen it for track work though.
Sex appeal- Oodles of it!!!
Would I buy one? Not as my only bike. But for track work no worries!
im already dreaming about the next one and the 6 is only a handful of months old!!! id hope to add this time rather than replace... but i think thats at leasy half a year away!!
