Epic bike. I could leave it at that.
I ordered the bike before the official launch and before a test ride, solely on the basis of all the magazine/paper/internet reviews I read. It is 10/10 (apart from steering lock. it is as bad as they make out, but all you have to do is get off the bike, not exactly a hardship.) I am certainly not dissapointed.
Determined to get the most out of it before winter, I racked up 3000miles in the first three weeks! Combination of city roads, country lanes, motorways, and after a 1800mile round trip to the French Alps, some glorious switch back mountain roads. If you want to see this bike at it's best, head south, over the channel and to the mountains. No british road will do the bike justice. Crowded, awful surfaces, bad weather, maniac drivers....need I go on? I now live in the Alps and all I can say is bring on Spring. I can see why they launched in the dolomites. It is perfect for this area. Aggressive yet low riding stance, low to mid-range torque, responsive steering, sharp gearbox, sweet, taut chasis, and the growl from the twin cans make it a perfect mountain bike.
All I can say is that I had an awesome time in the UK when I first picked the bike up in November, and anyone who is lucky enough to purchase one will love every minute, but if you really want to get the best out of it, head to the continent. I can, for one, vouch that the roads are better here than the UK. What I haven't mentioned is that coming out of a petrol station on the A4 at 40mph, my rear wheel slipped on gravel/oil on a bone dry day and I was high-sided. 6k worth of damage.The greatest pain wasn't the ribs, the leathers or the helmet. It was seeing the bike tumble and realising I may have to wait 8months for a new one. But it's all fixed, I got away with it and she'll be out here soon enough. I cannot wait.
Got £6400 (you need the factory add-ons) kicking around? Get a Street. Worth every penny.
