My new R is breaking me in

[silverstreak]

So, I am about 10 days and 500 miles into the experience with my new (2004) R, and I've found it to be an interesting process. Unlike many others, I did not experience an instant connection with the bike. I didn't like the leg position, and after the first two hours I was cramping up. And without good mastery of the R's shifting requirements, I was getting some rear end instability when shifting that had me a bit tense. My first two reactions were 1) quickly modify the bike-- I got lots of information about seats, looked at risers, footpeg lowering etc etc., and 2) sell the thing for a profit--I have had an instant good fit with other bikes and thought, why bother changing the R, just get something else. Then I told myself to take a deep breath, slow down, and just ride the bike.

I'm glad that I did. With each ride the R becomes more comfortable. Yesterday I did a quick 100 miles in the morning, and the riding position felt natural. The more I relax into the bike, the more comfortable it becomes. Shifting is improving and so is the rear tire slide. Part of the attraction of the bike, it seems, is that it requires a bit more skill to ride it, and the bike gives you instant feedback about how you're doing. Also, regarding cornering-- the R does not feel like a bike that leans instantly in the turn, certainly not like my Kawi. It has to be moved, with countersteering and weight shift, into a proper lean. Again, it feel very much like a bike that you have to really drive, which I am coming to appreciate. It's what makes the bike fun.

So, the R is staying. I'll probably add a Sargent seat, because I'm looking for a touch more seat height, but there is no urgency. Stock is not the worst seat I've ever had. This board has been incredibly helpful. Many thanks.
Al

[Loree]

I picked up my 2002 RR on Friday, but couldn't ride because of the snow that was falling I took it out for a short ride , despite the freezing temperatures yesterday (love those heated grips) I can really appreciate your comments - the bike I traded for the RR was an SV650. Shifting and handling are way different and I can't wait to be able ride 100 miles without frostbite..

[Boxer]

silverstreak, you mentioned it not falling into corners. I have noticed a marked difference in how it feels in the corners depending on what tires you have and what condition the tires are in. The Z6 tires made it feel like it was leaning itself...Very cool feeling. My Pilot Roads, on the other hand, I have to really countersteer more as they get squared off from the slab.

Why don't you ride up to WV and join us for the Bash in May?

[silverstreak]

Boxer--

I think you're right about the tires. I've still got the stock Dunlops on the bike with about 3200 miles on them and they are a little squared off. I took a closer look after reading your post.

I would truly have loved to have joined you at the WV Rally (thanks for the invitation), but, hardship of hardships, I will be in Italy the last half of May. You know, romantic walks through hill towns with my beautiful wife, trying to see how much Brunello and Chianti it's possible to consume in 14 days-- real high stress stuff. So maybe next year or some other rally. The June event in Asheville looks like it might be a good time.

[leoquattro]

Silverstreak, once in Italy, in the beutiful Tuscany countryside, you can imagine how much fun it is to drive an R along those bends uphill! It is true you have to really drive it into corners, but once you get used to that, it is really enjoyable. Nevertheles I still don't like the foot pegs, they are too forward and you can't push on them quickly on bends or when you don't want to feel a road bump.
Enjoy your trip to Italy
ciao
leoquattro

[chris]

I still find the telelever front end a little odd at times BUT I also find that on sweeping and twisty roads, the best way to ride it is to relax, trust the front and steer less. I just seem to lean the thing over without using the bars too much, go in with what feels at first to be a little too much speed and it just smoothly tracks through like it's on rails. Nail the throttle mid corner and it'll fire you out of there like a gun!I have Z6's by the way.
On my first long ride this year we took some really twisty tight lakeland roads and my mate was wondering how I'd get round on the R but I was right there with him and loving it!
So, relax, don't fight the steering, trust it and you'll be rewarded with one of the sweetest handling and agile heavyweights there is. Just got to get out of that mindset that conventional front ends instill in you and as I said, after almost a year with mine I still forget sometimes but there's 20 years of front forks I'm trying to forget!

[ruddy]

silverstreak, you didn't say, so I assume you have the standard front seat on your bike. Try the optional tall seat. It has a lot more foam, so it's more comfortable and gives you more seat to peg distance. They show up on eBay fairly regularly. I've done back-to-back 650 mile days with that seat and felt fine at the end of both days.

I also have the lowered pegs, but I'm going to try removing them. The extra legroom is nice, but it also moves the pegs forward, which interferes with the shift and brake levers slightly. Getting at the center stand lever is very difficult, too.