I bought this bike new in May of 2002. The first year saw numerous long distance rides through the mid-west and New England. I also commuted regularly. This year I finished my first Saddle Sore and I enjoy this bike as much now as when it was new.
Pros include rock-solid stability, cruise control for long mileage days, integrated luggage, heated grips, easy to adjust suspension, adjustable windscreen; seat; and footpegs, and overall reliability.
The bike is heavy but in my opinion this just adds to the overall stability. Slow manuevering is not difficult but does take some practice. There is a slight delay (half second) in the ABS braking from the time you initiate the brake and braking occurs. I have not found this to be an issue and frankly, the ABS has saved my bacon a few times - the bike stops very quickly and without drama. Maintenence can be expensive - My service intervals have ranged from $120 - $500 the latter including tires.
I have run a range of tires including Michelin Macadam, Bridgestones BT020 and Metzeler RoadTec Z6. The Michelins were very stable on long slabs and big sweepers, but were a bit of a work out in the twistys. The Bridgestones for me were the opposite - great handling in twistys but at the expense of stability on the highway/freeway. The Metzelers have been the best of both worlds - stability and fun when the curves hit.
Power is what you would expect from a 1200cc bike, but there are faster bikes for sure but I've never felt I didn't have enough power for sport-touring which is what most of my riding consists of.
The best way to sum up this bike after four years in the saddle is elegant. There are other bikes that have caught my eye, but this one will always be in my garage.
Upgrades/Accessories: PIAA lighting system. Was going to get a new seat, but what has worked very well for me is bicycle shorts with a gel seat under my pants - $40 instead of $500+ for a seat. I recently finished a 1000 mile trip in a day without any discomfort.
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