I am trying to come up with the right words to describe this bike. Now I didn't come from a S1k, so many of my feeling might just be BMW stuff and not specific to the HP4. My previous bike WAS a 2002 CBR 954. I actually had two. One for the street and one for the track. Did some amateur racing, lived in Knoxville for 3 yrs and general love riding whenever I can.
My first 100 were quite ginger. Due to the shiney and oily new tires and the cold temp.
But if I had to pick words to describe this bike, it would be effortless, light and dynamic. It was so easy to do anything
It took me a little while to get used to the turn signal buttons, but that is coming along. Kept hitting the lap timer. Also kept pulling the clutch when not needed. The 8k limiter is bugging me, but glad it there cause would have flogged the crap out of her!!! Took her to 192 in 6th and redlined. The QS was good for the most part, but sometimes a bit clungy. I might still need to learn the sweet spot for the rpm and time to kick up.
The power was insane! And that is still under 8k. At any RPM, power was there!
The big feels super light. At slow speed turns it feels a bit loosy goosy. But on faster corners it feels more planted! I was questioning if I need a steering damper, but realized after there already is one installed.
My levers seem to be a bit of a reach. Will look into adjusting that or might by the pazzo levers in black. The shifter felt good, but the rear break lever seem a bit far down. Didn't feel natural. But I never use the rear except when standing at a red light on a hill.
The brakes!!! OMG! I crushed the boys a few times!! I haven't tried to invoke the ABS, but wow! Stopping power is outstanding!! Need to get used to that!!
The suspension!! Well it ones of those things where if it working you are not supposed to notice it. But from my old bike, I used to read the road and be able to anticipate bumps and expect a small jolt! Yesterday, I would see these bump, wait for the jolt, and nothing! Now the bigger bumps, you do feel them, but many smaller ones vanish. But taking on ramps and decent speeds, the suspension holds well in the lean and makes the road blemishes a non issue.
The exhaust note is nice, but not as deep sounding as I like. Might need to adjust that some how.
Overall, I love this bike and would have stayed out all day it the temps did drop so hard!! I look forward to the 1000's of miles we will share. I personally don't care about collectibility and resale and maintaining it original equipment! I want to ride the crap out of her and enjoy every minute!!
Purchased the Yosh eliminator and frame sliders. Might get the pazzo levers in black. The rest will come in time.
Will add more once I get to ride her more!!
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