Thought I would share my thoughts about my recently acquired 2019 model. I haven’t done many miles yet but this morning I took it out for an hour and a half with my wife on the back which is how it will be used most of the time.
Most importantly, she was happy with the comfort with her Airhawk fitted. I was quite concerned about this as the bare pillion seat is small and has little padding. The suspension is far better than I expected, probably better than the VStom in fact. For me, the worst thing about it was the complete lack of engine braking. It never seemed an issue riding solo because I obviously brace myself on the bars as I brake. With the additional weight of the pillion the braking has to be harder and therefore more pitch on the front forks and stress on the pillion.I found I had to start losing speed earlier to lessen the issue. I think it could be a bit of a PITA when touring two up in mountainous terrain where engine braking would be used constantly on steep declines. The power, even in sport mode, is pretty sluggish. I did plenty of research on the bike and wasn’t expecting a rocket ship, but it is worse than I anticipated. The instrument display has way too much stuff going on and it is difficult to read at a glance. I guess I will have to stick with it as my arthritis issues won’t get any better.
What a joy it was to jump on the cheapo SV650 to head back to Kent this afternoon, a proper fun bike!
Most importantly, she was happy with the comfort with her Airhawk fitted. I was quite concerned about this as the bare pillion seat is small and has little padding. The suspension is far better than I expected, probably better than the VStom in fact. For me, the worst thing about it was the complete lack of engine braking. It never seemed an issue riding solo because I obviously brace myself on the bars as I brake. With the additional weight of the pillion the braking has to be harder and therefore more pitch on the front forks and stress on the pillion.I found I had to start losing speed earlier to lessen the issue. I think it could be a bit of a PITA when touring two up in mountainous terrain where engine braking would be used constantly on steep declines. The power, even in sport mode, is pretty sluggish. I did plenty of research on the bike and wasn’t expecting a rocket ship, but it is worse than I anticipated. The instrument display has way too much stuff going on and it is difficult to read at a glance. I guess I will have to stick with it as my arthritis issues won’t get any better.
What a joy it was to jump on the cheapo SV650 to head back to Kent this afternoon, a proper fun bike!