Took one out today.
What a cracking bike. No wonder it’s won MCN’S Bike of The Year award.
Yes it is built to a budget, that’s why it’s under £9k !
The riding position was spot on for me at 6’1”.
Nice lean to the bars and not cramped at all.
The screen was adjustable on the fly but still a bit noisy on highest setting.
The Showa suspension seemed very compliant with no jolts over pot holes etc.
Easily adjustable preload.
But the motor is the star of the show.
Yes it needs revving as it only makes 80bhp/64 Nm torquey stuff.
The fuelling is perfect,it’ll pull from 25mph in 6th gear but get the revs above 6k and it flies,and sounds fabulous.
Didn’t detect any vibes at all.
It won’t set the world on fire but you can ring its neck and still be only doing 80 mph, and not 130 on a KTM or Multi.
Add a rack or panniers, quickshifter and heated grips and it’s still under £10k.
Only glaring omission from the options list is cruise.
Dash is a bit naff but I think the build is just fine and looks great in graphite.
The dealer I visited has sold dozens and only 1 bike unsold. Next delivery early 2023 at best.