Test rides ahoy

So, the question of what to get to replace the Mille rears its head once
again ...

Popped up to George Whites in Slough with Kiran and another mate[1] where
they had a GSXR750 demonstrator, new this week with only 100 miles on the
clock.

Impressions after a short ride: "handles well" in a sit-on-and-go kind of way
- seemed like the sort of bike that would be very easy to get on with. Not
too cramped generally, but the footpegs a bit high for my daddy long legs
legs. Not much power low down, but shed-loads above 9000rpm, with a redline
at 15000 (not visited). Bit of a contrast to the Mille. Engine a very jerky
on occasion on the transition between throttle shut and throttle slightly
open, making for some interesting low-speed turns in town. Brakes work well
but lack feel compared to the Mille's.

Overall, very nice. I was sorely tempted ...



.... until, I blagged a go on Kiran's shiny new GSXR1000 on the way back into
London. What a ridiculous, pointless, outrageously comfortable, childsplay
to ride, stupidly powerful machine. New K4s are a good 500 quid less than
new 750s. I think I know which one I'll be getting.

Then again, riding behind someone else on my bike did make me realise how
cool the Mille looks, and what a lovely, lovely noise it makes. When it
starts. Still, be sad to see it go.

[1] whose new Repsol replica 05 blade is in my garage. Wonder how easy it is
to disconnect the odometer ...

 

simonk emerged from their own little world to say

Assuming it is the usual Honda electronic job then there will probably be a
3 pin plug under the seat. Follow the weather-proofed wire from the front
sprocket sensor until it disappears inside the fairing/under the seat. You
should find a plug where the spur joins into the main bike harness.

My VFR & CBR6 had the same system. I agreed a deal on the VFR just before a
trip to the Alps. I told the dealer that it would be sub 16k on my return.
I had to disconnect the plug about 500 miles before returning home to
"keep" the promise.

 

He popped round today and I took it for a spin. These things are just
bonkers, within 3 minutes of leaving the street I was doing 144mph and I
think I was in 4th gear.

It didn't like pulling at low revs but when you had it up a few grand then
it was OMG JFC time. I'd forgotten how much fun this type of thing is.

Anyone want to buy a big traillie?

 

That was the first time I've ridden your Mille. And I was very impressed,
even if it was just a short stint. The riding position was excellent and the
noise....**** knows why you're selling it. Get another one.

 

My abiding memory was going down the M4 under the M25 flyover at what I felt
sure was about 85, but was in fact 130. I think the bigger screen does quite
a bit to shield you from the sense of speed - certainly things are getting a
bit windy on the Mille at those sorts of speeds

 

Actually, I think the speedo's not that accurate. Generally, on the
motorway, 85-90 will see you past 90% of cars. On the GSXR, it has to be
about 100, so suggests it is definitely 10% out.

 

When the ticket & summons for 117mph comes through you can confirm it.