elaine Posted March 21, 2015 Share Posted March 21, 2015 Even though we got the bikes a couple of weeks ago, I haven't been well enough to ride, so I've had to console myself with just sitting on it. Today however, was the day. So here are a few of my thoughts about my new bike... I've only been riding a couple of years; my first bike was a CBF1000, which I loved but ultimately was too heavy - and too top heavy - for me to be able to be totally comfortable on. Over 30mph was fine, but I had to stop sometimes ;-). Then I got an XJ6 Diversion F, which was lighter, with the weight lower down. Loved this bike too, but I missed the power of the Honda. I've also owned a Triumph Thruxton but that was really just eye candy! So - not years and years of experience but enough to know what I like, even if the technical stuff escapes me... I've wanted a Tracer since I saw the first photos before Christmas, but I had huge doubts about the height. I'm a smidge under 5'4", so seat height is critical, I wasn't at all sure that even lowered the bike wouldn't still be too high. I had ridden both the first MT-09 and the Street Tracker though, and knew that it was light, so when our local dealer finally got a demo in, we rushed down to try it. Couldn't ride it as it was a new reg, but to my surprise I could just reach the floor on standard settings. The dealer offered to have the bike lowered, and supply a lower seat (for nothing!), meaning they could drop it down by 47mm.... As as it turned out I didn't even need the lower seat, which is good news as I think I'll need all the padding I can get when we go touring. Initial impression was that this bike is as awesome to ride as it is to look at. Comfort wise, it's the difference between one of those horrible plastic chairs you sit on in the village hall and your favourite armchair. Gone are all the stiff joints - shoulders elbows and wrists - instead I now have a nice natural posture. I found that around town the bars are a tiny bit too far away, but I think that that's probably more cos it's a new bike and I'm not used to it yet. Once outside town this "problem" vanished. Another worry was the clutch. I don't have a huge reach so having to stretch for the clutch can cause cramp very quickly... Especially on a 600 when you're changing gear every second. This worry proved to be groundless too. I can reach ok, but the clutch is so light anyway that I can change gear in a nano second. All good so far. On the open road, the acceleration in A mode is exhilarating! I could do that all day! I find the steering very light too, it changes direction before I even think about it. The downside to that is that when I tense up, the grip on the bars makes it feel "nervous". Having only done 72 miles on it, I think this is also just because its new. Overtaking was a joy. Overtaking on the XJ was hard work.... Had to think about it as much as when driving a car, and that's not why you ride a bike. See the car, check your view, open throttle..... Huge grin - job done. We we went from Northampton to St Neots down the B645 - a lovely twisty back road and also a well known bike route so you have to keep an eye out for the cops :-D. Scuff tried out his steering damper too. It was a bit chilly, just 7 degrees but to be honest with all the protection the bike gives it wasn't unbearably cold. Can see this bike being busier for longer than my others, where I froze. All in all, it lives up to my high expectations. Yes I am on tip toes, but the bike is so light and manoeverable that it really doesn't matter. I also managed to answer the question of which colour is faster.. See this short [video src=http://youtu.be/iTaz7lXKDBo] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member wessie Posted March 21, 2015 Premium Member Share Posted March 21, 2015 Glad you had a nice day out. Good fun aren't they This signature is left blank as the poster writes enough pretentious bollocks as it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elaine Posted March 21, 2015 Author Share Posted March 21, 2015 Brilliant fun.. Worth every minute of the wait Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fj09david Posted March 22, 2015 Share Posted March 22, 2015 Glad you finally got it out onto the road where these things belong. Before you know it you will hit 1000 miles and more. The miles just fly by on this bike cause it is so much fun to ride. Great pictures! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
santacruz Posted March 22, 2015 Share Posted March 22, 2015 Glad you are enjoying your tracer,my only real complaint is how the forks dive under braking,even at slow speed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yamahafjrider Posted March 23, 2015 Share Posted March 23, 2015 Congrats on the new bike. More time you spend with it the more you will love it. Kurt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest eatpasta Posted March 23, 2015 Share Posted March 23, 2015 glad you're feeling better and had the chance to get out and have roost!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
effinnewguy Posted March 25, 2015 Share Posted March 25, 2015 Gorgeous pair of bikes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magpie Posted March 25, 2015 Share Posted March 25, 2015 Nice pics Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magpie Posted March 25, 2015 Share Posted March 25, 2015 I would like to know how the hell did that girly red Tracer pass the stealth gray. I can only assume the gray was running on only two cylinders Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elaine Posted March 25, 2015 Author Share Posted March 25, 2015 Well, I initiated a temporal incursion using the deflector array, then simply rode through. 8-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member wessie Posted March 25, 2015 Premium Member Share Posted March 25, 2015 Well, I initiated a temporal incursion using the deflector array, then simply rode through. 8-)I note the commands used were edited out of the intercom voice track... This signature is left blank as the poster writes enough pretentious bollocks as it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magpie Posted March 25, 2015 Share Posted March 25, 2015 Well, I initiated a temporal incursion using the deflector array, then simply rode through. 8-) Ahhh I new it! Had to be one of them things you just said Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjer Posted March 26, 2015 Share Posted March 26, 2015 Well, I initiated a temporal incursion using the deflector array, then simply rode through. 8-)The red ones are capable of warp speed! The gray ones don't come with warp drive! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panooch Posted March 26, 2015 Share Posted March 26, 2015 Well, I initiated a temporal incursion using the deflector array, then simply rode through. 8-)I knew the red ones were faster. They come equipped as standard with the deflector array. Your bikes and photos are gorgeous. Everyday's a good day when your able to ride 15 FJ-09 - 2WDW ECU flash, Givi SV201, Nelson Rigg tail bag, OES sliders, Koubalink extenders, Ermax Sport, Vista Cruise, OEM seat mod, (smiles) 07 Honda ST1300A (sold) 06 Kawi KLR650 - Big Gun full exhaust, Corbin, Givi, PMR racks, carb mod (keeper) 97 Honda VFR750 - Traxxion Dynamics, Penske, Givi 3 piece, carbon exhaust (keeper?) 20+ years of snowmobiles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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