The local dealer has sold 4 so far. They have one that was damaged during unpacking that is strapped down so you can get on it. First off, I'm 5'11", 32" inseam, and even with the low optional seat my boots were 2" above the floor:
I was leaning toward the non-squatting version, but now I see why they did it - it's just too danged tall without it. Which also explains why the dude dropped it right off. It had scuffs on the handguards, crashbar, footpegs, etc, must have fallen over pretty severely onto concrete. The passenger seating arrangement is a no-go. No way can I handle her up that high behind me on such a tall bike. On this subject - look at the air between the rear fender and the tire. If you compress the shock all the way down you still have giant clearance. Why not reduce all that and accommodate those of use that like to bring our female companion with us?
There was a gentleman there that bought one of the first ones. He didn't have many issues, but of course hasn't had it long. Had not heard about the oil-pump failures, but had already brought it in because a hose on the right side of the radiator is chafing against the cover enough that it could wear through soon.
I can't leave well enough alone, so immediately spotted myriads of brackets and stuff all over the thing I would start stripping off. I will NEVER take that thing off-road, so I don't need all that stuff - there must be 25 pounds of bracketry and covers bolted onto that thing. I popped off the fairing, which is the part of the bike I like the least. Would not be a stretch to rig a conventional headlight:
All-in-all I'm still considering it, I will definitely wait to try a "squatting" model before I even consider one of these. Mechanicals are spot-on, ergo's fail me so far. I don't need a dirt bike, I have a TL125 lol. I need a light 2-up tourer, so maybe I should just wait a while longer? We'll see. Panheadache out.
As I've said elsewhere, big, tall ADV bikes are wonderful for the passenger. All that suspension travel makes for a plush ride for them.
Respectfully, please explain "wonderful". My wife can't even get on the thing. The passenger footpegs are way high; look at my top pic - what, maybe 15-20" off the ground? Also, notice the pillion seat is almost at my kidneys. Her shoulders would be even with the top of my head! Once up there, the bike would be very unstable with it on the sidestand. How do y'all get mounted up? I can tell you that I would not be able to swing my leg over the seat with the bike on the sidestand and her precariously perched up there. One bystander pondering the same thing suggested putting it on the centerstand, getting her up there, then mounting yourself and rocking it forward off the stand and taking off (yikes). Considering I would be paddling from my tiptoes? No way, Jose.
Last edited by panheadache; 06-27-2021 at 01:50 PM.
Like I said, this may not be the bike for you. It's a great bike, but not a great bike for everyone.
I wasn't being rhetorical; I really would like to know, step by step, how y'all both get on these bikes and take off, particularly with the sport luggage in place. Wife was intimidated. She has no trouble with the EG, but this... she's balking. It's a high perch.
Last edited by panheadache; 06-27-2021 at 02:06 PM.
Get on the bike. No stands.
Hold the bike stable with one foot if you are too short to use both feet.
Wife mounts. Uses the pegs to do so.
Off you go....
Reverse procedure at a stop.
People do it all the time.
Yeah, I get that - that's s.o.p. for a normal height bike - been doing it just that way for 48 years on 15+ bikes since the '70's. Guys, I'm no neophyte; I wouldn't be belaboring this if it weren't an issue. Calling it "wonderful" for the passenger is a stretch.
ETA: OK; peace. I won't comment any more. I'm calling the baby ugly, which is a faux pas.
Last edited by panheadache; 06-27-2021 at 02:56 PM.
I wasn't being rhetorical; I really would like to know, step by step, how y'all both get on these bikes and take off, particularly with the sport luggage in place. Wife was intimidated. She has no trouble with the EG, but this... she's balking. It's a high perch.
While the bike is on the side stand have your wife mount it like a horse from the left side using the left foot peg. Once in the seat have her stand on the pegs and move to the passenger seat. Then you get on, turn the handlebars fully to the right and upright the bike. Once vertical square the bars and lift the side stand.
If on a bike with ARH turn the ignition on first to let it lower before trying the above to get on.
While the bike is on the side stand have your wife mount it like a horse from the left side using the left foot peg. Once in the seat have her stand on the pegs and move to the passenger seat. Then you get on, turn the handlebars fully to the right and upright the bike. Once vertical square the bars and lift the side stand.
If on a bike with ARH turn the ignition on first to let it lower before trying the above to get on.
OK, but I would never want my pillion on the bike before me. Total loss of control. Fine if you trust them.
06-27-2021 | 08:50 AM
PA @ local dealer - random thoughts
