Agent Orange
First, I have to say that I was really looking forward to riding this bike – one of the most technologically advanced bikes on the market with technology directly from MotoGP. I was so tempted by it after reading the latest tests that I considered getting one if something happened to my SD; stolen, written off, etc..
I made my way to the launch and signed up. Looking at the bike it’s pretty neat, very compact and it looks gorgeous in black. The ‘goggle eyes’ headlights doesn’t look as bad in real life. The exhaust note is very distinct, I could actually hear it when I passed it coming the other way on my SD..
Ok, my turn. I throw a leg over it… Ok, it’s a little weird and cramped. Maybe it’s just that I haven’t ridden sports bikes in a while. I’m also sitting on top of the bike not in it such as on the 08 Fireblade. The top of the air intakes also stick out on the sides a little awkwardly making it look very wide at the front.
Cracking the throttle gives off the cool, distinct note and revs pretty quickly, though not much more than the SD..
Setting off, the first thing you notice is the perfect fuelling. It’s silky smooth and very progressive. The brakes are brilliant as well and the front tyre gives off a wizzing noise as you squeeze the leaver hard.
Acceleration is, to be honest, fast but dull. It accelerate pretty quickly and in a very linear fashion. It’s easy to control and very predictable, which would be great on track. Compared to the SD though it’s, well, a little boring.. The feeling of speed is very deceptive, you have no idea how fast you are going before you look down at the speedo. It also feels very stable at any speed.
The other testers told me the engine’s very grunty and will pull anywhere. I do this test on sports bikes to test this; hit 50 km/h then put it in 5th or 6th and crack the throttle. Both the 07 and 08 Fireblade started pulling, the R1 didn’t. It just grumbled and wouldn’t budge. When it’s in it’s rev range sure it pulls but not as wild or hard as I’m used to on the SD.
Ergonomics are very good however and it’s very easy to move around. As I mentioned earlier it feels a little weird to begin with but after a few minutes as soon as you put your head down, it’s very good.
After the ride I was quite frankly a little disappointed. Maybe I’d had too high expectations; ‘grunt like a twin - top end like a four’ type of thing. I loved the exhaust note though and it will sound awesome with aftermarket pipes.
I thanked the salesman and said I’d think about it.. Then I jumped on my Super Duke, fired it up unleashing the glorious, pulsing sound of the twin Akrapovics.. I threw a leg over it, pulled out and cracked the throttle…
This thing pulls so much harder than the R1 and I had the biggest grin on my face leaning hard into the next turn..
I just realised I had the best, most fun bike on the face of this planet. Not event the most hyped, most technologically advanced motorcycle in the world had anything on the sheer fun and riding joy of the SD. I’m sure it would be great on the track but for real world riding and the twisties, nothing can match the mighty Super Duke!
I won’t be getting a new bike in a long while..