I live in the Ottawa area and ride most of the time on trails in Eastern Ontario, Lanark, Calabogie, Sharbot Lake, etc. which is pretty typical Canadian Shield geography, … often tight through heavy hardwoods and evergreens, technical, wet, very rocky with occasional wide open dirt roads.
After taking the new machine out for about 35 miles over the past couple of days, I see the biggest initial changes include: quick power from standstill, but also strong engine braking which is going to take some time to get used to as i found myself having to add throttle again when I didn’t just coast but rather braked after releasing throttle; very smooth ride at speed, especially w/ EPS, which is really nice compared to my 500 Cat which now feels like go cart on concrete wheels.
Although I’ve not really opened it up too much because of the break-in period (why, in this day/age, do we still have to break in engines?! This is something that can/should be done by the manufacturer, … many upscale car companies have been doing this for years), I must say that the minimal throttle bursts I tried from 25mph didn’t impress. I’ve read about popping wheelies from that speed and I’m really hoping that’s possible but from what I saw it didn’t seem likely. Please tell me I’m wrong!
I also found the suspension incredibly plush but also very reboundy. I was climbing some rocks on an incline and suddenly found my left front tire way up off the ground making me feel like I was going to roll the machine. Likely all just part of getting used to the new ride.
Overall, except for the concern about the mid-top power, I’m pretty happy. On gravel trails it feels incredibly sporty. Can’t wait to get past break in and hopefully experience the full power band.
Btw, thanks to this forum and everyone who shares their experiences, … this was a huge resource for me when I was researching my new bike.
– Steve
