)
On the 675 my overriding impression was how does anyone remain alive for long on a 600 sports bike. It was like taking the R6 trackbike (alas sadly departed) on the lanes of Essex. I found myself riding it two gears higher than usual to keep it in the powerband and was taking all sorts of risks, trying to get knee down at roundabouts, insane overtaking, 'racing lines' etc. The motor makes a fantastic noise, wasn't quite the torque monster that the press would have you believe but is enough to entice this rider into total brainout behaviour. The temptation to give it full throttle at every opportunity is always there just to get the rev counter spinning...
The handling and brakes unsurprisingly felt similar to the R6 although the whole set up seemed a bit twitchy, there was a lot of dive on the brakes although I could feel what the front and rear were up to. I think I actually ride the same road faster and smoother on the S with a significantly lower heart rate although no doubt with a bit of practice on the 675.....
Around town the bike is fairly comfy, the ride surprisingly supple. It got a bit wristy after all of about 10mins and the heat coming off the engine was a surprise. The lack of low down grunt was a disappointment but then this is only a 600 afterall.
Finish was also a disappointment, footpegs, switch gear etc. are all ordinary which lets down lovely proportions and plastics which look like they won't age in a year (unlike most jap stuff). The overlong screws on the screen were particularly annoying.
All in all a cracking bike but a bit full on for me, I would quickly end up in a hedge (or worse) and as for the pillion provision..
The ST on the other hand was immediately more up my street. Solid to sit on (with S like weight and ergos) the engine again is superb with loads of low down torque, a great sound on standard cans and superb pops and burbles on the overrun. Didn't get the chance to let rip on the open road, but managed some 'interesting' speeds whilst crossing the thames. The motor makes the S seem pedestrian in comparison, its revvy, makes a great noise and has torque everywhere.
Seat is lower, squishy and more comfy than the S and doesn't push you forwards.. Pillion seat is smaller although not much higher than the S (according to Cara) and the footrests are more cramped pushing the pillion into a forward position which she wasn't sure about.
Ride seemed smooth and coped with London potholes better than the S although there was a lot of dive on the brakes (I suppose all conventional forks feel this way for a bit after a telelever bike). The bike seemed to tip on its ear a bit more eagerly too, although I didn't get the chance to try too hard. This could also have been the 020s (as opposed to my Pilot Roads).
Finish is ropy. The frame paint was falling off from contact with the rider's legs, and the exposed metal/fixing was/were looking a bit furry for an 05 bike. Supposed design quirks are imho a bit shite, the plasticky chrome bits, difficult to read speedo but enormous readout stating average speed/fuel consumption/max speed/time/miles to next stop was annoying. The whole 'its a triple see, three of everything' is a bit trite, the headlight surround looks like its off a cheap scooter and the contours of the bike are conventional meets fussy/annoying. All in all the appearance of the bike just stopped me falling for what is otherwise a very sorted and good value package.
The best bit.....
getting back on my tired 34k S and riding home. It didn't feel too bad at all
Following a 'serious chat' with Cara earlier, I (we/she) have decided that really we don't need a new bike at the mo' and the deposit will go towards the flat we're still meant to be buying/ new website/ dog food etc. If only life were simpler.
So next task is to service the S, sort out the brakes and plan a proper trip before the weather finally quits for winter.
Ade
