Well, new to me anyway.
Took a spin on this new rig and found it to be a very different in the sense that the M/C is very smooth & balanced, and the torque was (to me) enormous. But the thing is sooo quiet I had to guard against becoming complacent. The heated grips were an interesting feature. The somewhat forward position was also new to me, but I'll get used to it. The turn signal are on left & right sides, while the cancelling button is on the right. That will take some getting used to. The peg lowering kit (which it came with) is a must because having my feet up 2 more inches would remind me a lot of a gynecological exam (if I was female). The sound of the ABS system pressurizing during warm-up reminded me of some sort of spaceship. But, the brakes seem peerless. Granted, I'm out of my league, but I hope harness what this thing has to offer by putting on some miles.
It has a 6-speed gearbox, and 1st gear is very tall (in comparison to my Speedy). My 1st overall impression is "a very balanced bike" and the power delivery is sooo smooth.
As for the BMW "snooty image," - well, the general public feeds the fire and fans the flames for this attitude that, of course, starts with the BMW owner. May I not succumb to it.
-BT
