The collection yesterday afternoon went nice and smoothly, sun was shining, paperwork sorted. My other half who drove me down to St Neots was a bit surprised at the number of boxes being loaded in to my car, containing the OE exhaust, number plate hanger, front fender, standard screen, etc etc. She then buggered off home with a cheery wave. I was given a full and informative briefing on what does what. I noticed one of the black plastic mouldings between the tank and the fairing was not the best finish I have ever seen, when I commented I was told, ok, if you not happy, no problem we will change it at first service. I was told to keep it below 3 or 4 for the first couple of hundred miles then lift it up a bit with each hundred miles but no more than 6 before its service. I was also told that the suspension would most likely not be perfect but don’t worry once everything has settled they will do a sag and set up for me, again at first service. I picked a route back full of gradient’s (not that we have that many in the Fens) and twisty bends rather than the boring A1. The first think that stuck me was the noise the Termi pipes make, I was expecting them to a bit louder than the OE demo bike but, it’s a battering of the senses. Note to self: Wear ear plugs next time. It is very different to the Fireblade in every meaning other then they both have two wheels and a shit load of power. Once I got used to it I found I was tipping it into corners much easier and then the Fireblade and had to keep reminding myself, new tyres, new suspension, new brakes etc. At low speed I think it’s a handful coping with the lumpiness and seem to be in the wrong gear all the time, but that’s something I will get used to and adapt my riding accordingly. The vibration is also something else that I will need to get used to, by the time I got home my hands, especially the right one was tingling. I will be glad when the comfort seat arrives as my fifty one year old arse has taken a hell of battering, as have my meat and two vegetable’s, that OE seat is very slippery, almost to the point of being a bit dangerous IMO even though I tend to grip the tank with my knees anyway. Anyway, got home, had a cuppa and a cigarette, the kettle was already on as L had heard me coming up the lane from quite a distance. I then swopped the dish plate registration for the smaller one I had already brought, discarding the huge back plate and bolting the new one directly to the DP carbon tail tidy using the three bolts. I went for another ride a bit later before tucking it away in the garage under a cover on the new paddock stand, plugged in the optimizer, closed the door and walked away a happy bunny whilst rubbing my sore backside. I can’t wait to see Ling’s face when the extra carbon goodies arrive at her office, I thought they might arrive today but she hasn’t called to bollock me so I assume not! Do I like it, hell Yes. Will it take some getting used to, Yes. Am I glad I purchased it, Yes off course, When will I ride it next, in about an hour with any luck.
That's a mint tale Freedom ,Really glad you like your new steed and who wouldn't.Nice to see the sales guys are doing you a good after sales service .I think the tingling fingers could also be that you where gripping the bars just a touch more than you are used to and as you relax this may get better.
I like it mate, I really do have a soft spot for yours and the 1198s.They just look the nuts.Quality oozes from them.Riding one and owning one is another matter which I cannot afford at the moment.Maybe laters. So Freedom enjoy yours you lucky bugger and keep us posted on how you are getting on with her.
Lovely bike!! Don't make mistake I did. Took delivery of my brand new panigale December last year. Dealer dropped it off and took my Repsol blade away as the weather was rubbish. Sat there for two months with me just popping into the garage and drooling. Now this is where things started- I stupidly started looking onto American 1199 forums and started reading about all the teething problems; I thought to myself "what have I done" as always had Hondas never missed a beat. The Pani was in the Honda dealers part ex'd to go back to new 2012 blade with all the goodies on. Chuffed to bits with my new blade but wish I gave the Pani a chance. One Cbr600, four CBR 900 blades, three SP1s, three SP2s, now on my third CBR 1000 RR, don't think I can be without a Honda. Enjoy your bike and don't read the forums!!
Looks great! MrB they look rather cool in black... can't link a pic flipping iJunk won't let me grrrrrr....! I have a few mates with 1199 no problems, I won't ride one for fear of falling in love and doing the dirty on my Italian lady...lol
Dream garage now consisting of... Fireblade for road use forthcoming 899 babygale in black for the track Freedom - great bike, mate. VERY, VERY jealous! Enjoy the goddamn beautiful thang.
