SXtreme wrote: ↑Sun Feb 11, 2018 1:29 am
Been lurking for awhile reading and watching all the information roll in. I've found all the reviews extremely disappointing and lacking in information.
Not that the bike doesn't sound great, because I still get the impression that it's a fantastic bike, but the reviewers are focusing on the obvious. They are focusing on shit we
already know.
The problem is these reviewers don't talk about the things that make the bike what it is, and what I think Kawasaki wants it to be perceived as, they are reviewing it like it's a ZX10 or H2 or GSXR, focusing on engine, weight, and how it does as the track. I know it's going to be fast as hell, i know it weighs more than a supersport for obvious reasons, and I don't give a fuck how it goes around a track.
As someone who (sport)tours extensively, I want to know
- How the ABS works
- How the CC works
- How the CC acutally works
- does the CC disengage with braking, using throttle grip, hitting button, changing gear, or all of the above, or some of the above
- What impact does CC have to fuel consumption
- How the heated grips work, is there only one setting?
- Are the engine power modes noticeable/effective
- Do power modes affect fuel mileage while cruising
- What are real details of fuel mileage
- Are the bags easy to get on,off,open (show me)
- Show me you can fit a helmet in the bags
- How comfortable is it between fuel ups
- How intrusive (or not) are all the electronics while riding, do they help/hinder/remain mostly invisible
- Are the cornering lights actually useful
- Is it easy to get on,off the centerstand
- WTF is even under the SEAT?! Can I put anything under there and does it come with a goddamn toolkit?!
- Etc
I've not heard much abuot any of these things, and it's very frustrating. I know this sounds like little shit, but it's important shit beyond the OBVIOUS.
Anyway, just some ranty observations.
Abs has been addressed in the visor down reviews. Basically it's great at normal speeds but pretty sketchy from over 140 mph.
The cruise control stuff the dealers should have that info but most don't. Demo rides aren't going to give a lot of time to mess with cruise control a lot and being that it's a motorcycle most reviewers aren't used to reviewing cruise control.
One of the German reviews talks about the heated grips but I have no clue whay he was saying. Another review said he was glad to have the heated grips during the cold morning ride. As far as the settings the dealerships should know this but most don't have a clue. My assumption is it's a single setting on or off.
As far as fuel economy many reviews talk about it. Sounds like if your not getting on it hard it gets great mileage. But if your getting on it all the time its inline with most super sports bikes. In depth details about fuel economy are going to require multiple days of testing. The reviewers only had the bike a couple of days.
They have said there is a noticeable difference in the power modes.
The bags are easy on and off per Kawasaki. Most likely snap in place and turn a key. I think the limited tone the reviewers had with the bike is why they haven't mentioned the bags much. The bags are big enough for a helmet no need to waste limited time with the bike filming that.
Visor downs reviewer said it took about 4 hours before he started shifting around the seat. He also said he'd expect about 200 miles out of the tank based on the mileage he was initially getting.
I read somewhere that the rider aids are helpful but not so intrusive they are really noticeable.
They didn't ride at night so they can't say much about their effectiveness.
Using the center stand is going to vary greatly between different people no matter what the reviewers say.
Under the seat and the tool kit is something the dealerships / Kawasaki should be putting out.
Moist likely the bike will come with a minimal tool kit. But if bet it will include a spanner wrench for adjusting the chain tension.
. but you are completely right. reviews nowadays are all saying 'new improved version,.. bla bla bla', no matter what bike
