Well Guys,

Finally got the 950S on Thursday, yes it's big, in fact it's enormous, I was concerned when I first sat on it that the height would be a problem but once I had ridden it all those fears evaporated, the height isn't a problem provided you are aware of it when you come to a stop and simply slide sideways on the seat and get your foot flat on the floor. (I'm a six footer by the way)

On the move the bike is perfectly balanced, as with this type of bike the wide bars allow you to throw the machine around with confidence and the tyres are certainly up to the job. I was somewhat dissappointed at the front brake (for road use) which needs a fair bit of pressure to achieve results, two fingers are adequate but it did not compare to the fantastic brakes on the Duc 749 I rode last week but then as the 950 is a "dirt bike" I guess fierce stoppers are a distinct disadvantage off road.

The windscreen directs air straight at your helmet but this problem will depend on your height, ear plugs definitely recommended. The seat is wide and comfortable - I rode for about two hours non stop with no problem, riding position fine, instruments clear and easy to read, plenty of room for the pillion passenger too. Useful little storage space on top of the tank and bigger storage bin under the seat, it will take a security chain or disc lock easily. I have had the optional centre stand fitted and it's easy to get the bike up on it and it's fairly unobtrusive, certainly a necessity in the event of a puncture.

I am impressed by the finish, the plastics are not unlike KTM's dirt bike panels and appear durable, I wonder if they will be as cheap to replace or are they going to be similarly priced as road bike plastics. The metallic orange is interesting, when the light catches it, it has a green sparkle and changes with the light, I like it, the colour scheme is good and certainly easier on the eye than typical Japanese "track suit" graphics.

I don't understand the gripes about the twin fuel fillers, I like them, they look quite trick but I do agree that better fuel capacity would be desirable but the bike is big already, enlarging the tank to make it take say another 10 litres, well what do you think?

So how did it go around the TT course? well bearing in mind that it still only has 150 miles on the clock, the three Honda 600 CBR's I came upon at Ballacraine traffic lights certainly got a shock when the "dirt bike" passed them (only on the corners) going up through the Glen Helen section, the machine carries it's weight low and is so flickable and confidence inspiring that changes of direction come easy and in perfect safety, V2 engine braking means that simply rolling off the throttle is sufficient to check the corner entry speed before rolling back on the gas and feeling that twin thump the power back in from about 4,000 rpm. Bearing in mind that I'm taking it easy until the newness wears off, I'm not exceeding 5,000 rpm (when I can remember) which equates to 85mph in top gear, can't wait to get a few more miles on the clock and open it up a bit more. The gearbox is really slick although the clutch feels a bit spongy - may need bleeding, but there was a clutch recall before I even got my hands on the bike. Apparently the clutch basket has a reinforcing band around it, which the factory advised to be checked, on checking at PDI it was found to be loose, the replacement isn't due for 6-8 weeks so they have removed the band for the time being (as recommended) with instructions not to abuse the clutch i.e. no wheelies or do-nuts etc

My dealer tells me I am one of the few to get the 950 now as the factory have told him he won't get any more until November, if anyone has any questions about the bike I will be pleased to answer them, for those of you who may be coming to the Island during TT Fortnight, look out for me and say Hi, I will be the only 950 with Manx plates.




------------------
"restricted to 132bhp"

__________________
\"restricted to 132bhp\"