I thought I’d treat myself.
Just for once it would be nice to collect a bike and not get it filthy dirty in the first few miles… Anyway, what’s it like? If grin factor is measured from 0 – 10, this is off the scale. When you sit on it, it feels diminutive. Since the redesign, rake and trail have been shortened to give a more sporty handling and by God, does it. Now that it has 17 inch wheels as opposed to nineteen and eighteen, we can have decent rubber and the OEM Metzelers are well up to the job. The ride down through the twisties from Cwmbran were a delight. The under the seat tank keeps the weight down and my decision to have the higher bars was a good one, because even with these, the riding position is still a forward crouch. The small screen does enough to keep wind pressure off when on the motorway.
Yes, you know it’s a big V twin because the rumble and vibes remind you, but chucking it about on a twisty road is like riding a small middleweight and it’s like motorcycling should be. This bike is going to be a lot of fun. Which was why I bought it, of course.
I think this may appeal to me too.
Will be very interested in any further comments on it that you may have.
Honest comments on things like the riding position and wind pressure are invaluable.
The last new bike I bought was a Hayabusa in 2002.
It has been magnificent but I am a little older now and it doesn’t seem to be as comfortable as it used to be.
The riding position is fairly sporty. I have the rally handlebars fitted, so they are an inch or so higher. Even so, a slight lean into the wind. The screen is just right for me. The ride back along the M4 was comfortable with no buffeting, yet the screen isn’t so large it’s intrusive. The footrests are set back, so that took a little getting used to, but the overall riding position is comfortable. So far, though only about 50 miles in. I doubt I’d want to take a pillion on a long haul – the rear footrests will be too high for comfort, I think. Despite being a cable clutch, it’s nice and light.
Thanks for that. I will keep an eye out for any further comments/ observations you may make.
Looks nice. Good that Indian using decent tyres – is that UK only?
What’s under tank? Where do you stash waterproofs with tank under seat?
Planning an aftermarket exhaust?
OT I wish Bell, Simpson or other would make a bike helmet with two visors like fighter pilots have: clear and smoked. Good wish?
The tyres are standard on this model. The previous one was equipped with bespoke semi knobbly Dunlops. They were slated by testers and owners alike. Following that feedback Polaris changed the wheel size and fitted decent rubber.
I have no plans to change the exhaust. It makes a nice fruity sound without being too noisy.
I ordered a tail pack, but that hasn’t arrived yet. It’s why I have the rear carrier. Enough for waterproofs and any odds and ends I want to carry. The tank is merely a cover for the air box.
I currently have a BMW system helmet. I tend to switch between that and Schuberth. The twin visors is a godsend.
Which models of either have twin visors? Never seen them.
Tyres, read some FTR reviews and Dunlop mentioned plus more (new post)
Kwak gone?
Still got the Kwaka. Yamaha went.
All BMW helmets have them Scuberth C4 is the latest incarnation of their original. They were the first to adopt the twin visors system.
A new Indian Variant. Very nice. 🙂
Haha, very good.
Good Grief – A WTF
https://www.google.com/search?q=grooved+concrete+paving
Is this a Gov’t plan to kill cyclists & bikers or incompetence like “overbanding”?
PS
Higher handlebars? Ape hangers next?
Yeah, that’s on the previous version with the semi knobbly Dunlops.
Ape hangers… You are kidding me. Actually, the higher bars are about an inch and a half higher than the standard, which makes the forward crouch a little less aggressive and more comfortable for me.
I’d also point out that the review you link to is well out of date. The faults he mentions have all been corrected by Indian in the new model. A manufacturer that listens and responds to feedback. That’s a novel idea.
Yes, great a manufacturer listens and acts instead of blaming.
I was hoping you’d ignore ‘previous model review’ and comment on ‘grooved road’
Grooved runways are horizontal for good reasons
I remember many, many moons ago, a section of the A13 in Essex was resurfaced with what seemed like grooves. Riding the bike(Suzuki TS100 with semi-knobbly tyres)was a nightmare, with the constant thought I was about to come off (stop that sniggering at the back).
I found the same on the periferique.
Suzuki TS100 – lol, that brings back memories
First, mate1 TS50, mate2 KE125, Me KE175D3
Off road, TS50 long way back, Kwaks crossed river at shallow point downstream, then went upstream to deep section. TS50 arrived… Glug, glug. So funny and 50 OK after plug removed
Second: Guy and his mates challenged 1.5 mile road drag race: His TS185 v KE175
I knew KE was faster plus I was shorter and lighter (and Boyesen reed). Challenge accepted; bets me +1 for KE, 8 for “bigger 185”
185 was over 30 secs slower – nice little earner
PS: Only road race I ‘lost’ was a let’s see difference: my GPz550H1 vs mate’s GPz900RA1
Road races on GPz550 I beat RD350LC, RD400, various others inc 650s, 750s, 1000s…