So, after asking the owner's permission, hero pun mulalah trip, dari Kulim ke Alor Star. Terasa mcm kembara merdeka pulok :-). Sepanjang jalan asyik memikirkan - fuel consumption, comfort level, handling, engine power etc etc.
To cut it short here's my take:
Powertrain
RPM 6-7k will take you between 130-155km/h which I think is on par with previous 600 I owned (ZX6R 96). Torque dia ni is sufficient, especially when you can out accelerate beberapa kali, BMW yg beraneka warna when front traffic clear up . Top speed (with pillion) yg dicuba secara tak sengaja was ~180+km/h, dengan senang lenang.
Handling
With Givi midheight windshield, 130-140km/h cruising is comfortable. Getting more aggressive beyond that till abt 175km/h. Slapping becomes noticable beyond 175km/h. Cuma kena tunduk siket, the problem will be much relieved. Trip time of 50mins from Kulim BKE toll to Langgar toll in A.Star is comfortable. Highway bumps (ie: elevated co-joining land bridges like near A.Star Selatan exit) can be absorbed without the need to reduce speed at all.
Note: Excessive slapping at abt 120+km/h if you get close behind trailers/bus.
City riding, like other dual purpose, has the tall sitting position advantage for vantage view and slim meneuvering. Occasional clutch slips are noticable and quickly remedied applying half clutch. Tranny slips below 50km/h in top gear. Engine heat can be felt from mid afternoon onwards - even on 130km/h hiway speed.
Curve boogy, should be fun when u are upright. Tried some fast sweepers and it has to be wrestled a bit to get the extra lean u want (note the pillion), otherwise 100-120km/h curves should be easy.
Ergo
Upright riding, motocross shoulder up position, will sure to make u look like a BMW or KTM 990 rider. Upright riding WILL MAKE U SLEEPY, this is something I never experienced in the squat positioned sports bike. Pillion is about 4-6 inches higher than the pilot. 170km/h is noticable but tolerable. A tip, when carrying pillion, wear round shaped helmet. This lessen the pillion helmet chin nocking.
Gas Consumption
1/2 tank (not sure whats the full tank volume) will take you within 130km at an average speed of 140km/h.
All in all, although down on power and sturdiness of a GTR/Concours, this bike holds better when changing directions. And of course, doing at 1/3rd of the GTR price tag is really something to talk about.
p.s: special thanks to my friend - Zahir. Lets join our rides next time. Versys makes an excellent addition.
You're most welcome - Zahir
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