Demo Ride Impressions

Kidder

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For those who like a quick summary, I REALLY LIKE IT.

For the rest of you, I decided to go demo the S10 at Burleson Powersports in Burleson, TX this morning. I wanted to see one and ride one in person before I made the gut-wrenching decision to order one. The demo truck was in the process of being unloaded when I arrived at 9am. The S10 was already in line.



I walked around the bike and took a few pics. I apologize for the poor quality, I forgot my good camera and had to take these with my iPhone 4.







The seat is in the low position in the photos.

The demo team started taking sign-ups at 9:20 (they weren't supposed to start rides until 10). There were three of us in the first group (the other two rode a FJR and FZ8). We started our ride at 9:30. Very cool!

I had one of the Yamaha guys put the seat in the high position. What a perfect fit. I could almost flat foot both feet. (Only my right heel is barely off the ground with the left firmly on the ground). They also went through the Traction Control and power settings. I set it to TC1 and Power mode. Upon leaving, I only stalled the bike twice trying to get out of the parking lot. The clutch lever engaged a lot sooner than on my Strom so that took some getting used to. Also, the throttle was a little snatchy. I got used to take offs very quickly. The lead rider was on a FZ1 so he liked to accelerate away from red lights. I was second in line so I got to gently flog the S10 to try and keep up. I was very pleased with the power. I also thought it was a very smooth engine vibration (or lack thereof). It is very comparable to my Strom 650. We turned onto a semi-windy road and I got to see how the big bike turned. It was very flickable. Once underway, the bike seemed quite light. It was also stable in the corners. One thing I also needed to get used to was the touchy front brake lever. The brakes are sensitive. Again, this is something that would take no time to get used to.

All in all, I REALLY liked the bike. It is super comfy, has nice power, and has nice fit and finish. The only thing I don't like is the 91 premium unleaded requirement. Also, I wish it had a gear indicator (my Buell has spoiled me).



So now, I'm going back and forth on whether I sell my Strom 650 ABS and Buell 1125 CR and replace it with the S10. Decisions, decisions. I have until 5pm today to decide. Burleson Powersports is authorized to continue to order them through 5pm today.

Oh, and someone had asked for the VIN number on this bike. Here it is:



Full size pics can be seen here: Clicky

Also, it was very nice talking to Jim (a member on this forum). I can thank him for being the bad influence. He really should be a salesman because he was giving me the high pressure pitch to get the S10. LOL!!
 

3putt

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Nice report and great pics. Glad you enjoyed the demo ride. You might want to hold on to your strom till we actually get these buggers tho, unless you do not mind walking some.
 

Kidder

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If I do it, I would sell the Buell immediately and sell the Strom once I get the 10. I just took the Buell for a ride. I forgot how addictive the power of that Rotax 1125 v-twin is. The decision has been made more difficult.
 

Swagger

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Good stuff. Very pleased that you liked the bike. Get one you will not regret it .... I promise you. It is brilliant. :)
 

Kidder

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Well, I didn't do it. I just couldn't make a decision that quickly on a major purchase. The price from Burleson Powersports was competitive and I really liked the bike. I'm just not sure if I liked it as much as my Strom/Buell combo.

Cheers.
 

jajpko

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Hey Kidder, it was nice meeting you, wither you buy one or not. You have some real nice bikes and I would be happy with either..
Ride Safe.
 

Kidder

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japako said:
Hey Kidder, it was nice meeting you, wither you buy one or not. You have some real nice bikes and I would be happy with either..
Ride Safe.
I'm still trying to decide. I talked to Brad and he said to call him Tuesday morning if I changed my mind. :)
 

colorider

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Kidder said:
I'm still trying to decide. I talked to Brad and he said to call him Tuesday morning if I changed my mind. :)
Thanks for the good demo ride report and keep us posted on what you finally decide.

(my bet is that you will order the SuperT)

:D
 

jajpko

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Kidder said:
I'm still trying to decide. I talked to Brad and he said to call him Tuesday morning if I changed my mind. :)
You know it is possible, if you buy one and did not like it, you could sell it for more than what you paid. 8)
 
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