This is my first Yamaha in 34 years of riding. Was never really a fanboy of any brand, but I did end up owning more Hondas than anything else.
Having said that, after two years of ownership, this is officially, the best bike I've ever owned. Came off a childhood of dirt bikes, teen years of standards, and an adult life of sports then sport-tourers. This bike does everything so well, I just couldn't imagine a better all-around motorcycle. Don't get me wrong, I hope I find one someday, but for now, I'm just enjoying the hell out if this Old Girl.
Pick your mission, and I'll bet money you can set this bike up for it. How do I know? The folks on this forum that have done so.
Über-Distance Sled? Sail2xx - enough said
Two-up Tourer? OldgitRay brought the wife and kitchen sink from Britain to see the Americas
Weekend Sport-Tourer? Yep, I do it all the time.
Nuclear-Powered Dirt Bike? See Jaxon from Rideonadv - and I'll be damned, somehow it stays shiny.
Peg-Dragging Curve Carver? She'll surprise you there.
Hard to go wrong with this bike, and it's been proven, she's hard to break. And believe me, there are guys here who I think live to find where the breaking point might be.
