I just got a new tracer and did 400 miles over the week. Here are my first impressions.
As background, I'm 56 years old, riding +40 years all kind of bikes, but leaning towards trailies. Last bike was a 650 V-Strom. With the Tracer, I was attracted by the 3 cylinder engine, low weight, and the apparent do it all capability. I don't own a car, so the bike has to do double as transportation and travelling toy. By the way, I don't care for big HP's, wheelies or track days.
The first 400 miles were city errands and a trip between Madrid and Barcelona. The positive aspects of the experience so far are centered around the engine ( mid range and sound) , quick handling ( very flickable) and brakes. I guess the low weight has a + impact on the above points. The negatives are the torture seat ( should go to the Inquisition Museum), the harsh suspension and the gurgle of the engine at ~ 3,000-3,500 rpm, almostt like a two-stroke. Somewhat irrelevant for me is the "transformer" look, edgy now, but I bet it'd look funny 5 years from now.
So far the jury is still out if this girl is a keeper. Let's see:
The engine is great at mid-range an can only inmagine what is like over 6,000 rpm once the break-in is completed. At lower rpm the engine is awful and it miss fires like a two stroke, probably due to the fueling issues as wells as not being designed for such low rpm, my mistake. Around town I keep it in mode B, which is more bearable. I guess I'm spoiled by the sweet 650 V-Strom. Idem for the suspension, too harsh for me, which at 78 kgs am probably as average as they come. About the seat enough has been said, and without a really suitable replacement, let's just pray. By the way, I tried an air hawk air cushion but it did not help. The screen was not a biggy for me, as my attention was focused on avoiding a monkey butt. The low weight is a refreshing bonus in this age where 250kg is starting point for most bikes. It feels as light as the V-Strom. The price is great for what is offers, but is it? After adding suspension and fueling mods, plus a decent seat and a new screen maybe not so great after all. Or perhaps I should be looking at it as a diamond in the making. But "Diamonds are forever" and I do not see this girl competing for the "gracefully age" prize like a R90S....
The plan is to allow time and familiarity to give this relation a fair opportunity. I'm too old for a one night stand. So, my dear forum mates, help me out, what is it I'm missing? Perhaps I was just happy with old faithful Wee.
As background, I'm 56 years old, riding +40 years all kind of bikes, but leaning towards trailies. Last bike was a 650 V-Strom. With the Tracer, I was attracted by the 3 cylinder engine, low weight, and the apparent do it all capability. I don't own a car, so the bike has to do double as transportation and travelling toy. By the way, I don't care for big HP's, wheelies or track days.
The first 400 miles were city errands and a trip between Madrid and Barcelona. The positive aspects of the experience so far are centered around the engine ( mid range and sound) , quick handling ( very flickable) and brakes. I guess the low weight has a + impact on the above points. The negatives are the torture seat ( should go to the Inquisition Museum), the harsh suspension and the gurgle of the engine at ~ 3,000-3,500 rpm, almostt like a two-stroke. Somewhat irrelevant for me is the "transformer" look, edgy now, but I bet it'd look funny 5 years from now.
So far the jury is still out if this girl is a keeper. Let's see:
The engine is great at mid-range an can only inmagine what is like over 6,000 rpm once the break-in is completed. At lower rpm the engine is awful and it miss fires like a two stroke, probably due to the fueling issues as wells as not being designed for such low rpm, my mistake. Around town I keep it in mode B, which is more bearable. I guess I'm spoiled by the sweet 650 V-Strom. Idem for the suspension, too harsh for me, which at 78 kgs am probably as average as they come. About the seat enough has been said, and without a really suitable replacement, let's just pray. By the way, I tried an air hawk air cushion but it did not help. The screen was not a biggy for me, as my attention was focused on avoiding a monkey butt. The low weight is a refreshing bonus in this age where 250kg is starting point for most bikes. It feels as light as the V-Strom. The price is great for what is offers, but is it? After adding suspension and fueling mods, plus a decent seat and a new screen maybe not so great after all. Or perhaps I should be looking at it as a diamond in the making. But "Diamonds are forever" and I do not see this girl competing for the "gracefully age" prize like a R90S....
The plan is to allow time and familiarity to give this relation a fair opportunity. I'm too old for a one night stand. So, my dear forum mates, help me out, what is it I'm missing? Perhaps I was just happy with old faithful Wee.
