G2 - First Impressions

[Banter]

Hi All, after the release of the 2013 with ABS and some reading on the evolution of the Hayabusa from my 99 to now I decided to have a ride on a G2 with an idea of maybe upgrading. After approaching the good folk at Frankston Suzuki they furnished me 2012 (stock with 4k) for a test ride. The first thing I found was we couldn't work out how to set the DMS but that aside I set of to see what a G2 was like. The first thing I noticed was how refined the bike was compared to my 99 and 2004, very smooth and rider friendly, the instrument display felt a bit crowded but given the short time I had to ride the bike this was probably something I would appreciate with time. The only thing negative I found was that compared to my 99 this bike was tame. I found the bike to be very smooth and easy to manage but to be honest if I wanted that I would buy a BMW and all through the ride from standing starts and highway riding I never once felt the thrill of letting loose the beast, if you know what I mean. After returning the bike and giving some feed back we finally worked out the DMS and he suggested the lack lustre performance may have been because it was in the default C mode and offered a second ride which Ill take up next week hopefully if I can find the time. Is this a good bike, yes of course, is it as good as my 99, well..........

P.S

Short addendum, re-reading the above I just want to say that the G2 is still a fantastic bike. Straight from the start I felt comfortable and in control over the significant on tap performance of the model. Also, its a bit unfair to compare it to a modified unrestricted bike, meant no offence, just sharing.

Regards,

Banter