"The Vixen" is home...

[slofox]

Ach. Mein. Gott. What. A. Bike...

There is no overlap between an SV650S and a GSXR 600. They are from completely different planets. IMHO. (This after riding the gixxer for an hour you unnerstand...).

After a couple of days worth of delay for touch-up finishing on the old bike and a couple more for swapping over goodies to the new bike, I finally got "The Vixen" home today. Via the "scenic" route of course...

Why "The Vixen"? Because of the way it went about seducing me into buying it without any money...decidedly underhand and full of feminine wiles. Truly the actions of a vixen of the worst (best!) sort...

So wozzit like?

Bruddy fraburous so far. The way the thing sits on the road - so tight, so compact, so focussed. I took it through a couple of rough sealed corners that always chattered the SV a little. Not this girl. Smooth as silk all the way. And it asks to be pushed - it's always in your head "gwan gwan, you know ya wanna!" And I just have to obey. Never had a bike did that to me before...

Took a wee while to get used to that IL4 engine thing after the V2. They like to scream these little 4's, don't they. Sounds like it is red lining when it's barely rotating at all...but after a half hour or so it feels quite comfortable. Suddenly goes silky smooth at and above about 6k...power available from about 5k upwards but happier at 8 and really kicks your arse back in the seat at about 12...

Which leads me to wonder what the top three gears are for...I ran it up in 3rd gear - out on the back road away from the traffic - just to see what the upper rev range was about. Like I just said, power at 6, more at 8, afterburners light up at 12 or so. Hit 14k, thought I ought to check the speedo...first two digits were 1 and 8...didn't look to see the third - too busy shedding speed before the law enforcement officers arrived... Thought to myself, "Well, it sure accelerates quicker than the old SV did..."

Overall? Love it. Especially the way it sits on the road. Especially that. Will have to watch the speed thing and the rate at which it climbs into loony licence losing territory...

Anyone wanna run a stake on how long before I get kicked off the road?

[Edbear]

Newbies take note! He's talking about a 600cc here! Anyone stepping up or returning to biking should understand the power and speed of a modern 600!

Nice bike, mate!

[aprilia_RS250]

Popped a wheelie on 'er yet?

[Eyegasm]

She sure has a purty smile there Slofox.

Obviously not as large as yours no doubt.

Congrats

[slofox]

Newbies take note! He's talking about a 600cc here! Anyone stepping up or returning to biking should understand the power and speed of a modern 600!

Nice bike, mate!

Thanks Edbear - I agree. Just as well I came to it via an SV...

Popped a wheelie on 'er yet?

Actually no, not yet. But I suspect it will happen all of its own accord real soon...

She sure has a purty smile there Slofox.

Obviously not as large as yours no doubt.

Congrats

It was pretty wide when I got home, true...

[Edbear]

Thanks Edbear - I agree. Just as well I came to it via an SV...

I got back on an '89 GSX-F600, 40hp down and about 20kg heavier than your GSX-R yet I was comparing to my old T500 and XS750. I'd never experienced acceleration like it! Gave myself a fright while playing with an Audi one day! Could have been very bad...

[george formby]

Ah, you lucky man. That little voice of encouragement that comes with a bike is a beautiful thing, I've only heard it on one bike, italian, v- twin, sublime handling & speed. It was really, really hard to be sensible & i loved it. Have fun sir & don't get caught.

[Bad Gixxer]

Which leads me to wonder what the top three gears are for...I ran it up in 3rd gear - out on the back road away from the traffic - just to see what the upper rev range was about.

Those extra gears are only to improve your fuel consumption I think! My GSXR 'thou does 164klm/h (indicated) in 1st before the computer decides the tacho needle has gone far enough. (on the track of course )

That's one nice looking 600 you've got there, feed her well and buy her the odd present and she'll faithfully serve you!

[Stirts]

DAMN YOU ARE RIGHT ..... she is one sexy vixen!!! Congrats Mr Slofox.

Anyone wanna run a stake on how long before I get kicked off the road?

The next time you ride her!

[Bad Gixxer]

Newbies take note! He's talking about a 600cc here! Anyone stepping up or returning to biking should understand the power and speed of a modern 600!

Nice bike, mate!

That's good advice - there's even a whole lotta difference from a 650 twin to an IL4 of similar capacity. It's a whole different riding style. Suggest you defer trying the wheelie attempts until you've really got the hang of power delivery of the higher horsepower IL4 - lotsa vids on Youtube of new bikers looking decidedly unhappy with their bikes at the 1pm point, just before it goes straight to 3pm (EDIT: I should add that I've been there and done that - not pretty and effing embarrassing)

[javawocky]

Sexy Sexy Sexy. Now let us know when you are going to take her to Hamptondowns for a proper squirt!

[madbikeboy]

SloFox; good on you for getting a GSXR finally. You'll love it - the more you develop as a rider, the more you'll be amazed at how far the limits are.

[wynw]

looks great! all the best with it. Have you mounted the tpx on it yet?

[slofox]

looks great! all the best with it. Have you mounted the tpx on it yet?

Not yet - had to go to work as soon as I had it home. Will have to modify the stem mount a little to get a fit - narrower hole to fit into...should be on for tomorrow's ride. Might need it judging by today's ride...

[Tunahunter]

I hope you'll be very happy together!